Although Tennessee rockers Kings of Leon are known mostly for their unexplainable diva-like antics and an ever radio-friendly sonic palette, what the band should be more recognized for is its ability to inspire a wide array of genres. In honor of the quartet coming to TD Garden this Friday, we take a look of some of our favorite R&B crooners who couldn’t keep their hands off the Kings of Leon catalog.
[Photo Credit: Dan Winters]
| 1. | Trey Songz – “Use Somebody” |
Mr. Steal Yo’ Girl is a singer best known for loading his show with deliciously perverse behavior, and being at the mercy of random female fans he selects from the crowd to grind on. But for this Kings of Leon cover, Songz keeps it considerably classy. Not only does he nail the song, but he (sadly) keeps it PG. While we may have expected some shirtless and sweaty trademark R&B moves (a la Jodeci), the closest we get to raunchy is Songz nuzzling his face in the neck of the girl he’s serenading. That’ll just have to do.
| 2. | Cee-Lo Green – “Radioactive” |
This KOL cover is as unexpected as it is refreshing. Cee-Lo effortlessly adds vibrant drama, vocal character, and reassuring soul to one of the band’s not so made-for-radio efforts. Green’s version of “Radioactive” is also very straightforward, led by its modest acoustic framework. Of course, this isn’t the first time Green has explored genre-bending opportunities. 2010’s epic The Lady Killer let the singer put his signature spin on Band of Horses’ “No One’s Gonna Love You,” which was nothing short of handsomely lean.
| 3. | Beyonce – “Sex on Fire” |
All hail Queen Bey! Is it even possible for anyone sexier to belt out this Kings of Leon breakout hit? The void left by Songz’ safe venture into cover territory is filled by Beyonce. Stringent vocals are nicely complemented by strategic and seductive body movements—rolling on the stage while simultaneously pressing a mic to her lips. It is really the only way to sing this song. Topped with a hot gold ensemble and hair of Diana Ross proportions, it’s clear that ‘Yonce lives by one mantra—do it big, or don’t do it at all.