Kings of Leon Reflect on the Enduring Legacy of “Sex on Fire”

Kings of Leon’s iconic hit “Sex on Fire,” released in 2008, continues to capture the attention of artists across genres, inspiring numerous covers from a variety of musicians. Notable interpretations include renditions by pop icons like Beyoncé and country bands such as Sugarland and Zac Brown Band. The song earned the band their first Grammy in 2009, solidifying its status in the music industry.

In a recent interview on the Nashville Now podcast hosted by Rolling Stone, lead singer Caleb Followill shared his thoughts on the song’s widespread appeal and the unexpected reactions he experiences when hearing slower, ballad versions of the track. “Sometimes I hear it, and when it’s slowed down like a sultry version, I’m like, ‘Oh those lyrics…’ It’s supposed to be dirty and raunchy and quick, and then the song is done,” he explained, highlighting the song’s intended energy and spirit.

When “Sex on Fire” was first considered for inclusion on the band’s album Only by the Night, Followill initially opposed its inclusion, fearing it might be perceived as a pop song. “I tried to not have it on the album. It was at the last second that we put it on. I was saying, ‘No, no, no. People are going to think it’s a pop song.’ Thank goodness I got outvoted on that,” he said. Nearly 17 years later, the song remains a cornerstone of the band’s identity, alongside other hits like “Use Somebody” and “The Bucket.”

Followill described the immediate audience reaction to the song, stating, “All I need to do is play the first few guitar notes of ‘Sex on Fire’ and fists jut into the air. We can play it at a funeral and the corpse would sit up.” Despite the song’s success, he acknowledged that replicating its impact has proven to be a challenge. “After it came out, I was like, ‘That was easy. I can write 50 of those,’” he recalled, noting a journalist’s challenge to do just that. “And here we are, still haven’t done it.”

New Music and Collaborations

Recently, Kings of Leon released a surprise EP titled #2, featuring four new songs that hark back to their raw beginnings, reminiscent of tracks from their first EP, Holy Roller Novocaine, released in 2003. This summer, the band expanded their reach by collaborating with country artist Zach Bryan, performing at various stadium shows. Followill praised Bryan’s artistic approach, likening it to the authenticity found in old-school hip-hop. “It reminds me of old school hip-hop, that hands-on approach, warts and all. People eat that up,” he stated, reflecting on the evolving landscape of music and audience preferences.

As Kings of Leon continues to explore new sounds and partnerships, the enduring legacy of “Sex on Fire” remains a testament to their impact on the music industry. The song’s blending of raw emotion and catchy melodies ensures it will continue to resonate with listeners and artists alike for years to come.