The Bottom Line
It has only seemed like a matter of time before Kings of Leon would have their US pop breakthrough. After "Sex On Fire" became their first UK #1 pop single in 2008, it seemed like it might be time for the walls to finally come down at home. "Sex On Fire" did hit #1 at modern rock radio, but it stalled on the pop charts. Now, "Use Somebody" is finally the hit for Kings of Leon knocking on the door of the pop top 10. The sound is solid American pop rock with a yearning tone that will hook you.
Pros
- Organic guitar and drums
- Pleading vocals
- Resonant, full vocals
Cons
- Very simple song which could be a plus or minus
Description
- Written by Caleb Followill, Jared Followill, Nathan Followill, and Matthew Followill
- Produced by Angelo Petraglia and Jacquire King
- Released December 2008 by RCA
Guide Review - Kings of Leon - "Use Somebody"
For a US pop music world that only seems to know rock in the post-grunge Nickelback and Daughtry flavor, Kings of Leon are truly a breath of fresh air. They are fond of the grand crescendo in the manner of Coldplay, but the guitar work and throaty vocals are all classic rock. US pop radio is finally waking up to this gem of a band.
Lyrically, "Use Somebody" is far from complex. However, the pleading for someone to make life complete is perfectly matched with a sound akin to roaming the streets that may bring to mind for listeners something like U2's "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For." Kings of Leon have been criticized by some fans for their strong embrace of anthemic rock at the expanse of their earlier garage-based sound. However, that shift is the pop fan's gain. A song like "Use Somebody" returns organic sounding guitar and drums to the pop radio playlist in a period filled with so much dance pop synth work.
In the space of only four studio albums Kings of Leon have turned into one of the world's top pop-rock bands. Their current album Only By the Night has been certified platinum for sales in at least eight different countries. "Use Somebody" seems set to enter the top 10 of the pop singles chart for good reason. Sit back and let the classic anthemic rock sound of Kings of Leon wash over you.
