Mechanical Bull

Mechanical Bull marks the sixth album Nashville quartet Kings Of Leon have produced, and it hits the mark as their best since Aha Shake Heartbreak. The Followill clan has recaptured their spark.

2007’s Only By The Night brought widespread success and also the death of the soul. When this success turned sour when bickering, drinking, criticism engulfed the band, resulting in Caleb Followill walking out of their Dallas concert in July, 2011.

Times were tough, however in Mechanical Bull they have found the road to redemption and are ready for a comeback.

Thematically the album reflects the wounds inflicted in tracks ‘Temple’ and ‘On The Chin’ and the quest for redemption in ‘Comeback Story’, ‘Coming Back Again’ and ‘Wait For Me’.

Lead vocalist Caleb Followill’s brazen and southern twang is confident and more technically profound as he reflects in the conflict and a new identity. Lyrics like ‘She said make yourself at home, so I started day-drinking’, reflect his behind-the-scenes troubles, whereas in “Wait For Me’ he insists ‘It’s all better now’ represents an evolution for the troubled frontman and a desire to begin anew.

Working again with longtime producer Angelo Petraglia, the sounds are brighter and fuller while delving in rock guitar arpeggios, soul gospel backing vocals in ‘Beautiful War’ and country steel string phrases in ‘On The Chin’ Lead single ‘Supersoaker’ strives to be the rock anthem behind frenetic guitar work and ‘Comeback Story’ showcases masterful songwriting skill.

This is an album in self-intervention. Mechanical Bull is a great redemptive album that shines behind confident vocals and riveting southern rock.

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