• Record Label: Island
  • Release Date: Jun 15, 2004
Metascore
66

Generally favorable reviews - based on 20 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 20
  2. Negative: 0 out of 20
  1. Blender
    80
    They're not the first--or even the fifteenth--recent band to draw on that era [of the 1980s], but they're among the most assured. [#27, p.138]
  2. The Rapture are artier, and Franz Ferdinand are more, well, Scottish, but this Las Vegas band has actual pop songs -- in spades.
  3. Alternative Press
    80
    The band only falter on Fuss' slower, boring numbers, which consistently lack the zest and vibrancy of their uptempo counterparts. [Jul 2004, p.146]
  4. In less capable hands the results could be unsophisticated and cringeworthy - as it is, they team the neon luminosity of Duran Duran with the camp, boyish charm of Dexys Midnight Runners - and are as likeable as either of them.
  5. Hot Fuss is a multi-faceted, consistently interesting and enjoyable synth-rock album with strengths across the songwriting, singing, and playing fields.
  6. Wait a minute... you mean this isn't a Duran Duran album?
  7. New Musical Express (NME)
    70
    The Killers have made half of the album of the year. Lucky that now we've got Napster, you only need to buy half. [5 Jun 2004, p.55]
  8. What's apparent from playing this album is that almost everything they've got is a killer single.
  9. The Killers sound like a delicious puree of Blur, Pulp and the Cure, loading Hot Fuss with stylish synth-pop effects and big blazing choruses.
  10. This album’s appeal is so superficial that those who don’t cotton to guys trying to look pretty while the bombs drop should avoid this entirely.
User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 373 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Negative: 22 out of 373
  1. ryan
    Dec 28, 2004
    10
    i love the killers!! this is one of the best albums i've ever heard! they have a lot of talent. every song is incredible!!
  2. Sep 27, 2020
    10
    Every Song on this album has its own high value. Especially Mr.Brightside ( the best jealousy song ever written ), All these things that IEvery Song on this album has its own high value. Especially Mr.Brightside ( the best jealousy song ever written ), All these things that I have done and Jenny was a friend of mine. There is not a single song on this album that is not worth listening to. Highly recommended! Full Review »
  3. Dec 15, 2013
    10
    A classic indie rock album, ''Smile Like You Mean It'' and ''Jenny Was a Friend of Mine'' are the highlights of the album and we can't fail toA classic indie rock album, ''Smile Like You Mean It'' and ''Jenny Was a Friend of Mine'' are the highlights of the album and we can't fail to highlight the gay passion by Brandon in ''Andy You're Star''. Full Review »