The Kings are reaching into new territory on their newest album, and its not quite territory their ready for. Unlike their previous two albums Because of the Times lacks the soulful tinge that made the Kings of Leon what they are: namely, separate from their contemporaries. Turing up the guitars and adding many new effects does make a song rock harder. The new songs lack the lyrical creativity of their previous two records and the sound is so polished its like youre listening to Fall Out Boy. There are, however, a few gems. The opening track, Knocked Up, is a seven-minute, beat-driven story about a couple who are soon to be parents, on the run from their past. Perhaps the best track on the album, it has all the features of classic Kings. Chirping and buzz-saw guitars, interesting and clever lyrics and a country punk breakdown that would make the long hair southern boys of Youth and Young Manhood proud. On Call is another great track that actually utilizes effects to add to the ambience of the track. This song is Reminiscent of Milk but a much more danceable version. The only draw back is that it is obviously not a live-to-tape recording. Black Thumbnail brings back the classic Caleb voice, coupled with a ringing guitar intro. Ragoo is the second single off the album and also a pretty good track.

All in all the third album from the Kings of Leon feels tired. It feels as if the Kings have gotten the knack down for songwriting and it is not as do or die as their first two. To be fair, the sound is excellent and the new direction that their music is taking may turn out to be very impressive in the future but for now; this album is just a wrong turn on the road.

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