Customer Reviews

Hot Fuss

5 star:		(329)
4 star:		(155)
3 star:		(68)
2 star:		(25)
1 star:		(48)

 

 

There are several thoughts that run through my mind regarding the debut album from The Killers. One thing is that it's about time the punk/new wave movement from the late 70's/early 80's got recycled. I'm sure there are others around my age (32) that miss this type of music since we experienced it first hand. The influences are apparent on "Hot Fuss"--The Cars, The Cure, The Smiths, The Church, The Cult, Joy Division, Depeche Mode, New Order, Bauhaus, Oasis, Blur, etc. But this is a good thing, because I'm tired of streamlined rap/hip-hop, grunge rock wannabes, and over-slick production on most top 40 songs in the past eight years. Maybe teenagers will now understand the value of depressive, melancholy and angry music like it was meant to be heard. I don't mind the derivativeness of The Killers if it means that a new generation will be turned on to this genre of music.

As for the music, well it's exactly what I hoped for after hearing "Somebody Told Me". Despite other reviews, I think this is an energetic and inspiring entry into this genre of music. 11 tracks clocking in at 45 minutes is just perfect, and all the songs fit together nicely with not one track being conspicuously weaker than the others.

If you find yourself interested in The Killers, go back and listen to the original new wave artists I mentioned above. You can also look into the second generation such as Coldplay, White Stripes, Keane, Snow Patrol, Franz Ferdinand, Interpol, The Music, The Postal Service, Jet, The Strokes, Dogs Die In Hot Cars, Kaiser Chiefs, Louis XIV, The Futureheads, Bloc Party, Caesars and Yeah Yeah Yeahs.

If you're looking for something new, you could do worse in 2004/2005, than buying The Killers' debut album "Hot Fuss". Check it out.

To the list of bands in the last few years that sound blatantly retro and are quite good at it (the Strokes, Interpol, the Darkness, Franz Ferdinand, etc), add the Killers to the list...

Hot Fuss is a fantastic debut cd that updates 80s music and toughens it up for modern times. The first single, Somebody told Me, reminds me a lot (at least lyrically if nothing else) of the catchiness of Blur's Boys and Girls. In a lot of ways this band is like a more-fun version of the Stills (who I also love), even though lyrically the music can often be quite dark.

There are a ton of stand-out tracks here, beginning with the first one, which is one of the best. My other favorites are two, three, four, and seven, although honestly even the worst tracks here are worth listening to.

One interesting note... a lot of people I have played this for assume that this band is British. Not so... with the Darkness and Franz Ferdinand stealing some thunder from the Strokes and the Stripes, score this as a win in USA's column.

A debut album thats catchy, lyrically meaningful, musically dense, and non-cheesily retro (even with synths involved)... what can I say, except that I can't wait for the follow-up album.

What more can be said about the Killers that hasn't already been said? This group from LV has really caught my ear, something that no new artist has managed to do since, the now no more, Big Wreck.

I first heard this band in my car on a battle of the bands show on my local radio station. I enjoyed what I heard so I called and threw them my vote. Ironically it turned out I was the only one who voted for them. However things quickly changed as their first hit "Somebody Told Me" become one of the most requested songs ever. Recently their second single "Mr. Brightside" had it's day on the battle of the bands, only it's fate would be much different. It has now been just over a week and The Killers with Mr. Brightside are still the band to beat.

The best thing about this band is that their first single "Somebody Told Me" isn't even the best track on the album. The entire album is great so it's a must listen. If you get the chance check out the UK release of the same album for the single "Glamorous Indie Rock and Roll" I love this tune it's got power vocals and some great music to go with it.

Last but not least, if you haven't seen the Killers in concert, check them out. I saw them in Ottawa, Canada a few weeks ago and it was one of the best shows I have ever been to.

There are a lot of mixed reviews that you'll find here. And all of the reviews are extremely one sided, they either love em, or they hate em. I thought I'd throw in my two cents and try and give a somewhat unbiased review.

In all honesty, this genre, or pop, pretty much any music "fad" is normally the last thing I'd ever think about buying when I go to a record store. And yes, I'll agree with a lot of these people that hate The Killers in the fact that they probably aren't the most talented musicians. No graduates from Julliard here. But the music is incredibly catchy, and you have to give them respect simply because they can come up with something that a lot of people like, and can relate to. It's not always about being a virtuoso.

I also noticed a lot of reviews mentioning how meaningless and lethargic they thought the lyrics were. Tell me when does everything have to make sense in order for you to like it, or find it acceptable? You go to a museum and you see an odd sculpture, you're not going to criticize it just because you can't interpret what the artist was going for are you?

With all that said, if you have enough curiosity about this band, this album, to read these reviews, then you should give it a listen. The Killers fall well out of the bounds of music that I'd listen to on a daily basis, but after hearing this album, my tastes have broadened, and I'm definitely looking forward to what they'll have in store for them in the future.

Every song on this album is an amazing tune, and all the songs have excellent words(chandelier of stars and atmosphere, or we were justa good thing we were sucha good thing...), and even more amazing music. An excellent buy and overall hit. I highly recommend to anyone. Good intro to alternative rock for all you newbies.

Don't buy this CD if you are going to analyze, compare, try-to-guess-the-influence or whatever it to death! If you have some "I owe my allegiance to" such-and-such band, or such-and-such style or period, or whatever, and can't resist trying to figure out how it fits into your version of the way "music" or "punk" or "rock" or whatever should be, then don't buy it. On the other hand, if you just like music...all kinds of music, just put in in your player, and listen. It's perfect.

Neo-retro.

Nu wave.

Call it whatever you want, but it's not only happening-it's growing steadily. The trick for a band in going with an obviously derivative sound is to not come off like talent less, rip-off hacks or as straight up poseurs. See also: Orgy who thought they could ride a singer with Goo Goo Doll looks, throw on some eye makeup for the gratuitous 80s homage and a belt out a lite metal cover of a New Order song. Airplay for a stretch, sure. But a band to take seriously? Come on.

That's nothing like the current 80s revisionist scene that is burgeoning. Interpol does their own phenomenal take on Joy Division and The Smiths in the same way that the Yeah Yeahs Yeahs recalls Siouxsie and The Pretenders. And then there is The Rapture, who makes no attempt to disguise their adoration for The Cure and P.I.L. They all need to make room for another member for the club.

The Killers make their bold entrance to the ring, and perhaps into your living room via MTV spins of "Somebody Told Me," their fantastic first single for debut effort, Hot Fuss. It's really just updated 80s dance/rock that would make Billy Idol and The Cars proud, but would sound just as good right next to Franz Ferdinand.

With thumping bass lines at the forefront, power drums crashing at every turn, huge synths blazing under frantic vocals, I had a surprisingly hard time pinning down a band I could compare them closest to. Frankie Goes to Hollywood? Sure, somewhat. Blur? A little, I guess. After a few more turns it finally hit me. For all of their 80s nostalgia, The Killers have a decidedly glam rock sound that is a good deal like Suede from the early 90s.

The standout track on Hot Fuss is "Mr. Brightside," which takes self-destructive, jealous paranoia way beyond the most gut wrenching Wedding Present song. Singer Bandon Flowers appears to be on the verge of a breakdown during his play-by-play of a mythical infidelity:

"Now I'm falling asleep / and she's calling a cab
While he's having a smoke / and she's tacking a drag
Now they're going to bed /and my stomach is sick
And it's all in my head / But she's touching his chest now
He takes off her dress now...letting me go"

"Jenny Was a Friend of Mine" is a galloping opener, "All These Things That I've Done" could be the Doves and has a strangely infectious anthem-like chorus of, "I've got soul / but I'm not a soldier." The haunted stab and weave in "Andy You're a Star" is yearning and somber, while the Casio keyboards kick in full tilt with "On Top."

The disc is frontloaded with the best songs, and the tempo is UP for the majority of it, but they do their best Pulp impersonation for the slow jam-carnival ride-of-hope conclusion of "Everything Will Be All Right."

The Killers have passed the initial test with their first nu wave effort, the trick now is to remain viable in an ever changing musical landscape. It certainly seems like they have the stuff to make it happen, if not-they'll be fun while they last.

Since I've had this album for a long time but really haven't listened to it lately, I decided to give it another listen after listening to Sam's Town and maybe it's simply because of my familiarity with it, but it was like a breath of fresh air.

Let me first say this album isn't perfect. Lyrically it's not phenominal but for the music and vocal style, it just works. A few songs can turn into a drag because it isn't too diverse in its instrumental technique and Flowers' vocal range is certainly limited. But somehow it all comes together nicely for a melodic, energetic and upbeat album.

First off, the melodies and choruses on this album far surpass Sam's Town. One thing I notice about the new album is how the choruses linger on and don't really peak at any point. Almost every song on Hot Fuss has a strong chorus and despite the massive layers that sometimes bog down the sound, songs such as All The Things That I've Done, Mr. Brightside, Smile Like You Mean It, and Change Your Mind overcome that and leave you with a much more exciting and enjoyable music experience.

What some people may say is that the first album is more accessible and the new album shows growth and maturation because it doesn't catch on as quickly as the first. I disagree entirely. To me, it simply sounds like a confused and overworked group have patched together an album to satisfy their recording contract. Everyone talks about the influences of the new album, and yes I can hear it, but all bands have influences. But to become a legitimate band, you have to become an influence yourself and they are far from influencing anyone after their latest album.

I'm disappointed because Hot Fuss is a strong effort by a band that really showed promise and cohesiveness, but it seems lost on the new album. This may not exactly be a five-star record but I feel much happier listening to this album than Sam's Town.

The first time I heard "Hot Fuss," I must admit I was more than a little scared to hear such blatant '80s influences--the 1980s was not exactly my favorite era in music. After a few listens, however, I realized that The Killers were smart enough to take inspiration from only the best '80s New Wave bands, and keep these New Wave touches light enough to augment--not overpower--their own sound. "Hot Fuss" turned out to be one of the most exciting albums I'd heard all year.

True, I wouldn't call "Hot Fuss" a lyrical masterpiece, but what the album lacks in lyrical power, it more than makes up for in catchiness and pure rock power. The first single, "Somebody Told Me," showcases this perfectly; it is a song that slides into your head and almost forces you to dance around. But I don't want to reduce The Killers to mere fluffy enjoyment; there are moments on the album that really hint at the band's possibilities. The Killer's strongest point is their ability to set such a strong mood in practically every song. "Andy, You're A Star" has an incredibly unique, almost sinister sound, and in "All These Things That I've Done," you can sense the pull of change. Indeed, very few albums have made me *feel* the songs to such a degree.

I'd recommend "Hot Fuss" to most rock fans. If you enjoyed the singles you've heard, there is a good chance you'll enjoy--if not love--this album, since it is fairly consistent throughout. Ultimately, even though "Hot Fuss" may not be the most innovative or philosophical album of the year, and even though I tend to relentlessly search for deeper meaning, this album reminded me that sometimes it's nice to have fun and enjoy a record on a purely sensory level, and "Hot Fuss" is the perfect album in that regard.

...because this album blew me away. After hearing the first single, 'Somebody Told Me', I was very skeptical. I thought this would be just a pop band like Green Day. But i decided i would give it a listen after hearing the second single, 'Mr. Brightside'. Wow. I was completely blown away and I fell in love with this album. 'Jenny Was A Friend Of Mine' is probably my favorite track off of this album. 'Mr. Brightside' & 'Smile Like You Mean It', which are the 2nd and 4th singles respectively are great 80s influenced tracks. Actually this whole album has a New Wave feel to it and i love it. 'Somebody Told Me' is a hot club track and a monster pop track and it is very catchy. 'All These Things That Ive Done', the 3rd single is a slow paced song and it will have you singing "Ive got soul but I'm not a soldier" all day long. 'Andy, You're A Star' is probably my least favorite on the track but is still a good song. 'On Top' is definitely one of my favorites. I love the chorus to this track. Well-produced album, Brandon Flowers is not the greatest singer in the world (with his fake british accent lol) but I still love him here. I hope to see a long LONG career from these very talented guys from Las Vegas, and im sure 90% of you agree.