Aha Shake Heartbreak

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Aha Shake Heartbreak is the second album released by the southern American rock band Kings of Leon. It was released in October 2004 in the UK and February 2005 in the US.

Although the band have never had a huge following, the album was met with critical acclaim and was widely appreciated among Kings of Leon fans. It shows a development in the maturity and innovation in the Kings' songwriting, from their debut album Youth and Young Manhood, which derives from their southern roots. Some of the more original moments in the album include "Milk", a subdued acoustic track accentuating Caleb Followill's distinctive vocal style, "King of the Rodeo", which epitomises the inventive writing for two guitars which is a strong feature of the album, and the subtle Latin-style coda to the opening track "Slow Night, So Long". When speaking about the album, the band remarked "if Youth and Young Manhood was the party, Aha Shake Heartbreak is hangover."

Thus far, "The Bucket", "Four Kicks" and "King of the Rodeo" have been released as singles in the UK.

The original version of the album featured a white background and an orchid, the second featured a black cover with a different kind of orchid. The second also contained the bonus track "Where Nobody Knows", and on both albums the flower is positioned in a suggestively sexual position.

Track listing

"Slow Night, So Long" (C. Followill/N. Followill/J. Followill/M. Followill) – 3:54
"King of the Rodeo" (C. Followill/N. Followill/J. Followill/M. Followill) – 2:25
"Taper Jean Girl" (C. Followill/N. Followill/J. Followill/M. Followill) – 3:05
"Pistol of Fire" (C. Followill/N. Followill/J. Followill/M. Followill) – 2:20
"Milk" (C. Followill/N. Followill/J. Followill/M. Followill) – 4:00
"The Bucket" (C. Followill/N. Followill/J. Followill/M. Followill) – 2:55
"Soft" (C. Followill/N. Followill/J. Followill/M. Followill) – 3:00
"Razz" (C. Followill/N. Followill/J. Followill/M. Followill) – 2:15
"Day Old Blues" (C. Followill/N. Followill/J. Followill/M. Followill) – 3:32
"Four Kicks" (C. Followill/N. Followill/J. Followill/M. Followill) – 2:09
"Velvet Snow" (C. Followill/N. Followill/J. Followill/M. Followill) – 2:10
"Rememo" (C. Followill/N. Followill/J. Followill/M. Followill) – 3:19
"Where Nobody Knows" (bonus track, UK edition only) (C. Followill/N. Followill/J. Followill/M. Followill) – 2:23

Like its predecessor, Aha Shake Heartbreak was recorded with producer Ethan Johns (Ryan Adams, Ben Kweller) at his 3 Crows studio in Los Angeles using the Beatles' old Abbey Road mixing desk. Once again, the band's longtime mentor, noted songwriter/producer Angelo, made additional co-production contributions. The tracks were cut completely live with no overdubs, and the stripped-down approach resulted in punchy, organic performances as well as some affecting moments of intimacy and sensitivity.

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