Kings of Leon are gearing up to release their eighth studio album When You See Yourself on March 5th. Ahead of the record’s release, we’re taking a look back at all the biggest Kings of Leon hits throughout their illustrious career.
‘Sex on Fire’ – Only by the Night (2008)
It’s hard to believe that it’s been over a decade since Kings of Leon’s breakthrough, Grammy-nominated single ‘Sex on Fire’ hurtled into our consciousness. The accolades that ‘Sex on Fire’ has received are boundless, soaring to the number one spot in Australia, Finland, Ireland, and the United Kingdom, and earning Britain’s second most-downloaded digital single ever. It was a monolith.
‘Use Somebody’ – Only By the Night (2008)
Another Only By The Night success story. The album’s second single earned the band multiple Grammy Awards for Grammy Awards for Record of the Year, Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group and Best Rock Song It was also nominated for Song of the Year.
The track dominated radio, securing widespread airplay in Scandinavia, the Republic of Ireland, Germany, the United Kingdom and six consecutive weeks at number one on Australia’s Official Airplay Chart.
Ultimately, Only By The Night was the highest-selling album in Australia in 2008.
‘Radioactive’ – Come Around Sundown (2010)
Following up the enormous success of their fourth album was no small feat, with 2010’s Come Around Sundown Kings of Leon proved that they were no one-trick pony.
Lead single ‘Radioactive’ experienced impressive critical and commercial success. Peaking at number one on the US Adult Alternative Songs chart. The track also scored Grammy nominations for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals and Best Rock Song.
The song would go on to be featured in films I Am Number 4 and Richard Linklater’s critically-acclaimed odyssey, Boyhood.
Come Around Sundown debuted at number one in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Germany, Ireland, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. In the UK, the album broke the record for biggest first-week digital album sales, selling over 49,000 album downloads.
‘Supersoaker’ – Mechanical Bull (2013)
Mechanical Bull lead single ‘Supersoaker’ was another triumphant return for Kings of Leon, peaking at number 32 on the UK Singles Chart, number 2 on the US Adult Alternative Songs chart and number 9 on the US Alternative chart.
The record marked another critical achievement for the band, earning a nomination for Best Rock Album at the 56th Grammy Awards. It also hit number one on the Aria Album Chart.
‘Waste A Moment’ – Walls (2016)
‘Waste a Moment’ marked the band’s fifth single to hit number one on Billboard’s Alternative Songs chart, charting for a momentous 27 weeks. The track also tied with Coldplay’s perennial classic ‘Clocks’ for the second-longest #1 Adult Alternative Songs on the Billboard charts, remaining at number one for fifteen non-consecutive weeks.
Last month, Kings of Leon announced they’d be releasing their first album since 2016 with When You See Yourself. The band have shared three singles from the record thus far, the equally brilliant ‘The Bandit,’ ‘100,000 People’ and ‘Echoing.’
When You See Yourself will arrive on March 5th. You’ll be able to secure the album in various formats, including a chic translucent black vinyl.
In the meantime, pop on this playlist and reflect on Kings of Leon’s biggest hits so far.
