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THE REVIEW
The Killers, a quartet originating from Las Vegas that burst onto the scene in 2004 with their debut 'Hot Fuss', have been described by some as “the best British band coming from the United States”. The apparent contradiction is resolved by the choice, on the part of the band led by singer and keyboardist Brandon Flowers, to embrace modern sounds indelibly tied to those of the eighties.
The presence of Alan Moulder and Flood behind the mixing desk – already known for their work with Smashing Pumpkins, Depeche Mode, and U2 – immediately betrays the barely concealed desire of the band to create a masterpiece at all costs. The first track, "Sam’s Town", is the link between the past and the future of The Killers: not surprisingly, right after an opening marked by strings and synthesizers, Dave Keuning's guitar will increasingly take center stage, leading, after an anonymous piano interlude (Enterlude), into the riff of the first single "When You Were Young." Some tracks (Bling and Uncle Johnny) clumsily wink at U2, but Flowers has neither the credibility nor the vocal range of Bono. "For Reasons Unknown" is a pleasant little song where the lead singer of The Killers this time mimics Robert Smith of The Cure.
"Read My Mind, a more expansive version of their old hit "Mr. Brightside", until the annoying final guitar solo, is the happiest incident in the first part of the album. On second thought, after "Read My Mind", nothing else of significance happens. The brass and keyboards in Bones could be salvaged, but only because at least in this case The Killers have worked through subtraction: no inappropriate choruses (My List, Exitlude) or embarrassing Springsteen rip-offs (The River Is Wild).
"Sam’s Town" is a misstep, no matter how you look at it; the lyrics leave much to be desired, and the once carefree music has become pretentious and redundant. A total debacle.
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Summary by Bot
This review critiques The Killers' second album Sam's Town as an ambitious but ultimately flawed work. Despite high-profile producers and some standout tracks like 'When You Were Young' and 'Read My Mind,' the album suffers from pretentious songwriting and uninspired lyrics. Attempts to channel influences like U2 and The Cure fall short, leaving the album feeling redundant and overreaching. The review concludes that Sam's Town is a misstep in the band's career.Tracklist Lyrics
The Killers
The Killers are an American rock band formed in Las Vegas, Nevada, known for blending alternative rock with prominent 1980s-inspired synth and new wave elements.22 Reviews
Other reviews
By flebo
The Killers confirm 90% of the formula that made them famous: indie rock with ’80s influences.
’When You Were Young’ is an excellent hit representing the entire work.
By fabiopao
Unfazed by all the critical tripe thrown at them, the Killers managed not only to avoid the 'sophomore slump' but also to create an album with much fuller and more mature sounds than the electronic sound of 'Hot Fuss.'
'Read My Mind' is a melodic song like few have been made in recent years, which even the critics mentioned above may have secretly hummed.
By Danimulder83
Sam’s Town is an album finally complete and accomplished, stunning both from a sonic and lyrical standpoint.
I give 5 stars to this album, not a single fall, never boring or repetitive, always effective in every melody.
By Starblazer
"Sam's Town is an undeclared concept album, a kind of film without images that tells a story everyone can interpret as they wish."
"I am sincerely impressed by the beauty and the multitude of sensations this album can give if you completely abandon yourself to its flow."
