Reviews (page 14 of 15)
Loved this on release, loved it still now
Instant classic for me. So nostalgic. I remember going to see them headline one of those NME tours with Bloc Party, Futureheads and Kaiser Chiefs
Extra star for familiarity. Great start, but tailed off.
I don't mind The Killers, but to be honest wouldn't say I'm a fan. Album has one or two good radio hits. Second half of the album fell flat in comparison to the first.
very good early 00s alt/garage revival rock. Much more than like 3 songs everyone know. Recommended
Shit alright this was pretty damn good. Really wanted to play the contrarian as I've never gotten into the Killers, but after giving this a couple listens, I finally get the appeal. Fav track: Andy your a star
Nostalgia points on this, be warned. THAT SAID This is an impeccable rock album. It's so catchy. I put it on all the time. Opens huge, has some nice sentimental with just the right amount of kitsch tracks, and isn't afraid to get all anthemic. There's little quirks in the production that still excite me, and I think the slight snarky quirk on traditional rock lyrics formats is (for the most part) a joy. There's a dud or two (Change Your Mind I never remember is a track on here, Midnight Show) but it's still an exemplar of the genre for me. I said what I said. What are you gonna do. KILL me? The KiLlers. Okay? Four and a half. Fave track: All These Things That I've Done
First half of this is just laced with the good stuff; hits that are lame as hell but still hold up. Overplay aside, there are some certified gems here. Second half lets this all down a bit, with kind of boring or forgettable or just kind of shit tracks. The Killers are such an interesting band. I think they have gone through waves of being considered cool, to lame, to cool again. This album is pretty imperfect but I think will only grow in its popularity among music purists as time goes on. It's simple, and it wears its influences of Floyd, Springsteen, and Queen right there for you. I can't explain why my favourite part of the whole album is that stupid goddamn 'I got soul but I'm not a soldier' chant... It's so stupid! But it's also amazing! It makes no sense! But it's got me singing along! A strong three stars. Fave track: All These Things That I've Done
Average
# 58 : Some good catchy tunes, but no real substance. Easy listening. Mr Brightside
This album makes white people go crazy. Mr. Brightside>Smile Like you mean it>Somebody Told me>All these things that I've done is actually an insane four track run.
The hits are decent for popular music but the rest is invariably dull or repetitive by comparison. Their image was somewhat interesting, a Las Vegas Mormon wearing eyeliner with a faux English flare to his singing.
A favourite of mine although it was my first time listening to the album as a whole. I am biased but this is a great indie/rock piece.
What is it with these Millenials retro-judging bands they used to rave about but now deem 'untrendy'. "I wouldn't be caught dead listening to them" (see what I did there?) This is a killer album (and again!) and nothing detracts from the impact it had at the time or the vibrancy of the songs. Heavily influenced by the late 70's New wave sentiment and almost anthemic in quality the first half is one hit after another. This is truly a great album. We'll see in another 20 years whether it still stands up as one of the greats? It's Indie Roll n' roll for me.
Listened to an uncompressed stream of this on $300 monitor headphones and it still sounds like it's coming out of $10 earbuds. Atrocious mix.
No favorites
The two big hits aside, I liked the first track and Change Your Mind.
Much better than I've ever given this band the credit for.
Pretty fun indie rock 00s
Very much a tale of two albums. The first half incredibly good. The second half incredibly forgettable
One of the groups that keeps impressing me with their inventiveness. And it started with their first album.
All of the singles from this album are great and I still hear them played, especially the monster Mr. Brightside. Some of the deeper cuts are pretty solid too but I personally find Andy, You're A Star to be pretty crappy. The highs on this album are just colossal. I just wish that several of these songs didn't remind me of a college girlfriend. I'm a happily married man now, but those memories do remain.
It may be a bit one-note, but it's a damn solid note.
I mean, just for the severe stranglehold this held in music in the 2000s, this earns its spot.
Mr. Brightside is my favorite part of this album, but after that none of the songs really clicked with me. 2/5
"I've got soul but I'm not a soldier" might be one of the stupidest lines from a hit song in the last 20 years. That said, I remember seeing these guys touring for this album at some shitty basement venue at Bumbershoot festival. I really didn't think they were more than a flash in the pan at the time. Fun songs, good album. But 20 years on, they're still going. Good for them.
Some great tracks on this one
Several great radio hits on this one that bring me back to mid 2000s.
felt like one long song. surprisingly unmelodic and aimless. Mr Brightside lives on but at what cost.
Energetic, interesting, but kind of annoying. Something for a workout or a night out, but not something I would throw on regularly.
Solid early 00's pop rock. It has in energy what it lacks in sophistication.
very decent album with obvious hit mr brightside although somebody told me is my personal favorite
This album is front loaded with a bunch of amazing Killers song (and ones that I often listen to!) but for some reason it doesn't impress me as much together as an album. It starts off so strong but the second half is honestly a snoozefest.
I’ve got ham but I’m not a hamster.
i've got ham but I'm not a hamster
Returning to this album for the first time in some time, I’m glad it’s still as good as I remember! The heavy amount of synthesizer is implemented well and adds variety between the songs. This album is a highlight of it’s time, very solid
Så chill
Good start, 3rd song wasn't my type, then Somebody told me sounds great but the rest of the album wasn't great at all, On top maybe wasn't so bad... I don't want to listen this album anymore
Fantastic album!
Starts off really good but about halfway through it just kinda drops in quality, not awful just the first half is WAY better.
HS Nostalgia, fun and upbeat
Behind the drunken singalong big hits, some interesting homages to synthy 80s New Romantic posturing, albeit with a bit too much guitar for my liking. Also Brandon Flowers was hot. Reminds me of jumping up and down at misshapes on a Thursday night in the early 2000s. For the same vibe but better, prefer Ezra Furman, the Strokes or Franz Ferdinand
Starts strong. Some of it is good. Some of it is average or below. 72/100
Front heavy with hits. I find it all a bit meh and superficial. Maybe I've heard Mr Brightside too many times. I don't think it will go down in history as a classic.
It's alright. They sound very European for an American band. They remind me of Pulp and Editors at times. The songs are good enough to justify their popularity. Nothing annoying about any of them. Easy to listen to. A lot of the songs go in one ear and out the other. Favorite song: Somebody Told Me.
It’s Indie-Pop‘n‘Roll for me. Harmless but very well produced 2.6
I really hate mr.brightside, this just isn't my jam
driving rock with infectious bass lines. the vocals are somewhere between singing and crooning. solid effort. highlights: “mr. brightside”, “somebody told me”, “andy, you’re a star”.
This was honestly great. The first half was "Killer" and the second half fell off a bit but not a single song I didn't like.
I didn’t realize that I already knew half this album. And I also didn’t realize that I like The Killers.
This album is almost 20 years old and still feels like it hasn't aged a day.
Four incredible hits. The other songs are pretty good too. Love the Killers and their retro 80's vibe and sound.
Good guitar and drums, and incredible energy throughout. With the hits on side A, I was worried it would lack side B but I enjoyed throughout. Let’s pretend the second to last track just doesn’t exist though.
When this album first came out, I wasn't interested in The Killers. To be fair I hadn't listened to more than a track or two, but listening 20 years later to the whole record, it was quite enjoyable. It's catchy and the songs were easy to listen to, which leads me to want to hear more. A solid, rambunctious romp of Hot Fuss should be enjoyed by all!
I love hearing men moan
Nostalgia probably ranks this album higher than it should. Or Mr. Brightside gives it a huge boost. Definitely 3.5/5 stars for me.
Classic 1st album brilliance. The Killers announce themselves with a complete piece of work that others can only gawp at in awe.
Just not my style / couldn’t wait for it to be over. 2.5/5
Classic American rock music, which is another way of saying it's rather over the top, and probably in order to cover up for the abundant superficiality.
I like The Killers, and there are some KILLER songs on the album :)
Going into this album, I was fully expecting it to be pretty lame outside of Mr. brightside and somebody told me but man was I wrong. The whole album was quintessential 2000s alt rock and still holds up despite being played to death for almost two decades now. I've heard Mr. brightside at every single party I've ever been to since I was in high school and all through college and it never fails to blow the roof off regardless of the vibe leading up to the point where you hear the opening riff. As for the other tracks, the first half up to all these things I've done is non-stop banger after banger while the second half really shines in the final two tracks of the whole album. It's a landmark in its genre and rightfully so.
Of all the early 2000s rock bands, this has got to be in the top few. Especially for this to be their debut album. Good stuff
So these are the lads who did "I've got ham but I'm not a hamster"?
All killer no filler! I actually enjoy the non singles a lot more on this record, probably because of how overplayed those singles were/are!
2/5. Although the first two songs are absolute bangers, it definitely falls way off after that. Somebody Told Me is also good but not amazing. If this was an EP, it would be awesome.
Too heavy and a bit much for me. It’s really how I imagine old rock from an early 2000 disneychanel movie. 2.0
It's not a good album but I can't say anything that bad about it. A few good songs a few boring songs. Mr Brightside hasn't survived being massively overplayed.
Ok
Mwah
Of course I have heard “Mr. Brightside” and other singles by The Killers, but I hadn’t really learned much about them until now. It’s interesting that their albums are even more popular in the UK than the U.S., because they sound very much like a neo-punk or new wave English Band. In fact it reminds me of The Arctic Monkeys debut album debut studio album, Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not, which I heard earlier. It’s not the same, but there are similarities. I love this type of melodic punk.
Feels like the big singles from Hot Fuss are quite a lot different from the rest of the (underwhelming) album, but they do some heavy lifting on their own tbf.
Sound track of my teenage years, this. Going back to it as a whole, it's really weirdly structured - did no one realise that the first five tracks were all going to be the singles when they put it together? Then tracks 6/7 are the next best two, before a load of a dross and then a nice closer. Still sounds great, they were really good live when I saw them last year as well. 4/5
One of the better debuts I've heard for sure. The Killers were part of that big boom in indie rock in the UK with Franz Ferdinand and The Strokes, but they did a great job at standing out here with this record. Lot of catchy songs with memorable melodies, I mean Mr. Brightside is an all time classic even with how often you hear it, and same for Somebody Told Me. But the rest of the album is soaked in a lot of shimmery guitars and synths, like On Top and Change Your Mind, while being lead with the soaring vocals and tons of charisma from frontman Brandon Flowers. It's a really strong album overall, and one of the better ones I've heard so far through this journey!
Mr Brightside is a bit annoying after you’ve heard it a zillion times, but I have to concede that the first half of this album is relentless, banger after banger. The second half is pretty good as well, it only seems weak compared to the first half.
It was alright. Cant say much more about it.
While the melodies are a bit generic, it got the best riffs I have ever heard for a while. A nice, grungy combination of Pulp and P!ATD.
Not super into it, but it wasn't bad either. The Killers are good at writing tunes that are catchy at first but don't have a lot of real substance. But there's nothing in their music I actively dislike, so I guess it's a solid "average" record for me.
This was decent. I liked it more than I expected to. The singles are still terrible, but maybe that's just because of oversaturation. Who knows. 2.75/5
I hope you’re happy, you made me listen to “Mr. Brightside” all the way through. Because I’m not happy. D
There are some pretty weak album tracks here (Midnight Show and On Top not among them), but they're more than made up for by the absolute classic singles. It's easy to see why Hot Fuss put the Killers on the map, and it still holds up to this day. 3.5/5
Esta lá o hit "Somebody Told Me" suficiente para entender o indie com alguma animação.
Solid album, front heavy
Debut album released in 2004. You can’t ignore the heavy hitting singles on this album that justifies its popularity. The album does drift off beyond those tracks.
I never really got into The Killers despite one of my friends really being into them at their peak. This record doesn't move me much. They're just more of that early aughts nicked from the past vibe. It's hard to see what the fuss is about.
actually ok
great album, looking forward to the next recommendation
Always good - no notes
Good album. Probably the only album by The Killers that I really like. I would give it 4 stars, but it kinda fades and is probably just too long.
I've started to warm up to New Wave music recently and I think this was a good album to have at this time. Hot Fuss is certainly one of the more well-known modern rock albums (especially for 2000s rock) and wasn't half bad in my opinion. The New Wave aesthetic of this album worked pretty well and it made some enjoyable tracks. Of course, Mr. Brightside was a very enjoyable New Wave track that had good vocals and was pretty enjoyable all things considered. However, I think I enjoyed the more synth-oriented tracks like Somebody Told Me, Andy You're a Star, and Everything Will Be Alright (even if the former's lyrics don't sit right with me for whatever reason). Speaking of which, Everything Will Be Alright made for a very melancholic ending that didn't fit right as an ending but was a pretty enjoyable song. Overall, the instrumentals were pretty good and the vocals were decent (the few bits of synth work were nice), but I'm not keen on the lyrics as a whole except in a few parts. I think that's what's holding the album back in my opinion (I'd say the song with the best lyrics is Mr. Brightside if that means anything but it might be the best song so I don't truly know). In the end, it's a nice album that was pretty enjoyable. I'd say an 8/10 is fair for this album.
Killer album. Lot of hate directed toward it on here but I like it a lot. Very rooted in a specific time.
The Killers are rock music for people that don't necessarily love rock music. And that's fine, but I've never been the type to fall hard for this album. It's not horrible, but I'll take hearing a single every now and then over trying to trudge through an entire Killers album.
You know what, I like this album more and more as the years go by. I thought this was a fun album when it came out and now I think it is close to perfect. I still regularly listen to it nearly 20 years on where other bands from the same era are not shown the same love. There are some cheesey moments but that just adds to the appeal
Full of bops but overplayed :/
This album is an amazing example of someone blasting out of the gates on their first record and never really capturing it again. First 5 songs are very strong, some of the album tracks are interesting, 'Everything Will Be Alright' is a stand out. Between a very high 2 and a low 3, scrapes a 3
Really good album. Great debut to the Killer's discography. Can be a little boring aside from the hit songs, but does play like a greatest hits record. 8/10
Mr Brightside is a hit. Somebody told me is alright. Rest of the album was pretty forgettable. No wonder I only knew the singles.
Lekker
Being released in the year I was born, this album brought back so many early memories. For me it's (even though it's not that old) a truly timeless album
Interessante. Bellissima 'Somebody told me'
73 of 1001 The Killers - Hot Fuss Rating : 3/5 Favorite Track : Somebody Told Me Went to read up a bit more on this and find that it has been removed form later editions of this album list. That is disappointing. I really enjoyed this. Went in expecting some heavy punk stuff that could be hit or miss but was surprised. This is one I'll go back to. Good tunes.
AJ: First 5 songs are great. Do not need the rest. At all. Jenny opener is top notch. Cat: I never really cared for the two songs I knew were the Killers (somebody told me and me bright side). I do really like all the things I’ve done and didn’t know it was them! They have a cool sound. Very 80s. They’re alright
Loses steam by the end but still great overall
Bien, pero no es mi favorito de The Killers.
Pretty standard
"Hot Fuss" is the debut studio album by the Las Vegas-based rock band The Killers. New wave, post-punk, alternative rock, revival and synth pop are the named genres. Yeah, I'll go with all those after a deeper listen. The album received generally positive reviews. It was a huge success hitting #7 in the US and #1 in the UK and four hit singles. The album starts off with "Jenny Was a Friend of Mine," the third part of their murder trilogy. Swirling helicopter sounds into a dramatic opening. The bass stands out. The boy is taken in for questioning on the murder of Jenny. Guitar keys open their big one "Mr. Brightside." The band kicks in. Catchy song. Catchy music. Hello rock arenas from here on out. Jealously and paranoia, as lead singer/ keyboardist Brandon Flowers tells the true story of walking into a Vegas bar as his girlfriend is with there with another guy. Well, most of us have been there. Keyboards open the fourth and final single "Smile Like You Mean It." Another song where the music kicks in shortly after the intro. Great keyboard chorus and guitar solo bridge. Coming to terms with growing up and getting older. Another catchy lyrical chorus in "Somebody Told Me." "Boyfriend who looks like a girlfriend" and rhyming confidential and potential. Flowers wrote "All the Things That I've Done" after talking with TV host Matt Pinfield and his work with PTSD/wounded soldiers from the IRAQ War. It's slower. Piano. Organ. The Sweet Inspirations on backing vocals giving it a soulful feel. I think I've mention The Sweet Inspirations along with The Wrecking Crew the most in this challenge. A deeper cut that's pretty good and one you really hear The Smiths' guitar influence is "Believe Me Natalie." Idiosyncratic drums and apparently about a women with aids. The most rocking song on the album is "Midnight Show," the second part of the murder trilogy where he kills and dumps Jenny. Dramatic keys and eerie guitar. I admit to getting this album when it first came out; I liked "Mr. Brightside." This sounded good today as well. I maybe came in looking for something to dislike but really didn't find anything major. You hear The 80's, The Smiths and Joy Division influences. They do a great cover of "Shadowplay," by the way. Solid melodies. Catchy choruses and singalong lyrics. Dramatic, not quite edgy. The first five songs are alt-music radio staples. A great, professional live band. One of the albums I don't need to recommend or not since I know everyone has a position on their music at this point.
Yeah, I mean, classic record. I don't love a lot of the singles on this album, but somehow in the context of the record, they felt fine/appropriate. I think overall I find The Killers' schtick a little thin and like weirdly consumerist? Like it feels glossy and manufactured in a way that's off-putting to me, but I do think this record has some bangers. Not sure when Mr. Brightside became a staple of every white person's wedding, but it definitely could be worse. Also, All These Things That I've Done should be the record's closer, full stop. Standouts: Mr. Brightside, Smile Like You Mean It, Somebody Told Me, All These Things That I've Done, Change Your Mind
There are three absolute bangers on this album, and some very weak tea outside of that. 4*s for the bangers, but i'd have more of a 3.5 vibe for the whole thing as a whole
Iconic album. Mr. Brightside, All these things that I've done are favorites.
Está más que bien. Naturalmente, ya había escuchado The Killers, pero nunca "de verdad". Siendo sincero, esperaba que fuera algo muy equis, que le gusta a la gente solo por que le gusta a la gente y que no pasaría de tres. Por suerte, me terminó sorprendiendo. Tampoco es la gran cosa, pero, definitivamente, tengo un mucho mejor concepto sobre The Killer ahora.
I FUCKING HATE THE KILLERS. Their music is whiny and annoying, and was way overplayed on the radio. No thanks.
Awesome album I should’ve listened to when it came out.
Not bad, bit overrated
classic
Topplaat in de indie-rock!
The first five tracks are flawless. I always have a soft spot for Mr Brightside, it’s the song of the iPod generation. But looking back from 2023 I have a new appreciation for All These Things That I’ve Done. The rest of the album don’t compare unfortunately and for that I need to rate the album down. In 2004 there are better dance post punk garage type bands like The Strokes and Franz Ferdinand. The Killers would make better albums later (Day and Age I think of their best) and perfect their sound into a stadium rock style. But I also like the rougher guitar tone in this album. Amusingly, Glamorous Indie Rock & Roll sounds like they’re attempting a Queen sound haha.
This is a really good album, beyond the obvious hits on here there are some other great songs
very cool
Somebody toold meee you had a boyfriend who looked like a girlfriend that i had in feeebruary of laaast year Ik hoor alleen maar bangers
Magnificent!
Never listened to this before, despite the ubiquitous singles. Not very good
Solid album with some truly great and energetic riffs and melodies. It loses a star for me for the overplayed singles and lack of consistent style, even though the variation from 80’s synth-pop to 2000’s indie pop rock wasn’t weak on either side.
-Never got into these guys back in the day, they weren't heavy enough for my tastes at the time. Track One ================================================ -Has a neat bassline, it's kinda catchy Track Two ================================================ -Always hated this song -wtf this song has 1.75 BILLION plays on spotify??? Track Three ================================================ -during verse, the guitar in the background sorta sounds Modest Mousey Track Four ================================================ -intro's actually kinda cool -chorus reminds me i never liked this song -grudgingly admit the verse isn't bad -really not into the chorus though Track Five ================================================ -i think i'm good on this album but i'll give this song a chance -this one's not bad, the timbre of the vocals isn't annoying like the two big hits i recognized (though i actually recognize this one too, i just didn't hate it when i was younger) -instrumentals are actually pretty chill -maybe i'll give the rest of the album a chance: good job Track 5, you saved the day Track Six ================================================ -i like the tone on the guitar during the intro/verse -i feel neutral/indifferent about the actual song Track Nine ================================================ -not crazy about this album Track Twelve ================================================ -okay, we made it. gonna go listen to lofi girl
Good album, the singles are fire aswell as some of the fillers. Better than expected overall
Absolutely loved it - what a throwback
One of the better early 2000’s indie side A’s. Good variation and they keep it interesting. Trying to take out my bias of loving singing mr bright side drunk as fuck
det är otroligt bra
I can't help it. I've had this album on repeat since 2004.
Loved the dancier stuff like the singles, but their slow songs weren’t for me.
Even having its lows, an already legendary album, fully packed by timeless hits
Very, very close to a 3, then that last song hit. Wtf guys.
Love the Killers! Love this album & would listen anytime.
Dragged on a bit towards the end, but fun alt rock overall
Yeah The Killers is never really my thing but growing up this brings a lot of memories.
One of my favorite albums of all time
Mr. Brightside is great, the rest of the album is serviceable.
Really dig this. Great indie rock. 5/5
good album
It's very close to being a 4. The first 4 tracks of the album are all amazing, then the middle is fine but nothing amazing and then it picks back up at the end. With the exception of Everything Will Be Alright that one I don't really care about.
I never really bought into The Killers. They seemed way too polished and manufactured, and sounded just like every other garage/dance type bands coming out in the 2000s it was hard to tell them apart from everyone else. Listening to this now, it is slightly better than I remember, but most of my initial criticisms still hold. I get that this was like, the longest charting album ever in the UK or something, but popularity doesn't mean it's good art. I mean, I'd rather listen to this than plenty of other things, but that's a pretty low bar.
Trying hard to be cool is fine if you achieve it but this album misses. The production is great and the instrumental performances are good but everything else is mediocre or worse. The lyrics are bad and the vocal performance is Simon-LeBon-tweaked-to-sound-good-on-early-millennium-pop-radio. The corny moments happen too frequently to ignore. Any band committing these sins can be absolved by creating terrific songs but they just aren't here.
Mr. Brightside, Smile Like You Mean It, Somebody Told Me, On Top and Believe Me, Natalie. I’ve heard some of these before and some are good and a lot of them are bleh. Generic pop rock from the early 2000’s which technically isn’t a bad thing because it’s mostly catchy.
smile like you mean it is a 5, jenny was a friend of mine was good. it's front loaded. it falls off and becomes energetic wilco after the first few songs.
Good album - the hits are definitely the best tracks.
Ok album, but hits destroyed by overexposure. Cannot listen to Mr Brightside without hearing it in my head screeched out at a karaoke machine by a hen night.
Contains nearly the most iconic song of the 2000s, this makes a pretty good album to support that.
Y'know, when I first saw this album pop up for today, my initial reaction was "ugh... The Killers... Fuckin' hate'em..." But about three or four songs into the album, I was actually digging the hell out of it. I didn't get it, I heard these guys way back in high school and thought they were trite, weak, indie pop rock. What happened? Well, looking back, I think I might've seen the band name "The Killers" and thought "Oh sweet! That sounds like the name of a sick-ass metal band!" and was deeply disappointed to find that they sounded more like Muse on Xanax. But going in without that expectation this time around, I enjoyed this album quite a bit. I wouldn't really say it does a whole lot to elevate itself above all the other early 00's indie rock, but I dug it.
Solid alt rock record. A little too bubbly for my taste but still good. It feels a little safe which is not something I am personally looking for in alt rock. I think my favorite tracks were "Mr. Brightside", "Jenny Was A Friend Of Mine", "Believe Me Natalie" and "Somebody Told Me". It is a pretty listenable album but I feel like a lot of the tracks are just a little neutral and don't stand out. I would give it a 7/10.
Aside from the two obvious hits on this, I'd never listed to the album - and I'm not sure I could have necessarily identified either of those as being by the Killers. They're the sort of band that if I'd been at a festival with them headlining I'd probably be at a side stage watching something obscure and North African instead. But I'm old and this isn't and it passed me by. But it's not bad at all - although the first side seems better, more productive, than the second maybe. I found myself tapping along to it and it's the sort of music I can imagine being on before a sporting event or in the interval between a support band and the main act. It's not going to alienate anyone and is familiar enough for everyone to get along with. It's OK then. A decent effort. 3.5ish, so it's a 4 because it's better than a bunch of 3s I've rated. The drums could use being a bit better produced perhaps, but then this was probably made, in part, for mp3.
great album all around - All these things that I've done is an absolute banger
Mr who
Gran album, la primer mitad son temazos, dsps se queda un poco. Indie bueno
Lots of angst on this one. The hits on here are “killer” bum bum tsss.
Killers were a band that arrived while I was in university with no time/money to explore new bands. Listening to this record I definitely missed out.
Really good pop music. The tracks are still played regularly.
3.5/5 Speak of the devil! I'm glad I got to listen to this album right after we spoke about it recently. I knew 3 songs this time! I'm moving up in the world. The Killers have a really timeless sound, like they could be from last year or the 80s. Who knows? I really like their rhythms and melodies. It seemed like someone stole his girlfriend right out from under his nose though, cause like half the songs were about that.
Another album I own and therefore already have an opinion on. The album starts out great with a bombastic opener and contains multiple mega hits but doesn't quite keep the quality up enough to warrant an outright 5 stars. One I'll listen to again no doubt, had already been debating doing just that just the other day in fact...
feels very weird listening to mr brightside while not in a provincial town pub in saturday night mode, you know where they turn some lights off , play the music louder and clear some tables for a 'dancefloor'. this album has done a full roller coaster of going form being eagerly anticipated cool album to the wedding DJ classic shunned by anyone with an ounce of musical taste. obviously i count myself in that category as my musical taste is superior to anyone else alive so these days i wouldn't choose to listen to this album but being made to i realise how steeped in nostalgia those first 5 tracks are for me as they take me back to my heyday when you couldn't move for indie clubs and in said indie clubs you would probably hear all of the first 5 tracks each night. although i will have listened to the album back in the day i have absolutely no recollection of the second half. it must have been one of those that got turned off as soon as it hit the shit half. who would have guessed hot fuss would be the album to make me waffle on like this? maybe its because its friday afternoon and i'm winding down for the weekend.
First 5 songs are big, then it completely nose dives into oblivion. I think they had about 3 more songs in the rest of the 20 career. I genuinely can't believe they're still considered MASSIVE. Just an 00s indie band, no better than Maximo Park or The View.
This was a lot better than I was expecting. I liked the first song and “Believe Me Natalie”. Don’t really like the vocals though.
Was interduces to this album from my dad, I do really enjoy this album. Mr. Brightside is so good, such a great stadium anthem song. All These Things That I've Done is definitely the second-best song on the album.
Some bangers, but the Album energy is like straight downhill (4/5) for iconic songs
Meh, I found this album to be rather bland.
I don’t hate The Killers, I just hate “Mr. Brightside”
I will now recount a real conversation between myself and my father. For context, we were at a tailgate, he was 5 or 6 beers deep, and was actively scrolling through his iPod Shuffle: Dad: "Where's my good playlist? I thought it was Bill's Volume 9 but I can't find it. Maybe it's Bill's Volume 12" Me: "You should probably rename your playlists. How do you know it's the good playlist anyways?" Dad: "It has Mr. Brightside on it." In case you were wondering, the date of this conversation was September 2022.
There’s definitely more to this album than Mr.Brightside and Somebody Told Me. It was better than I was expecting and pretty good, but I didn’t hear anything new or wildly creative.
Hot Fuss? More like Cold Complacency. I can't give Mr. Brightside anything over a 2, it'd be a slap in the face to music everywhere. I will say though, it was pretty good.
Amazing how many of these songs i knew almost by heart
Between 3 and 4
I was genuinely excited for this album because it has some bangers, but I found myself disappointed with the full album as the remaining tracks seemed mediocre to me.
Couple bangers lol
There's always room in one's musical diet for records like this ... edgy, stylish, glittery and not afraid a pop hook or silly lyric in the service of cool. "Glamorous Indie Rock & Roll," indeed!
I can imagine listening to this again
I had forgotten about Jenny, a subtle great song. Brightside & Somebody had so much radio play in 2004-05-06, I'm still kinda sick of it. Smile is another good track that was solid. On Top was another heckova track. Really, this album had a Baker's half-dozen original hit songs during the fading sunset of rock n roll originality & creativity. 4.5/5
My first Killers album. This album has a deep grained meaning for me. I had put it onto my mp3 player and listened to to the Hot Fuss album religiously along with The Coral Magic and Medicine album back in 2004 and 2005 before and after my brain tumour surgery, so they are etched in stone in my head forever as awesome albums that got me through a difficult time.
Loved this album
A lot of well-known, decent songs. Just so overplayed in the naughties!
Its got a ton of hits and keeps it pace from start to end.
Outside of the classics the rest of the album feels a bit lackluster tbh
One of my favourite albums of the century so far. Full of songs that were everywhere when I was a student, so always nostalgic for me. However, hard not to hear Bill Bailey singing about hamsters, in the back of my head. A brilliant album
Me. brightside is the only song I still genuinely enjoy, besides that it really bored me, maybe I’m not an dramatic teen anymore or maybe I just grew out of it…
One of my favorite albums of all time. Such bangers from the get go, including everyone's favorite, "Mr. Brightside". One of the easiest 5 stars I could give. 10/10.
The killes is probably the best American college rock band.
Mr bright side rises
One of the best debut albums ever. Hasn’t aged at all and sounds as good on the 100th listen as it does on the first.
banal
Funkar absolut.
I liked this album when it came out with its retro-80’s sound. It has gotten a lot of undeserved hatred recently.
Vuosi 2004 musiikkina. Toimii. Mutta aika stadion
Indie-musiikkiin sisään rakennettu sentimentaalisuus on asia, joka yksinkertaisesti hiertää - ei sanoitusten, vaan äänimaailman ja tekstuurin tasolla. OK, tämä bändi ainakin esittää osaavansa nauraa itselleen. Mitä sitten? Korviini välittyvä empiirinen data ei muutu siitä mihinkään.
To me this is more nostalgia than quality. A decent enough pop album, but nothing extraordinary.
No doubt this is a great album, and I am BEYOND happy it is on here. But something within the wiki excerpt above got me thinking. Nothing in there indicates this is "the greatest album of all time". All signs point to this being on the list due to some grammy wins. It didn't even debut at #1 on Billboard. It just makes me wonder about how many awesome albums we are missing on this list that are much more acclaimed. Hip Hop albums that came out at #1 or even Pop and R&B albums. That's where I am starting to see the bias in this list. Of course, we have been calling out the bias for about two years now but I think this adds even more evidence to that argument. Other than that, this album is a classic. Mr Brightside is one of my favorite songs that always gets me to dance. Somebody Told Me is great too, and I always like getting to listen to the full album since I mostly just enjoyed those singles. Also very chill album cover.
Oh boy, here's a big one. I can't remember if we had Sam's Town on here yet? I would imagine that might be on this list too. This album has some serious classics, including the white boy national anthem "Mr. Brightside." Also, "Glamorous Indie Rock & Roll" is a fantastic song that I had never heard until pretty recently, Dea has it in her playlist and it's a banger. There are some songs on here where the vocal mix or perhaps just the amount of power Brandon Flowers is using to sing is pretty low, and then the album wraps up with that absolute belter, which makes me wish that vocal energy was present throughout. Still, a great album, and I'm very glad it made it to the list. Favorite tracks: Mr. Brightside, Glamorous Indie Rock & Roll, Somebody Told Me, Smile Like You Mean It, Andy You're a Star. Album art: I always liked this one, the soft hazy blue. Sometimes at quick glance I think I'm looking at candles, but I think it's highrise buildings, maybe in China or Japan based on the characters in neon. Die Rise easter egg? 4/5
Good, probably heard all the songs before but not the full album, good but felt overly familiar
A nostalgic trip. The pop anthems make me want to sing along to these songs that I don't understand, but still know pretty well. It's a bit meaningless in that way, but still enjoyable.
Probably a solid 3.5 stars. I definitely liked this more back in the day, and I’ll be curious as to how well the albums of the noughts fare. Not well, I presume.
I like this. Lots of hits.
Comme tous les gens de mon âge, j’ai beaucoup entendu Somebody Told Me, mais le groupe ne m’a jamais captivée. Cette écoute a confirmé que je n’accroche tout simplement pas, je ne saurais expliquer pourquoi
Mr Brightside and Everything Will Be Alright are total bangers but I kinda think the rest of the album is mid I’m mostly just petty because my mom is the BIGGEST Killers fan like I’m convinced the reason we lived in Henderson, Nevada was because that’s where Brandon Flowers is from I just, idk, her taste in music in garbage this album wasn’t bad but I just want to hate it out of spite 7/10
Got this. Takes me straight back to 2004.
This album triggered my tinnitus so badly after two songs that for the first time in 425 albums, I tapped out. I know I'm not missing much. The Killers emerged in the early 00's bland reawakening of pop rock along with Modest Mouse and Franz Ferdinand. Had it not been for the arena popular Mr Brightside, The Killers would be a budget bin selection like the other two. But, it is and Hot Fuss is still deemed a 'Must Listen' and whether it truly is or not for this list, when it comes to Tinnitus sufferers, it is not. So if you dear listener come across this review, please check your volume and protect your ears, unless you want to not listen to music that you do and do not enjoy. 3/5.
This is a fun rock/pop album. It starts strong with "Jenny Was A Friend Of Mine", which is flollowed by the mega hit "Mr. Brightside" (which I never could warm up to). Another very good track would be "Andy, You're a Star", but not all of the tracks are equally strong, and the album loses a bit of steam in it's second half. No matter - this is still a record that deserves to be listened to again. 3.5/5
S - MARK NEEDHAM!!!!! Your boyfriend looks like my girlfriend
Iconic album of my College years. Some amazing tracks on this but not quite a 5 star album for me.
Some great songs but many forgettable ones. Every song sounds kind of the same. 3.5/5
No way this is a must listen album. The singles will be played for many years and that is all that is worth listening to.
It's just a good album, great songs, great sound.
3 or 4 great great songs but the rest is filler. Could have been an amazing album but it’s better than average.
A god damn classic. No ifs, ands, or buts. A soundtrack. A moment in time. Catchy as hell songwriting.
I noticed that I liked the less popular songs on the album.
It's a very solid early 2000's alternative rock album. I know it's not perfect but it's one of two albums that got me really into music as a serious hobby and not just something that plays in the background or in the car. Also it's got to be one of the greatest debut albums of all time.
My eldest daughter’s first real record, I bought it for her seventh birthday. It remains in her top five all time
Sonido muy sólido en general, con algunos clásicos y otros buenos temas. Volvería a repasarlo
In all truth, this is a quite strong album, it has some great tunes, good attitude, and it was quite trascendental. A couple of songs are tunes for the ages, with that everything will be alright song being quite outstanding. This should be a 4 stars album but I will never forget the band for riding this one to exhaustion, publishing their worst work to date again and again across the last 2 decades, I hate the fact that this has become the band for people who truly don’t like music, god I hate them sho much. My god I hate their presence in pop culture god I hate that flowers dude
Niks mis mee, maar het greep me niet echt. 3.7
Couple of deep cuts that I would have never found. Glad this project made me listen to the whole album having only heard the singles. However the back half was fairly slow. The 6 minute song took a long time to build.
Going in with a neutral mind. I promise. First song sounds insane recording wise for some reason to me, but then it just goes into hit after hit and totally didn’t even realize all these were from one record. Pleasant surprise to listen all the way through :-)
synths are wack but songs are hits
CD
Fun album from when I was a kid. Not every song is a 10/10, but it gels great and there's a lot of character in it.
Classic indie songs. Every white boy's wet dream. Can't not sing along. I'm not even sorry. All these things that I've done ✔️ Mr Brightside ✔️ wasn't sure whether to go for it. But 5 stars it is
I GOT SOUL BUT I'M NOT A SOLDIER
Listed as p916 in my edition of the book but! p916 has K.I.A by Mila! 2004. 3 stars. Oddly soulless pop-rock. Plenty of cracking tunes, and I feel I should like it more than I do, but Brandon Flowers voice puts me off. "I've got soul but I'm not a soldier". Yeah, and I've got ham, but I'm not a hamster.
I straight up HATED this album when it came out, but after not hearing it for almost 20 years(??? I'm old), it's not too bad. I think I mostly hated the cringe-y lyrics? Those are still pretty cringe-y, but I've learned to embrace cringe over the years, so it's less of a deal breaker now. Anyway, it was overplayed as hell for what it is, but it's not bad. The first 4 songs are damn good, the rest is alright. Solid 3.5 (rounded down as per protocol).
Classic mid-00s sounds. Could be at home in a stadium or a medium-sized club. Would’ve loved to see these guys live in 2004. Sing along choruses.
Mr. Brightside is one of the best songs ever. Somebody Told Me goes pretty hard too. The rest of the album is just ok
I kind of liked one song, and thought there was some interesting basslines here and there, but otherwise found the album rather intolerable
A familiar classic
top heavy but fuck it LETS GOOOOO first 5
Sonzao, bom voltar a curtir fim atenção
Le tube de cet album est constamment repris par des petits cons.
Les Killers se sont vraiment surpassés sur cet album, voici d'ailleurs ce qu'en pense ChatGPT: Hot Fuss est un album qui a marqué l'histoire du rock alternatif avec son mélange unique de sonorités pop, new wave et post-punk. Cet album est le fruit de la créativité des membres du groupe, qui ont su apporter leur touche personnelle à chaque chanson. Cependant, je suis sûr que même les chansons les plus captivantes de l'album ne pourront pas empêcher robgruyère de faire tomber ses spaghettis sur ses chaussures en plein milieu de la cantine, comme il l'a fait en classe de 4ème trip-hop. Cette anecdote en dit long sur la maladresse de robgruyère, qui semble être incapable de faire quoi que ce soit sans provoquer un désastre. Mais au moins, avec Hot Fuss, tu peux te consoler en écoutant de la musique de qualité, sans te soucier de ce que robgruyère pourrait faire de mal. Cet album est un véritable chef-d'œuvre, et il mérite d'être écouté encore et encore.
Some solid singles
Yey, finally a nice album after a long string of mediocre at best albums. This one definitely has a few bangers and some nostalgia value associated with those as well, but it's the first time I'm hearing this one in it's entirety. The album does get weaker on the second half and I'm a bit on the fence about rounding the whole thing up to 5 stars. But the first half really is pretty great and the album seems like it has quite some re-listening value.
This one's on a very short shortlist for *the* album that soundtracked my generation's high school years, and, while that probably influences my opinion of it, I reckon any generation could do a lot worse. The four singles range in hugeness from *occasionally overlooked but everyone still knows all the words* (Smile Like You Mean It), to *automatic singalong at any event anywhere for the rest of time* (Mr Brightside). Then there's the strength in depth: non-singles like Jenny Was A Friend Of Mine, On Top and Glamorous Indie Rock & Roll are cut from the same anthemic cloth as the hits, while I've always have a soft spot for icy-but-comforting tones of Everything Will Be Alright, too. The Killers are distinguished survivors of the 00s indie scene Hunger Games, possibly through sheer force of will and stadium-sized ambition, but also because they just have more good tunes than most of their competition.
Catchy as hell and gave us Mr Brightside so it fully deserves to be on the list. It’s like Nee Order for the modern age. I think the b side loses its way a tiny bit but an excellent listen. High 4.
Крутой альбом из золотого времени популярности британской волны, которая серьезным образом повлияла на Американскую инди сцену. Почти каждая песня шедевр и заслушана до дыр. Рекомендую! 5 баллов из 5.
I don't really see what sets this album apart from the myriad of other '80s-influenced pop-punk albums that came along in the early 00s. Yes, there are hooks and singles that make you sit up and take notice temporarily but for the most part, it's just formulaic drivel for the masses. When a pop-punk-dance album just drones unnoticed in the background, it's time to move on.
Ik vroeg om iets stevigers na Dusty Springfield en dit is precies stevig genoeg. Lollige festivalpopmuziek, een aantal nummers komen bekend voor, wat jaren 80-tonen, het klinkt allemaal prima.
Deze lag al jaren op de digitale plank om 'eens' te luisteren. Want de bekende nummers zijn gewoon lekker. Goed dus dat de 1001 mij 'dwingt' het nu eens echt op te zetten. Het album begint met deze top-platen. Wat vooral opvalt dat de (stevige) instrumenten en zang samen echt een éénheid vormen. Zelfs de computer blend soms netjes in in het het geheel. Terwijl de losse instrumenten niet hun individuele waarde verliezen. Dan ook nog gewoon een lekker ritme en dan staat de eerste helft als een huis. De tweede helft van het album verlang ik vooral terug naar de eerdere platen. Ik word er niet warm of koud van. Het totaal is een dikke 4 sterren.
The Killers vonden na 1 plaat uitgebracht te hebben, dat ze al headliner op een festival als Lowlands moesten zijn. Amper een handvol bescheiden hitjes op zak en meneer Flowers stond op het podium als een soort megalomane superster. Ik was er niet zo van onder de indruk. Maar nu 20 jaar later zijn die bescheiden hitjes van het eerste albums uitgegroeid tot absolute evergreens en een nummer als Mr. Brightside mag zich rekenen tot een van mijn persoonlijke favorieten. Jammer dat de kwaliteit zich niet echt doorzette, alleen het 2e album is nog top, daarna kwijnt het weg in verschrikkelijke jaren 80 wave. Maar we beoordelen hier slechts het eerste album en dat is simpelweg wereldklasse.
Wait a second, this is actually pretty good. I thought The Killers were a sort of Imagine Dragons-ish band, but this is just some solid 00s rock. It's nothing mindblowing and "Mr Brightside" is still the best song here, but I still enjoyed this.
Iconic, genre defining
2.5
Pretty shocked this album made it on the list. The debut album from the killers held nothing back. The first half of this album is pretty amazing. Mr brightside I’d a great song and unfortunately has become so overplayed now. This album is pretty nostalgic as I listened to it many times since it released and still do from time to time. The songs are catchy, fun and a good mix of the new wave sound with the modern melodic punk of the 00s. They were one of my favorite bands and this album is why. 9.1/10
3.7 - These guys churned out a handful of hits and it’s impressive to hear those back to back on here. Respectable hard rock - energetic and crowd-pleasing. Last two tracks are a little trippier than the rest and worth a listen.
I thought to myself, "I don't know that I've actually listened to a Killers album before..." And then I hit play and realized that, while I may have never listened to a Killers album, I KNOW these songs. "Hot Fuss" managed to so thoroughly saturate American culture that I knew the hooks to easily half of the tracks, if not more. And, it turns out, all the other tracks all slapped. Shockingly good. Zero criticisms.
Rock alternativo y new wave. 2 megahits. Me ha gustado. Un 4.
Bien, pero no es mi favorito de The Killers.
Amazing yes front loaded as fuck but amazing 5/5
I liked Hot Fuss a lot when I was younger, or at least a part of it, and still very much enjoy it today. In a way that Like A Prayer did not appeal to me, this is pop music that kisses my ears. So what’s the difference? I realize that’s a stupid question. Just working through my own thoughts. I would be curious if my larger familiarity with pop music in 2004, due to being alive, compared to Like A Prayer in 1989, when I was not alive, has a part to play. ‘Jenny Was A Friend Of Mine’ was goose bumps as Mr. Flowers sang the song’s title. Maybe it’s just coincidence that this was the opener, but this was the song I remember being my favorite. It all feels so honest as a story. Another member texted me that it feels like a very convincing show because it’s put on by an actual band and “not like theater kids”. I am in agreement. ‘Mr. Brightside’ is more than a frat basement banger. More than the song a live band plays in a bar. I remember ‘Mr. Brightside’ was exciting. Exposure to lyrics that are sexual in nature, making the music seem almost forbidden at 12 years old. A chorus meant for singing. No connection to the lyrical content other than the fact that it just sounded good. And it doesn’t stop. ‘All These Things That I’ve Done’ is the perfect backing to a coming of age story. ‘Smile Like You Mean It’ and ‘Change Your Mind’ both touch on love remembered in different ways. All these songs simply sounded great before, and again feel different in meaning having grown up a little. Having listened with more frequency years ago, I realize I would really only listen up to ‘Change Your Mind’, often skipping ‘Andy, You’re A Star’ and ‘On Top’. This time around, the entirety of Hot Fuss provided another change in experience where certain songs were genuinely new to my ears. I originally didn’t really understand why people liked ‘Andy’ before because I stupidly didn’t listen to the whole thing. Now it hits. Plus, I was missing out on a very nice exit with ‘Everything Will Be Alright’. Another song that feels like an authentic performance giving the song an assurance and honesty I can believe in. I still don’t love ‘Somebody Told Me’, but I’ll still boogie to it.
Boy oh boy. Hot fucking Fuss. What a record. I will preface my review by saying my view of this album is certainly influenced by the set/setting of when I first heard it. In other words, there is most certainly a nostalgic factor to this album that drives the inevitable 5/5 I am giving this album. But, with that being said, this album holds up regardless of the fact that this was a staple of my youth. A CD that spent so much time in my dad's old stereo blaring Brandon's pipes at higher-than-necessary volumes to a 6th grade me playing Diablo 2 on the family PC continues to follow me into what will soon be 30 year-old Joey (still playing Diablo 2, however on the Switch this time). The Killers were at the top of their game when they made this album, and their fearless ambition and raw talent shine through in every note. In their debut album. Their DEBUT ALBUM. From the opening of "Jenny Was A Friend Of Mine" with an intro that always reminded me of a weird space helicopter landing to the final moments of the slow dance reminder that "Everything Will Be Alright" this album hits. And it hits hard. The wobbly 80s synths, the guitar riffs, the BASS riffs, Brandon's lyrics and the voice that delivers them (his performance on "Andy, You're a Star" is my highlight), the groovy drum beats. It's all a part of something big and lasting. Infectious melodies and harmonies that continue to inspire pretty much any of the alt-rock music I write. Hot Fuss is a work of pure artistry, an iconic collection of songs that will follow me to my grave. To me it's not just an album, it's a musical journey that takes me through a series of diverse soundscapes, each one more captivating than the last. A familiar sonic scent that instantly teleports me back to simpler times without fail. With its stunning production, insightful lyrics and unforgettable fucking BANGERS, it’s no wonder that this classic album still holds up as one of the greatest records of the 2000s. PS: If your streaming service (or physical copy!) doesn't have Glamorous Indie Rock and Roll on it, go check it out on Sawdust.
Some songs that I really did not like, but some blew me away. Mr. Bright side is a pop classic of course, but it works so well with their style. I really liked on top.
I remember when I first heard “Mr. Brightside” in a middle school PE class where we had to select songs to choreograph a dance too. We played that song 500 times and it never got old. I remember the first time I heard “All These Things That I’ve Done” on the radio on KROQ in my Mom’s Ford Explorer and it stopped me dead in my tracks; I had to know who wrote this; probably the first time I ever felt that. I remember first hearing “Somebody Told Me,” also on the radio, and wondering how a boyfriend could look like a girlfriend. I remember when I finally bought the CD and discovered this band of 3 radio-friendly songs had numerous other hits on the very same debut album; namely, “Jenny,” “Smile,” “Andy,” and, my favorite, ”Change Your Mind.” I remember high school, and feeling ashamed for ever having liked these songs. I remember in college when it became cool to play these songs again, at parties and karaoke and such; later, weddings. I remember Phoebe Bridgers’ atmospheric rise and how she and her moment suddenly made Brandon Flowers “cool” and “significant” again. I remember at one time thinking this album was front-loaded with hits, but listening again, I can attest it is truly front-to-back loaded with hits. Last week, this album hit me like a ton of bricks. Not only because of the nostalgia I have wrapped up inside it. But truly because of how solid and emotional a record it is. How good the songwriting is. How good it all sounds. I have it on CD. The same CD I bought all those years ago—one of the first CDs I ever bought honestly—and still in great condition. The production and mix is awesome. This album and this band is as good as any that came to fruition in the mid-aughts. I’d take this in the same hand I’d take the Strokes debut. And honestly, a comparative study of those two albums might yield an interesting piece on music criticism, fashion trends, song-writing, rock populism, and stardom in the first decade of the century. They are perhaps the two most significant debuts of the era, after all. Sadly, where the troubled Julian Casablancas was heralded as some kind of genius and critical darling, Brandon Flowers was written off as a pop star. When critics turn their back on bands, bands tend to turn their back on critics. And when band’s turn their back on critics, they play for fans. I think you can see that happen to The Killers after this album. Where this album is specific, nuanced, and personal, latter efforts are broad and populist. Where Hot Fuss finds a group of Las Vegas natives stumbling upon songs that would speak to hundreds of millions all across the globe, subsequent efforts finds that same group working to write more songs like that. All I can say is it’s a shame. It’s a shame we didn’t foster and encourage the artistry of a band that gave us one of the best debuts of any era. I’m giving this a 5 for posterity’s sake if nothing else. But Hot Fuss is every bit deserving.
Today, in 2023, I am no longer a 12-year old American boy. No longer am I the pimpled king of "Roller Kingdom," scared to death to meet the eyes of my middle school crush in the adjoining Birthday Party Room. Nor do I wait for the 6:45am bus, scribbling frantic answers to a history worksheet– a poor writing surface, those bus seats!– that has small, pitying holes in it from my erasable pen. These facts put me at an extreme, almost disqualifying disadvantage to rate an album like this. A genuine handicap for an album whose influence is foundational to many of my 2000's peers, but in retrospect may only be a good time if you're deep in Angst Mode. I knew kids who picked up guitar because they listened to this CD! The patron saints of Lazer Zones everywhere. In seriousness. I like my Blur, I like my Arctic Monkeys, I like my Strokes. This is hard to get through. Grating. This shouldn't happen, because I know all the songs already. Halfway through, I'm thinking, "Maybe I'm having fun! Maybe I should sneak one of these songs in at my wedding." Alas. Not Enough Fun. A generous 3 might be possible. But I have dutifully deducted a point for the refrain, "I've got soul but I'm not a soldier," sung forty times behind a gospel choir. That line's been bouncing around in my head since the Roller Kingdom Days, and unfortunately, now illuminated by the scribes of Genius, it yields no special magic. 2/5
ahhh
Pretty nice album! Had some bangers on there for sure, like Mr. Brightside obviously (gotta love that single-note melody), but sadly there wasn't enough variation or innovation for me to give it anything above three stars, but I still enjoyed it.
Straight forward pop rock with a few classics like Mr. Brightside, somebody told me and all these things that I've done.
Didn't really work for me - seemed like a pastiche of Interpol and other groups
Good but repetitive
I've been a fan of the Killers since before I knew who they were and why they were singing about a boyfriend who looked like a girlfriend from February of last year. Despite all that, I'd never listened to this whole album as such. It is quite an amazing debut album with a fine selection of deservèd hits.
I had never listened to this album and, if asked, I am not sure that I really even knew the name of the band from the couple of singles that I did know. I really enjoyed the album.
Someone gave me this CD thinking I would like it. I listened to it a bit and, though some of the tunes appealed to me, the album was never a favorite and now it just seems tired.
In 2004 I wandered into a Montréal CD store and bought this album after hearing Somebody Told Me playing in the store. It was love at first listen as The Killers became one of my favorite bands. Hot Fuss is an exceptional album. Great guitar, great synths, and that unique Brandon Flowers delivery of great lyrical stories create a whole lot of fun… so many great songs on this incredible debut!
First five tunes are HUGE! Make no mistake they are incendiary bangers! Not a stinker among them! Album dips for tracks 6, definitely 7 and 8 is forgettable to be honest. Doesn’t really pick back up till the finale of ‘Glamorous Indie Rock & Roll’. Flowers knows his way around a tune, the band are sharp and there is a genuine reason why The Killers built such a following! However, this album is half killer, half filler so only the three star average here.
Pretty great
This reminds me of a very specific time of getting absolutely battered on white lightning with likeminded vagabonds and belting Jenny was a friend of mine at the top of our lungs. So this review is very bias, but it did bring a smile to my face. The actual album is fine it drops of hugely in the second half but (despite it being overplayed) I do quite like Mr Brightside and somebody told me.
A fair, punchy, interesting pop rock album from my early teenage years. Elements of glam, and a mysterious corny cool that comes from that slightly seemy, tacky, evangelical Las Vegas world from which the Killers emerge. The lyrics are sometimes laughably fucking stupid. So much so, that I remember binning the album off at 13. Nevertheless it's okay. Wouldn't put it in my 1001 list though
Amazing debut album. Definitely nostalgic for the early 2000s.
I don't typically enjoy indie rock, but I quite like "Mr. Brightside" and "Somebody Told Me," so I wasn't sure how this one was going shake out. I was pleased to find that I liked this album quite a bit, even, ironically, the track "Glamorous Indie Rock & Roll." Got to this a little late in the day for a second listen, but I'll definitely revisit this soon.
The perfect early 2000s alt-pop album. Hot Fuss is one I revisit a few times a year. The Killers is a solid band all around.
Though I don't listen to them, I was surprised at just how many songs on this album I was familiar with. Decent album. Not something I'd reach for on my own to listen to, but not something I'd turn my nose up at if it was playing. More of a 3.5 for this one.
Such a banger! I’d forgotten how great The Killers are. This was so good I listened twice through. I need to add this to my regular rotation.
An album I am pretty familiar with, and an interesting double header with Born In The USA. Mr. Brightside is a slick hit. All These Things That I've Done is another one. This whole album is one hit after another, so smooth and polished it's like an orb. Ponder the ORB!
I was surprised to see this one on the list. The Killers have never really struck me as critical darlings, and I don't even necessarily think Hot Fuss is their best work. But I guess if you're going to give it up to a '00s pop-rock album, there are much worse options. "Mr. Brightside" has joined the likes of "Sweet Caroline" and "Don't Stop Believin'" as an overplayed anthem, but other tracks, like "All These Things That I've Done" and "Jenny Was a Friend of Mine" may be underrated, if anything. This album is a lot of fun, really, and as someone who was nine when it dropped, I can't NOT give it up.
I was never huge on that early 00s garage rock thing, but I've heard this one a few times and it's definitely a high point of the movement. A nice listen for once. 4/5.
This album is an absolute must-listen for music fans. It has two songs from the "Murder Trilogy" and there is not a bad track on this album. "Jenny Was a Friend of Mine" has a fantastic bass line and though 7 of the songs exceed 4 minutes, they never drag.
Just insolent noise.
I really enjoy this album and have a lot of good memories associated with it! I want to be an old guy in a bar belting these songs out with a crowd!
Debut album by The Killers, from Las Vegas USA. Their only album on the 1001 list. Singles: -------------------------------------------------------- Mr. Brightside (#10 US & UK) Somebody Told Me (#3 US Alt & UK) All These Things That I've Done (#10 Us Alt, #18 UK) Smile Like You Mean It (#15 US Alt, #11 UK) Standouts: Mr. Brightside, Smile Like You Mean It, Somebody Told Me, All The Things That I've Done, Andy You're a Star, Others: Jenny Was a Friend of Mine, Change Your Mind, Glamourous Indie Rock & Roll Rating: 4/5 (Outstanding)
One of my favorite albums of all time
The songs that are great, are so great. The rest feels like “songs done in the style of.”
A solid entry in the hard alternative rock genre. The vocals have limited range and grow less tolerable when they try to push those boundaries, the lyrics are superficially clever but lack depth, and the mixing has that Loudness Wars issue - it only sounds good at (tom my old man ears) excessive volume. Still I didn't hate it by any means.
I'm definitely familiar with the hits, but I don't think I ever sat down and just listened to this album I've always enjoyed them though. It does seem like they got popular and then became a meme to shit on a little bit from the "cool kids", I think a lot of people have come back around and realized that they aren't bad.
At the time I think I thought I was too cool for The Killers but in retrospect this is an absolutely FIRE album. Just bangers from start to end and I have a ton of nostalgia for it.
Too rowdy for me.
Its clear that the Killers were heavily influenced by the Strokes and British alternative in general. I can also hear a bit of new wave and some britpop thrown in, but if I didn't know better, I would say that this band from Las Vegas was an early 2000s British alternative rock band. Overall, the album is catchy, features memorable songs, and has great melodies. However, I'm not hearing much that is groundbreaking. Having said that, it's impossible to escape the influence of this album and its songs, Mr. Brightside in particular, are modern classics.
Rock
Anthem for a UK generation (not mine unfortunately) appears on this excellent album.
ummm
One of the best albums
Solid stuff
About as good of a debut album as you can ask for
The title is appropriate. This is as frenetic as anything since the Sex Pistols, but with much more talent. The vocals are a bit monotone for my taste, but work well with the style of music.
This record has some of the biggest Pop-Rock songs ever released. Especially the first half is stacked with classics! Impressive debut record. Music it's not very special, just catchy songs with a solid band. I was more impressed by the story driven lyrics. Key Tracks: Jenny Was A Friend Of Mine, Mr. Brightside, Smile Like You Mean It, Somebody Told Me, All These Things That I've Done, On Top, Change Your Mind, Midnight Show, Glamorous Indie Rock & Roll 7,5 out of 10
Good album, but a lot of it sounded the same.
A few good songs, but it’s a bit samey. Best songs are on the front half. It’s nothing special but is still decent as an album
great bass playing, full of classics, and before what i think is their best album. shame they didnt fire on as many cylinders afterwards.
Good album
Lots of songs you know. The vocal style that is so identifiable becomes grating over the course of an album. It feels almost tuneless. A kind of "yelling over the top of" with no noticeable variation.
joo albumin alussa, vastaan tuli megahittejä populääri hullutus lauluja. kaikkia aivan sysipaskoja toki. odotellessa, albumin b-osiota... huomattavasti vähemmän kuunneltu..toivomus: albumi paranee... noh biisejä tuli ja meni, eikä yhtään parempaa ollut... halusin niin vitusti antaa kaks tähtö tuiki tuiki töhtöstä, mutta en voi puhtaalla omatunnolla tälle vitun otukselle antaa propseja. 2004 on vuosi, ei ollut kovin hyvä rock musiikille :) jenny was a friend of mine... eka b iisi ehkö paras. sombedoty told me niistä kommersiaalisesti suoriutuneista biiseistä paras