The Eagles vs. Kings of Leon The musical genre of rock has developed since its general conception in the early 1950s. Modern rock bands share similar characteristics with their classic predecessors, however, they have transformed their sounds to fit present-day tastes. An example of this chain of influence comes in the form of Kings of Leon, a popular modern rock band that has been strongly influenced by the Eagles, a classic rock band. Although Kings of Leon is more adept in lyricism, the Eagles reign supreme in overall instrumental proficiency as well as in achieving the coveted status of a classic Rock and Roll Hall-of-Fame* title through their overwhelming popularity. As reflected in their songs, both band’s lyricism has some things
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In Stephen Deusner’s article, “Quit Defending the Eagles,” which appears in Salon (August 8th, 1973), Deusner writes, “they represented everything that many people feel is wrong in rock music: egos as bloated as studio budgets, music influenced by drug intake more than emotional output, grown men playing cowboys. They come off as deadly serious, with no sense of humor about anything, least of all themselves.” Critics believed that the Eagles mirrored the stereotypical drug-addicted and image-obsessed rock band. Critics saw them as a group of people who made music their job rather than their passion. Kings of Leon is also under scrutiny from critics. From Neil McCormick’s article, “Kings of Leon are Stuck,” from The Telegraph (October 18th, 2016), McCormick states, “they are lightning in a bottle, an accidental collision of character, sensibility, history and happenstance.” McCormick believes that the band ceases to reach its full potential. Although the bands both face harsh criticism, their popularity among the general population differs. The Eagles had chart-topping singles both during their peak popularity as well as years after retirement. They hold five Billboard number one hits, including “Hotel California,” a song that is still widely listened to today. With no number one Billboard hits, Kings of Leon has yet to achieve this level of
In Stephen Deusner’s article, “Quit Defending the Eagles,” which appears in Salon (August 8th, 1973), Deusner writes, “they represented everything that many people feel is wrong in rock music: egos as bloated as studio budgets, music influenced by drug intake more than emotional output, grown men playing cowboys. They come off as deadly serious, with no sense of humor about anything, least of all themselves.” Critics believed that the Eagles mirrored the stereotypical drug-addicted and image-obsessed rock band. Critics saw them as a group of people who made music their job rather than their passion. Kings of Leon is also under scrutiny from critics. From Neil McCormick’s article, “Kings of Leon are Stuck,” from The Telegraph (October 18th, 2016), McCormick states, “they are lightning in a bottle, an accidental collision of character, sensibility, history and happenstance.” McCormick believes that the band ceases to reach its full potential. Although the bands both face harsh criticism, their popularity among the general population differs. The Eagles had chart-topping singles both during their peak popularity as well as years after retirement. They hold five Billboard number one hits, including “Hotel California,” a song that is still widely listened to today. With no number one Billboard hits, Kings of Leon has yet to achieve this level of