Like its predecessors, the third album from Kings of Leon [ tickets ], "Because of the Times," could serve as great road music. The car, of course, would be creaking on its frame. The trip's reason: to recover from a bender or skip out on probation.

But the Nashville-based Followill boys (three brothers and their cousin), despite the oldest of them being just 27, are maturing in their take on songs, if not their subject matter. The music still revolves around a basic, classic-rock line-up--two guitars, bass, drums, lead singer--with sounds not far from their '70s-infused, 2003 debut, "Youth and Young Manhood." Yet the songs here are more layered, sometimes longer, with experimental effects and new rhythms. "Ragoo," for one, is a garage-rock take on ska; and "Charmer" has undeniable metal guitar. Plus, for the first time, singer Caleb's vocals--when not impressive screams or beery rumbles--are occasionally intelligible. Still, his ability to make the words "she's at my party" into two syllables is a true achievement; it's no wonder Bob Dylan brought the band along on his 2006 tour.

Anyone worried the Kings have veered too far from what they've done before, however, can take heart early on: the first song, driven by a train-track beat and ghostly guitar, is called "Knocked Up." "I don't care what nobody says," Caleb moans, "we're gonna have a baby." And then there are enough temptations, bar brawls, hell-fire and tumbleweeds here to ensure that these descendants of a wayward preacher won't be cleaning up their act any time soon.