All the Kings' Gems: 10 Essential Kings of Leon Tracks

"Knocked Up"
The band's great 2007 record Because of the Times opened with the story of Seth Rogen and Kathryn Heigl as seen through the eyes off two small-town fuck-ups on a cannonball run away from the scolding parents and judging world that's trying to tear them apart. It's seven minutes long, the guitars explode like backfiring V8 engines and when Caleb sings "I don't care what no one says we're gonna have a bay-bee" he's a perfect mix of righteous outlaw and proud pappy.

"Charmer"
Pixies-style bass wonder-thud makes nooky with saturation strike guitar and Caleb screeches like he's getting goosed by the Beast Master himself. When he sings "she's always looking at me" about the West Virginia lass who's crushed his soul he sounds borderline psychotic and borderline awesome too.

"On Call"
Atmospheric guitar churn, wham-bam drum thump and Caleb yowling with all the sweetness a real man can stomach about how he's "on call" for your affection like some hillbilly love doctor.

"Sex On Fire"
The single from last year's Only by the Night is a lithe, liquid shot of Southern grunge ecstasy. Note: the phrase "hey, your sex is on fire" probably works for these dudes but don't try it at next time your closing the deal on some booze-loosened accounts manager at Buffalo Wild Wings.

"Crawl"
Only By the Night pumps their sound into stadium rock. This sticky-grooved rocker suggests Pearl Jam as apocalyptic fire-breathers, raining holy wrath down on the "crucified USA."

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