Album Review: Kings Of Leon, Can We Please Have Fun

Hailed by singer/guitarist Caleb Followill as “the most enjoyable record” he’s ever been a part of, Kings Of Leon’s aptly titled ninth album will make a lot of fans happy too. Marking something of a return to their grittier garage days, it’s a filler-free 44-minute shot of adrenaline, loaded with killer hooks and arrangements. Created while the band were between labels, their excitement at being free from deadlines has bled into the tracks, and these sons – and nephew – of a preacher man sound like a band reborn.

Something of a spiritual heir to their first three albums, Can We Please Have Fun has plenty of standouts, including the explosive ‘Nothing To Do’ and ‘50s-steeped love song ‘Don’t Stop The Bleeding.’

They’ve also peppered proceedings with synths, surf rock guitars and strange percussion, while also tipping a cap to The Beatles (‘Ballerina Radio’), Don Henley (‘Rainbow Ball’) and Chris Isaak (‘Actual Daydream’). A welcome reminder that few can write stadium rattling mainstream rock songs quite like KOL, this is their best album since ‘07’s Because Of The Times.

8/10

Read Kings Of Leon's cover story interview in the new issue, out now: