About this album
Where they were
When 'Only by the Night' was released in September 2008, Kings of Leon were transitioning from a critically acclaimed band to mainstream rock stars. This album followed their breakthrough record, 'Because of the Times', and firmly established their commercial success, particularly with chart-topping hits like 'Sex on Fire'.
Why it matters
'Only by the Night' marked a significant commercial peak for Kings of Leon, debuting at number one on the Billboard 200 and earning multiple Grammy nominations, including Record of the Year for 'Use Somebody'. Its influence is evident in the rise of anthemic rock songs in the late 2000s, resonating widely across radio stations and festivals.
Essential tracks
- "Sex on Fire" — This track became a defining anthem of the era, showcasing the band's ability to fuse catchy melodies with raw emotional energy.
- "Use Somebody" — 'Use Somebody' stands out as a poignant ballad that highlights lead singer Caleb Followill's vocal range and emotional depth, capturing listeners worldwide.
- "Closer" — The haunting atmosphere and evocative lyrics of 'Closer' set the tone for the album's exploration of desire and vulnerability.
Release Date
September 19, 2008
Artist Origin
United States
Tracklist
- 1 Closer 3:57
- 2 Crawl 4:06
- 3 Sex on Fire 3:23
- 4 Use Somebody 3:50
- 5 Manhattan 3:24
- 6 Revelry 3:21
- 7 17 3:05
- 8 Notion 3:00
- 9 I Want You 5:07
- 10 Be Somebody 3:47
- 11 Cold Desert 5:34