Aha Shake Heartbreak may have blown open the doors of fame for Kings of Leon, but their third full-length album (named for a United Pentecostal Church ministers' conference) could well usher the Nashville foursome directly to rock and roll's zenith. There's hardly a change in plans for the three Followill brothers and their cousin, and that means producer Ethan Johns, a smorgasbord of musical influences, and a cacophonous ensemble of guitar, bass, and drums. A trio of relentless rockers--"My Party," "Camaro," and the sarcastic "Charmer"--are sure to pacify those familiar with the Kings' blueprint, yet there is ripening in the band's approach heard, in several of the record's 13 songs. Reverb guitar and vocals and a "woo woo" chorus add a sinister aspect to "Trunk," and "Knocked Up" features a laissez-faire Caleb Followill crooning "She don't care what her mama said/She's gonna have my baby." The seven-minute revelation of fatherhood that opens the album leads into the U2-influenced "McFearless," a reggae-splashed "Ragoo," and the rambling English blues of "Black Thumbnail." It's a rogue element that has always left every record fresh, and this time it has Kings of Leon teetering on the edge of rock renown. --Scott Holter

The Kings, who with the best will in the world aren't the most original or groundbreaking artists, get the big production that the first albums didn't get, with the result being a very very good collection of songs, even accounting for the 21st century obsession with compressing a band's sound in the studio. Caleb is quite possibly the finest rock singer around these days and the high-tech polished studio sound allows the others to flesh out their sometimes limited musical ideas into a big roaring rock beast of an album. Highlights: Knocked Up, amazing 7 minute song built around one simple guitar hook, Charmer, Party and Fans, especially the latter with its lovely sweeping rythym and interesting lyrics about playing in London (that's London, England, folks). A very impressive CD.

A much better album than the kings latest 'Only by the night' which sounds rushed and bordering on selling out to the mainstream. Buy Because ot the times instead! or the other earllier albums

Such an amazing album I love every track. KOL are one of the best bands around at the moment. Can't wait to see them live. 10 out of 10

I wasn't a Kings of Leon fan before I heard 'Only by the Night', but am now, so I tried this one. Not quite as good but still very enjoyable, and you can see the path they were taking toward their latest work with this offereing. Recommended, there are a few really good songs here too!

I'm 46. My eldest daughter is almost 22. (not that THAT matters, but I'm perhaps a little older than the average Kings of Leon "fan"?) Because of the Times is one of those rare cd's you can put on, and listen to, (all the way through) when you need a cd you can put on, and listen to, all the way through, without having to fast forward through the rubbish bits. Because there aren't any. (rubbish bits) Brilliant, as I said.