Ahead of their performance at BST Hyde Park, Kings of Leon have released their new studio album – Can We Please Have Fun.
Can We Please Have Fun seems a misnomer for one of Kings of Leon’s strongest albums of the past decade – given the current state of affairs in the world. The record is a complex tapestry, both sonically and lyrically, weaving together nostalgic elements of their old, formative sound, but couching these within the new. Though there are occasional missteps on the record, these are masked within a vitally strong record – on the whole the record is a brilliant collection of tracks, with exceptional moments.
One of the album’s undeniable strengths lies in the enduring power of Caleb Followill’s vocals. His voice remains one of the strongest rock vocals, a yearning, honed and husky instrument that remains as captivating as ever, serving as the emotional anchor amidst the sonic landscape crafted by Kid Harpoon’s production. The latter’s influence is keenly felt throughout the record, as he deftly navigates between various sonic palettes, infusing each track with a sense of energy and depth.
Tracks like “Actual Daydream” and “Nothing to Do” exemplify this synergy between Followill’s vocals and Harpoon’s production prowess. These moments of sonic intensity showcase the band at the peak of their playing power and reaffirms their ability to command attention with raw, visceral energy. However, amidst the musical highs, there are also faulty notes, with some of the lyrical moments not fully fleshed out and dissolving into garbled moments that fail to match the emotional depth of the music itself, especially evident on “Ballerina Radio,” where the narrative thread gets lost.
Despite these shortcomings, there’s a palpable sense of authenticity that permeates the album, stemming perhaps from the band’s personal journey of tragedy and rediscovery. In a recent interview, the Followill brothers reflected on how the sudden death of their mother in 2021 brought them together and reignited their sense of purpose. This underlying narrative adds a layer of poignancy to the album, lending weight to tracks like “Split Screen.”
In the end, “Can We Please Have Fun” is a testament to the enduring spirit of Kings of Leon. It’s an album that navigates the highs and lows of creative expression with glimpses of brilliance amidst moments of uncertainty. While it may not always hit the mark, there’s an undeniable honesty to the music, which reminds us of the enduring power of the band to make their mark on the music industry.
