Review Summary: The Killers' extremely underrated sophomore release may not be the album of the year, but its confidence and catchy melodies will satisfy most music fans looking for an accessible and enjoyable album.
The Killers are a Vegas-based band that exploded onto mainstream radio with their British-sounding, glam-filled debut single “Mr. Brightside" in 2004. The song led to The Killers being labeled as an American version of Duran Duran, and their debut album Hot Fuss was liked by critics, and even adored by some. The Killers were the ’80s band of the early 2000s.
On Sam’s Town, the group’s second album, the band maintains their “80s" presence, but in a different sense. Gone are the dance-y, synth heavy pop tunes of Hot Fuss. They are replaced by a heartland rock, Springsteen-esque set of songs, with some of the anthemic sounds associated with U2. It’s a startling change. Some critics (Rolling Stone is one) found the change to be poor and reacted negatively to the album. I, however, enjoy The Killers’ change to a “more American" sound.
The album kicks off with “Sam’s Town", an energetic opener that immediately sets up the new sound. “Sam’s Town" is a neat start to the album. However, the album doesn’t seem to really start until the next track, “Enterlude", starts. The track is a mere 50 seconds long, but kicks off the heartland, mid-west themes of the album in an interesting way: the lyrics are welcoming us and telling us “It’s good to have you with us/Even if it’s just for a day". The closing track uses the same lyrics, but sound more like a farewell instead of a welcome. It’s a neat introduction/exit. The album continues with its heartland rock sound as we journey through the life of lead singer/lyricist/keyboardist Brandon Flowers.
Flowers’ lyrics are hit or miss. Metaphors are in just about every song, leading to very cryptic lyrics. This tends to either work very well or fall flat on its face. This can be seen with “Sam’s Town", with a very, very poetic second verse that actually makes sense and sounds natural. This can be seen the other way with the lead single “When You Were Young". While some of Flowers’ metaphors and poetry work in “When You Were Young", most seem to not really make sense or seem to be forced. Luckily, the track is saved by well-written instrumental parts and a catchy guitar/synth riff.
The album’s best moments occur when the band find the middle ground between the synthpop sound of their debut and the heartland rock sound of Sam’s Town. “Read My Mind" is an excellent example of this, with synth organs and a four-to-the-floor drum beat playing along with some slightly distorted guitar, turning into a heartland rock song you can dance to. “Bones" will remind many of their debut sound, with Flowers’ singing in his lower range and synth horns blasting during the chorus.
Flowers’ decision to sing in his higher range is, like his lyrics, hit or miss. At times in adds energy and passion to the tracks. Other times, it sounds like Flowers’ is straining to hit some notes, and during those moments, I miss his deeper singing style.
Despite its flaws, Sam’s Town is actually very enjoyable. Each song has something that keeps bringing me back, and most of the tunes have catchy melodies and riffs. It may not has as much depth as some other albums, but its confidence and catchy melodies mostly make up for that. It’s a neat change for The Killers, and a good casual listen. 4/5
