•
Rating:
THE REVIEW
It's a cruel world out there, if the reward for having released a multi-million debut album is to divide critics, more or less capable, into two categories: those who will shoot you down for not having delivered the "next big thing" they expected, and those who will shoot you down for daring (no less) to abandon those catchy and light tunes that enabled you to make the multi-million album mentioned above, for maybe trying to find rock roots that feel closer to you at that moment.
Not to mention those who will shoot you down because they think you just want to imitate U2, like in the '80s when everyone was shot for trying to come close to Led Zeppelin. Unfazed by all the critical tripe thrown at them, the Killers managed not only to avoid the "sophomore slump," the natural decline in quality that follows a big debut album, 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. "Sam's Town", "When You Were Young", "Bling" hold their own, while "Why Do I Keep Counting?" comes very close to "All The Things That I've Done" from the first album. Of course, there are significant missteps like the unlistenable "Where The White Boys Dance" (I hope it was a bonus track only on iTunes and that they didn’t include it on the CD) or the bland "Uncle Jonny", but overall, if only there were more bands out there that, on their second album, demonstrate the talent of these Killers...
Loading comments slowly
Summary by Bot
The Killers' second album Sam's Town boldly departs from their debut's electronic style, embracing fuller, mature rock sounds. Despite divided critics, the album avoids the sophomore slump and features standout tracks like 'Read My Mind' and 'When You Were Young.' While some songs falter, the album overall demonstrates impressive talent and growth.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 Adil
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.
Some tracks clumsily wink at U2, but Flowers has neither the credibility nor the vocal range of Bono.
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 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."
