Formed in 1999 in Tennessee, this family band spent the majority of the last decade touring relentlessly. They broke out in the United Kingdom initially, with their first three albums doing well there. Success in the United States didn't happen until their "Only By the Night" album was released and sold millions.
Caleb Followill, the group's lead singer, has a very unique voice. He has a soulful bluesy delivery, and his inflections are wonderfully emotional. The timing of the band's success in my opinion has to do with the fact that his type of voice was starting to get very much in demand. Soul music had become very popular in the UK, and a few years ago artists like Amy Winehouse opened the door. Popular music tends to repeat itself even though it is packaged in different ways, and the season for soul music has returned.
Followill's powerful voice can pack a punch. Regardless of what genre of music that the band creates, the vocals in this case bring that element of soul music to the table. Naturally writing strong songs and tireless touring sets the stage for the big break, but a tipping point needs to come from somewhere. In this case, it may have come from rehab.
j
It's refreshing to see someone write about Kings of Leon as they deserve. I enjoy his voice and how it differs from the "muchmusic" rock trend happening in Canada - also known as mediocre voices adrift in a sea of similarity.
ReplyDeleteLOL! No doubt. But I still want to say that any artist who makes it to that point of popularity still worked hard to get there. And to them I still give my respect. Its the music industry model itself that has caused this sea of similarity to gain such a high tide.
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