Hot Fuss
by The Killers
  • Record Label: Island
  • Release Date: Jun 15, 2004
User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 373 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 332 out of 373
  2. Mixed: 19 out of 373
  3. Negative: 22 out of 373

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  1. KarlS
    Dec 29, 2005
    8
    I read this once in a review of another music album and it holds here as well: only the terminally joyless would dislike the killers and hot fuss. Well crafted it may be, but the
  2. Mandy
    Jan 29, 2005
    10
    How can you not love them. The Killers brought me back to music from a long derpession with Mr. Brightside...well, and Brandon
  3. carolinar
    Feb 16, 2005
    10
    its an amazing album. each song gets better and better
  4. ashley
    Feb 21, 2005
    10
    this cd rox!!!! I encourage everyone to by it!!!!
  5. jamesc
    Mar 15, 2005
    7
    play this cd loud from track 1-7 then turn it off. some brilliant stuff at the start, though im getting tired of 'mr brightside' by now. 'andy youre a star' is a great song only to be marred when it goes soft in the middle. 'on top' is a super tune also. if this record stopped at no 7, it would get a definite 10, but what follows drags it slightly into play this cd loud from track 1-7 then turn it off. some brilliant stuff at the start, though im getting tired of 'mr brightside' by now. 'andy youre a star' is a great song only to be marred when it goes soft in the middle. 'on top' is a super tune also. if this record stopped at no 7, it would get a definite 10, but what follows drags it slightly into mediocrity. very good overall though.… Expand
  6. SP
    Mar 18, 2005
    9
    Can't believe the low score from the 'proper' reviews for this album. it's the best album i've heard fro ages, perhaps one or two weak songs but worth more then 65.
  7. MadeleineH
    Mar 22, 2005
    10
    love this album, reminds me of the cure
  8. LouiseB
    Apr 11, 2005
    8
    This is a good album from the killers but it does get a little (and i mean only a little) boring as it gets towards the end
  9. Frank
    Apr 23, 2005
    9
    Only misses out on a 10 because of two songs that have rather repetitive choruses. I am glad to have spent my hard earned money on this album, and I am glad I bought it new - which is something I rarely do.
  10. carlos
    May 16, 2005
    9
    good beats love it
  11. laana
    Aug 12, 2005
    8
    I like The Killers. One thing I dont understand is why everyone is making a big deal about The Bravery. I like the bravery more than the killers I think. and i dont see how the bravery is really trying to sound like them. i think that their latest release all these things that ive done is an amazing song. nice and fluffy as all the killers songs tend to be. the bravery wins this battle I like The Killers. One thing I dont understand is why everyone is making a big deal about The Bravery. I like the bravery more than the killers I think. and i dont see how the bravery is really trying to sound like them. i think that their latest release all these things that ive done is an amazing song. nice and fluffy as all the killers songs tend to be. the bravery wins this battle for me. LOPe… Expand
  12. candicea
    Sep 14, 2005
    10
    This CD was the best and it best decribed them in it. my favoite song is Somebody Told Me and i love it because it has alot of drama and that basicly is my life. So this CD is a have to buy or you totally are missing out.
  13. TanyaL
    Sep 14, 2005
    10
    This is the best CD ever and i love it. me and my boyfriend Laan love to listen and rock out with are guitars. Its the best CD ever, in the WORLD!!
  14. marshallm
    Sep 17, 2005
    10
    it's amazing! it has brought back into rock and roll!
  15. JulieK
    Jan 18, 2006
    9
    The best album in years. And yes, I mean years! These guys have what most bands lack now(i e Good Charlotte, Simple Plan) Talent and style. Although very influenced by bands of the 80's, they still come out with a sound that's all their own. Great album!
  16. RastraT
    Dec 13, 2006
    10
    The killers are getting better and are sure to rule the music world in the near furure...keep on rocking...hot fuss rocks
  17. DanteB
    Jun 25, 2006
    10
    The best album in years!!!
  18. VilleB.
    Oct 11, 2007
    10
    Best album of 2004.
  19. Danwood
    Jan 14, 2009
    8
    Fantastic debut and contains possibly the killers best song With All The Things That I've done. This album contains the biggest singles but is really just a hint of the great things to come.
  20. Kylie
    Jan 26, 2009
    10
    This ablum is brilliant. Every song is great. The Killers are a fantastic band.
  21. MateoG.
    Jul 18, 2009
    9
    One of my favorite albums of all time! Yeah!
  22. CecyS
    Nov 13, 2004
    10
    I absolutely LOVE ALL the songs on this album. The day i heard "somebody told me" I just HAD to get the cd. Im a big Duran Duran fan, so this cd was good to me. Plus Brandon Flowers is a total HOTTIE!!!
  23. elizabethbitch
    Dec 26, 2004
    10
    love the cd and love them!!!!!!
  24. franm
    Dec 14, 2006
    9
    its a great album, i love the song "andy your a star" its very underground, also "midnigt show", and... well a lot. Its great to listen it in the bus when you go to college, it really wake you up. PS: I´m chilean (south america for the people who think its a spice) and here they have a lot of fans
  25. RelaxingKyle
    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. MidnightShow
    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
  27. MatthewColombia
    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
  28. Vampire25
    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
  29. MichaelMcKitt
    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
  30. le_one
    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
  31. Liameq
    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
  32. Palp
    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.
  33. Joeking
    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
  34. JawsPapi87
    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
  35. Tranquilbez22
    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
  36. moonman1994
    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.
  37. axelkoch
    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.
  38. Zepdecept
    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!
  39. Ricko
    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
  40. brockcheese
    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.
  41. bogmire
    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
  42. MacsMusic
    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
  43. Kidocosmic
    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.
  44. BouchetSmith
    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
  45. JuanEngel_
    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.
  46. SamSouza
    Aug 29, 2020
    10
    Incrível, perfeito para um primeiro álbum!
    Um álbum simplesmente incrível!
  47. RobeGuzman11
    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
  48. Veselin_K
    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)
  49. aledelf
    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
  50. alvessue
    Dec 31, 2022
    10
    Este álbum é a essência do The Killers! Com músicas que funcionam até hoje.
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Awards & Rankings

8
#8 Most Discussed Album of 2004
8
#8 Most Shared Album of 2004

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
66

Generally favorable reviews - based on 20 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 20
  3. Negative: 0 out of 20
  1. The A.V. Club
    60
    Most of Hot Fuss slides by without creating much of a stir, but it's got too many memorable moments to be written off.
    Read full review
  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. PopMatters
    50
    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.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »