How Kings of Leon turned a longing ballad into a multi-format radio juggernaut
In short: Released in 2008, Use Somebody became a defining anthem for Kings of Leon. Beyond its critical acclaim and Grammy success, the track achieved a rare feat in American radio history, dominating diverse airplay formats simultaneously. It remains one of the most enduring chart performers in both the US and UK.
When Kings of Leon released Use Somebody as the second single from their fourth studio album, Only by the Night, few anticipated the scale of its impact. The song, composed in the key of C major, resonated deeply with critics and audiences alike. Mikael Wood of Entertainment Weekly characterized it as a cry for comfort from a cool hipster, while others drew comparisons to the anthemic style of Bruce Springsteen. This blend of lusty, longing vocals and a rising tide of guitars propelled the track to massive success.
The song's performance in the United States was historic. It became only the fourth track ever to reach the top spot across four distinct radio formats: Mainstream Top 40, Adult Top 40, Alternative, and Triple A. By July 2013, it had surpassed four million downloads domestically. Its chart longevity was equally impressive, spending 57 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 and peaking at number four. This breakthrough solidified the band's mainstream status after years of building their reputation.
Across the Atlantic, the song's trajectory was marked by remarkable resilience. In the United Kingdom, it peaked at number two and maintained a presence on the charts for 77 weeks. Its run was only interrupted by a surge in sales for Michael Jackson’s catalog following his death in 2009. The song’s cultural footprint extended into the following years, spawning numerous cover versions by artists ranging from Pixie Lott to the choir Scala & Kolacny Brothers, further cementing its status as a modern rock standard.
The song’s visual accompaniment, directed by Sophie Muller, captured the band’s touring life alongside lead singer Caleb Followill performing in a New York City penthouse. This aesthetic, combined with the song's infectious energy, helped it secure three Grammy Awards in 2010, including Record of the Year and Best Rock Song. It remains a testament to the band's ability to balance raw, guitar-driven rock with the broad appeal required for global chart dominance.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Use Somebody
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