Kings of Leon When You See Yourself is the 8th studio album by the band Kings of Leon. Known for inclining to a heavy sound, now they aim for alternative rock. Is this the best long-play (LP) of the year 2021?

Kings of Leon is a music band formed by brothers Caleb, Nathan, Jared, and their cousin Matthew Followill. It all started in 1999, in Nashville, Tennesse. While still in high school, their love for instruments led them to join forces.

However, great things take time. Their debut LP “Youth and Young Manhood” arrived in the summer of 2003. In contrast to creating a confident impact in their home country (USA), the record resonated with fans overseas.

“If 20 Years from now, no one knows who we are,
we still will know the secrets and hidden messages behind what we were trying to do.”

– Kings of Leon, Recordings of Aha Shake Heartbreak

Similarly, other artists such as Dua Lipa have had quite the same journey. As if you have to make it abroad before climbing the US charts. Indeed, a blueprint for success.

Within two years each, they released the follow-ups “Aha Shake Heartbreak” (2005) and “Because Of The Times” (2007). Projects that slowly but surely began to give them their proper recognition.

Undoubtedly, they reached a new worldwide peak the following year with the single “Use Somebody.” Afterward, the crew rounded their discography with “Come Around Sundown” (2010), “Mechanical Bull” (2013), and “Walls” (2016).

Kings of Leon When You See Yourself

On March 5, 2021, “When You See Yourself” surfaced online. A total of 11 brand new songs, clocking in at a 50-minute duration.

The self-titled opening track kicks off a mixed instrumental filled with drums, strings, electric bass, and delightful lyrics. On the second one, “The Bandit,” the group increases the tempo before “100,000 People” resumes the slow pace.

Furthermore, the next hattrick, “A Wave,” “Golden Restless Age,” and “Time in Disguise” keep the cadence of the project balanced. Lastly, track 11 ends the recording fairytale.

A remarkable fact of Kings of Leon’s catalog is their sonic transition. Undoubtedly, what started as heavy-influenced rock has shifted to smoother, nostalgic, and alternative rock.

To conclude as 2021 reaches its end, on the 1st edition of Music, Movies, and Me Awards, I crown this the best LP of the calendar year.

Despite a brief hiatus in 2011, the band remains stronger than ever, even a decade later.

Watch “The Bandit” and listen to “When You See Yourself” in the link below.

1. “The Bandit” music video by Kings of Leon. Directed by Casey McGrath and Robert Smyth (RCA Records, 2021). ↩︎
2. “When You See Yourself” album by Kings of Leon. Cover artwork by Rebecca Lysen and Casey McGrath (RCA Records, 2021). ↩︎

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