Because of the Times

Kings of Leon’s third studio album, and possibly their most acclaimed, would become known as a landmark on the 2000s rock soundscape for years to come.

Rolling Stone gave a brief explanation of the meaning behind the title:

Because of the Times, named after a Southern preachers’ conference that the boys used to attend with their Pentecostal minister father, is a whole album full of songs inspired by the only topic the Kings seem to care about: no-good women, the kind who turn nice country boys into thieves, fugitives or corpses, and make them love every sordid second of it

The sound of the record is reminiscent of influences such as Blur and Coldplay. Each song describes frontman Caleb Followill’s journey through life with his wife and children, and the theme seems to outline his constant hope that “the times” will change for the better.

The LP is considered a massive transition from heavy rock into a glossed over sound in Kings' discography. Although they stick to their roots, it would easily be remembered as their most polished record to date.

Because of the Times peaked at #25 on the Billboard top 200 charts, and received generally positive reviews. It was listed on many top albums-of-2007 charts, including NME’s and a list from Rolling Stone.