Kings of Leon exploded in 2009. Out of a cannon they shot to music super-stardom upon the enormous success of their album Only By The Night, and seemingly overnight they went from being alternatively popular to pop music juggernauts.
As is the case with most bands who rise to significance relatively early and somewhat suddenly, the potential to lay an egg on a follow-up to their mega successful album was great. It has happened dozens of times in music history, and I’m sure you have bands you got into only for them to engage in a career of mediocrity and disappointment following their biggest exposure.
It happened to The Killers after Hot Fuss. Two disappointingly decent albums later, and I’m still waiting for them to bounce back to form. Alanis Morrisette never found the formula to breaking the glass ceiling following the phenomenal Jagged Little Pill. Audioslave’s studio work went steadily downhill following their very good debut, and I think we’re all still wishing and waiting on The New Radicals to put out another album (Seriously, I totally am).
Arcade Fire did it. Amidst unreal expectations and an absolute cavalcade of hype, the Montreal based alternative rock band managed to deliver an album that embodies a genuine sense of suburban frustration while coupling it with a slight embracing attitude of the situation.
No matter you’re opinion of hip-hop dynamo Kanye West, chances are you can at least recognize the musical talent of the man. This week a new song leaked from his next album Good Ass Job, and it sounds as if Kanye has not only gone back to his bread and butter sound, but it sounds as if his motivation is sky high. The song is called “Power,” and it’s old school Kanye (old school? The guy has been around less than a decade!). But nonetheless, Kanye seems to be back in top form.
For those who are inclined to listen to music that is brilliant, Arcade Fire announced this week the release date for their immensely anticipated third album, The Suburbs. The date in the U.S. is August 3rd, and I know that as much as I enjoy my summer, now I’m already ready for the first week of August.