• Record Label: Island
  • Release Date: Jun 15, 2004
User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 373 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Negative: 22 out of 373

Review this album

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
  1. Jun 23, 2023
    8
    This is the best The Killers album, it gets very good parts of the Rock genre and mixes with great lyrics, of course it contain some mistakes, but the album is amazing and have tracks that are just awesome
  2. Dec 31, 2022
    10
    Este álbum é a essência do The Killers! Com músicas que funcionam até hoje.
  3. Aug 21, 2022
    10
    Hot Fuss Its a really good and well made pop rock album i have listen to it 6 times already and every New listen i see New thinks and im leaft with a good feeling and smile i really apricieit the album (im sorry If I rided something wrong english is my second launlig)
  4. Aug 13, 2021
    10
    Hot Fuss, el album debut de la banda, por lejos el mejor album que han hecho y el que mas expresa la esencia de la banda, de la epoca del indie rock, movido, emocionante y hasta conmovedor
  5. 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 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!
  6. Aug 29, 2020
    10
    Incrível, perfeito para um primeiro álbum!
    Um álbum simplesmente incrível!
  7. Aug 19, 2020
    7
    The Killers show off their talent in this debut by rafting some of the catchiest pop singles of the decade. Some of the songs are a bit slow and repetitive and Flowers’ voice is ear-splittingly bad.
  8. Apr 17, 2018
    10
    Easily one of the best albuns of the 00's. The way Brandon write about teenage and the mix of catchy and complex guitar lines of Dave make this album a masterpiece.
  9. Feb 25, 2018
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The first 8 tracks (include Glamorous Indie Rock & Roll, f*cking love that song) are absolutely epic. They all sound like hits. The last three tracks aren't as good. Still, this record is exquisitely produced, remarkably written for a first album, and drips with swagger, energy and emotion. It's one of those albums I love singing to at the top of my lungs, because all the songs are so catchy. Expand
  10. Feb 5, 2018
    10
    Hot Fuss is the essential album of the 2000's. it includes great instrumentation with gripping baselines. Powerful synths and emotional ballads. This album is the closest to perfection any album from the decade has gotten to.
  11. Jan 13, 2018
    8
    I don't listen to much Killers, but this album is incredible. Most of the songs are fast and full of energy, and that energy is amazing. I love the unique Killers style, and it is at it's strongest of this album. The music on this album is catch and awesome, and makes me me come back for more again and again. "Smile Like You Mean It", "On Top", "Jenny Was a Friend of Mine", and "SomebodyI don't listen to much Killers, but this album is incredible. Most of the songs are fast and full of energy, and that energy is amazing. I love the unique Killers style, and it is at it's strongest of this album. The music on this album is catch and awesome, and makes me me come back for more again and again. "Smile Like You Mean It", "On Top", "Jenny Was a Friend of Mine", and "Somebody Told Me" make me want to dance and sing along. The final song is an amazing, unique conclusion to a great album. The only area where Hot Fuss fails is the lyrics department. The music and vocals couldn't be better. Expand
  12. Nov 1, 2017
    9
    One of my favourite albums of the 00's. Full of catchy Indie rock and roll and has some of the best rock singles of the last decade. Mr Brightside, although played to death, remains a classic. This whole album suffers from U2 syndrome - great songs but overplayed to the point where you almost are sick of the music. I'd love to hear this record for the first time again as it was amazing.One of my favourite albums of the 00's. Full of catchy Indie rock and roll and has some of the best rock singles of the last decade. Mr Brightside, although played to death, remains a classic. This whole album suffers from U2 syndrome - great songs but overplayed to the point where you almost are sick of the music. I'd love to hear this record for the first time again as it was amazing. Still if you revisit after a while away from it it's still got the freshness. Expand
  13. Apr 28, 2017
    9
    A perfect example of how professional music reviews are absolute garbage and completely useless. Pop music is mostly shallow, repetitive dribble that has its few months of popularity and then fades, but this album has serious staying power. Not only that, it's analogous to the time period, its become a nostalgic collection of anthems. Is it groundbreaking? No, but its a great album thatA perfect example of how professional music reviews are absolute garbage and completely useless. Pop music is mostly shallow, repetitive dribble that has its few months of popularity and then fades, but this album has serious staying power. Not only that, it's analogous to the time period, its become a nostalgic collection of anthems. Is it groundbreaking? No, but its a great album that has stood the test of time. While Critics praised whatever flavor of the month fluff and were lukewarm on this, when people decades from now look at music from the early 2000's, this will be one of the landmark albums. Go to a bar with live music, when they play the Killers, everyone sings along, this was the album of a generation. Expand
  14. 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 to highlight the gay passion by Brandon in ''Andy You're Star''.
  15. Jun 4, 2013
    10
    This is epic. It has the fan favorite "Jenny Was a Friend of Mine", the worldwide hits "Mr. Brightside" and "Somebody Told Me" and the classic "All These Things That I've Done". Also, one of my favorites "Smile Like You Mean It", the final single from Hot Fuss. "On Top" is a delicious synth-rock trip. "Change Your Mind", another one of my favorites, shows their capacity of creating greatThis is epic. It has the fan favorite "Jenny Was a Friend of Mine", the worldwide hits "Mr. Brightside" and "Somebody Told Me" and the classic "All These Things That I've Done". Also, one of my favorites "Smile Like You Mean It", the final single from Hot Fuss. "On Top" is a delicious synth-rock trip. "Change Your Mind", another one of my favorites, shows their capacity of creating great rock and roll ballads with epic synthesizers. Plus "Midnight Show" has its unique strength and dark ambience. This album is a must-have for people with good taste in music. Expand
  16. Dec 15, 2012
    9
    Just a great album! It's definitely my favorite Killers album. It has great songs that are great to listen to over and over again. I would highly recommend it to anyone.
  17. Dec 11, 2012
    10
    This is the best album I've ever listened too. All the songs are great, can't pick a favorite! The Killers have a lot of talent! 'Midnight Show' is for sure the most underrated song on the album!
  18. Sep 25, 2012
    8
    Nice debut from a great band. Features some of their best songs and, of course, Brandon Flower's great voice! And also the great musicians by his side, who made one really cool LP here. Sometimes it's lyrically a bit plain, but I can easily connive at that.
  19. Jun 29, 2012
    7
    The Killers' first instalment was a breakthrough for them, undoubtedly. It catapulted them into the spotlight, aided, of course, by their critically acclaimed hit Mr. Brightside. The four singles released (Tracks 2-5) were highlights of an otherwise dull album. The album has far more misses than hits, with forgettable tracks such as 'Glamorous Indie, Rock & Roll', 'On Top' and 'Believe MeThe Killers' first instalment was a breakthrough for them, undoubtedly. It catapulted them into the spotlight, aided, of course, by their critically acclaimed hit Mr. Brightside. The four singles released (Tracks 2-5) were highlights of an otherwise dull album. The album has far more misses than hits, with forgettable tracks such as 'Glamorous Indie, Rock & Roll', 'On Top' and 'Believe Me Natalie'. However, when it hits the highlights, it truly hits the highlights. Tracks like 'Smile Like You Mean It', 'All These Things That I've Done' and 'Midnight Show' truly are the pillars of the album. The lyrics feel too mainstream, and a tad immature when compared to The Killers' future releases. A respectable album non-the-less, however definitely not their best. Expand
  20. Jun 17, 2012
    10
    Possibly one of my all time favourite albums. The Killers to excellent songs and this album is full of them. From the upbeat tempo of "Somebody Told Me" to the Gospel/Southern Rock sounding "All These Things that I've Done" and the Legendary song that is "Mr Brightside". Other Tracks like "Smile Like You Mean it","On Top"," Andy Your a Star" and "Everything Will Be Alright". This album isPossibly one of my all time favourite albums. The Killers to excellent songs and this album is full of them. From the upbeat tempo of "Somebody Told Me" to the Gospel/Southern Rock sounding "All These Things that I've Done" and the Legendary song that is "Mr Brightside". Other Tracks like "Smile Like You Mean it","On Top"," Andy Your a Star" and "Everything Will Be Alright". This album is essential to anyone who is into Alternative stuff especially songs like this. This album holds a personal place in my heart. Expand
  21. May 26, 2012
    8
    I really enjoyed this album, and I think it is the group's second best, behind Day and Age. The majority of the songs on this album can pass as singles, and I really like the amount of energy that this album gives off. It is a very catchy and mostly very upbeat record that anyone can enjoy.
  22. Jan 25, 2012
    8
    Hot Fuss really doesn't sound like any other album I've ever heard. And that's what I love about it. It sets itself apart from most other indie albums. The Killers make stylish indie rock music that not many other bands can pull off as well as they did in Hot Fuss. Each track sounds significant and catchy. Not a single weak track. But the album mostly shines in the first half of it. "JennyHot Fuss really doesn't sound like any other album I've ever heard. And that's what I love about it. It sets itself apart from most other indie albums. The Killers make stylish indie rock music that not many other bands can pull off as well as they did in Hot Fuss. Each track sounds significant and catchy. Not a single weak track. But the album mostly shines in the first half of it. "Jenny Was A Friend Of Mine" starts out the album perfectly with it's fast guitars, funky bass, and catchy chorus. Easily the best track on the album but every other song stands on it's own. Great debut album. B+ Expand
  23. j30
    Nov 8, 2011
    9
    A near flawless pop rock album. From the opening bass line of Jenny Was a Friend of Mine you're under the Killers spell and you have no choice, but to dance your ass off.
  24. Oct 19, 2011
    10
    One of the best albums of the 00's. It is 11 perfect tracks with a completely different style than the horrors of that decade. There are some truly stellar tracks including "Jenny Was A Friend of Mine" and call me crazy but I think that's one of the greatest songs of all time
  25. Sep 2, 2011
    8
    This album is good. I don't feel like going into details. The sole purpose of this review is to point out how The Killers are in no way a Strokes copy. This album came out in 2004. By 2004, The Strokes had release two albums, Is This It (their masterpiece) and Room On Fire. I will admit that there are some similarities between The Killers and any Strokes album post First Impressions Of TheThis album is good. I don't feel like going into details. The sole purpose of this review is to point out how The Killers are in no way a Strokes copy. This album came out in 2004. By 2004, The Strokes had release two albums, Is This It (their masterpiece) and Room On Fire. I will admit that there are some similarities between The Killers and any Strokes album post First Impressions Of The Earth (meaning that and Angles). However, The Killers and The Strokes from this era really are two entirely different things. First of all, The Strokes received endless praise for Is This It because it was extremely raw and catchy. It was deliberately rough around the edges, sounding like they didn't give a **** about a big studio sound, which is unlike their newer work. The Killers, mainly this album, give off a much more grand and clean cut sound. There is a whole lot of synth used in many of the songs on this album, and it all sounds big and clean, much unlike The Strokes. Now anyone who says that this album is a Strokes rip-off can go **** themselves. Either way, Is This It is much better than this. This is better than most of The Strokes other work though. Expand
  26. Jul 28, 2011
    10
    This is an absolutely amazing album, easily the best of the decade in my opinion, this is because quite simply every song is amazing! Brandon flowers has an incredibly powerful voice and when combined with the talent that is in the rest of the band they become unstoppable! My mind simply cannot comprehend how any one could not like 'Mr Brightside' and while other songs like 'GlamorousThis is an absolutely amazing album, easily the best of the decade in my opinion, this is because quite simply every song is amazing! Brandon flowers has an incredibly powerful voice and when combined with the talent that is in the rest of the band they become unstoppable! My mind simply cannot comprehend how any one could not like 'Mr Brightside' and while other songs like 'Glamorous Indie Rock and Roll' or 'Jenny was a Friend of Mine' may be a bit less orthodox (and hence I can more easily see why you wouldn't like them) it is precisely because of this that they stand out. 'Somebody Told Me' is a brilliant fusion of pop catchiness and rock power and the fact that "Midnight Show' is possibly the weakest song on the album is very significant- cause its still awesome! Despite how good all these songs are however there is one thats simply steals the show 'All These Things That I've Done' is an epic, stadium filling song and one that everyone should listen to. Brilliant song. Brilliant album. Brilliant band. Expand
  27. Jun 17, 2011
    7
    This is a reasonably good album, I understand that music is just the most subjective thing in the world but damn this album does a lot of things rights. The top 7 tracks are great with 'Jenny Was A Friend Of Mine', 'Mr. Brightside' and 'Andy, You're A Star' standing out to me. Unfortunately I thought the album really dies off after that, I really only enjoyed "Under The Gun' from there.This is a reasonably good album, I understand that music is just the most subjective thing in the world but damn this album does a lot of things rights. The top 7 tracks are great with 'Jenny Was A Friend Of Mine', 'Mr. Brightside' and 'Andy, You're A Star' standing out to me. Unfortunately I thought the album really dies off after that, I really only enjoyed "Under The Gun' from there. The thing is, The Killers produce a great sound in 'Hot Fuss' and overall this is a very enjoyable album.â Expand
  28. Oct 2, 2010
    10
    It's one of my favorite albums of the last decade. Its hooks, lyrics, choruses, the band performance in general is great. Love the drums, the synths, basslines, vocals.... It doesn't have a disapointing son in the entire album. It's one of those albums you can listen to without skipin a single track. Love the b-sides also. A must listen for every alt. rock/indie fan in the world (And alsoIt's one of my favorite albums of the last decade. Its hooks, lyrics, choruses, the band performance in general is great. Love the drums, the synths, basslines, vocals.... It doesn't have a disapointing son in the entire album. It's one of those albums you can listen to without skipin a single track. Love the b-sides also. A must listen for every alt. rock/indie fan in the world (And also an 80's new wave fan can also like it) Expand
  29. Sep 14, 2010
    10
    Fantastic album , this album is filled with modern classics (Mr.Brightside , All These Things That I've Done) , epic Basslines (eg : Jenny) , quirky Synths (eg : Somebody Told Me) , fine guitar work , energetic drumming and dark lyrics about Jealousy , Paranoia and Regret.

    The 2nd half of the album takes longer to warm too but is very good
  30. DonalC
    Jul 23, 2009
    7
    First 5 songs are amazing. 6 and 7 are good. the rest are poor!
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. Most of Hot Fuss slides by without creating much of a stir, but it's got too many memorable moments to be written off.
  2. 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]
  3. What's most shocking about Hot Fuss, though, is how, after five sensational songs, the rest of the album completely implodes, as the other six tracks get weighed down by too much production, a lack of memorable hooks, and some inexplicable musical touches that may have sounded clever in the studio, but wind up sounding disastrous on the CD.