7 Overlooked Kings of Leon Songs That Need To Be On Your Playlist

Kings of Leon is a rock band from Nashville, Tennessee. The band is made up of three Followill brothers, Caleb (vocals), Nathan (drums), Jared (bass) and their cousin Matthew Followill (guitar).

Although their album Because of the Times gained impressive certifications in several countries, Kings of Leon truly hit the mainstream in 2008 when their single Sex on Fire was released. Use Somebody garnered a similar reaction, and it was from these two singles that the band really grew internationally, winning awards and gaining a huge worldwide audience.

Here we'll look at a record from the band's roots alongside later releases. Let's see if you know these awesome tracks, or if you've got something new to add to your playlist!

Let's start with an easy one, which is quite the throwback:

1. California Waiting

Now, we're not talking about the version of California Waiting from Youth and Young Manhood, oh no! We're talking about the version from their EP, Holy Roller Novocaine, which was released in February 2003. It somehow feels more polished and snazzy, even though the track was reportedly recorded in a rush to finish the EP.

Even Caleb himself admits that the EP version is better than the re-recorded version on Youth and Young Manhood, where he says they tried too hard to create a punk rock feel, and essentially sabotaged the song.

It's a true feel-good song, and I'd totally recommend giving it a listen if you haven't already! The stylistic difference between the two versions is really interesting too if you've only heard one of them.

2. Arizona

Because of the Times is a solid album, and Arizona is the final track. The guitar on this song is phenomenal, with a really long intro and outro. It's such a relaxing song to listen to. Caleb's vocals are classic Kings of Leon, just a little cleaner than the previous records.

It's a gritty, true tale about an encounter he had with a sex worker, where he said how his heart broke as he saw this "really pretty girl who could be doing anything with her life", but likely had a tragic backstory that led her to that point.

It sounds a bit heavy, but I promise the song is worth a listen. Even if it's just for the music itself, it's a beautiful track.

3. Cold Desert

Cold Desert comes with a solid warning that this is a song designed to make you feel stuff. Whatever I write about it will not do the track justice, so you need to listen to it.

Lyrically, it's really beautiful. Whilst it has some powerful lyrics, it's the way Caleb sings them with so much emotion. It only has 15 lines in a 5:35 song, and there's a lot of focus on the gorgeous instrumentals. The bassline through the whole thing is stunning and truly makes the song.

There's little hints of soaring guitar through the song, and that kicks into a proper two minute instrumental, with Caleb's haunting vocalisations creeping back in. It's really nicely crafted from the beginning to the end.

4. Frontier City

Frontier City is a delight. I remember when I first discovered this B-side in 2010. I couldn't stop listening to it on repeat for days, and it's still one of my favourite Kings of Leon songs.

The way the song crashes in with a high energy intro, which suddenly calms down to bring in Caleb's stunning vocals on this track... It's so good!

The music throughout is fantastic: gorgeous riffs, amazing drumming, great bass as usual. The outro is pretty special too, and leaves you with such a happy feeling.

Definitely one to listen to if you haven't already.

5. The Face

Come Around Sundown - the album that delivers a beach vibe with the album art and the music! This album is packed full of awesome tracks, and The Face is just one of them.

The Face is a gorgeous love song (with no beachy vibes). The music on this track is absolutely fantastic, with pretty little riffs, great drumming and an awesome bassline. All of this is met with Caleb's distinctive Southern drawl, singing heartfelt lyrics about "the one and only face" and the need to "ride out the wave". A truly beautiful track, give it a listen!

6. Work On Me

Work On Me is pure magic. I have no idea why it's a B-side on this album.

If you're looking for a new feel-good song, you've found it right here. The music on this track is so upbeat, with different instruments being used, creating an awesome, happy sound. There's some great little riffs too. Caleb's voice on this track is awesome too, with his different intonations throughout that really add to it.

Get on your way and listen to it!

7. Conversation Piece

Conversation Piece is a gentle, quiet song to listen to if you want to feel things. It's a love song, and it's a bit of a tearjerker, so you've been warned.

Caleb's vocals on this are stunning and full of emotion. The bassline throughout the whole thing is gorgeous, and something I love hearing from Kings of Leon. The lyrics are very special, and there's a couple of lines that manage to get me every time because of the way Caleb sings them.

The way the music builds up alongside the vocals towards the outro adds even more passion, and it's a real beauty of a song.

I'd love to know just what you're thinking

Tell me what I ought to do

I will never leave you lonely

You're the one I'm runnin' to

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So, that's that! Hopefully you've discovered some new Kings of Leon songs to listen to, and although I want to recommend so many more, that would be an endless article.

There's a huge stylistic difference between all the albums, which you'll either love or hate if you're a Kings of Leon fan, but they're definitely worth a listen; there are highlights on every album.

You can read my review of Kings of Leon's latest album Walls, here.