• Record Label: Island
  • Release Date: Sep 18, 2012
User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 174 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Negative: 12 out of 174
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  1. Sep 18, 2012
    10
    well you should know before hear this album:it's the perfect combination of all the other 3 albums toghether and we can take from this that this it's a masterpiece!! the whole album its something very pleasure to be hear the sound of guitar the brilliant vocal os brandon flowers..and plus i can image the band playing Flesh and Bone in the shows:it's going to be amazing congratulations forwell you should know before hear this album:it's the perfect combination of all the other 3 albums toghether and we can take from this that this it's a masterpiece!! the whole album its something very pleasure to be hear the sound of guitar the brilliant vocal os brandon flowers..and plus i can image the band playing Flesh and Bone in the shows:it's going to be amazing congratulations for this brilliant album Expand
  2. Feb 23, 2013
    8
    On first impression this sounded bloated, over produced and underwhelming but as I really enjoyed all their of their previous albums, I decided to give this time and space to breathe before making up my mind. I'm glad I did. On repeat listens there are some excellent songs on here and some really great songwriting on display although too often the bands talent is completely smothered byOn first impression this sounded bloated, over produced and underwhelming but as I really enjoyed all their of their previous albums, I decided to give this time and space to breathe before making up my mind. I'm glad I did. On repeat listens there are some excellent songs on here and some really great songwriting on display although too often the bands talent is completely smothered by overproduction. I really think this album would have majorly benefitted from an Indie Rock production approach instead of the Stadium Rock production thats on show. I know it's totally not cool to like The Killers anymore, but given a chance, this record has many charms. Expand
  3. Sep 21, 2012
    8
    Terrific new album. Big sweeping songs with big themes. I have only recently become a fan of theirs but this album does not disappoint. Try it. I think most will like it.
  4. Sep 25, 2012
    8
    This is a great album for critics to hate and fans to love. For those of us focusing on the influences that the band draws in their newest work, this seems to be nothing more than a cheap Bruce Springsteen imitation with modern spike and drama. It is actually a dynamic, diverse outing that should very well stand as a paradigm of rock exhibitionism that does not exist anywhere else inThis is a great album for critics to hate and fans to love. For those of us focusing on the influences that the band draws in their newest work, this seems to be nothing more than a cheap Bruce Springsteen imitation with modern spike and drama. It is actually a dynamic, diverse outing that should very well stand as a paradigm of rock exhibitionism that does not exist anywhere else in today's music scene. It's well conceived... Flowers has been floating in space for a while, and it has done him some good. I thought "Day and Age" was their best attempt because of its sheer naive elegance, and it may still be. Still, Battle Born is a great entry into the catalogue, and shouldn't be missed by anyone who has even the most basic appreciation for decent, sincere modern rock music. The indie rock influences are delightful at the albums most repressed moments. Please give it a try; at the very least, you will be happy that you heard some half-creative radio fodder. Expand
  5. Dec 19, 2012
    10
    Deep, immersive, simply brilliant. The best album of The Killers for the moment. Brandon's vocals became much better. Songs sound more complicated than in the previous albums. The album gave me unforgettable pleasure.
  6. Sep 19, 2012
    9
    From the moment I first heard the majestic lead single "Runaways," I was instantly excited for this album. Battle Born combines elements of all three of The Killers' previous studio albums: from the New Wave and post-punk of Hot Fuss, to the Springsteen-esque heartland rock of Sam's Town, to the synthpop of Day & Age. It's definitely a step up from their previous album, which I felt wasFrom the moment I first heard the majestic lead single "Runaways," I was instantly excited for this album. Battle Born combines elements of all three of The Killers' previous studio albums: from the New Wave and post-punk of Hot Fuss, to the Springsteen-esque heartland rock of Sam's Town, to the synthpop of Day & Age. It's definitely a step up from their previous album, which I felt was somewhat lacking compared to the band's first two albums. A few songs don't particularly stand out, but aside from that minor complaint, Battle Born is an excellent and heartfelt album. Expand
  7. Oct 19, 2012
    9
    Eu comecei a escutar o novo álbum da banda The Killers com o pensamento de "vamos ver o que tem para hoje?" e quando terminou estava praticamente jogado no chão gritando: "obrigado, meu Deus!".

    Do segundo que começou a primeira faixa do álbum até o seu final fui transportado para outra era. Uma era relativamente não muito longe em tempo
    Eu comecei a escutar o novo álbum da banda The Killers com o pensamento de "vamos ver o que tem para hoje?" e quando terminou estava praticamente jogado no chão gritando: "obrigado, meu Deus!".

    Do segundo que começou a primeira faixa do álbum até o seu final fui transportado para outra era. Uma era relativamente não muito longe em tempo "real", mas longe em tempo "artístico": os anos oitenta. Todos sabem da grande influência que a década tem sobre o grupo de Las Vegas, mas em Battle Born eles levam tudo para outro nível. Você pode encontrar desde toques de Eurythmics até Bruce Springsteen durante todo o CD. Não apenas nas influências, mas como em toda a atmosfera sonora. Como disse antes, durante toda a duração de Battle Born me senti transportado para um trailer no meio dos Estados Unidos no final de 1987 como um adolescente ouvindo música e sonhando com o futuro. O grupo usa um bom time de colaboradores para criar grandes, contagiantes, poderosas hinos rock para fazer tocar em estádios lotados onde todos cantam usando toda a força dos pulmões. Cada música é uma produção mais grandiosa que a outra mostra um trabalho de instrumentalização simplesmente genial. Um dos melhores que eu ouvi desde que o blog foi criado. Brandon Flowers está no melhor momento de sua carreira como cantor entregando performances magistrais principalmente nas baladas o ajudando a ficar no topo dos vocalistas da atualidade. Em relação as composições, o álbum é uma ode ao amor de maneira mais oitentista possível: brega, sentimental, cool e cativante. Trabalhos maravilhosos que tem como os maiores destaques a linda Runaways (resenha a seguir), a delicada The Way It Was e a linda de bonita Here With Me. O álbum ainda tem a dark Deadlines And Commitments, a grandiosa Be Still e a super divertida Prize Fighter. Em primeiro lugar no meu coração está Miss Atomic Bomb. É impossível não comparar a canção com as grandes baladas da década de '80 onde a composição era uma história e não apenas frases soltas. Enfrentando crítícas bastante divergentes entre uma e outra, onde de lado há pessoas que amam e outras que odeiam, Battle Born se torna um clássico moderno baseado em uma outra era.
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  8. Sep 21, 2012
    8
    The Battle Born theme throughout the album is something I really liked. "Flesh and Bone" starts it out fantastically and is one of the best tracks. Also their single "Runaways" is back and it still stands strong with the rest of the album. Some other tracks like "Here With Me" and "Battle Born" also caught my attention and help the album shine. The rest of it is adequate, and I love TheThe Battle Born theme throughout the album is something I really liked. "Flesh and Bone" starts it out fantastically and is one of the best tracks. Also their single "Runaways" is back and it still stands strong with the rest of the album. Some other tracks like "Here With Me" and "Battle Born" also caught my attention and help the album shine. The rest of it is adequate, and I love The Killers don't get me wrong but I really enjoyed those 4 tracks (the Flesh and Bone remix to add to the list) I listened to more than everything else. Solid album from The Killers and I'm interested in what's down the road. Expand
  9. Nov 15, 2012
    10
    A consistent album with great tracks. Almost filler-free. Runaways and Flesh & Bone are amazing anthemic tracks while Be Still is simply beautiful and Here With Me feels close and personal.
  10. Sep 20, 2012
    10
    This is blood, sweat, and tears rock n' roll. It begs to be put on repeat in your car and as loud as your **** little stereo can handle. Four albums in ( five if you count the b-sides collection Sawdust) This is unlikely to win The Killers any new support ( unless your a certain Republican front-runner) and the detractors will have a heyday with the rehash of 80's mechanics and FlowersThis is blood, sweat, and tears rock n' roll. It begs to be put on repeat in your car and as loud as your **** little stereo can handle. Four albums in ( five if you count the b-sides collection Sawdust) This is unlikely to win The Killers any new support ( unless your a certain Republican front-runner) and the detractors will have a heyday with the rehash of 80's mechanics and Flowers fondness of using every cliche he can get his hands on, but if you drank the kool-aid as I did back when Hot Fuss was released you will find a big, innocent, boot stomping sing-a-long that is a cohesive combination of all their previous efforts, and that is what makes Battle Born the best rock album of 2012 thus far.

    Stand out tracks: Flesh and Bone, Miss Atomic Bomb, From Here on Out
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  11. Sep 23, 2012
    10
    This album was amazing! I heard a bit of Sam's Town and Brandon's solo album Flamingo in here, which wasn't bad because I really loved Sam's Town being my favorite out of everything they released.
  12. Nov 12, 2012
    7
    When I first put on this album for a listen I got very excited, the opening track, Flesh and bone is my favorite song on the album possibly because it was also used as the preview song for it.

    But after runaways I noticed that the album defiantly slows down in pace and only a few songs pick the pace up again. Most of it appears to be ballads and slow songs which is fine but with an
    When I first put on this album for a listen I got very excited, the opening track, Flesh and bone is my favorite song on the album possibly because it was also used as the preview song for it.

    But after runaways I noticed that the album defiantly slows down in pace and only a few songs pick the pace up again. Most of it appears to be ballads and slow songs which is fine but with an album title of battle born I was expecting more songs like the first two that opened it.

    Overall, a good album if you are a killers fan but could have used some more anthem songs.
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  13. Sep 18, 2012
    10
    This is definitely The Killers at their best. Ive been a real fan since Hot Fuss, and unlike the mainstream fans, i believe they have gotten progressively better with each album. 4 years has been worth the wait, a track or two takes an extra listen, but definitely worth the extra listen, buy this album, you will not be disappointed. Plenty of memorable vocal. drum. guitar and bass parts
  14. Sep 26, 2012
    9
    In the past, Brandon Flowers has been accused of sounding bored, unenthusiastic, and going through the motions. I'll tell ya right now I can't think of a time where he's sung his heart out with more, well, heart. It's a little early to tell even after listening to it 20 times, but I think I can go ahead and say this is their best since Hot Fuss. The first thought that came to me when IIn the past, Brandon Flowers has been accused of sounding bored, unenthusiastic, and going through the motions. I'll tell ya right now I can't think of a time where he's sung his heart out with more, well, heart. It's a little early to tell even after listening to it 20 times, but I think I can go ahead and say this is their best since Hot Fuss. The first thought that came to me when I popped the CD in and spun it up was, "Now THIS is the Killers I've grown to love!" The only nick I can really give it is that on one or two songs the lyrics are a little cheesy and disjointed, but otherwise this is one you will sing to at the top of your lungs in your car and not care who's watching. They are firing on all cylinders here people, make no mistake about it. I'm glad we still have bands like The Killers around. They make it a lot easier to put up with all the cookie cutter candy pop stinking up the musical landscape. It's rare that I can say that I've heard two instant classic albums in one year, but Battle Born and Rush's Clockwork Angels stand atop as kings of the hill and torchbearers for rock n' roll. They are both going in my "desert island" collection. A big WELCOME BACK to Brandon and company. We missed you guys! Expand
  15. Oct 6, 2012
    8
    I like the killers, like what these guys do and this album is good, give a chance to "Battle Born" and you will not be ashamed. I would like to give a special featuring for Miss Atomic Bomb, is my favourite song from the album and, everytime i start to listen the album, i begin by this music.
  16. Dec 3, 2012
    7
    At first listen, this album feels like a very by-the-book, stadium rocker album. There isn't anything that immediately grabs you as innovative. It's also lacking the aggressive punch of the first two albums. Even the songs that try to "rock" feel more like and attempt to be powerful than actually conveying power. That being said, the hooks are memorable. You can't help humming the songs.At first listen, this album feels like a very by-the-book, stadium rocker album. There isn't anything that immediately grabs you as innovative. It's also lacking the aggressive punch of the first two albums. Even the songs that try to "rock" feel more like and attempt to be powerful than actually conveying power. That being said, the hooks are memorable. You can't help humming the songs. They keep pulling you back for another listen. This has the feel of a bad-boy band all grown up. Even though it's more mainstream, it's still worth the listen. Expand
  17. Sep 18, 2012
    7
    Pode ate não ser o melhor cd do The Killers na minha opinião (embora dos criticos seja). Mas é um cd bom, e ainda parece o The Killers (defeito?). Algumas musicas são muito parecidas!!!Mas ok!
  18. Sep 19, 2012
    7
    I honestly was disappointed with this album. Only a couple songs struck a chord with me ("Runaways" and "A Matter of Time"). The rest of the album lacked any real depth. I found myself constantly thinking that one song sounded exactly like another and was hoping that a cool progressive song would burst out of somewhere. Alas, there was no cool song to be had. Also, as a bit of a side note,I honestly was disappointed with this album. Only a couple songs struck a chord with me ("Runaways" and "A Matter of Time"). The rest of the album lacked any real depth. I found myself constantly thinking that one song sounded exactly like another and was hoping that a cool progressive song would burst out of somewhere. Alas, there was no cool song to be had. Also, as a bit of a side note, for some reason it feels like the album has an influence of pop country, which really does not go well with Flowers' voice. Overall, it is an "Okay" album. I am not the target audience for this album, which saddens me because I have been their audience for the last three albums, so I will be lenient. If The Killers do come out with another album I hope they go back to their kick ass rock roots, instead of their southern softstream roots. Expand
  19. Aug 19, 2013
    10
    A fantastic album, The Killers simply couldn't have done better with this album, every song has a unique and very good beat to it. Songs like the rising tide, miss atomic bomb, and runaways go down as some of the very best from them. A thoroughly enjoyable album, I would certainly recommend buying this.
  20. Jun 4, 2013
    10
    Fulfilled expectations! The huge anthem "Flesh and Bone" combined with hit single "Runaways" and the fan favorite "The Way It Was" are only the beginning of a magical trip through the deserts of Nevada. The third single "Here With Me" (with a music video directed by Tim Burton) paints The Killers with slow ballads like never before. "Matter of Time", the weakest here, begins great but kindFulfilled expectations! The huge anthem "Flesh and Bone" combined with hit single "Runaways" and the fan favorite "The Way It Was" are only the beginning of a magical trip through the deserts of Nevada. The third single "Here With Me" (with a music video directed by Tim Burton) paints The Killers with slow ballads like never before. "Matter of Time", the weakest here, begins great but kind of loses control in the middle and then gets it all together to finish with class. "Deadlines and Commitments", another one of the fan favorites, is filled with synthesizers and brilliant drumming by Ronnie Vannucci. The epic "Miss Atomic Bomb", a partner to the band's hit single "Mr. Brightside" from 2004's "Hot Fuss", is a strong track that remembers U2's "The Joshua Tree" days, resembling "Where the Streets Have No Name" and "With or Without You". Great work by guitarist Dave Keuning here. "The Rising Tide", a track The Killers produced, is a strong rock 'n' roll song with synthesizers and strong vocals, not the highlight of the album, but a great track. "Heart of Girl" shows Mark Stoermer at his best while playing his bass guitar while the lyrics flow greatly with the story. "From Here On Out", an almost-country song has a slide guitar memorably performed by Keuning. "Be Still"is a track that deserves attention as it present us Brandon Flowers' best vocal performance ever. Excellence is written all over this album with tracks like this and the last one, the title track, one of the highlights of the album, together with "The Way It Was", one of The Killers' best tracks. Please, also make sure to check out the deluxe edition tracks, specially "Carry Me Home", an excellent work by the band. To conclude, this is a killer album and is worth your time. Expand
  21. Feb 26, 2013
    10
    The Killer's newest project Battle Born truly is a masterful album with powerful lyrics in all the songs while keeping a Killer's vibe the whole time. This album stands out to me because of the strong emotion in Brandon Flowers voice and the beauty of the guitar, bass, and drums to construct this album into what I think is their all time best.
  22. Apr 10, 2013
    10
    "Battle Born" is all there is quality in the middle of ALTERNATIVE ROCK. "The Killers" came back with everything! Vocals perfect. Compositions excellent. Clips and performances that take our breath away. Ie "Battle Born" is the best album of alternative rock today. That is fact!
  23. Oct 25, 2013
    10
    Wonderful album. Would love to hear this live. The Killers again combine magnificent rock with meaningful lyrics. Every song on the album is great--no need skip any tracks!
  24. Aug 26, 2018
    7
    At first, listening to Battle Born was a difficult experience for me. It sounds drastically different from Hot Fuss - which I love - and that made it hard to listen to and enjoy. When I really listened to Battle Born, however, I was pleasantly surprised and even impressed. It's filled with epic highs that outnumber it's low points. The title track soars, with a killer chorus. "Deadlines"At first, listening to Battle Born was a difficult experience for me. It sounds drastically different from Hot Fuss - which I love - and that made it hard to listen to and enjoy. When I really listened to Battle Born, however, I was pleasantly surprised and even impressed. It's filled with epic highs that outnumber it's low points. The title track soars, with a killer chorus. "Deadlines" has an interesting, cool vibe during the verses that sounds pretty good. "Way It Was" has excellent, catchy, addictive music, a great vocal performance and fitting, good lyrics.

    BB is nearly as enjoyable as Hot Fuss, but I can't deny that it works, and works very well in several places. It fails to impress in a few places, but overall BB is a satisfying, enjoyable ride.
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  25. Apr 17, 2018
    8
    The Killers redemption after the horrible Day & Age and the most underrated album of the band. Besides the critics of Brandon himself of the resources of the album, this album releases a lot of great ballads acclaimed until today by Kilelrs fans and deserved better.
  26. Jul 8, 2020
    10
    Las letras de este álbum simplemente fueron más dentro. Pará sentir más que escuchar.
  27. Aug 29, 2020
    10
    Mais um álbum do The Killers que entrou para a história, mais um de todos os álbuns desta banda incrível!
Metascore
64

Generally favorable reviews - based on 27 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 27
  2. Negative: 1 out of 27
  1. Magnet
    Dec 4, 2012
    55
    They too often edge into Meat Loaf/Jim Steinman territory, where every detail becomes a cause for operatic exaggeration and any clunky line or cliche sounds ridiculous. [No. 93, p.56]
  2. Q Magazine
    Oct 22, 2012
    80
    This ends up as a thrilling victory of an album because at its heart it has the same great swirling mass of melancholic energy that drove their debut. [Nov 2012, p.88]
  3. Oct 4, 2012
    65
    Naturally there some moments where having too producers and visions hurts them, but for the most part, the band sticks to the formula that's worked in the past.