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Obscurity to stardom

 Kings of Leon: From Obscurity to Stardom and the Impact of Their B-Sides

Kings of Leon’s rise to fame is a story of hard work, raw talent, and the power of the B-side. Before their breakthrough album Only by the Night and the global hit “Sex on Fire,” the band’s journey was marked by early obscurity and the defining moments found in their B-sides.

The group, made up of brothers Caleb, Nathan, and Jared Followill, and their cousin Matthew Followill, started in the early 2000s in Nashville, Tennessee. Their early sound was gritty and full of southern rock influences, with lyrics that captured the essence of youthful rebellion and small-town life. They didn't fit neatly into any genre, blending alternative rock, southern rock, and blues influences into something uniquely their own. But it wasn’t until their B-sides caught the attention of both critics and fans that their trajectory truly began to change.

Their debut album Youth and Young Manhood (2003) showcased their potential, but it was the B-side tracks that hinted at their future stardom. Songs like "Holy Roller Novocaine" and "Molly's Chambers" may not have been main singles, but they laid the foundation for the band’s evolving sound. The rough edges and experimental approach of these tracks allowed Kings of Leon to define their style, merging classic rock sounds with an edgy, modern twist.



As they moved into their sophomore effort, Aha Shake Heartbreak (2004), Kings of Leon began to develop a more polished sound, but their B-sides remained a treasure trove of raw energy and unpredictability. Tracks like "Four Kicks" and "Rememo" were energetic and bold, providing a glimpse into the band’s transformation. Their B-sides were more than just extra material—they were the stepping stones that helped the band sharpen their identity, carving out a space in the crowded rock scene.

By the time Because of the Times (2007) was released, Kings of Leon had begun to shed their southern rock influences in favor of a more arena-ready sound. And while tracks like "On Call" and "Charmer" became radio staples, it was the B-side "Arizona" that truly showcased the band's growing complexity. The track was a departure from the band's more traditional rock roots, and its haunting atmosphere captured a deeper side of the band’s musical evolution.



But it wasn’t until Only by the Night (2008) that Kings of Leon became global superstars. The album, which included hits like "Sex on Fire" and "Use Somebody," catapulted the band into the mainstream. While the A-sides grabbed attention, it was their B-sides—songs like "Notion" and "Manhattan"—that proved the band’s versatility. These tracks reflected the depth of their songwriting abilities and solidified their place as not just a rock band, but as cultural icons. They had seamlessly merged the raw energy of their early days with the polished sound of their mainstream success, and their B-sides remained an integral part of their artistic journey.

The success of Sex on Fire marked a peak in the band’s career, but the power of their B-sides was a constant force. While the world embraced their chart-topping hits, the deeper tracks remained a favorite for true fans, revealing the intricate layers of the band’s sound and the ongoing evolution of their artistry.



Today, Kings of Leon’s journey from obscurity to stardom is a testament to the importance of B-sides in shaping a band’s sound and identity. The B-sides of their early albums were not just throwaway tracks—they were the building blocks of the band's artistic evolution. The journey from small-town obscurity to international fame was fueled by the raw energy of their early work, including those beloved B-sides that captured the essence of their unique sound.

As Kings of Leon continues to evolve, the legacy of their B-sides serves as a reminder of their roots—musically and artistically—and their journey to becoming true rock royalty.

What's your favourite KOL bside or album. Let me know in the comments. Follow me for more on rock's evolution and the impact of those little hidden gems.


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