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. 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.
  2. ElizabethS
    Mar 17, 2005
    9
    This album is a great car cd. Sing along at the top of your lungs while your alone in your car and you will achieve true musical nirvana. Well maybe not that good but it does make you feel great and this band is going places. I really enjoyed it after the third listen adn the major singles still sound great.
  3. 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
  4. ashley
    Feb 21, 2005
    10
    this cd rox!!!! I encourage everyone to by it!!!!
  5. davidl
    Feb 20, 2005
    8
    Better with more listening. Some weak moments, but for the most part it had a hold on me in some capacity, be it emotionally or melodically. Good stuff
  6. kaleyf
    Feb 19, 2005
    10
    brandon flowers might quite possibly be the best male vocalist ever. and hottest.
  7. carolinar
    Feb 16, 2005
    10
    its an amazing album. each song gets better and better
  8. DarrenO
    Feb 13, 2005
    10
    Love the album. Even Mr Brightside, the first song I heard by The Killers, hasn't got old, its just so wonderful. And the other songs are just as great too. Brilliant.
  9. SamanthaW
    Feb 10, 2005
    9
    I just love Brandon Flowers. It's noting like the screaming/ whining everyone's been hearing on the radio nowadays. It's something new and jammin'. The choruses are something else, too. Compared to bands just repeating things over and over. At least 1 1/2 thumbs up. (lol)
  10. CraigA
    Feb 9, 2005
    2
    The Killers and in particular Brandon Flowers have no idea about light and dark. They have attempted to mimic a album of 80's greatest hits and created a monotonous 80's cliche`. To compare them to any band of the eighties is an insult to that era.
  11. seansel
    Feb 8, 2005
    10
    it is difficult to describe in words the theatrical cheezy glory that is the killers.. too 80's awesome.. too dramatic.. too pretty boy.. too synth.. too bad there are only two great singles (2 and 4). Easily the best pop alt singles since No Doubt Saturn...
  12. jackm
    Feb 3, 2005
    3
    Nearly good enough songs. There is something lacking though that just doesn't push the sound far enough into the field of greatness. Good to Air-Synth to though...
  13. neils
    Feb 3, 2005
    10
    brilliant, best album of the year
  14. KateC
    Feb 1, 2005
    9
    they are a great group i hope soon they drop a next album, Brandom you are so hot!
  15. JenD
    Feb 1, 2005
    10
    Best album of the year
  16. 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
  17. AliB
    Jan 29, 2005
    10
    Next Big thing?!?! Brandon Flowers has an awesome voice. These guys know a few things about music! LUV IT!!!!
  18. frederikw
    Jan 26, 2005
    7
    first 5 songs are ok but then it goes downward.
  19. arisf
    Jan 23, 2005
    10
    I love this album!I think it's great.The sound is awsome,and Brandon's voice is amazing!It's permanently on my CD-player.
  20. adam
    Jan 21, 2005
    9
    absolutely amazing thats all you can say
  21. TylerD
    Jan 18, 2005
    2
    This is a pop album. whoever thinks that this is rock...psshh. and don't even try to compare them to the rapture! This band is a sloppy rehash of good indie rock. Are they indie? Are they pop? I don't think even they know! And the synth...so out of place. This is not synth rock, just because they throw some little ditties in the middle of their songs.
  22. MorganB
    Jan 17, 2005
    10
    they're awsome
  23. JenM
    Jan 15, 2005
    9
    Being an eternal Cure fan through and through I was pleasantly surprised to hear similarities in The Killers. The unique and catchy sound and vibe of this CD provides a great distraction from all the rap music I am constantly hearing, most of it all sounding the same. Bravo!
  24. BritniK
    Jan 14, 2005
    10
    This band ROCKS!!! I LOVE Mr. Brightside!
  25. BryanR
    Jan 13, 2005
    10
    This band is no doubt in my mind the BEST!!!! the songs never get worse they all blend in theres not one song that stinks on this album a MUST have.
  26. DianaP
    Jan 7, 2005
    10
    I LOVE this band! My favs being smile like you mean it and midnight show. These guys sound awesome and that brandon looks nnn-ICE.
  27. KatieC
    Jan 7, 2005
    10
    I dont know what some of those critics were thinking brandon flowers is awesome and hott the band is totally what we need its time good music came back i love there inavative songs lyrics along with the sound they are amazing besides its so great to have a band with a singer youd just love to look at mmmm hes hott
  28. Hayleyhussey
    Jan 4, 2005
    10
    fantastic!
  29. SimonP
    Jan 3, 2005
    10
    Full marks to the killers because they have made an album that grabs you with the first five songs, with some stonking bass riffs, then keep you hanging on with the later songs, which although don't appeal as much at first, are the kind that just grow and grow on you.
  30. JonG
    Dec 31, 2004
    10
    Flawless...just flawless. The best song on this album that you haven't heard yet is probably "All These Thing's I've Done", which is as catchy as any of the singles, but brings in a choir for a rousing cry of "I got soul but I'm not a soldier". The whole CD, in itself, is purely epic. Brandon Flowers has the sound of an enthusiastic preacher, yet sings of skepticism, Flawless...just flawless. The best song on this album that you haven't heard yet is probably "All These Thing's I've Done", which is as catchy as any of the singles, but brings in a choir for a rousing cry of "I got soul but I'm not a soldier". The whole CD, in itself, is purely epic. Brandon Flowers has the sound of an enthusiastic preacher, yet sings of skepticism, which makes for absolute brilliance.… Expand
  31. HeatherM
    Dec 30, 2004
    10
    i've listened to this album a thousand times and each time gives me an eargasm! the video for Mr. Brightside was brilliant, and Brandon is having my love children. this cd has brought meaning back to my listening pleasures.
  32. JeaA
    Dec 29, 2004
    10
    Awesome album.
  33. 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!!
  34. JohnM
    Dec 27, 2004
    7
    not bad. half the album justfies the hype. and 'someboy told me' is a fab single. Apart from that, the killers are just shed 7 with suits...
  35. elizabethbitch
    Dec 26, 2004
    10
    love the cd and love them!!!!!!
  36. RaiM.
    Dec 20, 2004
    10
    brandon flowers is someone never to forget. this CD is original, beautiful, sensational. He has a voice of an angel. you don't have to compare, you just know it's the best there is. and brans voice really is killer good. and if thats not enough for you guys, brandon flowers hot.
  37. amyl
    Dec 15, 2004
    10
    its MINT !! brandon is looooosh!
  38. joeyl
    Dec 7, 2004
    10
    its the best thing. i love it its awesome possum
  39. 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!!!
  40. VinceH.
    Oct 23, 2004
    10
    This record took me completely by surprise. I heard the big single all over radio and was entertained but overall unimpressed. I bought the album on a whim from all the buzz I'd been hearing and was taken back. This is a brilliant collection of songs. Each one is great in its own way and the song "Mr. Brightside" will be a huge hit. I keep hearing that these guys rock live and I This record took me completely by surprise. I heard the big single all over radio and was entertained but overall unimpressed. I bought the album on a whim from all the buzz I'd been hearing and was taken back. This is a brilliant collection of songs. Each one is great in its own way and the song "Mr. Brightside" will be a huge hit. I keep hearing that these guys rock live and I can't wait to see a show.… Expand
  41. Randeh
    Oct 14, 2004
    10
    Absolutely Brilliant, and possibly even better than FF (i said possibly). While tracks like 'Somebody Told Me' and hopefully 'Midnight Show" provide the groovy synthed club anthems, tracks like 'Jenny was a friend of mine', 'On Top' and especially 'All these things that Ive done' have made this album not only a tribute pop rock album, but a Absolutely Brilliant, and possibly even better than FF (i said possibly). While tracks like 'Somebody Told Me' and hopefully 'Midnight Show" provide the groovy synthed club anthems, tracks like 'Jenny was a friend of mine', 'On Top' and especially 'All these things that Ive done' have made this album not only a tribute pop rock album, but a progressive one as well. And hey, what was the last good band that came out of Las Vegas? ^_^… Expand
  42. ElizabethT
    Sep 29, 2004
    10
    I think this album is amazing. It is such a great change from half the crap that has been released these past years. I am glad that the Killers are brave enough and smart enough to put 80's pop and glam back into the music scene. I 've missed all that great music.
  43. robert
    Sep 12, 2004
    5
    I like the drumming, and the bass lines. On some of the tracks. I think Jenny and Brightside are pretty decent songs. Thats about it for positive comments.
  44. stanu
    Sep 12, 2004
    0
    Over-produced, unoriginal, style-over-substance crap. The rhythm section is actually pretty tight, I have seen them live. But the vocals are god-awful, the keys are unneccesary, and the guitar is just, well, there. But as bad as the CD is, the live show is worse...Brandon Flowers primping and preening while belting out pseudo-brit 80's shite is simply more than I can stomach.
  45. VB3
    Sep 11, 2004
    8
    Critic are jealous this album is really , but u have to adapt
  46. jens
    Sep 8, 2004
    8
    not bad :-) x
  47. AntB
    Sep 7, 2004
    9
    Amazing. What a lot of people don't understand...which is why they gave this cd a 0...is that the ENTIRE CD is about the murder of a girl. Listen closely! Well...except Indie Rock and Roll...but other than that...it has to do with the murder. Amazing. Kind of like a Rock-Opera circa The Who. Very nice!
  48. AmandaD
    Aug 23, 2004
    10
    I love it.....It's catchy and puts me in a mellow mood. I relate to alot of the songs.....moresay feel the same way?
  49. krys
    Aug 21, 2004
    10
    the cd is dope. why does everyone think music has to be so deep and meaningful? good music is good music.
  50. WalterU
    Aug 18, 2004
    10
    "Hot Fuse" not only has the melodies, but the attitude that goes with it. Lovers' turmoil is expressed deeply witth with great synths that everyone can relate to. Don't miss out...
  51. Melissa
    Aug 11, 2004
    10
    The Killers are absolutely amazing. The first time I heard "Somebody Told Me" on the radio, I couldn't stop listening to it. I bought the CD the day it was released and love every song that's on it. It's about time an album this good hits store shelves! Can't wait to see them perform in RI on the 17th!!
  52. PaulW
    Aug 8, 2004
    9
    One of my favourite bands this summer, this band will be big, glamorous indie rock n' roll is a fantastic song, shame its not on the american version!
  53. FoolyCoolyFan520
    Jul 23, 2004
    9
    Normally I would give this album an 8 but everyone is bringing it down. Ithought this was a great cd. If you like Franz (it's pronounced frans not fer-an-s) Ferdinad or Stellastarr*, youll'really dig it. Great mix of trans, techno, altrock and power punk. My fav song has to be Mr. Bright side. I wouldn't recamend this to generic LP people but it sort of reminded me of the Darkness.
  54. AnnieM
    Jul 23, 2004
    10
    I love the CD. I haven't stopped listening to it since I saw the Killers on tour!!
  55. AdalgisoM
    Jul 22, 2004
    10
    Wonderful
  56. bonF
    Jul 14, 2004
    8
    this album rocks! i cant wait to see them in concert. Most of the tracks are good, from 1 all the way to 5 and track #8. I cant believe some people rated it 0. Haters!, dont hate congratulate, its music man.
  57. MusicMaven
    Jul 10, 2004
    8
    I'd rate this one a 7.5. It's a very enjoyable entry in the recent log of 80's influenced rock-n-roll (i.e. Stills, Stellastarr, Interpol, British Sea Power, etc). The Killers offer a little more affected style and a little less depth and substance than some of their peers, but better than half the album hits the bullseye, and the rest is a decent effort.
  58. jeffl
    Jul 8, 2004
    9
    ridiculously stellar! Brandon's vocals are a bit 80's style, but in a good way. i think ppl will really relate to it, and if they dont its not meant to be in there hands.im gonna tell everyone i know to buy that cd, otherwise theyll miss out. good luck in the future Brandon and the Killers.
  59. paulc
    Jul 8, 2004
    0
    The cd sounds totally contrived and pre-arranged and sounds like the band is more concerned with image and style than artistry. It's filled with radio-friendly cliches and sounds completely hollow, leaving the listener with feelings of guilt for wasting time on this.
  60. stuartk
    Jul 4, 2004
    8
    hey shut, shut up. This is great album, mostly. Well, half great; half kind of forgettable.
  61. Shane
    Jul 2, 2004
    9
    Hey clayton, I'm interested in wondering why on earth you don't think Franz Ferdinand are original? Compared to everything else coming out of the Scottish indie scene and everything else that is popular today they are quite original. People are comparing Franz to the Strokes but that's unfair, because Franz are a lot more poppy and melodic, which isn't a bad thing. The Hey clayton, I'm interested in wondering why on earth you don't think Franz Ferdinand are original? Compared to everything else coming out of the Scottish indie scene and everything else that is popular today they are quite original. People are comparing Franz to the Strokes but that's unfair, because Franz are a lot more poppy and melodic, which isn't a bad thing. The album Franz put out is the best of the year, mind you. As for the Killers, they have quite a few fantastic songs on this album. There are a couple songs I'd consider "filler," though, which is why I don't give this album a 10. … Expand
  62. kathleenc
    Jul 1, 2004
    9
    its good enough to eat!
  63. Priya
    Jun 29, 2004
    9
    Head about The Killers from early on and when I first hear "Mr. Brightside" after one of my friends made me listen to it, I was hooked. A very good band that should be recognized as themselves, and not as other bands.
  64. Mh
    Jun 28, 2004
    10
    Strokes tribute band? Awful voice? Some people sholud just donate their brain to science.
  65. BaconMcNibblets
    Jun 25, 2004
    10
    Not bad. A fun mix of Hot Hot Heat, Pulp, and Stellastarr*. Worthy of your hard-earned money.
  66. Rhondatyl
    Jun 23, 2004
    10
    its not a great c.d, but its not a bad one. i think its way better than what some people are saying and thats why i gave it a ten.
  67. GT
    Jun 22, 2004
    10
    An overall good cd. Tracks 1-4 are amazing, track everything else could be better except track 7 which has a kick ass beat and electronic sound. The worst song is Any Your A Star track 6. What the Hell is that song doing on there.
  68. allan
    Jun 20, 2004
    10
    I like it a lot, but like the guy up above I have to overrate it to make up for the 0's. There are a number of great songs that make it way more than a 0. I would say it is a 7.5
  69. bolant
    Jun 20, 2004
    0
    this is awful
  70. PeterM
    Jun 17, 2004
    8
    A very well-rounded album with some creative lyrics as well.
  71. kevin
    Jun 17, 2004
    10
    puts the strokes to shame in a major way...the killers have accomplished the impossible task of taking what made music from the eighties so memorable and updating it in a way that should leave the strokes scratching their heads in amazement. a rare feat for an amazing live band to translate so well to an album. perfect getting ready to rule the town soundtrack.
  72. [Anonymous]
    Jun 15, 2004
    7
    The first five songs are amazing. So amazing that they make up for the six or so unmemorable ones that come after it. Oh, except the one with Natalie and the gogo dancer. C'mon, that's pure genius.
  73. JonK
    Jun 15, 2004
    10
    Okay, first of all, this CD isn't really a ten, I'd actually put it somewhere around a 7 or 8. I'm just rating it this high to balance out the average for some of the serious underating that has been done by a few persons who obviously didn't even know enough about the CD to comment. The Killers aren't rock and roll saviours, or even as great as Franz Ferdinand or Okay, first of all, this CD isn't really a ten, I'd actually put it somewhere around a 7 or 8. I'm just rating it this high to balance out the average for some of the serious underating that has been done by a few persons who obviously didn't even know enough about the CD to comment. The Killers aren't rock and roll saviours, or even as great as Franz Ferdinand or Interpol. But they are a good band that makes some good (and sometimes even great) '80's synth pop rock. Their debut CD does suffer from a few filler tracks (I can't imagine why they didn't include some of their better B-sides like Under the Gun instead), but when they hit a good melody, they make sure it drills its way into your brain. Some will criticize their overblown production, but I think that's part of their charm. I look forward to seeing what these guys can accomplish on their follow up CD.… Expand
  74. mikez
    Jun 15, 2004
    0
    gibberish for toddlers.
  75. mikeb
    Jun 15, 2004
    0
    total talentless sham.
  76. claytonz
    Jun 15, 2004
    2
    another indie shit band
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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 »