Sam's Town
by The Killers
  • Record Label: Island
  • Release Date: Oct 3, 2006
User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 334 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 269 out of 334
  2. Mixed: 35 out of 334
  3. Negative: 30 out of 334

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  1. Vaderis
    Oct 11, 2006
    9
    I was surprised to see the mixed reviews for this album. I think the melodic vox keyboard and the metamorphasis of Flowers' vocalizations from Hot Fuss were nothing short of breath-taking.
  2. MadeineH
    Nov 18, 2006
    10
    Great Album...best tracks are Bones, Read my Mind, When You Were Young,and For Reasons unknown. The Killers have made their follow up album to hot fuss with great sucess!
  3. Sonny
    Oct 13, 2006
    10
    This album is great. It's more complete than the 1st, and I love the arena rock sound. Unfortunately it's become fashionable for the critics to bash a band's album that follows one that was raved about by critics. Remember when Rolling Stone voted QOTSA's "R" one the best abums of 2000 then said "Songs for the Deaf" was crap. all i know is this album will be This album is great. It's more complete than the 1st, and I love the arena rock sound. Unfortunately it's become fashionable for the critics to bash a band's album that follows one that was raved about by critics. Remember when Rolling Stone voted QOTSA's "R" one the best abums of 2000 then said "Songs for the Deaf" was crap. all i know is this album will be appreciated by The Killers fans, and in future years (i.e Pearl Jam "Vs.")… Expand
  4. Brent
    Oct 15, 2006
    8
    Kind of like Green Day's American Idiot, this is a big mainstream rock album that is pretty damn good but will be hated by prestigious rock critics like Pitchfork. OK Computer its not. But I am having more fun listening to this than the new Sonic Youth for Frank Black album for sure.
  5. Brandy-LeeK
    Oct 16, 2006
    10
    Awesome album, not better than hot fuss, but not worse than hot fuss either, just much different. Great enterlude and exitlude aswell.
  6. TheCoffinRobber
    Oct 18, 2006
    9
    While it isn't Hot Fuss, it isn't atrocious either. As a matter of fact, I got this the same day as "The Open Door" by Evanescence and found myself listening to this more, even though I'm a much bigger Evanescence fan. Why? The Killers provided a solid release, there's only one song on here that feels like filler (My List) and many that feel like singles (When You Were While it isn't Hot Fuss, it isn't atrocious either. As a matter of fact, I got this the same day as "The Open Door" by Evanescence and found myself listening to this more, even though I'm a much bigger Evanescence fan. Why? The Killers provided a solid release, there's only one song on here that feels like filler (My List) and many that feel like singles (When You Were Young, Bones, Uncle Jonny, Sam's Town) This was musically not as attractive as Hot Fuss, but you can tell it's the same band, doing basically the same thing. From before the album was released Flowers mentioned a bit of a change. I only really noticed that on enterlude and exitlude, and they weren't supposed to be the same. American Idiot faced the same fate, a good album, but dissed for not being what had been expected. Everyone who gave this a low score because they started with an amazing album and this couldn't quite reach that should be ashamed and start comparing it to the crap that's being released by other bands. I give this a 9.5.… Expand
  7. daveb
    Dec 11, 2006
    8
    The Killers have always been about melding their influences with their own view; I've seen the Springsteen thing a zilllion times in the reviews, and that is a very simplistic thing to take away. There is far more to this album than its Springsteen influences: not once have I seen a reviewer refer to it as a rock opera or a "concept album", which I feel would be more apt. All in all, The Killers have always been about melding their influences with their own view; I've seen the Springsteen thing a zilllion times in the reviews, and that is a very simplistic thing to take away. There is far more to this album than its Springsteen influences: not once have I seen a reviewer refer to it as a rock opera or a "concept album", which I feel would be more apt. All in all, "Sam's Town" is a great next step for the Killers and after I've spent a few more months digesting it, I'll look forward to the next leg of the journey.… Expand
  8. JeffreyH
    Dec 14, 2006
    8
    I'm not ready to put this album up there with Hot Fuss quite yet, but the more I listen, the catchier it gets. Upon first listen, overall, I was disappointed because I was expecting Hot Fuss, part II. But it is quite different, and the listener quickly realizes that Flowers is taking a HUGE chance with songs reaching his upper vocal limits. However, that said, it works. The last few I'm not ready to put this album up there with Hot Fuss quite yet, but the more I listen, the catchier it gets. Upon first listen, overall, I was disappointed because I was expecting Hot Fuss, part II. But it is quite different, and the listener quickly realizes that Flowers is taking a HUGE chance with songs reaching his upper vocal limits. However, that said, it works. The last few songs on the album are a whip, but the first half is great. Best album in the last 50 years?? Not quite.… Expand
  9. JosephF
    Oct 22, 2006
    10
    VERY GOOD...THE killers are great band and the deserve this rank
  10. ScottM
    Dec 31, 2006
    10
    Great sophomore effort. With ballads such as "Bling", "Read My Mind", and others The Killers have certainly evolved from their last album, adding a little more rock and subtracting some of the digital pop from Hot Fuss. It will be interesting to see where this will lead.
  11. ccguy
    Oct 26, 2006
    8
    Although their musical style has gone through a makeover along with their appearance, The Killers have kept the lure and grandeur of Hot Fuss while creating wonderful dance rock songs that sell. Most of the tunes on this album are exceptional, catchy, and attractive to listen too. This time around, though, the songs are more arena rock friendly and easier to listen too.
  12. JonH
    Oct 27, 2006
    8
    Only re-cuts of Mr. Brightside and Somebody Told Me would have generated positive reviws from critics. When an album is as good as Hot Fuss, it's too easy to listen to the follow-up and say "this one isn't as good." It doesn't have to be. If Hot Fuss is a 9 with the two big singles being 10s, Sam's Town is an 8. There are no 10s in terms of singles (though When You Only re-cuts of Mr. Brightside and Somebody Told Me would have generated positive reviws from critics. When an album is as good as Hot Fuss, it's too easy to listen to the follow-up and say "this one isn't as good." It doesn't have to be. If Hot Fuss is a 9 with the two big singles being 10s, Sam's Town is an 8. There are no 10s in terms of singles (though When You Were Young is pretty close) but there are a lot more good songs on Sam's Town than on Hot Fuss. Hot Fuss trailed off at the end whereas Sam's Town has solid tunes from start to finish. Anyone who made up their mind about this album without listening to it 10 times should be instantly discredited and forced to go home and give it 9 more listens. GREAT ALBUM. Don't believe the hype.… Expand
  13. GarethR
    Oct 31, 2006
    8
    First play - not all that impressed. Second play - still not sure. Third play - actually, it's not at all bad. Fourth play - I can see why the more reliable music press has given it good reviews. Fifth play - really good, probably better than Hot Fuss. The more you play this album, the more it reveals itself and I think it will ultimately prove a more rewarding listen than Hot Fuss.
  14. derekr
    Sep 28, 2006
    8
    really solid album. good old fashioned (really bombastic) american songwriting. the only truly weak track to speak of is "for reasons unknown," which sounds like the record company asked them to slap something more synthy on there. it's definitely a grower, though, i didn't love it on first listen -- it starts off strong then the stretch from "bling (confessions of a king)" to really solid album. good old fashioned (really bombastic) american songwriting. the only truly weak track to speak of is "for reasons unknown," which sounds like the record company asked them to slap something more synthy on there. it's definitely a grower, though, i didn't love it on first listen -- it starts off strong then the stretch from "bling (confessions of a king)" to "read my mind" gets a little samey, although the aforementioned track is the only truly weak one. best tracks: "sam's town" "when you were young" "bones" "this river is wild"… Expand
  15. shmittys
    Sep 29, 2006
    9
    A great album, with a less electronic, more 'American' style sound. I am as much a fan of Hot Fuss as I am of this album. Get out and buy it.
  16. JonC.
    Oct 28, 2007
    10
    It's a acquired taste, but in the end it's a really good and well made album. It also helps that they write this music for a reason, and back up the things they have to say; Brandon Flowers criticized Green Day's "American Idiot" for being anti-American, and then creates "Sam's Town", which clearly says how great America is, no matter what political stance you have.
  17. MarkJ
    Mar 31, 2007
    10
    A fantastic album! There truly isn't a bad song on the album. Its a better album than Hor Fuss for sure.
  18. JimP.
    May 25, 2007
    8
    This album takes a while to warm up to. The first time I listened, I found maybe two tracks that I liked. But I found the more time I spent with it, the more I liked it. Probably also helped that I saw the Killers live somewhere in the mix. A much better album than what the metascore would have you believe.
  19. Tessa
    Jan 24, 2008
    10
    This album is packed with amazing tunes. Although I must admit t reminds me of the first one but I'm a fan of everything they do. They rock!
  20. djcdjc
    May 14, 2009
    9
    I can understand why people may be annoued at the ever present bruce springsteen influence on almost every track. But overall this album is undeniably good. The critics who loved hot fuss mawled this but that shouldn't stop you if you like the killers than i don't see what you shouldn't like about this.
  21. jacobm
    Nov 16, 2006
    9
    exellent production, I normally dont listen to this sort of rock that I consider to 'whine' a little, but this album is fantastic
  22. NickG
    Nov 23, 2006
    9
    I think that this album is better than Hot Fuss because it works better as a whole. It is a much more cohesive feel that forces you to listen to the entire cd, and reminds you of Flowers' ability to write a catchy chorus. True, it isn't like they have grown up, although they attempt to seem that way, but they shed the unnecessary frills that seemed to be in their last album and I think that this album is better than Hot Fuss because it works better as a whole. It is a much more cohesive feel that forces you to listen to the entire cd, and reminds you of Flowers' ability to write a catchy chorus. True, it isn't like they have grown up, although they attempt to seem that way, but they shed the unnecessary frills that seemed to be in their last album and at least try to make a more serious feel, and although they don't follow through on it, it is still a nice attempt and a great album from beginning to end.… Expand
  23. dermotm
    Nov 27, 2006
    10
    cracker-kicks the last ones ass-by the way if you go to c them make sure its not the last show of the tour
  24. steveb
    Nov 21, 2007
    8
    This cd is awesome, and anyone who gives it less than a 7 just plain doesn't get it. This album is one of the best of 2006 and I am so sick of people slagging it off, saying it is worse than hot fuss, and basically writing it off completely. I admit the first couple times I listened to it I wasn't too keen, but the more you listen to it the more beautiful it becomes. It is This cd is awesome, and anyone who gives it less than a 7 just plain doesn't get it. This album is one of the best of 2006 and I am so sick of people slagging it off, saying it is worse than hot fuss, and basically writing it off completely. I admit the first couple times I listened to it I wasn't too keen, but the more you listen to it the more beautiful it becomes. It is actually one of the few pop/rock masterpieces to come out since the strokes first album, Is this It. I mean, even my mother likes the album and she is 55, and no, she isn't lame, if you are thinking "My god, moms like it?" She enjoys radiohead and old smashing pumpkins as well, and I think that this album transcends boundaries, musically and the age of the audience. Before you slag this album, please, just give it 4 or 5 listens. I guarantee you will LOVE the album. Top 10 of 2006 for sure.… Expand
  25. Vampire25
    Feb 2, 2012
    8
    I enjoyed this album. It exceeds there predecessor. The Killers experimented a lot on Sam's Town and all of it sounds great. "For Reason's Unknown" is the best track on the album. All In All, Sam's Town is a great album. B+
  26. le_one
    Jun 4, 2013
    9
    The second album is generally the hardest to make. Here we have an ambitious desire of releasing a rock 'n' roll album to become a classic. The thing is that it failed to do that... for most people. While it's not my favorite The Killers album, nor my second favorite, it has all that was needed to breakthrough as an instant classic. "When You Were Young", the lead single, proved to be pureThe second album is generally the hardest to make. Here we have an ambitious desire of releasing a rock 'n' roll album to become a classic. The thing is that it failed to do that... for most people. While it's not my favorite The Killers album, nor my second favorite, it has all that was needed to breakthrough as an instant classic. "When You Were Young", the lead single, proved to be pure rock 'n' roll with depth and strength. "Read My Mind", the best song here, proves to be deep and magical, one of the best songs The Killers have ever made. The title track is strong, just as "Bling", a bipolar rock and roll track that requires you to be prepared for huge moments and minimalistic moments within the same song. "Why Do I Keep Counting?" is another highlight here. But Sam's Town wouldn't be Sam's Town without the epic interludes "Enterlude" and "Exitlude". Highly recommended for people looking for real rock 'n' roll.… Expand
  27. Liameq
    Jun 17, 2011
    8
    If you like the sounds The Killers can produce then I do believe you'll just love this. To be honest, I love hating band's 2nd albums but I just couldn't hate this. For a start, 'Sam's Town' has an extremely strong track list all the way trough, reminiscent of albums such as 'American Idiot', 'Nevermind' or maybe 'Passive Me, Aggressive You' in that respect. The songs 'Sam's Town',If you like the sounds The Killers can produce then I do believe you'll just love this. To be honest, I love hating band's 2nd albums but I just couldn't hate this. For a start, 'Sam's Town' has an extremely strong track list all the way trough, reminiscent of albums such as 'American Idiot', 'Nevermind' or maybe 'Passive Me, Aggressive You' in that respect. The songs 'Sam's Town', 'Enterlude', 'Uncle Jonny', 'For Reasons Unknown' and especially 'My List' really stand out to me as memorable 21st century tracks which is a pretty big deal in my book. Although there has been a lot of people saying that this album goes the places 'Hot Fuss' didn't even attempt to go, I really believe that the sound of the The Killers hasn't really changed much. It's all in perfect balance in my opinion meaning, they change up enough to keep it interesting but still keep that devilish, vibrant, cold & bouncy sound we fell in love with in 'Hot fuss'. I really can't fault this album, it obviously hasn't inspired an uprising or captured a huge audience, I mean it hasn't taken music to that place that artists such as Dylan and Hendrix were able to master and for purely that reason this album doesn't achieve the 10 out of 10. Fantastic album though!â… Expand
  28. j30
    Nov 8, 2011
    7
    A really topsy turvy album with some really great songs like Read My Mind and When You Were Young, but with some dull songs like This River Is Wild and Bling (Confessions of a King).
  29. JawsPapi87
    Oct 19, 2011
    8
    Good album. It's not nearly as good as Hot Fuss but it never dwindles and has some great moments. It's unnecessaryily short, making it a bit insignificant after a while, though
  30. Ricko
    Feb 8, 2012
    8
    Very strong follow up to their anthem filled debut album. This is a big rock record, less British Indie and more American ROCK than Hot Fuss. A big step toward the U2 sound can seen here. Takes a bit longer to get into than Hot Fuss but it's a really good record. Maybe a great song or 2 short of getting a 9 or 10.
  31. ElDorado
    Feb 3, 2012
    10
    I don't know what some people were smoking when they wrote their reviews for Sam's Town?! This is one of THE best albums I have heard in quite some time. Most, if not all, tracks are epic in their own way, shape, or form. The bonus tracks, as per the usual, are probably the weaker portion of the album with Daddy's Eyes and Where the White Boys Dance, which aren't even that bad of songs.I don't know what some people were smoking when they wrote their reviews for Sam's Town?! This is one of THE best albums I have heard in quite some time. Most, if not all, tracks are epic in their own way, shape, or form. The bonus tracks, as per the usual, are probably the weaker portion of the album with Daddy's Eyes and Where the White Boys Dance, which aren't even that bad of songs. The majority, however, are excellent, classic Killers tracks! My favorites are definitely Bling (Confession of a King), For Reasons Unknown, Read My Mind, My List, This River is Wild, and, my absolute favorite, Why do I Keep Counting?. That's me being modest and half the tracks of the standard album. I will agree with what some have said on here already, that it is a grower album. The hard sound didn't agree with me so much at first, but after listening to that album a few times, it definitely finds a way into your auditory canal, in the best way possible. This album, in my opinion, is the epitome of Killers greatness! 10/10 hands down!… Expand
  32. moonman1994
    Dec 15, 2012
    7
    Sam's Town is a really good album it just lacks the variety of many of the other Killers albums. It has great songs but some of the songs are really nothing special. I would however still highly recommend it.
  33. axelkoch
    Sep 26, 2012
    8
    They fixed most of the mistakes in their debut and released 'Sam's Town' then, which is a powerful alternative rock album with good music and good lyrics. Of course also the really good voice of lead singer Brandon Flowers! The Enter- and Exitlude are great; I just like the whole concpet of the album. 'When We Are Young' is the only top song, but all songs complement each other to a veryThey fixed most of the mistakes in their debut and released 'Sam's Town' then, which is a powerful alternative rock album with good music and good lyrics. Of course also the really good voice of lead singer Brandon Flowers! The Enter- and Exitlude are great; I just like the whole concpet of the album. 'When We Are Young' is the only top song, but all songs complement each other to a very good album!… Expand
  34. jphobbit
    Sep 25, 2013
    8
    Definitely the most underrated Killers album to date. When people think back to this album many will only remember the single "When You Were Young", but songs like "For Reasons Unknown" and "Bones" suggest that this album is much more full than you remembered.
  35. W3estbrook
    Oct 21, 2016
    10
    I really liked this album when it came out (top 5 of the year for me). A year later I looked at reviews, and was extremely surprised how negative most of them were. To me, this is arguably their best album. I don't get why people aren't fans of this (if you liked Hot Fuss). Even 10 years later I listen to this more than I do any Killers albums (though other albums' individual songs may beI really liked this album when it came out (top 5 of the year for me). A year later I looked at reviews, and was extremely surprised how negative most of them were. To me, this is arguably their best album. I don't get why people aren't fans of this (if you liked Hot Fuss). Even 10 years later I listen to this more than I do any Killers albums (though other albums' individual songs may be better). This album is by far the most complete and cohesive sounding to me. The prefer the sound of Sam's Town to the "stadium rock" sound of Day & Age. The only song that's bad (sucks) is Uncle Jonny. This is a fantastic album!… Expand
  36. marvincaprone
    Sep 26, 2017
    9
    The 2nd best the killers album. it's not equal to Hot Fuss and with you own heart the Sam's Town sounds like an 90's album. Read my mind, Sam's Town, Enterlude, Uncle Johnny and This River is wild are amazing.
  37. MusicGuyMack
    Sep 21, 2021
    10
    Sporting deeply poignant, poetic lyrics as well as bombastic, richly textured soundscapes swirling with passion and emotion, The Killers' first foray into Springsteen-style heartland rock has unquestionably been built upon and surpassed in the 15 years since its release but nevertheless remains one of their most singularly captivating and compelling records as well as a modern-day "Born toSporting deeply poignant, poetic lyrics as well as bombastic, richly textured soundscapes swirling with passion and emotion, The Killers' first foray into Springsteen-style heartland rock has unquestionably been built upon and surpassed in the 15 years since its release but nevertheless remains one of their most singularly captivating and compelling records as well as a modern-day "Born to Run" that easily still stands among the best rock albums of the 21st century.

    Choice Cuts: "Sam's Town," "When You Were Young," "Read My Mind," "This River is Wild"    … Expand
  38. SamSouza
    Aug 29, 2020
    10
    O melhor álbum do The Killers, pena que na época do seu lançamento foi muito subestimado, mas o álbum é PERFEITO! ("This River is Wild" é de longe a melhor canção)
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Awards & Rankings

13
#13 Most Discussed Album of 2006
13
#13 Most Shared Album of 2006

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
64

Generally favorable reviews - based on 32 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 32
  2. Mixed: 14 out of 32
  3. Negative: 2 out of 32
  1. Uncut
    60
    The problem... is that size seems to be used as an excuse for the lack of musical ideas. [Nov 2006, p.102]
  2. Observer Music Monthly
    100
    Crucially, Sam's Town sounds like a complete collection, with a far better strike rate than its predecessor.
    Read full review
  3. Blender
    80
    It is very good.
    Read full review
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