Reviews (page 9 of 15)
Shit
Great arrangements with tons of energy. I'm a specially a fan of Mr. Brightside.
Wait! Is Hot Fuzz a reference to this album? Can’t believe I only just realised that! Sadly, the album was not as enjoyable as Simon Pegg’s comedy masterpiece. Mr Brightside and Somebody Told Me were enjoyable, but is that because they’re good or because I know them so well? Maybe I know them so well because they’re good? Either way, the other songs weren’t known to me and were just plain ok. Decent debut album, but a lot of filler.
Very weird to listen to Mr Brightside at 2pm while looking at spreadsheets. Are the Killers cool? Seymour loves them and I like to take the mick. But maybe that just means my view of the Killers has been tainted by Seymour, and I would take the mick out of anyone he said. Either way this is decent, trails off at bit in the second half without any of the big hitters. Simpsons: I think, although googles new AI is throwing me off. I think it might like to chat shit.
"All my pets are serial killers, they make their victims listen to The Killers" - Shakerz and Dakerz lyrics. This album was actually full of tunes and I really enjoyed it. Gonna be generous. Don't tell Seymour.
Starts off with 4 absolute bangers. The rest of the album is good but doesn’t hit those heights again. If they reordered the tracks on the album it’d be a very solid unquestionable 5 but instead it’s just a regular 5
Always thought the band were massively overrated, and after tracks wondered if I was just hater. However, for me the quality of the album quickly dips after "All These Things We've Done" and rarely recovers aside from a few bright spots within otherwise bland tracks. 2.5 from me Clive.
Iconic
Ok
The synth rock play is fun and it’s done in a nice smooth minimalist way by the killers . Really enjoyed it Unfortunately side B is a bit of a let down and stops this album from being top tier for me but def turns me into an intrigued killers fan
00’er indierock, lidt generisk men også nogle ægte bangers
I love The Killers. So this will be biased. It's so good. For a record with multiple mega hits, it still has that 2000s indie quality to it. The great thing is that despite this sound, the songs never feel dated. I can put most of its songs on and audibly tell myself that man, this stuff is so good. Always has been. Always will be. And even better live. Favorites are Smile Like You Mean It, Midnight Show, and All These Things That I've Done - probably one of my favorite songs ever.
I didn't like it in its heyday, but enjoyed it now. It gave us Mr. Brightside, what not to like
The killers.are.a great band. Finally some good music
Some absolute bangers. A great, solid album. Mr Brightside might as well be the UK’s national anthem.
I’m gonna preface this review with the fact that I do not care for The Killers. I’d go as far as to say that Mr Brightside is probably my most hated song, I’m so sick of hearing it. With that out of the way, I didn’t mind this album. I didn’t hate it like I thought it would and tbh, Somebody Told Me is a banger. I saw a review on here saying that the second half of the album is filler and it certainly felt that way.
Like it
Gode greier. Fortjener 4,5/5 stjerner detta. Flere hits, litt eksperimentering innimellom, men det fungerer det og.
Bra side 1, så detter det helt av midt i, med litt ymse, så plukker det seg litt opp igjen på et par låter mot slutten.
nice to listen to this album beyond just the meme. that said, nothing especially stood out to me - good or bad. 2.5- incredibly mid
It's not bad, I remember hearing some of these songs back when it came out. Of course Mr. Brightside is/was super popular. I think I hear this enough in pop culture to not need to hear it again although I don't regret hearing it this one time.
This isn't the type of album I would generally like. Kinda poppy, a good bit of synthesizer. But the songs have a bit of urgency to them- I liked that
Middle of the road listen. Did not move me.
Was only familiar with the singles. This is a good album from top to bottom. Surprisingly good.
Excellent rock album start to finish. It's got some classic tracks -- all four of the opening songs but "Mr. Brightside" and "Somebody Told Me" in particular -- and maintains a strong energy throughout. I love the drama of it. The hooks are huge and The Killers know how to amp things up to make the choruses as big as possible. There's also something a little silly about The Killers that I can't quite put my finger on. Like, maybe they take themselves too seriously or something? The music can be pretty melodramatic and over-the-top. And there are a few lyrics that make me think, "Wait, what does that mean?" I think they absolutely get away with it though, and the music totally works (because really, when has being over-the-top ever been a detriment in rock?). For me, the silliness adds to their charm. I would put this on my personal 1001 albums list, partly out of nostalgia (I heard these songs so much in high school and college), but mostly because it rocks.
Oh wow- a doozy of an album. This one is incredible, and I don't know how or why, but these songs are so timeless and impossible for me to get sick of. "Smile Like You Mean It", "Somebody Told Me" "All These Things That I've Done" are all songs that could individually be good enough to prop up an album on this list, and yet for The Killers they are all here on the same record. "Mr. Brightside" is the true star of this one though, and one of the best anthemic stadium pop/rock tracks ever. I saw them at a festival around 2-3 years ago and they absolutely killed ;) and it was hit after hit after hit, with immense energy. Even if you don't feel like moving, some of their songs really make you move. I remember walking around after their set and just saying "wow" to myself. Great production throughout. The bass shines so much on this record. Great album cover too. Easy 5/5!
Every song is rather generic, no outstanding lyrics or riffs. It all sounds the same and I don't remember one song after listening to the entire album.
Insane run on the first 5 songs. The rest of the album isn't quite as good but it would be hard to maintain that list of banger after banger. I had Killers fatigue when this came out since it was everywhere but 20 years later I can really appreciate this album.
Epitome av genren, flera bangers, flera stabila låtar. Amerikansk musik blir inte bättre än när den låter brittisk.
Otroligt att detta är ett debut-album
Inte lika omvälvande som is this it för egen del men verkligen många bangers
I did not enjoy this. It was completely forgettable. Not for me.
Good.
Couple of decent songs but otherwise aggressively meh
Mr. Brightside and songs that sound like Mr. Brightside. Not bad.
I was never the biggest fan when this came out, mostly due to Flowers' voice. I just read that it might be a vocal effect to blame, but he hollers a lot, leaning on the echo. But on this listen, the songs are pretty solid and I like the album. Maybe a bit over produced, but it is certainly of the era and the singles have etched their way into my brain since it was released.
A worthy inclusion for this book in representing 21st Century rock/power-pop, Hot Fuss is impressive in how it shows a band in such a forward charge right out of the gate. Not to mention, an identifiable sound and style. This is a good mix of ubiquitous anthems and solid album cuts. 4 stars, 8+/10
Es fing so gut an, dass ich dachte, es werden fünf, aber es flachte gegen Ende ab. 4 1/2.
Banger after banger
Solid. 2 hits, the others were ok
Last 2 tracks sold
So many amazing songs on this list. Would be disrespectful to not give this album a 5.
First half was awesome but got a bit worse as time went on
This album was the first in this list where I’ve genuinely enjoyed listening to the whole thing. No track was boring and every song made me engaged. The Killers are a phenomenal band and this is them at their best
BANGER AFTER BANGER AFTER BANGER nothing else to say
Last 2 songs sold 😞 Not cohesive + lazy vocals 2nd half, held up by a handful of bangers
Good songs, not a very good album. The killers aren’t good enough for their non-hits to be enjoyable
Great album with a couple of songs I recognize. Not typically the type of music I listen to every day.
does Side B to this even exist? but the front-loaded first half levitates this to an easy 4.
Very good! I will say it falls off a little on side b, but that could just be because I knew half of those songs. This is probably the first one from this project that I feel compelled to get a record of! I can see why it's in so many collections
Pretty darn good
This still has one of my favourite intro songs of all times and it just sets the pace for the rest of the album. It’s a rare thing on an album that nearly every song is a banger. It was also enjoyed by so many different subsets of people (although that was also its downfall and made it unpopular too). I also like it as much 20 years later even though my taste in music has evolved. Some of the songs even transported me back to that time, containing memories and emotions.
This was an interesting album for me. It gave me
I agree that it would be difficult for any artist to follow the excellent first 5-6 tracks. Each one is lightning in a bottle.
Always a good listen. Had to skip brightside tho. 7/10
Huge nostalgia for this one - I remember my Mum buying the CD. That CD now proudly sits in my cupboard as I went to check soon after listening. The first half of this album is indie classic hit after indie classic hit, it’s quite impressive how many bangers there are in a row. As sick as I am of Mr Brightside, it is popular for a reason. An album very of it’s time, especially production wise, but somehow doesn’t really sound too dated either. Tails off a bit towards the end though the “fillers” are decent enough tracks on their own. Probably musically a 3.5 star album, but rounded up to 4 for the nostalgia factor and happy memories.
Over rated
Took me back to my Uni days, rocking out to the first five songs or so on my iPod, then getting bored and reaching for the skip button. Nothing has really changed IMO. 4 stars plus for the beginning, 2.5 for the remainder.
Favorite Track: Mr. Brightside
I like a few of their songs, however not all of them are my favorite.
The most British band to ever come out of Las Vegas. The front half of this album is incredible stuff. Just hit after hit. The back half is pretty great too.
Didn't realize how many bangers were in this single album. Made me feel very nostalgic for my early 20s. Surprise hit at the end.
i first discovered them when i came across the popular songs in this album
I grew up with the singles, althought I haven't listened to the whole album in years. Looking at the track list, I was worried that it would taper off after All These Things That I've Done and I was right. It was okay after that, but it brought it from a possible 5* to a low 4*.
Steaming shit
Suprisingly good.
A great album: The Killers at their best. We really enjoyed this, lots of classics on here.
it was okay.
Terrible album. Songs sound the same. No originality.
Incredible album that sounds as good as the day it dropped. Everyone loves Mr. Brightside.
Was ok
“All these things that I’ve done” deserves what “Mr brightside” had.
This album was incredibly front-loaded. The first 5 tracks are all great and some of the best that The Killers have ever put out, but it takes a sharp dive in quality afterwards for the rest of the album. The lack of consistency in quality is what drags the score down so much.
The Killers' sound just doesn't appeal to me. The guitar is predominantly used to create a wash of sound that isn't very interesting (this is especially exaggerated on "On Top"). It is the equivalent of a pianist playing with the sustain pedal constantly, making any sounds that might be novel or unique when differentiated instead blend with each other to the point that everything sounds the same. A side effect of this is that oftentimes the songs feel like they aren't going anywhere at all. This alone isn't enough to condemn the album completely, but it also isn't worth trying to pick out individual lines from the bass because it's only present to meld with the over-blended tones of the guitar. The snyth adds an interesting element on occasion, but the Killers constantly return to this washed-out blend of dull harmonies. So then we're left with the drums and vocals. The drums are fine and hardly worth mentioning, though they really are the only thing keeping the songs moving forward and preventing complete stagnation. And the vocals. The vocals... feature an overused vocal effect that is most evident on "Everything Will Be Alright." Sure, it makes the sound of Hot Fuss almost immediately recognizable, but in my opinion, it also contributes significantly to the issues I note above. Because all of Brandon Flower's vocals are produced with this effect, it causes any expressive vocal choices that might otherwise stand out to sound too much alike. I will say "Jenny Was A Friend Of Mine" ever so slightly stood out from the other tracks, with its synth riff supported by bass interjections that made it a bit more interesting to listen to. Then of course there's "Mr. Brightside," which still suffers from many of the issues above but at least has a constant rhythm pushing us forward in the moving synth, upbeat tempo, and lyrics. But really it's hard to remember anything else from Hot Fuss because it all blends together.
Still an OK album, but more nostalgia value than anything.
Gets better at the end
Already listened to
Absolute classic, has many of their top hits which honestly have a great star quality to them. I'm not a massive fan of the other tracks as it kinda gets a bit samey but nonetheless a really fun listen
# Background 2004 debut album # Themes - Domestic violence and murder - Jealousy - Unrequited love/rejection - Obsession - Gender and sexuality (*Somebody Told Me* and *Andy You’re a Star*) # Style - Big, wall of sound - Layered guitars - Vocals front and center, harmonies are smaller - Soaring crescendos - Synths - Emo, pop punk adjacent - Palm muting, power chords - Big kick drum - Distorted bass and guitar - Minor, melodramatic - Impressionistic, but mostly literal, grounded lyrics - Story-telling - Anthemic - Autotune - Reverb/delay on vocals # Notes Flowers says he was influenced by The Smiths and there are times when he sounds like Morrissey (esp. *Smile Like You Mean It*). *All These Things That I’ve Done* sounds a bit Beatles inspired, in terms of both the kind of delay on the vocals in the beginning and the repeated refrain at the end (like *Hey, Jude*). *Believe Me Natalie* is pretty cool — U2 guitars, cool drum rhythm.
I GOT HAM BUT I'M NOT A HAMSTER!!!
Hot Fuss by The Killers is what happens when a synth-drenched, eyeliner-smeared fever dream crashes headfirst into a Vegas thrift shop full of second-hand New Wave records and adolescent bravado. It’s the sonic equivalent of a teenager dressed in his dad’s suit, trying to blag his way into a nightclub of musical relevance—awkward, overconfident, and somehow utterly brilliant. Brandon Flowers belts out lyrics like a man possessed by the ghost of glam rock’s past, while the rest of the band lays down glittery riffs and drum machine thumps with the kind of conviction usually reserved for hostage negotiators or dogs barking at vacuums. It’s glossy, ridiculous, and vaguely tragic in that delicious way only 2004 could manage.
A legit modern classic full of passionate, kick-arse, singalong rock songs. Three tracks were already on my playlist of favourites and I added two more after this spin. All These Things That I've Done is probably the standout, in my opinion. Let's do this, ladies and gentlemen... let's give it the 5 stars it deserves.
Very nice. Exceptional album.
Great album
I hadn't actually listened to this album in its entirety before, but I do know many of the individual tracks. I've always enjoyed The Killers - a blend of rock and punk that isn't too loud or obnoxious. Sitting down with it was a pleasure.
This album is a lot of fun. It’s uneven, but some of these songs are truly great.
Jenny was a friend of mine.
If the first song you ever wrote as a band is Mr. Brightside, than your debut album must be good! It's good! Great if you like the sound! Production could have been a bit better imo...
Классный альбом, есть много очень крутых треков
I do like the Killers! A classic or two on here.
Forgot about so many of these songs. Can't help but sing along to Mr. Brightside every time.
Mr Brightside is a classic guilty pleasure but the rest isn't particularly interesting to me.
I'm not entirely sure why I know the name of this album so well, as I've neither owned it nor heard much from it, but I kind of recall that they got a *lot* of attention with this debut album. I think I kind of got them confused with Filter (of "Hey man, nice shot" fame), but I have no idea why, as they weren't really contemporary. Either way, the ubiquitous "Mr. Brightside" track definitely placed them for me, and I enjoyed the impressively creative Moulin-Rouge-based video. I also really enjoyed "All these things that I've done" (in part from being reminded of the scene in "Southland Tales" where Justin Timberlake lip syncs to it, but also because I like the song, and their video is quite good too). The other videos weren't quite as good, but they clearly put some effort into "Smile like you mean it", which I appreciate. And I can see why the 2005 "1001 Albums" entry notes a connection to Franz Ferdinand, as it's definitely there (but not in a copycat way); a shame that they dropped this album in later editions. This is definitely one of those albums that deserves a half-star system, as it feels like an insult to only give it three stars, especially given that they accomplished four popular singles on a debut album. But it also seems like there's not as much variety to their sound across the album to warrant four stars, and it definitely sags towards the end (looking at you in particular, "Everything will be alright"). But we don't have half-stars, of course, so four it is!
New to me album--enjoyed the slightly synth rock. Feel like the Island label had a good run in the late 70's / 80's.
Close to Franz Ferdinand, album is great and gets more experimental at the end. 4.15
Fuckin great, no mess line drive rock and roll. This album’s basically a classic, not bad for a debut record. Brandon Flowers’ voice was built for these songs, an unmistakable yawp of emotion and power. Let’s play it again!
Liked it more than I initially thought, also wasn't aware this was the album with Old Man
Straight bangers
Great album, already have listened to some of the songs in this album, I love them all 🔥
Awesome! First listened to in college. One of my favorites of the 2000s
Favorite tracks: Jenny is a Friend of Mine Mr. Brightside On Top Everything Will Be Alright
Sexy Bro
Ok mais pas mon style
All These Things is my favorite song of all time.
Am I supposed to act like this isn't one of the best albums of all time?
Had never really listened to the back half of this album...the first half is where all of the radio hits were. A good example of the popular opinion getting it right...the back half is less exciting. Belive Me Natalie is a notable exception - really good song with excellent use of horns.
I don't understand why The Killers are so big, but this album almost convinces me. Thoroughly enjoyable, and at least three of the songs will sometimes pop into my head out of nowhere--they're a part of my personal soundtrack now. I have to give it 5 stars.
This is classic rock
Call me old fashioned but I don’t think we should celebrate murderers by canonizing their otherwise pretty good Duran Duran tribute act in a list of essential albums. Four stars.
Not bad. One hit at least
Much better on the whole than I always remember it being.
So good!! Can't believe how many hits in one album...
Dated a little bit, but some absolute bangers!
Boring, honestly. It put me to sleep I fear.
Starts brilliantly and tails off towards the end, mostly 'Killers' though!
COMING OUT OF MY CAGE AND I'VE BEEN DOING JUST FINE GOTTA GOTTA BE DOWN BECAUSE I WANT IT ALL. Thanks for letting me get that out. Now I can really start the review. Before this album, I think I could've named you maybe three Killers songs, two of which are on this album - "Mr. Brightside," "Somebody Told Me," and "When You Were Young." I'm really happy I know more than that now. What a great album, both musically and lyrically. It's hard to tell how much of this is Brandon Flowers telling us about himself and how much is him creating and inhabiting different characters. I don't know how much that distinction really matters, but I do wonder. The whole thing is full of themes of doubt, unreturned love, suspicion, violence, and disillusionment. Somebody more familiar with the climate in which this album was written and recorded could probably tell you that it's a product of its time. Not that I wasn't alive when it was released (I certainly was), but I just don't know the album well enough to know how it might reflect the times. The variation in sound between each track is amazing. They aren't a one-trick pony like some bands whose entire albums sound the same, as though they're rehashing the same few riffs and sounds every track. That isn't the case here and I really appreciate it for that. No two tracks sound the same, and they even explore genres besides rock here, in their own way. This has to go into the "relisten mulitple times once you've finished the project" pile. Hands down it belongs there. This is an easy four stars for me. Great album. Standout Tracks: Jenny Was a Friend of Mine, Mr. Brightside, Somebody Told Me, All These Things That I've Done, Believe Me Natalie
Damn this is just back to back bangers all the way through. The second half is a little weaker but just fun music all around.
I loved it so so so much
10/10
Overall: 8/10 Man, this album brings back so many memories despite the fact that I don't think I've ever listened to it in it's entirety? The first 5 tracks are not only bangers but I still know so many people who can belt out every single lyric from them. I was actually shocked that all of those songs came from the same album. It's honestly just really good, creative pop rock. It's hard to talk about the individual elements cause I feel on their own they wouldn't be noteworthy but together they create a great mood. The one thing I can pinpoint for sure is that Brendan Flowers is an incredible vocalist with a lot of power and personality in his voice. He's the reason every white person on the planet has to stop what they're doing and sing whenever Mr. Brightside comes on. Would have gotten a 5 from me but the second half loses a bit of steam. Fav Song: Mr. Brightside Least Fav Song: Everything Will Be Alright
Great hits, some of the other tracks are a bit forgettable
I'm speechless.
Pretty good
3.5
Went in fully expecting to love this and was sorely disappointed. As I suspected, this is one of the most ridiculously frontloaded albums I've ever heard, and the first five tracks aren't even that great barring Somebody Told Me (which deserves all the praise), and Mr. Brightside (although that has grown off of me through overplay). The rest? Totally forgettable new wave influenced pop rock with all the edges sanded off. Not terrible, but I don't really see myself listening to this again in the near future. If the book wanted to highlight the explosion of popularity that Post Punk Revival bands experienced, I feel like Interpol's Turn on The Bright Lights (even if I prefer its immediate followup Antics) would've been a far stronger entry. It might not have had quite the commercial exposure that Hot Fuss has had, but TOTBL has made up for it with sheer critical and fan legacy,
This album is clearly in my bag, in that it is in the window of music time I love. I listened to the version with the alternate track "glamorous indie rock and roll," and that about covers it; that kind of music is MY SHIT. It's a great album. If there is any point of contention, it's that I feel that it's heavy with amazingness on the front end. It's *good* on the other end of the album but it's hard when the first several tracks are a murderers row.
OK, you got me, Killers. Someone, somewhere, please explain to me why I’m supposed to hate this album. Because, damn, I want to rip this to shreds … but here I am, chanting… “I got soul, but I’m not a soldier!” And I’m not being ironic.
It's probably the best album I bought in the early 2000. Love it
Fan of this album for 8 years now. First half banger after banger. Second half has some underrated songs like On Top and Believe Me Natalie. Fun vocal performances and nice synths
ts so mid 💔 mr brightside is here
The shit you will here at every British party, can't complain much though
8/10
The first half of this album is surprisingly good and catchy "All These Things That I've Done", "Somebody Told Me" and of course the hit that made this album prominent: "Mr. Brightside" the second half is pretty forgettable though. 6/10 Favourite: All These Things That I've Done Least Favourite: Andy, You're a Star
5- Stars (13/15)
Bangers from start to finish. Seriously, no bad or even mid songs. Love it. Mixes every genre with every kind of vibe. Bass player needs a raise. First half is absolutely amazing. Last song is kinda funny concidering how big the band is now 😅. 'Jenny Was a Friend of Mine' was a new one but definetly noted. Lowkey wanna say perfect album.
Tightly executed post-punk revival. A lot like The Strokes or Franz Ferdinand etc. but even hornier if that's possible. A wee bit of brit-pop and Smiths influences, perhaps. Got pretty tedious toward the end, but a couple of the early deep cuts were enjoyable, "Andy You're a Star" notably. Has a good energy, a bit dismal at times. Glad to finally hear it as my wife sings along such that I can't really hear the tunes. Good drums on this.
The kind of album that makes you tired. It sucks all your energy and makes it difficult for you to think of the reason why. Does convey a kind of rebellious teen spirit that is somewhat enjoyable, but overall not my fave
The singles are great (especially so if you haven't had them thrown at you for 20+ years) but the back half is so forgettable
A few all time classics on this one, but a some forgettable tracks as well.
A few really good songs. A few boring ones. Overall average.
I hadn't heard this album before, just some of the big hits. I enjoyed it a lot, but it didn't quite have the edge to push it all the way to 5 stars.
Classic and nostalgic
one of the most underrated post-punk revival albums from the 2000's era. It is an all-time classic!
In my option this is the old killers album everything since has been bilge on the whole with a few mediocre “hits “
This is a very good album.
I'm a generation older than the target demographic, but good songs are good songs.
I was originally somewhat reticent, I like the Killers, but something you have to listen to? The entire album is good.
Had heard the singles. The rest of the songs are very much like the singles. Kind of blended into one long whining guitar riff.
Kei bal maar wel kut muziek
Never been crazy about the killers and listening to this in full for the first time did not really sway me. Still feel a little nostalgic for the sound though.
Soundqualität ist ja richtig schlecht, aber konnte jedes Lied auswendig. Langsam hab ich auch die Erleuchtung: ich feier die 2000er indie rock Alben vermutlich genauso wie die boomer die 70er/80er Rock Alben feiern (die ich mittlerweile ja nicht mehr hören kann). Das nennt sich dann wohl Nostalgie Faktor.
Sweets Album, chli zwenig Ziit gha zums ganz analysiere z chöne aber finds ganz solid. Es killer album ischs jetzt ned, defür es Killers album. Dadefür drü Messerstich in Unterleib!
Die Töters sind ja scho e classy amy rock 2000er band. Defintiv nöd min sound, aber hed ja scho au na e reiz, ich zunere andere ziit und andere Ort hettis vlt gnosse. Unter anderem au 2 banger tracks druffe, darum chani wieder mal eher optimistisch bewerte und gibe dem Album 3 Assasinationsversuech
ah shit ezt hends mich verwütscht, ezt bini tod, hey nei mer mues ebe scho ufpasse wasmer macht, es chan so schnell gah und mer denkt immer eim selber chan ja nüt passiere aber denn wachtmer ah somene mentig morge uf, loset zerst mal nos böb günyadin album vom weekend wellmers natürlich wider nöd gschafft hett und den BAM! eimal killers id fressi ine unds lebe isch verbi generell hani scho eh chlini past mit dene gfährliche dudes... sind nämlich uf eusere version vo singstar gsi und ich han "human" und "spaceman" als chind hert abgfiiret - sind aber leider beidi nöd uf dem album druffe, was füren jammer drum muesi da au hert blibe und dene tödliche buebe nachträglich für mini prekäri situation da im afterlive no eis inewürge 2 PÜNKT IHR PENNERS, HAN SCHO FERIE UF BERLIN UND DEN HAAG BUECHET GHA DAS WUCHENEND UND EZT BINI TOD!!!!!
Super good
7/10 fave: somebody told me
Hard not to be influenced by nostalgia here. It’s a high four but I’m rounding up because it contains the single greatest pop song of the 2000s.
OVERALL: There are some really high highs and some pretty unfortunately mid lows. Obviously there's Mr. Brightside, but Jenny Was A Friend Of Mine and Midnight Show are, at least in my opinion, clear standouts that compete with Mr. Brightside as the best song. A lot of these songs sound really good and have great instrumentals, but I just don't like how some of the vocals sound on some of the later tracks. With that being said, half of the songs are bangers and I will definitely be replaying them. Good rock stuff, but also kinda mid. I guess I'll go with a 4 even though it's more like a 3.5/5 because of the bangers. SONG AVG: 7.8175/10 PERSONAL RATING: 7/10 Jenny Was A Friend Of Mine: Banger. Great bassline, and absolutely rocks the entire way through. Very replayable. The only downside I can really think of is that it's kinda basic, but that's also not really true, as it has an incredible bassline, great vocals, and uses a synth pretty well. 9.82/10 Mr. Brightside: Banger. I don't need to explain anything. I will say that this is one of, if not the most basic white rock song, but it still rocks. Probably the most upbeat song about being cucked, absolutely incredible. 9.5/10 Smile Like You Mean It: I like the synth riff, but I can understand people who would despise it. Great bridge, good instrumentation, fine vocal performance. The synth riff is definitely used way too much. 8.5/10 Somebody Told Me: Once again, banger. I feel like this is the hits and/or singles section of the album. Really good chorus and the instrumentation absolutely slaps. Probably objectively better than Smile Like You Mean It, but I don't really feel as interested. 8.25/10 All These Things That I've Done: Kinda mid. I guess I like the message, but I'm so incredibly bored, and I don't know why. The "I got soul but I'm not a soldier" part sucks. Everything else is fine I guess. 6.25/10 Andy, You're A Star: Good. I like how this is basically a fuck you to someone from this guy's school. The instrumental is kinda weird, and isn't very good in the start, but gets really good as the song goes on. It also dies after the chorus, so that's weird. The vocals also usually suck unless it's the chorus, so uhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh the lyrics are kinda funny ig. 6/10 On Top: Pretty good. Nice instrumental, and the vocals are fine. Very catchy. Also the fake ending is pretty good, and after that everything gets better. 8/10 Change Your Mind: Very generic, but also pretty good. The lyrics are pretty solid, and the production starts good and gets better over time. Really enjoyable, but also nothing that interesting. 7.75/10 Believe Me Natalie: Why are the vocals, like, doubled for a good part of it? The lyrics are pretty good, and the production is solid, and for some reason has trumpets at the end that don't really work that well. The ending is really good, though. Pretty captivating. 7.25/10 Midnight Show: Another banger. Really good instrumental, rocks for the entire song. The vocals are also really good. After closely inspecting the lyrics, I realize that this is about a murder and Jenny Was A Friend Of Mine was probably after this, so that's pretty nice. 9.5/10 Everything Will Be Alright: I don't like the vocals, but the instrumental is actually incredible. The instrumental carries this song so hard. The lyrics are fine I guess. I can't tell if this song is supposed to be copium after a relationship or comforting the other person in a relationship. Would've been so much better if the vocals weren't pretty bad. 7.75/10 Glamorous Indie Rock & Roll: Vocals suck, really poor autotune usage. With that being said, the instrumental is definitely carrying this song. The lyrics are not notable at all. I guess it's kinda funny. 5.5/10
Good
This album was released in my last year of university. It’s so hard not to look at this without rose coloured glasses. I love it. At least the first 7 songs. The last four are a bit hit or miss which prevents this was from being a masterpiece. But boy does it get close. 4.5/5
Instant classic, voice of a generation, etc etc
This is one of my top five albums from the aughts. Five of the songs are in my regular rotation on a couple of different playlists. I'd never heard anything but Mr. Brightside back in the day though...so didn't fall in love with it until more than 15 years after it was released. Favorite track: Change Your Mind
Abrasive, repetitive, grating, monotonous singing followed by shouting. Make it go away.
Fantastic first half. Not as good second half. I think it deserves to be here, though. It's like a time capsule
3 out of 5. I only know this band from their singles way back when I listened to the radio more. This one pleasantly surprised me.
Really well done, the blasting guitar and sound kept me exited, the lyrics somehow more thrilling, I thought it was good.
Love this album. Listened to it a ton when it came out. Really enjoyed relistening.
58/1001 - I should have realized this earlier but I now know this list isn't a "here are albums that influenced music list" or anything like that. To be fair, it is harder to determine which albums have more "staying power" the closer it gets to the present day and music today in the 20s is in a weird place societally. I don't like this album but I respect the musicianship and competency of the musicians.
This was an album my friends and I totally loved it is by far The Killers best album to this day and I can sing it all the way through! This is top tier stuff and their break out album! Classic! It's amazing how much I still hear Mr. Brightside to this day haha I don't think I like Sam's Town a little bit more but this is a classic!
Spewing four massively successful singles, and 'Jenny Was a Friend of Mine,' Hot Fuss is Hot Mess at the same time that it's cultural touchstone. Primarily 'Brightside,' tho really the overall texture of the record, is etched in our subconscious whether we like it or not. I don't like it, since Brandon Flowers has got me missing Robert Smith, his voice even more gratingly loud and uninteresting. The lyrics are nowhere in particular, and misspend the potential of the best song: 'I got soul, but I'm not a soldier.' Pop music doesn't have to mean anything, but it shouldn't propose empty signifiers. So for this one, it never started out w/ a kiss, but it sure did end w/ an upset stomach. Really, it should always be on the back burner.
Great album, strong 7. Hadn't listened all the way through but has a very nostalgic feel to it. Really enjoyed Change Your Mind.
Didn’t realize how much synth these guys use, and always good to hear a band’s others songs besides the one hit
Great album. Songs 1-7 are solid. Real easy to sing along to. Drips off a little on the back end. Only real dud is everything will be alright. Favorite track is jenny was a friend of mine.
Reminds me of college. When I hear this in the gym I briefly do silly little dances, and then remember I’m in public, and then resume trying to be normal again.
🗣️🗣️Mr Brightside 🗣️🗣️ But besides that I forgot how solid this album is all the way through. Favorite Track (besides Mr Brightside): Somebody Told Me Least Favorite: Andy, You're a Star
It’s a great album, one of my favourite opening tracks on a debut and typifies the sound of the early 2000s indie/rock sound. 4/5
Inget som stack ut av de låtarna jag inte hört innan, skapligt album men inte imponerande
Didn’t realize this was a debut album. Killers is a guilty pleasure, Mr bright side is an absolute banger and it’s never a bad time to hear that song. Works in any setting. That’s all said. Feels like they peaked on this record. All downhill from there. All that said, it’s still just a 4.
This came out when I was 14 so, yeh. Still SLAPS.
01) Jenny Was a Friend of Mine - 10,0 02) Mr. Brightside - 10,0 03) Smile Like You Mean It - 10,0 04) Somebody Told Me - 10,0 05) All These Things That I've Done - 10,0 06) Andy, You're a Star - 9,0 07) On Top - 9,0 08) Change Your Mind - 8,5 09) Believe Me Natalie - 8,0 10) Midnight Show - 8,0 11) Everything Will Be Alright - 8,5 12) Glamorous Indie Rock & Roll - 9,0 TOTAL: 9,17 (92/100) Current ranking: 31/488
hulluutta – hulluutta että – että – miten sanoa– hulluus tästä – kaikki tämä – hulluus kaikesta tästä – annetusta – hulluus tästä kaikesta – näkemisestä – hulluus kaiken tämän näkemisestä – tämä – mikä on sana – tämä tämä – tämä tässä – kaikki tämä tässä – hulluus kaikesta tästä – nähdä – hulluus kaiken tämän näkemisestä tässä – että – mikä on sana – nähdä – vilahdus – nähdä vilaukselta – tarve nähdä vilaukselta – hulluus siitä, että täytyy nähdä vilaukselta – mitä missä – missä – miten sanoa – siellä – tuolla – kaukana tuolla – etäällä – etäällä kaukana tuolla – kaukaisuudessa – kaukaisuudessa tuolla mikä – mikä – miten sanoa– nähdä kaikki tämä – kaikki tämä tämä – kaikki tämä tässä – hulluus nähdä mikä – vilahdus – nähdä vilaukselta – tarve nähdä vilaukselta – kaukaisuudessa etäällä tuolla mikä – hulluus siitä, että täytyy nähdä vilaus kaukaisuudessa etäällä tuolla mikä – mikä – mikä on sana – REBIRTH! Objektiaan pystytään- Katsottiin- AM I TAKING CRAZY PILLS THIS IS 3.75 GLOBAL BUT ITS SYSIPASKA…. Mustaa kuin miiluhiili… Black as miilu charcoal… hulluus niin syvää ja vitsit niin tummia…. ei vilahda… ei tummuudesta mitään valkeaa,, mustasta huumorista mitään hohtevaa — helakkaa — hallavaa… näy neekerin hampaat.. ei vilahda.. Albumissa sama… mitään toivoa…..
Postpunk og new wave blend. Godt album
Nie spodziewałem się zbyt wiele po tym albumie, ale byłem przyjemnie zaskoczony. Indie rock tego okresu to nie jest coś, co szczególnie mnie jara, myślałem, że to będzie kolejny Coldplay, czy Kings of Leon. I jasne, to może być podobny nurt, ale siadło mi o wiele bardziej. Albo raczej w ogóle siadło. Byłem zaskoczony, jak wiele utworów z tego albumu kojarzyłem, jeśli nie z tytułu, to po prostu z brzmienia czy konkretnych linijek tekstu ("I've got a soul but I'm not a soldier"). Nie mam jakoś wybitnie dużo do powiedzenia, trudno mi o jakieś wybitne analizy, bo słuchałem na zmęczeniu i trochę w półśnie, ale z przyjemnością puściłem sobie drugi raz. I pewnie jeszcze wrócę.
I have good memories of this alt-rock popularity phase. I was thinking that maybe after years it could be cringey but it was just fine. Without nostalgia it's run of the mill 3/5.
Embarassing.
Two 2004 bangers in a row with this following Franz Ferdinand….nice. This playlist - for better or worse - is so heavily British that it would be in no way complete with the inclusion of the album that contains the UK’s favourite karaoke number. The rest of the album is good too, but it’s not the lofty heights of the Aughts.
This is so bad. I had never listened to this band and didn't know anything about them, but obviously have been aware of a band called The Killers for a long time. I have heard one of the songs on this album before, it feels like it's probably just ubiquitous in culture at this point. But man this band sucks--it sounds like they just took some elements of The Strokes that were undeniably popular at the time and applied it to super shitty packaged for consumerism pop music. Get this off this list.
Glamorous Indie Rock and Roll is not a good closing track, it would fit much better in the middle of the album
Not quite a great album but there are good songs on here. Mr Brightside is a staple at sporting events especially Michigan football games. Overall good but there are lulls outside of the singles that push the album to the next level.
The highs of this album are amazing, but I do feel like some of the filler songs haven't stood the test of time as well. The proverbial Side A is much better than Side B.
it's hard to think of an album with a stronger first half than this one. unfortunately, the second half doesn't quite rise to meet it, but it's such an unprecedented slew of heavy-hitters at the start that i don't even really care. perfect time capsule of the early 2000s with a charmingly sleazy sound. mr brightside still hits every time, imo.
i'm a millennial (so i'm definitely biased) but this is a great album and incredible for a debut. the front half is wall-to-wall bangers! mr. brightside has been huge since its release in 2003 and still performs damn well on the charts TO THIS DAY. it's NUTS! the first five tracks are all exquisite. if you lived through this era and not under a rock, these songs were everywhere. this album would've been perfect with just those five. the weaker side B crumbles against the titanic tunes of side A, but the album tells an interesting story as a whole. all in all, probably a 4.5 for me but it's not really fair to punish side A for side B's relative inferiority. favorites: tracks 1-5 1000%, andy you're a star is ok too
People seem to like it but for me it’s just alright
Some good singles, but it’s not an album I can love
10/10 I love every song on this record. Is it rational. I don't know, is your face? ask your face...asking me such weird questions...don't have to justify shit...anemoia is fun. 3-10-2025
I had only really heard a couple songs from the Killers before this, but I really dug this. Actually, one of their big hits, Mr. Brightside, was probably my least favorite track from this album, as it was just a bunch of shouting and no real melodic/harmonic fun. The rest of the tracks were really good, brooding, melodic rock and I really enjoyed them and hummed along the entire time. I listened to it twice -- five stars.
Couple big songs on here from my younger years that really resonated with me. However the rest of the album didn't really speak to me overall. Good, but not outstanding for me.
88/100
Really like this album. Good stuff with a lot of good songs and great composition.
One of my favorite early 2000 albums. If they had keep making albums like this they'd be legendary, but they didn't and they aren't. "Mr. Brightside" may be the most played song I've ever seen on Spotify with over 2.5B listens. I've heard it's England's national pop song, that right there is staying power and a mega hit. Throw in radio hits like the urgent "Jenny Was A Friend Of Mine" (which would have slayed it in the 80's, 90M listens), "Smile Like You Mean It" (205M listens), the huge hit "Somebody Told Me" (1B listens) and "All The Things That I've Done" (400M listens) which I hear in ads all the time. Don't sleep on "Glamorous Indie Rock & Roll", that's a solid non-hit track. The first half of this album is their greatest hits! They never came close to having anything nearly this great after this release. They had a few decent hits ("Read My Mind", "The Man") but I felt like they moved away from a new wave indie pop sound to being a second rate Springsteen cover band after this album and I lost interest. Listen to "Human" (pure shit) and tell me where the Hot Fuss era Killers went. This album gets 4 solid stars (really for first half) - but it has the hits & staying power to merit a spot on the Top1001.
Sehr gutes Album
YES! great album, loved it when it came out and bought it immediately - they sounded new and vintage at the same time - they reminded me of Ministry, fun band from the 80s (I wanted to Tell her is still a fab song) lead singer of the Killers is Brandon Flowers and I really dig that voice. Tracks 1-4 so fantastic, clever lyrics and catchy hooks. I was disappointed with their follow up albums, but this was a GREAT 1st effort
This album doesn't let up. I get lost in the songs in such an empowering way - I am a big fan. I loved to roll from Mr. Brightside to Smile Like You Mean It and then into Somebody Told Me. It makes me want to go dancing like it's circa 1992.
A delectable mashup of U2 Springsteen and new order. There will be anthems - none greater than the 2nd track. Mr Brightside is as singable as they come. Everyone in my house - no matter their musical proclivity, age or mood -can and will sing along to this song in any venue. Whether it be 100000 people at glastonbury, alone in your car or on a humid night at summer camp - you must join in. I was struck how it still gets the blood flowing. I think it made my morning better. Now what follows does not quite hit that absurdly high bar. The next two tracks come close but you simply can't keep up that pace. All These Things I've done - a little schmaltzy but ultimately undeniable - ends the run of songs I ever want much less need to hear again. But side one is so damn good. Interesting this comes on the heels of 1984 - an album that similarly defines and transcends its time because the best songs are so unbeatable.
I have seen them live twice, more than 10 years apart, and they were absolutely incredible each time. The least played song on this album has been played 20 million times. Like it or not this album deserves its spot here. And I bloody love it.
This is the 62nd album I’m rating. I’ve only listened to Mr. Brightside and I kinda hated it. Adding to my Playlist - All These Things That I’ve Done and Everything Will Be Alright. Not Adding to my Playlist - Jenny Was a Friend of Mine, Mr. Brightside, Smile Like You Mean It, Somebody Told Me, Andy, You’re a Star, On Top, Change Your Mind, Believe Me Natalie, and Midnight Show. All in all I liked 2/11 songs. This wasn’t that good and it was too basic. If you like it I wouldn’t judge for it though you because I like The Last Shadow Puppets who are arguably more basic.
- If you want any white person under 40 to feel like the party is popping, turn on "Mr. Brightside." Even my students, who were born years after this album came out, know that song by heart. - An album that I listened to more times than I can count in high school. Wild to think how popular this was and how new this sounded when it first hit the scene. - Flowers is definitely the face of the band, but major props to the basslines in particular. The other members do not get enough credit for the musicality of these songs. - The first five tracks go about as hard as that of any album you can imagine (shout out to "Smile Like You Mean It"). It then suffers a slight lull, but comes back strong. With only one or two exceptions (I never cared for "Andy, You're A Star" that much), you can see justifications for someone calling each track their favorite.
This is the first album from the Killers, and it is very good for a debut. There are at least a couple of radio hits on this album (Mr. Brightside, Somebody Told Me) and maybe more (I don’t know). I enjoyed “All These Things That I’ve Done” and the two singles but the remaining tracks were just ok for me.
Yay! I have this album! (#3). Now that it's been 21 years (!) I can admit that I mainly got it because I liked the video for Mr. Brightside, and I thought the rest of their songs were just OK. (I still think "Mr. Brightside" is the best song here - it deserves its Millennial wedding crowdpleaser status.) This is also an aesthetically pleasing album cover. It's a pretty good album, though. A lot of hits, and the last-half relative snoozers aren't too bad. They should have kept it in the book! Also, reading that 'Mr Brightside' was played on & therefore overlapped with The OC is like those "the pyramids were built at the same time as the telephone" kinds of facts for me. How is that possible!? D: Highlights: 'Mr Brightside', 'All These Things That I've Done' (&"I've got soul but I'm not a soldier"), 'Andy, You're a Star'
Honest to god might be one of the best albums ever made, it’s a shame Mr Brightside became such a meme song because this would be absolutely flawless.
Должен признать: вторая половина этого альбома действительно никакая. Но вместе с тем первые пять песен - это что-то. Лучшая песня - Mr. Brightside.
drums is sick, i like synths and vocals.
I liked it. It's not my type of music though.
first half renaissance painting of a stallion, second half child's drawing of a horse
This must be one of the albums I've listened to most in my life but I haven't heard it for 10+ years now. It's a weird feeling going back to something after that long and realising you still know all the lyrics, feeling very emotional and nostalgic just now. I saw them at my first festival (TITP) when this had only just come out but everyone knew all of words, even to the album tracks, it was lovely being part of that crowd. It's not as full of bangers but I do really love the second half (although I'm convinced Change My Mind wasn't on any version I had and therefore it's bobbins). Andy, You're A Star is my favourite now, not something I thought 20 years ago. I think I'd be kidding myself if I gave it anything apart from a 5, the nostalgia is too strong
Real soft spot for this album as one of the first I ever bought. Opening run immense, probably a 4 musically but giving an extra star for the memories
First 5 are huge, but if a drop off then but still some decent bits like Andy You’re A Star, and Glamorous Indie Rock n Roll. Was fun to revisit.
Expected to love this but it really drops off after the first 5 tracks.
I rinsed this album so much when it first came out. Remember seeing them on the second stage at V festival just after this album came out and feeling pretty smug about it. ABsolutely cracking beginning of the album (skipped brightside) Glamourous indie rock and roll absolutely stonking song. A hit.
Really solid start that trails off. Still enjoyed it a lot but might be another 10 years until I listen to the whole album again
Mid
The hits are fantastic the filler is poor
4
Love this album
I like Mr. Brightside but the rest of the album is a little doo doo
Sounds like over produced radio friendly frat boy rock. It belongs to the parts of culture I despise the most, and that’s all I can hear in it. I do like their one song “Don’t Shoot Me Santa Claus” as a guilty pleasure, but that track isn’t here.
I’m glad I listened to this with my good headphones on. The whole first half is bangers that are still hits 20 years later and I really enjoyed the back half of songs I wasn’t as familiar with. The bass player was in his bag throughout this whole album. I expected to like it, didn’t expect to love it. Great album.
So many bangers, so nostalgic.
What a debut. The first five tracks are all bops and bangers, especially "Mr. Brightside", "Somebody Told Me", "All These Things I've Done", and "Smile Like You Mean It". This record was definitely a part of the soundtrack of my life 20 years ago. It is always a treat to revisit this modern classic.
this is my vibe
An okay/solid rock record. The Killers sound is a little too slick for me overall, and the second half felt like a lot of the same. That said, “Smile Like You Mean It” is a total banger and by far the best song on this record. It’s a great song. And like any good millennial, I’m a fan of “Mr. Brightside” — the defining party song of our generation? I don’t think I understand “Somebody told me” but I think I enjoy it. And on the B side “Change Your Mind” is good.
Has there ever been an album of two halves quite like this? Side one, rock solid 10/10. Side 2, 6/10 if I'm being generous. Personally I have always preferred Sam's town but this is an amazing debut album that rightly propelled the band to global megastardom.
The quintessential millennial rock album. First half til "change your mind" is nothing but bangers. Then after falls sort until the end with "glamorous indie rock and roll". I Lowkey hate "Mr. brightside", but I still listened and actually enjoyed it with the full album listen. Fav tracks: "on top" "all these things that I've done" "change your mind"
Just an iconic aughts album. Still holds up well on the ~50th listen.
Great album loved listening to it!
Great album but i always thought the last few songs where weak other that that it’s literally almost a 5 star album - I’ve listened through this a lot in the past.
Reminds me of high school in a good way
Absolute belter. It's rare to meet someone who doesn't dig the killers....
I thought maybe a relisten would “change [my] mind,” but “believe me Natalie,” it did not. I always hated the hits off this album and continue to find this a boring, trite product of its time. I couldn’t make it through. It’s marginally better than the other one-star albums I listened to (side eye to you, Kid Rock), but based on the “I can’t even listen to this whole thing,” it gets a 1.
One of the best indie albums of 2000s
Impressive stretch of songs to open Hot Fuss, first 5 tracks are bangers with Mr. Brightside being the biggest hit of them all, Gen Z’s Wonderwall. The album falls off a bit from there but is still mostly pretty good with the exception of the closing track, Glamorous Indie Rock & Roll which was kinda lame. I hadn’t listened to a ton of Killers but I had listened to a ton of the Canadian Indie band, Hot Hot Heat in my teens and this was the first time I noticed how much Brandon Flowers sounded like Steve Bays from shot Hot Heat. Turns out Flower’s is quoted saying they were an early inspiration of his, so I thought that was kinda cool and a nice feather in the cap for Bays and company. So if you like this album go give Make up the Breakdown a listen, it’s a gem of an early 2000’s indie album. 4 stars
Always good to have a bit of the killers
This came out when I was in high school and it was huge. And for good reason, this is a fantastic album. Glamorous Indie Rock n Roll is a sleeper jam on here, it’s a great closer. And one of the best songs on an album full of hits.
I was a 13 year old lad in Britain when this released, it may as well have been our National Anthem for that decade. That being said, I will try my best to remain impartial when reviewi-JEAAAAALOUSY
Another entry into the "i was a hater before i even knew what was on the album" category. What a phenomenal early 2000s pop punk/indie alternative album. Arguably a masterpiece of its time but I won't give it that much credit.
Very nostalgic and reminds me of my best friend
I've heard people say this album is super frontloaded and tbh it is. The second half is still good but it's just the first half is life changing. Anyway Brandon Flowers the goat.
Late 70s/80s New Wave sound (keyboards, accented vocals, off-kilter guitar lines and beats). In general, it's consistently good, but nothing really stands out to "wow" me... Highlights: "Smile Like You Mean It" (nice keyboard line running through the song with a more "goth" type of vocal (influenced by The Cure?), "All These Things That I've Done" (starts with an anthemic 80s U2 sound to it, but then has a Lennon-esque sound to the vocals then a Cars-like breakdown with chugging guitar chords, then the choir comes in...), "Believe Me Natalie" (anthemic guitars and expressive vocals, gets a little mess near the end (why the horns?))
Ab und zu blitzen ein paar gute Momente auf, die an New Wave oder Post Punk erinnern, die aber zu oft von mittelmäßigem Radiopop-Rock übertönt werden. Unterm Strich ist es für mich eines dieser eher nervigen „Indie-Rock“-Alben der frühen bis mittleren 2000er Jahre, die im Radio rauf und runter gespielt wurden. Favorit: Everything will be alright ist eine schöne Schunkel-Ballade für Regentage oder Oktoberfest.
Some of the most played songs on radio show once it came out.
I really enjoyed revisiting this album. It definitely drops off in the second half, and I wish the 4 great singles had been spread out better (imagine All These Things That I've Done as an album closer), but the first half is so strong I'll forgive them. As an aside, I saw Bill Bailey at a festival where The Killers were playing, and he did a version of All These Things That I've Done with a chorus of "I've got ham but I'm not a hamster) and it's been how I sing along to it ever since.
For a debut studio album, IMO The Killers absolutely knocked it out of the park. Unfortunately though, they might have knocked one of the songs too far out of he park. The clip of that 1 hit ended up overshadowing the entire game. Which is what happened here with Mr. Brightside, a song which such staying power that I don't know if there'll ever be a time when people stop listening to it. For me, this is a 5/5
Bringing back memories
Banger
3.9 2x
It's not really "my thing" but I am aware of their existence and have heard the more well-known tracks before. It was ok, it never crossed my mind to turn it off, but I never really got into it. It feels bit better than 2 stars, so I'll give it 3.
The way memory functions is weird – if “Somebody told me” was released six months after Funeral for a Friend’s debut album then why do I remember being a child when listening to the former, but feeling like a grown up listening to the latter? It might be because The Killers – purveyors of absolutely OK, post-punk-ish, synthy-sort-of pop that you’re always happy to hear at weddings, or playing in the background of a pub you’re at for a 50th birthday, you know, adult occasions – are totally and utterly grown-up. They’re Interpol for mums; knowing better than to do something unexpected (might throw your back out!). Safe. And to that end we have a record that starts with back-to-back bangers. Twenty minutes of top ten material that twenty years on has your listener saying “was this our millennial Nevermind?” The thing about 20 minutes though is that’s pretty much as long as it takes to drive to the supermarket and back. And I feel like that’s not an accident. This record was made to be listened to on the way to Tesco. It was made to deliver a feeling that’s a bit like nostalgia – it’s fresh material, but it nods back hard enough to get your Gen Xers suddenly feeling 18 again. How else can a person be expected to get through the weekly shop? The first half is an embarrassment of riches, but it isn’t hyperbole to say – and certainly in the context of epochal hits like “Mr Brightside”, “Somebody told me” and jams as solid as “Jenny was a friend of mine” – that the second half is a bit embarrassing. If memory serves, then The Killers give us a better album with “Sam’s Town”. But then memory is a funny thing.
Brilliant listen, or at least the first half is. Absolute bangers of tunes, it's like a perfect half album
I'd never say that Hot Fuss didn’t have great singles, although I preferred the darker 80s music that Interpol pulled from
1 or 2 good song, everything other is monotone and boring.
it was... what it was. The production mainly, was often a weird mix of seemingly random effects(On Top, Killers have to be reminded this isn't the crazy frog album), that took away most of the flow out of the songs, like use of the vocoder at the most random instances. The record also seems very focussed around Mr Brightside, of which I don't understand the appeal at all, the lyrics are pretty goofy and the song isn't anything unique. To reiterate, I wasn't impressed at all, the songs were listenable but some choices were just laughably bad. Favorite track: Change your Mind(because I have to pick). Overall Score: 1.2/10
I've never listened to this album in its entirety, despite Mr Brightside being an absolute classic at this point. It did not disappoint.
I love this album so much. Bought it in 2004. I will forever right for "Somebody Told Me" supremacy over "Mr. Brightside." This album screamed Las Vegas to me. It was the first time I'd heard a rock band use disco bass lines ("Jenny Was a Friend of Mine," "Somebody Told Me") and I was so hooked. I've blasted this album countless times over the nearly 21 years since its release. Glam rock for the emo crowd.
Great album has most their best songs
A lovely space/indie rock feel
Even though The Killers have that Joy Division post-punk sounds I just really never meshed with, they are also far more melodic than a typical post-punk band, combining pop friendly tunes with synth and dark vocals. 3.5/5
There are some good songs on this, but I honestly only thought this was decent. The hits are good, but not as good as I had previously thought, and I didn’t get much out of the second half.
It's OK. Makes me think of that rock band guitar hero game
The album is very much of its era: 2000s rock. I'm not a fan of the synthesizer.
You gotta be fucking kidding me....this is my first one? Mr.Brightside? i cannot escape this goddamned song. This seems like an elaborate troll job....
The best album of ALL TIME
It's the Killers. Of course it was amazing. But I heard a few deep cuts I'm going to add to my Spotify so that's cool
I like the tempo of a lot of the tracks on here. You end up sort of getting pulled along. The lyrics are also pretty fun and/or interesting Standouts Mr. Brightside Somebody Told Me 4/5
I was there, and in the right age when it went out, so definitely some good memories from that album. I still listen to these songs every once in a while, and it's a great album, but I wouldn't say it's a "part of me" when it comes to my listening habits.
This is absolutely lovely Brit-pop. I know they're from Las Vegas. And also? I know that this is lovely Brit-pop. Lead vocals are delivered with an accent that certainly points across the pond. And it's just lovely, emotional, sad-boy Brit-pop. (I'd never listened to this album before, lol. I'm not sure how I missed it. And them. But I did. The only song I KNEW knew was, "Sombody Told Me." Which... great fucking tune.) This is also exceptionally shoegazey. I don't mind that. I'm rocking back and forth in front of a massive speaker, ben-gay scented fog mingling with cloves cigarettes, a cheap gin and tonic in a plastic cup held high. It's a ruhl good memory, yinz guys. Four of five stars on this one. It's a fantastic album.
Classic
An album I grew up on that I haven’t revisited in some time. Not quite as good as I remember, but my nostalgia won’t let me rank it any lower.
Great great fun. Excellent debut
The first 5 songs of this album are generation defining indie rock. The rest is filler. But my god they have some hits.
The guys had the alternative vibes way before this boomer vibes came into the trend. Not each song is nice to me, but a couple of them are very worthy to listen, I can hear more modern hits referencing their music from these. "Somebody Told Me" and "Smile Like you Mean" are added to my favorites from the whole album.
I would like to know how much these guys made out of tv/movie royalties. These songs were everywhere... totally deserved though. Couple of good songs I've never heard before, but I doubt I'd listen to this album again.
Classic
Enduring hits, what's not to love? Listening to the full album, it struck me that there's a murder mystery here. What happened to Jenny?
I wonder if the killers knew what a defining album they made. Some classic tunes on this album
Flowers, Brandon: Variations on “Mr. Brightside”, I-XI (2004) The closer, “Everything Will Be Alright”, and “All These Things That I’ve Done” give some sonic variety that would otherwise be missing. But when the baseline sound is so bright and joyous, it’s hard to fault the Killers for staying in that lane. February 4, 2025
It felt wrong listening to Mr Brightside on a Monday morning and not in a sweaty student nightclub or some other place with a lot of alcohol involved. It's quite front-loaded, but the hits really hit. I just looked at the top review after writing the above. Judging from the use of "uni", I'm guessing they're British. Despite Brandon Flowers being American, I refuse to believe Yanks can vibe with Mr Brightside on the wavelength all British people seem to. It unlocks something in us. I finally figured out the line in Somebody ToldnMe is "I never thought I'd lead a rumour ruin the moonlight". I hadn't consciously thought about it, as most of the times I'd hear that song I could hardly be described as conscious, but in the back of my mind I would think "what the hell is a roomaroo in the moonlight".
They had me on like two songs, but it’s just not for me.
What a 5-song run the first 5 songs are. The following 3 are damn good too, but then the song quality fades a little bit. Still a great listen with 8/12 songs having a ton of relistenability.
First album of theirs that I listened to. Remind me of 80/early 90’s alt music when alt actually sounded different than just rock/pop. Vocals, guitar and percussion all very well done.
I’m a Killers fan and like this a lot and I do think it’s interesting how they thought it was going to be their last but in hindsight they were wrong
Bangers. Great indie album that actually has a bunch of really solid tracks rather than just 2 singles that were beat into the ground. They make fun of themselves and their genre and perceived lifestyle which adds so much. Really don’t have anything negative to say bout this one.
great, great album. big, driving guitar & vocals. love the sounds and variety. except for final 2 tracks-they were just boring & repetitive. shame since rest of album was fantastic. 4.5 stars
Album art:3
Definitely a classic. After many years the songs sound actual
Awesome! Hits the spot, as usual.
Neutered rehash of new wave. Again I choose die.
Well I may not be objective but this album is a masterpiece, I used to listen to it when I was a teenage boy and that's still one of my favourite album for sure. What I love about this album is the vibe it brings, the singer's voice which is soo characteristic and I love it and also for me the best thing is their bridges in their songs. My top 3 since the beginning is "Somebody Told Me" (I SAID MAYBEEEEE, BABYYYY, PLEASEEEEEE), "All These Things That I've Done" (I GOT SOUL, BUT I'M NOT A SOLDIIIIER) and "Smile Like You Mean It" (I used to imagine this song when I was reading One Piece, when I first listened to this song, I was reading volume 41 where the Mugiwaras are on the court's roof, standing on front of Robin, Franky and the CP9. I don't know why but I always thought that this song would match perfectly with the scene. In conclusion, this album is insaaaaaaane, I love it, it's a big 5 for me.
Bassline in Jenny was a friend of mine is super catchy, lead voice is cool too Mr brightside is great ofc, but why is it the 52nd most listened song on spotify wtf its huge SOMEBODY TOLD ME YAHHH All these things that I've done intro = Queen Really cool album, much variety yet every song blends in really well with the rest
First side is all great hits. Still all in heavy rotation on the radio. Second side is all eh
Amazing how many of these songs I’ve heard. But I still think it’s just average soft rock.