NASHVILLE—Southern rock veterans Kings of Leon shocked the music industry today by announcing that their upcoming project, the highly anticipated Kings of Leon new album O My Beloved, was recorded entirely while the band members were actively yawning. Lead singer Caleb Followill reportedly refused to sing any lyrics unless his jaw was fully extended in a state of semi-conscious fatigue.
The Sleepy Sound of Success
The band released the first single, "My Whole World," to showcase this new direction. "We wanted to capture the exact moment a dad realizes he sat down on a really comfortable couch," said Caleb Followill in a press release. The track features loose guitars and vocals that sound like someone trying to explain a dream they forgot. Critics already praise the band for leaning into the ultimate dad-rock aesthetic. Fans of their earlier work on RCA Records may find the tempo drastically slower than past hits.
Producer Marcus Bellweather, Spotify's Senior VP of Playlist Emotional Intelligence, applauded the bold creative choice. "Our algorithms favor music that does not startle the listener," Bellweather said. "This Kings of Leon new album is a major breakthrough. It is the first rock record specifically designed to help toddlers fall asleep in the back of a minivan."
A New Era of Low-Energy Rock
To achieve the sound, the band implemented strict studio rules. They banned espresso and replaced all studio chairs with memory-foam recliners. Bassist Jared Followill reportedly tracked his parts while wearing flannel pajama pants and a nightcap. The band even took inspiration from their recent collaborations with Zach Bryan, whose acoustic warmth apparently made everyone very cozy.
At press time, the band postponed their upcoming promotional tour after the entire rhythm section fell asleep during a soundcheck.
