Author Archives: Bryce Taylor

Vancouver: The Good

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At its core, Vancouver really is a beautiful city. Its small area gives it a unique appeal with the abundance of skyscrapers surrounded by luscious green areas and mountain ranges.

When I moved here from Kamloops for school about a year ago, I expected the worst living in a big city could provide. But it didn’t take me long to start to fall in love with my new home. There’s so much opportunity everywhere, and that’s an exciting proposition.

However, that doesn’t mean it’s all sunshine and rainbows. In fact, considering the abundance of rain, it’s almost anything but. To get the full scope of what this city has to offer, this is the start of a two-part series where I dive into the good, the bad, and the ugly of Vancouver. First, let’s look at the good.

 

The Good:

There’s ALWAYS something to do.

In Vancouver, it doesn’t matter what you’re into. There’s a little something for everybody in this city. If you’re into music, concerts are happening every night across all genres.

If you like sports, we have the Canucks for hockey, Lions for football, Whitecaps for soccer, and Canadians for baseball. Not to mention countless minor sports teams. Check online to see what’s happening near you. Something is happening on any given night.

The aquarium, planetarium, science world, and so much more. Not to mention all the hiking and skiing just outside the city. There really is a little something for everyone in Vancouver.

 

SkyTrain

I think many locals take for granted just how great our transit system is. Vancouver’s “TransLink” is ranked #1 in Canada, and #4 in North America. Only New York, Chicago, and San Francisco are ranked higher. That’s elite company when you consider the size difference. Vancouver punches well above its weight, and we have the SkyTrain to thank. With an automated system and trains arriving every few minutes, you can always get to where you need to go without having to deal with traffic.

Back in Kamloops, busses arrive about every hour, so if you miss your bus, your whole day is screwed. If you miss a bus in Vancouver, you might be 5 or 10 minutes late. Masks are recommended though, as they can get pretty tight, and germs spread fast.

Plus, TransLink is switching to electric-powered buses intending to reach zero net emissions by 2050. What’s not to love about this green initiative?

 

Green

Speaking of green, Vancouver is one of the greenest cities in the world. Over 95% of the city’s electricity comes from renewable energy! It has set out a plan to become #1 in this department, intending to reach 100% renewable energy by 2050. New buildings being built are all energy-efficient, and older buildings have been retrofitted for energy efficiency.

We’re on the right track.

 

Nature

Not only is Vancouver green in energy, but it also boasts so much green from the nature surrounding the city and within it. We have so many beautiful parks, highlighted by Stanley Park, Queen Elizabeth Park, John Hendry Park, Pacific Spirit Regional Park, and so many more all over the lower mainland.

Just outside the city, there are mountains ideal for hiking, biking, and skiing. We have Whistler, Grouse, Cypress, and Mount Seymour among others further away. At certain times of year, it’s possible to spend your morning skiing and your afternoon at the beach!

Is there anything you can’t do in Vancouver?

 

Rain

I know what you’re thinking, shouldn’t this be on the negative side? Spoiler: It will be. But the rain is a HUGE benefit. As I stated earlier, I’m from the desert of Kamloops. Which means dry air and dust, which seriously messes with my sinuses. When I come down to the lower mainland, the moisture opens the sinuses, and I can finally breathe.

Plus, the huge trees and green spaces surrounding us are because of the rain. Without it, we’d have dry air and yellow grass. So next time you complain about the rain, just think about what it would look like without it.

We experienced a serious lack of rain last year and ended up with a severe drought. We need the rain. It makes Vancouver what it is.

 

Mild Winters

When I went back home to Kamloops for Christmas last year, I nearly froze to death. Temperatures got down to -30 Celsius! It was so cold, it literally hurt to go outside. Not exactly ideal. When I came back in January, it was about -5. That’s a staggering difference!

Plus, the snow makes it a nightmare to drive. Just look at what happens every time it snows in the lower mainland. Complete and utter chaos. Every time. Now imagine 5 straight months of that. While the rest of the province is more prepared and it doesn’t shut the entire city down, it still sucks to deal with.

 

Cultural Diversity

Vancouver is a melting pot of different cultures. Which gives Vancouver itself a unique culture. Visible minorities make up over 50% of Vancouver’s population, with a wide array of different ethnic groups coming together making Vancouver one of the most culturally diverse cities in the world.

There’s so much you can learn from different cultures, and I find getting to know people who come from other countries to be a little taste of what travel can provide: knowledge. And knowledge is power!

 

Food

Another part I love about the diversity in Vancouver is all the food options that come with it. In the past year, I’ve been exposed to a whole new world of different food. I’ve only scratched the surface, as my limited budget only lets me eat out so often. But I look forward to trying out more soon!

There are just so many delicious food options all over the place. It’s hard sometimes to choose where to eat with such an abundance of choices. It’s made me step out of my comfort zone a bit. I used to stick with what I knew, but I’m realizing now I was shutting out so many tasty choices by not broadening my horizons.

So go out and experiment with different cuisine options. You don’t know what you’re missing!

 

Walking/Biking Trails

This city is built for those without vehicles. In addition to our excellent transit system, Vancouver also has many walking and biking paths, making it easy to get around without a car. And with the nightmares associated with rush-hour driving, that sounds like ideal. Basically, unless you live in the suburbs and need to commute into the city, there’s no need to own a car. This is something that could help combat the high cost of living.

Pixabay/jameswheeler

There’s a lot to love about Vancouver, and I’m not alone. A 2023 Forbes list ranked Vancouver as the 5th best city to live in the world. It was #1 in North America, trailing only Vienna (1), Copenhagen (2), Melbourne (3), and Sydney (4). It was graded 100% for its healthcare and education.

Vancouver is a great place to live or to visit. However, the positives only tell half the story. There are many negatives on the flip side. But to hear the negatives, you’ll have to wait till next time.

In the next installment, I’ll decipher if the positives are enough to make it worth the negatives.

Thanks for reading. Stay tuned to Evolution!

Spendo: Classic rock with a modern twist

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Spendo has found a brilliant way to mix the classic rock of old with a modern sound. The group from Vancouver makes incredible music that will stick with you. They aim for a 1970s California vibe, and they have accomplished that goal.

The foursome includes Spencer Tomlinson (lead vocals/guitar), Bradley Lambert (lead guitar/vocals), Trevor Crane (drums/vocals), and Kyle Stegen (bass/vocals).

Waiting for Years… was their first release. It came out in 2018 and it’s such a good album. It only has seven songs, but each one is great in its own way. Listen to this album, you’ll be blown away by its consistency. The seven songs are “Want You,” “Alone,” “The Messenger,” “Bleeding Hearts Dry,” “Losing Sleep,” “No Rules,” and “Mr. Tied Down.” I don’t think I could possibly pick a favorite from this one. It’s stacked from top to bottom. It proves a thought I’ve always had. If you have seven great songs, then just put out those seven songs. Rather than diluting it with filler, they created a powerful first release that makes a statement.

The pandemic put a halt on their 2020 tour, so they took that time to go into the studio and concentrate on their next album.

That album, called The Great Unknown, came out earlier this year and is the perfect follow-up to their awesome first release. It was preceded by singles “Fighter,” “Easy to Lie,” and “Gone & Glad.” This one also has seven songs like the previous one, and once again, it’s the perfect number of songs. This album tells a story and takes you on a journey.

“Intro” sets the tempo for the album, then “The Great Unknown” builds up nicely to lead into one of my favorites, “Fighter.” “Give It a Try” slows the tempo down into “Easy to Lie,” and “Gone & Glad” is just awesome. The album ends with “1975” and it leaves it on a high note.

I don’t think I could pick which album I prefer. Literally every song that Spendo has released is a banger. Go out of your way to listen to both albums.

If you want to see Spendo live, they’ll be in Kamloops this Friday (May 19) at the Effie Arts Collective. They’ll also be in Delta on May 20th in Delta at the Delta Collective. For both shows, The Vidos will be opening for them. Get your tickets now to see Spendo before they blow up. I think it’s just a matter of time.

If you can’t make either show, then tune into Evolution 107.9 to hear some of Spendo’s latest work, like “Gone & Glad.”

You’ll be glad you did.

From rags to riches, Barns Courtney is on fire

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Barnaby Courtney, better known as Barns Courtney, was born in England but moved to Seattle with his family when he was four. He then moved back to England when he was 15. He always wanted to be a musician and was in two different bands during his early career. First SleeperCell, then Dive Bella Dive. He worked odd jobs and slept on couches as he struggled to make a living.

After his bands disbanded, he went solo, releasing “Glitter & Gold” in 2015. The song blew up, appearing on Spotify and iTunes Alternative charts. “Fire” was released a little later and performed well. The songs were on his first EP, The Dull Drums. The songs would be re-released in 2017 in his first studio album, The Attractions of Youth. The two previous singles are highlights. So are “Hellfire” and “Golden Dandelions.” It was a very successful first album, and the days of couch surfing were over.

In 2019, 404 was released. It’s on par with the first album, maybe even better. There are more songs that stood out to me on this one. I like “The Kids Are Alright,” “Boy Like Me,” “Castaway,” “Babylon,” and “99.” In particular, “99” was a huge hit that saw plenty of radio time.

He released a four-song EP in 2020 during the pandemic called Hard to Be Alone. My favorite song off this one is “Dopamine.” He’s currently gearing up to release his third album, with two singles released so far: “Supernatural” and “Golden.” Both are good songs that have left me wanting the album to hear what else is up his sleeve.

While his music has been very successful, perhaps the most impressive aspect of his run is how often his songs have been used in soundtracks.

“Glitter & Gold” was used in a few documentaries. “Hellfire” was used as the theme song for WWE Extreme Rules 2017, and in Marvel’s Cloak and Dagger. “Champion” was used as the theme song for WWE Backlash 2018, and in Apex Legends. “Fun Never Ends” was used. “Sinners” was used. “99” was used in WWE 2K20. “Hands” was used in MLB The Show 17. “Kicks” was used in Need for Speed: Payback. “Fun Never Ends” was used in NHL 20.

That’s an incredible list in just a few short years! Barns Courtney burst onto the scene after years of grinding. His hard work has finally paid off, and now he’s risen to heights.

Listen to Evolution to hear Barns Courtney!

More Paramore, please and thank you

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Paramore is a band from Tennessee that has gone through many iterations throughout its tenure. Throughout it all, they are immediately recognized by the singing of Haley Williams. The other current band members are Zac Farro (drums) and Taylor York (guitar).

Their debut album, All We Know is Falling, was released in 2005. It reached #4 on the UK Rock chart and is highlighted by “Pressure,” “Emergency,” “Brighter,” and “Conspiracy.”

Where things really blew up for the band was their 2007 effort Riot! It reached Platinum status in the United States. Their most iconic song, “Misery Business” is on this one and the band blew up because of it. It also had singles “Crushcrushcrush” and “That’s What You Get.” They experienced some strife within the band, with the other band members being annoyed by Haley Williams getting all the media attention. They worked it out and returned to the studio to record their next album.

Brand New Eyes came out in 2009 and was a solid follow-up to their breakout effort. Its lead single was “Ignorance,” but it also has other songs like “Brick by Boring Brick,” “The Only Exception,” and “All I Wanted.”

Jealousy caused strife between the band, leading to Josh and Zac Farro leaving the band. After a couple of years without any new album, they came out with Paramore in 2013. It debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200! Its singles were “Now,” “Still Into You,” “Daydreaming,” and “Ain’t it Fun.”

Haley Williams left the band for a short period in 2015 due to depression after a divorce but came back in 2016. In early 2017, former drummer Zac Farro rejoined the band and released their fifth album, After Laughter, later that year. This one has five singles: “Hard Times,” “Told You So,” “Fake Happy,” “Rose-Colored Boy,” and “Caught in the Middle.” They took their longest break between albums after this one.

They released This is Why in 2022, and I think it’s my favorite Paramore album. They returned to more of a guitar sound from their previous work and it’s a glorious return. It has four singles: “This is the Why,” “The News,” “C’est Comme Ca,” and “Running out of Time.” This album is still pop like their previous work, but it’s much more rock-influenced than previous albums. You can hear songs from this album here on Evolution!

It was a triumphant return to glory for Paramore, one of the most successful pop-rock bands in recent memory. I’m excited to see what Paramore has in store!

Broken Shins: James Mercer can do it all

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James Mercer can truly do it all. The multi-faceted musician is the frontman for two immensely popular bands: The Shins and Broken Bells.

I like how each band has its own unique sound, to the point that there’s no way to mix the two up. The Shins are more of your classic indie band, while Broken Bells utilize a more electronic sound.

The list of great songs by The Shins is too long to even try to go through. They’re such a good band. If you haven’t gotten into them, you’re missing out. Here are some of my favorites: “Caring is Creepy,” “New Slang,” “Girl on the Wing,” “So Says I,” “Saint Simon,” “Australia,” “Phantom Limb,” “The Rifle’s Spiral,” and “Simple Song.”

That’s just the tip of the iceberg. They have come out with so much great music over their tenure, with Mercer’s wonderful singing voice guiding the band to some fantastic music.

Mercer’s side project with Brian Burton, Broken Bells, began in 2010. The duo uses Dan Elkan and Jon Sortland during live performances.

They’ve released three albums: Broken Bells (2010), After the Disco (2014), and Into the Blue (2022), as well as the EP Meyrin Fields (2011).

Some standout Broken Bells songs are “The High Road,” “Vaporize,” “The Ghost Inside,” “Perfect World,” “No Matter What You’re Told,” “Good Luck,” and “Saturdays.” You can hear the latest from Broken Bells right here on Evolution!

My favorite thing about these two bands is that they cater to completely different audiences.

INTO THE BLUE (2022) is their latest album, and it’s a bold new change of direction for the band. It’s much darker and more atmospheric than previous efforts. There are fewer songs that individually pop, but the whole thing fits together well as part of a greater whole.

Broken Bells are a lot more experimental than The Shins. Each album has a different feel to it, while The Shins have kept truer to their original sound. It’s not that they haven’t strayed from the beaten pass, but not to the level of broken Bells.

Whichever band you prefer likely depends on whatever your musical preferences are. If you prefer a more stripped-down indie rock sound, then The Shins are your best bet. If you like your music poppier and electronic, then I’d recommend Broken Bells.

No matter which one you prefer, James Mercer’s talent shines through. He has such a beautiful voice that adds to every song he’s other sung.

Go check out his work. You can’t go wrong with either band!

Anyway Gang: Canada’s newest supergroup

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What constitutes a supergroup? Well, in my opinion, every member of the group must be part of a well-known band. By that criterion, Anyway Gang is certainly a supergroup.

It includes Sam Roberts, Chris Murphy from Sloan, Menno Versteeg from Hollerado, and Dave Monks from Tokyo Police Club.

That’s a stacked collection of talent that has all left their mark in the music industry in their own right. Their style, which has been described as “punchy pop,” is the perfect kind of music to jam out to. It’s catchy, but it has depth to it. It’s not your typical pop group.

The group formed in 2019 after they had spent some time jamming together and decided to record some songs. They released their first song, “Big Night,” in 2019 and it peaked at #6 on the Canadian rock charts. They followed that up with their debut album later that year, called Anyway Gang.

Anyway Gang was a strong first album for the supergroup. It kicks off with “Big Night,” and includes other good songs like “Square One,” “I’m Just That Good,” “Eyes of Green,” and “Lost Boy.” It’s a great first effort that showed us just what Anyway Gang was all about. It’s energetic but also slows down in certain parts. It’s everything you could want out of a pop album.

They released their second album in 2022. It’s called Still Anyways, and I think it’s an improvement over their debut effort. It’s still poppy, but a bit more rock-influenced with some kick-ass guitar solos. Pretty much every song is worth a listen. The top single, “Reckless Reckless,” is a fun song that you can hear on Evolution. It peaked at #10 on the Canadian rock charts.

The whole album is loaded though, with great songs like “Alternate View,” “Out of Nowhere,” “Real Thing,” “Remember to Forget,” and “Call on Me.” It’s a fantastic album that you should listen to today! The lyrics for “Don’t Give Up on Your Dreams” stood out to me with a great message that I identify with.

Hazards on as you take to the shoulder

Seems you’re running out of gas as you get older

You can live your life with few obligations

Or you can never tender your resignation

Some people say that’s good enough

When they’re running out of steam

I say when the going gets tough

Don’t give up on your dream

I won’t give up on my dream! Thank you, Anyway Gang. That’s a positive message in a song that rocks. With a collection of talent as great as Anyway Gang, did you really expect anything else?

They toured Canada last Spring, with stops in Vancouver and Victoria. Hopefully, they come back to BC soon!

I’ll be waiting…

The Sheepdogs make music that soothes the soul

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The Sheepdogs are a throwback to the rock of old. Their music feels good for the soul. It’s the kind of music that you want to hear sitting around a fire on a summer evening. They’ve described their music as a blend of Led Zeppelin and Crosby, Stills & Nash.

The band from Saskatoon includes Ewan Currie, Ryan Gullen, Sam Corbett, Ricky Paquette, and Shamus Currie. They’ve won four JUNO awards and were the first band to ever be on the cover of Rolling Stone before they were signed.

They released their first album, called Trying to Grow, in 2007. It’s highlighted by “Tonight,” “Hang on to Yourself,” and “Greedy Man.”

Their second album, Big Stand, came out in 2008 and it’s a nice follow-up. My favorites are “The First Year” and “Let It All Show.” In 2010, Learn & Burn was released with standouts “I Don’t Know” and “Southern Dreaming.” “I Don’t Know” was the first song I heard by them, and I immediately fell in love. After this album, they won Rock Album of the Year, Best New Group, and Single of the Year at the 2012 JUNO Awards.

The Sheepdogs came out in 2012, and it marked their true arrival. “Laid Back,” “Feeling Good,” and “The Way It Is.” By this point, they had become one of the fastest-rising bands in Canada.  Future Nostalgia (2015) includes two of my absolute favorite Sheepdog songs: “Downtown” and “Bad Lieutenant.”

Changing Colours (2018) is yet another awesome effort by the group. “Nobody,” “I’ve Got a Hole Where My Heart Should Be,” “Saturday Night,” and “Let it Roll” combine to make this one of their best albums. I think it’s at least their most consistent one.

Last year, Outta Sight was released. Its highlights are “Here I Am,” “Find the Truth,” and “So Far Gone.” It’s amazing how everything they put out they knock out of the park. They’re one of the great Canadian bands of the modern era, and it’s their old-school sound that makes them stand out in the era of electronic music. You can hear the legends in the making on Evolution 107.9 regularly!

They recently released a live EP, called The Sheepdogs on Audiotree Live. It’s a good little medley of some of their songs that’s worth a listen.

There aren’t any BC shows on the docket, but they will be playing in Calgary during Stampede weekend on July 12 at Wildhorse Saloon. If you’re planning on going, why not check out a Sheepdogs concert?

The Sheepdogs strayed from the mold and blazed their own trail. They’ve kept true to themselves and who they are, and their audience loves them for it.

 

 

Matching songs from Evolution with Vancouver wrestlers

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I’m a big music fan and an even bigger wrestling fan. So naturally, I’ve always had a bit of an obsession with wrestling theme songs.

It can’t be understated how important a good theme song is for a wrestler. It’s what the fans know you by. It’s part of a wrestler’s persona.

A good or bad theme song can make or break a wrestler’s career. I got to thinking about the local wrestling scene and the music we play here on Evolution, and it gave me an idea.

Inspired by Nicole Matthews, who uses The Interrupters’ “She’s Kerosene” as her theme song, here are some songs from Evolution that would be a good fit for some local wrestlers:

Anyway Gang – “Reckless Reckless” (Bambi Hall)

This song is a jam. It always gets my head bobbing and my foot tapping. It’s the perfect kind of energy for a fiery babyface. As soon as it starts, it’s high energy with a recognizable opening rift. It fits Bambi because, well, she is reckless. The crowd would instantly know who it is and once they were familiarized with the song, they would sing along.

 Alexisonfire – Conditional Love (Artemis Spencer)

This one starts off fast. It’s frantic, and that makes it perfect for Artemis Spencer. If I could describe Artemis with one word, it would be metal. He storms down to the ring and pumps the crowd up, and this song is the perfect tempo for his schtick. Plus, it’s also a banger. So that helps.

Royal Blood – Who Needs Friends (Evan Rivers)

Coming off a heel turn at the last Nation Extreme Wrestling show, Evan Rivers has embraced his dark side. His current theme song, “All of the Lights,” just won’t fit his new persona. This one is darker but also has a catchy riff that would be recognizable. As has been said, you can either make money in wrestling, or you can make friends. Evan Rivers has made his choice. Who needs friends anyway?

Foo Fighters – Cloudspotter (Re:Loaded)

I wanted to choose a high-flyer for this one, as they tend to spend their matches flying up in the clouds. Then it dawned on me. The tag team of Jacky Lee and Shareef Morrow (Re:Loaded) fly higher than any wrestlers in the Vancouver circuit. The energy of this song fits their entrance. Plus, when Re:Loaded wrestle, they “burn the night down like a house on fire.” It’s a perfect match!

What do you think of my list? Do these songs fit, or do you have any other recommendations?

Whether you agree with it or not, there’s no denying how important a theme song is to a wrestler’s character, and I think these songs would provide a nice boost.

K.Flay is a genre-defying trailblazer

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I have a hard time figuring out which box to put K.Flay in. She incorporates a mix of hip-hop, rock, pop, and indie into her music and it makes for a fantastic sound.

Born Kristine Flaherty, she’s from Los Angeles and has a wide range of influences. These include Royal Blood, Missy Elliott, Garbage, Lauryn Hill, Tame Impala, Jeremih, Metric, M.I.A., OutKast, Liz Phair, Cat Power, and Shlohmo.

Earlier on, she was more of a rapper. She started making music in 2003 with “Blingity Blang Blang,” a parody of the rap scene. She released mixtapes in the following years, leading up to her debut EP in 2010: K.Flay. She gained a lot of momentum from this one as she prepared for her first official album.

In 2014, she released Life as a Dog and her popularity skyrocketed. Lead by “Make Me Fade,” “Can’t Sleep,” and “I’m Good,”  this album signified her arrival. After its release, she toured with AWOLNATION, Third Eye Blind, and Dashboard Confessional.

Her second album, Every Where Is Some Where, was released in 2017, and was a great follow-up. It’s highlighted by “Dreamers,” “Giver,” “Blood in the Cut,” and “High Enough.” I think this is her best and most consistent album to date. “Blood in the Cut” was featured in XXX: Return of Xander Cage, Peaky Blinders, BoJack Horseman, and in a commercial for the 2017 NFL season.

Solutions (2019) was her third album, led by the single “Bad Vibes.” I also like “This Baby Don’t Cry” and “Nervous.” 2020 brought Don’t Judge a Song By Its Cover, where she covered Offspring’s “Self Esteem,” Green Day’s “Brain Stew,” and Limp Bizkit’s “Break Stuff.”

In 2021, she released two EPs: Inside Voices and Outside Voices. She packaged them together into one album in 2022, called Inside Voices / Outside Voices. My top picks for this one are “Four Letter Words,” “Good Girl,” and “Weirdo.”

Since then, she’s released two singles: “It’s Been So Long” and “Raw Raw.” Both are worth checking out. Tune into Evolution 107.9 to hear what K.Flay has to offer!

Last year, she announced that she had gone completely deaf in her right ear and is struggling to adjust to making music with her new condition. I can’t imagine how tough that must be, but we’ll see how she performs going forward.

Right now, she’s on tour with grandson and will be playing in Seattle on June 23. If you feel like making the trip, it should be a great show with two fantastic acts.

K.Flay has made a big impact throughout her career, and isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.

Are Kings of Leon the kings of rock?

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You could make the argument that Kings of Leon are the biggest rock band of the modern era.

The band from Nashville that formed in 1999 consists of three brothers and a cousin. Caleb, Jared, Nathan Followill, and their cousin Matthew named their band after their Grandpa Leon.

They’ve changed their sound over the years. Earlier on, they were a mix of southern rock and garage rock, but as their popularity grew, they transitioned into more of an alternative rock sound.

Their earlier albums, Youth and Young Manhood (2003), Aha Shake Heartbeat (2005), and Because of the Times (2007) fit into the Southern rock sound. They built up quite a bit of momentum throughout these albums, with the lead single for Because of the Times, “On Call,” being a big breakout hit for them.

These albums are great. Some songs that I’d recommend checking out are “Red Morning Light,” “Molly’s Chambers,” “King of the Rodeo,” “Fans,” and “Ragoo.”

In 2008, they released Only by the Night. This album shot their stock to the moon. “Sex on Fire” won Best Rock Performance by a Group at the 2009 Grammy Awards. At the 2010 award show, Only by the Night won Best Rock Album. They also won Best Rock Song and Best Rock Performance by a Group for “Use Somebody.” Some other great songs here are “Closer,” “Notion,” “Be Somebody,” and “Revelry.”

They released Come Around Sundown in 2011, and Mechanical Bull in 2014. These albums didn’t garner as much buzz as their breakout effort, but they’re both good albums. Some songs I’d recommend off these are “Pyro,” “Back Down South,” “Don’t Matter,” “Temple,” and “Comeback Story.” And “Rock City” is one of my absolute favorite Kings of Leon songs.

WALLS (2016) came out next and was yet another quality album. They never had a bad one before and this one is no different. Spoiler: They still haven’t put out a bad album. This one features good songs like “Reverend,” “Find Me,” and “Waste a Moment.”

Their latest album, When You See Yourself, was released in 2020 and continues their run of incredible records. Kings of Leon doesn’t miss. Its lead single, “The Bandit” was a big hit and guided this album to more success. Other standout songs on this album are “Time in Disguise,” “Claire & Eddie,” “Golden Restless Age,” “Stormy Weather,” and “100,000 People.”

Whether you love them or not, they’ve become one of the pillars of the modern rock scene, and they aren’t going anywhere. Tune into Evolution to hear the best of Kings of Leon!