The Killers - Hot Fuss

Decade - 2000's

The Killers - Hot Fuss (2004)



To be honest I'm not sure The Killers have an original bone in their body. All bands are derivative to an extent but it's possible to hear at least 20 different bands in Hot Fuss, all vying for attention. The influences of bands like Joy Division, New Order, The Cure, The Smiths, The Pixies and so on are clear. Too clear, because it's obvious The Killers can't hold a candle to their predecessors. The Killers' post-punkish new wave poppy mix is smart, radio friendly and mainstream. But that is all it is.

Lyrically they are under-developed and occasionally border on cringe-worthy. That doesn't bother everyone of course, but it makes it difficult to take the album seriously after the first listen. It doesn't grow, you just get bored. After a while, boredom turns into annoyance.

Hot Fuss is a solid album by a solid but uninspiring band. There's nothing amazing here, nothing really great, nothing new, and nothing that is going to make a real impact in years to come. It is occasionally enjoyable, flashy and slickly produced pop rock with no real substance.

It's still way better than The White Stripes though!


Score - 6.8/10

Genre - Alt rock, pop rock

Best tracks - All of equal quality...interpret that anyway you want.

Recommended - Mostly.