The title Can We Please Have Fun is not a suggestion; it is a thesis. It acknowledges the elephant in the room. For years, Kings of Leon’s live shows became heavy, methodical performances of hits they seemed tired of playing. The press cycles were bogged down by the infamous 2011 botched show in Dallas and the internal family tensions.
By naming the record this, Caleb Followill (vocals/guitar) is asking for permission to shed the skin of the "serious rock band." From the opening seconds of the record, it is clear that permission is granted.
The first official single. A shimmering, mid-tempo rocker with a chorus that begs for festival fields. “Rainbow Ball” is classic KOL: hopeful, nostalgic, and massive. The production is cleaner here, but the energy is undeniable. Think Mechanical Bull meets Come Around Sundown. Kings Of Leon - Can We Please Have Fun -2024- M...
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Published: May 2024
Album: Can We Please Have Fun Artist: Kings of Leon Released: May 10, 2024 Label: Love Tap Records / Capitol Records Producers: Kid Harpoon (Harry Styles, Florence + The Machine) & Kings of Leon
The closing track. A six-minute epic that starts as a whisper and ends as a roar. Piano, strings, and then a volcanic guitar solo from Matthew. The lyrics feel like a benediction: “Ease me on / to the next world.” It’s peaceful, powerful, and perfect. The credits roll on Can We Please Have Fun with a sense of closure and openness at once. The title Can We Please Have Fun is
Kings of Leon – Can We Please Have Fun (2024) is the loosest, most carefree they’ve sounded in a decade. No overthinking, just riffs, groove, and a damn good time. “Mustang” is an instant earworm. 🐎🎸
Rating: 8/10
Best enjoyed loud.
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