After being the opening act for the likes of Pearl Jam, U2 and even Bob Dylan over the past year, the brothers Followill finally return to make their third proper studio LP. Because of the Times is that record and touring with all those legends listed above seems to have done these Tennessee boys a heap of good.

Lead singer Caleb still writes mediocre lyrics at best, but at least he's reached a point where there's hardly a cringe inducing moment to be found. Songs such as "Knocked Up" and "Black Thumbnail" even shows that (gulp!) Caleb's growing up and leaving behind his childish ways. With the lyrics not getting in the way as much as they used to, it's easier to see that brother Matthew is quickly becoming one of the most powerful guitarists of this decade. Even songs like the silly "Camaro" end up smelling like a rose simply because Matt shreds while Caleb croons sloppily about a girl and her cool new ride. "My Party" is also a buzz-saw of a tune that can get even the most stubborn foot a stompin'.

The best overall track though has to be "Fans" which is a love letter to exactly theirs, but not maybe to the ones you'd expect. It's actually about all those crazy fans from across the pond in the U.K. where Kings of Leon are superstars, go figure. Because of the Times is the Kings' best album to date thus far and who knows, it's so good that if they end up playing their cards right, they may just get that kind of recognition in their own back yard.