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. MIchaelF
    Oct 15, 2006
    9
    Excellent follow up. Anyone who compares this to Hot Fuss needs to actually listen to both albumes. Definite maturation in the lyrics, much more even in tone and sound than the first album. Don't know about aiming too high, but they have acheived a great follow up.
  2. mikes.
    Oct 14, 2006
    5
    There first album absolutely Sucked with a capital "S." But there single was sort of a guilty pleasure much like Panic at the Disco has a guilty pleasure single. Suprisingly they actually improved their production and songwriting with their new release Sam's Town. Not a good band to begin with, but at least they sound inspired and that they are trying hard to make a good album. There first album absolutely Sucked with a capital "S." But there single was sort of a guilty pleasure much like Panic at the Disco has a guilty pleasure single. Suprisingly they actually improved their production and songwriting with their new release Sam's Town. Not a good band to begin with, but at least they sound inspired and that they are trying hard to make a good album. They've matured, in a good way, but they are no longer so bad they're good (so u can laugh at how bad they are). They're now an average sounding band. Not boring, not entertaining either, but an improvement over their previous efforts nonetheless.… Expand
  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. Cat
    Oct 13, 2006
    10
    I love the new sound. Just an all together feel good album.
  5. erics
    Oct 12, 2006
    5
    Does not even compare to Hot Fuss... WAY too much hype. Too much filler; this cd could have been cut down to maybe 2-3 tracks and the rest sounds bland and pointless. The Killers have let me down.
  6. matta
    Oct 12, 2006
    5
    Pretty embarrassing. Hot Fuss was a good record (good not great) that just got overplayed. When I heard the bad press for this record, I wasn't willing to just jump on the bandwagon of Killers-haters. Then I saw the When You Were Young video and it was a solid single, and I thought that this record might actually be good. I was wrong. Aforementioned single is the only really good Pretty embarrassing. Hot Fuss was a good record (good not great) that just got overplayed. When I heard the bad press for this record, I wasn't willing to just jump on the bandwagon of Killers-haters. Then I saw the When You Were Young video and it was a solid single, and I thought that this record might actually be good. I was wrong. Aforementioned single is the only really good track with a few other okay ones, but the lyrics are all-around awful (not that they were amazing on Hot Fuss, but still, this is just so much worse). Really, this metacscore is pretty fair, and maybe even a little generous.… Expand
  7. JamesT
    Oct 12, 2006
    10
    Are these guys aiming too high? Certainly. But some of the best rock albums of all time have come from musicians aiming too high. I think that this is one of them.
  8. 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.
  9. AJLooman
    Oct 11, 2006
    10
    Idont know what the critics are griping about. im absoulutly stunned that this album is getting mixed reviews. The songs are great. thier song writing, melodies and overall sound is so advanced over rock bands out today. whos better fall out boy? panic at the disco? these bands cant touch the killers intensity.Its an album that gets better with every listen and anyone bashing it has Idont know what the critics are griping about. im absoulutly stunned that this album is getting mixed reviews. The songs are great. thier song writing, melodies and overall sound is so advanced over rock bands out today. whos better fall out boy? panic at the disco? these bands cant touch the killers intensity.Its an album that gets better with every listen and anyone bashing it has probably not givin it at least one full spin. Bones is my favorite song, and i wish it and all the other songs on the album would get the credit they deserve… Expand
  10. K.C.S
    Oct 11, 2006
    9
    Fantastic. I've had the same impressions as the rest who like the album. Of course critics don't like it, its listenable. I also agree that "Bones" is not the strongest song on the album and should not be the next single. But, am I the only one who thinks that "Why Do I Keep Counting?" is the catchiest, most radio friendly track on the disc? The first thing that came to mind Fantastic. I've had the same impressions as the rest who like the album. Of course critics don't like it, its listenable. I also agree that "Bones" is not the strongest song on the album and should not be the next single. But, am I the only one who thinks that "Why Do I Keep Counting?" is the catchiest, most radio friendly track on the disc? The first thing that came to mind when hearing the album was Springsteen. Nothing wrong with that.… Expand
  11. JohnN
    Oct 10, 2006
    7
    This is an ok effort You have Bling which is excelent easily the standout track and Sam's Town, when we were young, the River is Wild which are all top tracks also. However Bones which most seem to like is awful but why do I keep counting is one of the worst songs I have ever heard it flat out sucks. The rest of the tracks are samesy and do not stand out.
  12. Bryan
    Oct 10, 2006
    6
    Took me 4 spins to accept what it was, but once I got over that it wasn't a Hot Fuss clone, I learned to deal with the new style. A couple good singles, the "Sams Town" theme is stupid and obnoxious, definitly a couple of lyrical problems in some songs (Re: title track) but just not a very good album in general. Summary: give it a chance, but it's definitly not for everyone
  13. GrahamV
    Oct 10, 2006
    9
    Well said, Trevor H. It's hilarious how ambition is lauded in hip hop and scowled at in rock 'n' roll. This is an ambitious rock album toying with big, non-ironic themes and the sounds of some of the biggest bands of the last 20 years. That makes the frustrated-musician set uncomfortable. This is a powerhouse album that, granted, shoots too high, but largely hits the Well said, Trevor H. It's hilarious how ambition is lauded in hip hop and scowled at in rock 'n' roll. This is an ambitious rock album toying with big, non-ironic themes and the sounds of some of the biggest bands of the last 20 years. That makes the frustrated-musician set uncomfortable. This is a powerhouse album that, granted, shoots too high, but largely hits the target. When hope and faith become bad words in rock, we're really in trouble. Go cower in your bedroom with Morrissey if you don't like this.… Expand
  14. NellyZ
    Oct 9, 2006
    10
    I Love it, it has great songs and who cares what the critics say.
  15. human
    Oct 9, 2006
    6
    A vast improvement which isn't saying much since this band is responsible for the worst radio hit of the decade (Somebody Told Me) so far. I checked this out due to morbid curiosity of their new Boss-influenced sound. If they were trying for Springsteen they really missed the mark. What they did come up with is pretty enjoyable. If you were wonding what Bon Jovi jamming with Sparks A vast improvement which isn't saying much since this band is responsible for the worst radio hit of the decade (Somebody Told Me) so far. I checked this out due to morbid curiosity of their new Boss-influenced sound. If they were trying for Springsteen they really missed the mark. What they did come up with is pretty enjoyable. If you were wonding what Bon Jovi jamming with Sparks would sound like, you can quit wondering. I give it a B for bombast. My prediction is that this will be a relative flop and they will go back to lipgloss.… Expand
  16. DaveT
    Oct 9, 2006
    8
    i hate Bones, other wise the album has grown on me.
  17. Patrizia
    Oct 9, 2006
    9
    Absolutely great!!
  18. ThriftyT
    Oct 9, 2006
    8
    If you're too cool to listen to any band that plays to more than a club full of people, forget about the Killers' Sam's Town. The sound is big, the production is grandiose, the vocals uplifting, and the hooks are unrelenting. This is a big-time rock album by a big-time rock band.
  19. AlexE
    Oct 9, 2006
    8
    It's hard to reach the soul of the songs through all this bombast & overproduction; but it's also hard to not let it win you over, once you've been there. Brandon Flowers delivers a perfomance that should have been given much more room to shine. Excellent!
  20. rp
    Oct 9, 2006
    8
    Why criticize this album? It is different, not as catchy as hot fuss, but I like it. It is just a more complete album with also more "rock" songs and not only catchy songs.
  21. trimm
    Oct 7, 2006
    2
    im sorry but this sucks.
  22. JimS
    Oct 7, 2006
    10
    I have been a Killers fan since their debut album, and I was always surprised by how poorly their songs are received by critics. This is the best album of the year to date, no questions asked. Sure its short, and maybe it has too many cliches. But there are so many songs which on this album which would make my top 20 of the year, period. Sheer musical brillance.
  23. DrewN
    Oct 7, 2006
    9
    I have to say that I've liked the Killers in the past, but I was never an avid fan. I thought their music was catchy, but not especially clever. Well I'm over that now, I'm a true fan. I'd had my doubts over this album, and the band's turn towards more serious sounds. I even thought the first single was "boring" on the first few listens. But this is not music that I have to say that I've liked the Killers in the past, but I was never an avid fan. I thought their music was catchy, but not especially clever. Well I'm over that now, I'm a true fan. I'd had my doubts over this album, and the band's turn towards more serious sounds. I even thought the first single was "boring" on the first few listens. But this is not music that hits you instantly. It quietly (but ever so slyly) works its way into your head, until you realize you're singing these songs at the top of your lungs. A must-buy album of the year. Standout tracks: When You Were Young, Bones, Sam's Town, Bling (Confessions of a King), For Reasons Unknown (which is my personal favorite)… Expand
  24. ConorW
    Oct 6, 2006
    10
    Epic album, driven by a real emotive power and the overwhelming feeling that there is something immense going on behind the music. With Sam's Town the killers have transcended novelty status, taking their rightful place at the forefront of modern music. The sign of a great band is that their music evolves and progresses - meaning that this isn't Hot Fuss all over again, and some Epic album, driven by a real emotive power and the overwhelming feeling that there is something immense going on behind the music. With Sam's Town the killers have transcended novelty status, taking their rightful place at the forefront of modern music. The sign of a great band is that their music evolves and progresses - meaning that this isn't Hot Fuss all over again, and some less open-minded fans and critics will resent this. However anyone willing to properly appreciate musical prowess will find immersive depth in this album and see that The Killers have in fact made a change for the better.… Expand
  25. stephenb
    Oct 6, 2006
    2
    "hot fuss" was damn near perfect. how did they go so horribly wrong on this album? bye bye simplistic catchy pop hooks. this album sounds like meatloaf and andrew lloyd webber wrote a musical about america. very disappointing.
  26. Joris
    Oct 6, 2006
    9
    Brilliant! Bling (Confession of a King) does forget Mr. Brightside immediately. When We Were Young has to be the best single in ages.... Other standout tracks are the growing For Reasons Unknown and My List. Great effort, love the Ziggy Stardust exitlude and it's more consistent than Hot Fuss.
  27. Noj
    Oct 6, 2006
    10
    I'd say it's pretty clear from the reviews that the only people that don't like this album are stuck up indie guys who can't like any band that is also liked by more than 100 people or by someone who has some sort of bone to pick with Flowers. The album to me is great. It is more solid from the beginning to the end than Hot Fuss. Sure there's no Mr. Brightside but I'd say it's pretty clear from the reviews that the only people that don't like this album are stuck up indie guys who can't like any band that is also liked by more than 100 people or by someone who has some sort of bone to pick with Flowers. The album to me is great. It is more solid from the beginning to the end than Hot Fuss. Sure there's no Mr. Brightside but there's a lot of really good solid songs on this album. I haven't stopped listening to it since I got it.… Expand
  28. TrevorH
    Oct 6, 2006
    9
    Oh dear... the cynics won't like this at all. That too-cool-for-school posse of world weary Serious Music Fans are bound to sneer at the naive ethusiasm on display here. Unfashionable themes of optimism and dreaming of better thing are grabbed and held tight. Pre-corporate Springsteen comes to mind. It may not have the depth of Born To Run, but it has it's soul in excess
  29. MichaelR
    Oct 6, 2006
    4
    Everyone expected BIG BIG things from this album, being that 'Hot Fuss' sold over 5 million copies...I too could not wait for Sam' Town. Now that I have listened to it for two days, i'd appreciate The Killers to take the album, keep about 3 or 4 songs, and go back to the studio and make better, CATCHIER songs...WAY TOO MANY FILLER SONGS HERE!!! good songs on the album: Everyone expected BIG BIG things from this album, being that 'Hot Fuss' sold over 5 million copies...I too could not wait for Sam' Town. Now that I have listened to it for two days, i'd appreciate The Killers to take the album, keep about 3 or 4 songs, and go back to the studio and make better, CATCHIER songs...WAY TOO MANY FILLER SONGS HERE!!! good songs on the album: "When you were young", great song "Bones", bowie/the cure-like and fun "The River is Wild" fast fun song "Sam's Town"… Expand
  30. MichaelC
    Oct 5, 2006
    7
    Definitely not "the best record of the last 10 years" like Brandon Flowers boasted, but good enough. Thoroughly enjoyable and solid. It is definitely an improvement on Hot Fuss. The standout track is, by far, "Bones"
  31. jimh
    Oct 5, 2006
    0
    no me gusta
  32. Ian
    Oct 5, 2006
    10
    Sure, it thinks its more important than it is and the lyrics aren't revolutionary. But that doesn't make the music, Flowers' voice or the overall experience any less remarkable. Better than Hot Fuss, and kudos for a band willing to grow a little.
  33. C.Mick
    Oct 5, 2006
    10
    I remember when Hot Fuss came out and American Critics Ripped it as an 80's pastiche. Then the Killers became huge and the same critics attempted to leap on the bandwagon at the last minute. This band writes great songs, looks great, girls love them - who cares what the dateless nerds who read pitchfork think
  34. KatyD
    Oct 5, 2006
    4
    Impossible to followup a great CD like Hot Fuss but this effort is pretty bad. Listening to most of the songs I think to myself "I would turn the station in a heartbeat if I heard this on the radio." A few songs are okay but overall it's very disappointing.
  35. gregor
    Oct 5, 2006
    9
    They will lose a few fans due to the new direction, but a fantastic album nevertheless even if it is a little daunting at first.
  36. staystay
    Oct 5, 2006
    9
    Just give it a chance. This record is very good.
  37. JakeM.
    Oct 5, 2006
    2
    So if we were rating this on the Unintentional Comedy Scale, it would be a 10 out of 10. But let's keep this legit - this is junk, pure and straight up.
  38. CarlosV
    Oct 4, 2006
    10
    Perfect!
  39. DanielM
    Oct 4, 2006
    10
    A rock Opera masterpiece. 80's, Springsteen inspiration and The Killers at their best.
  40. Sven
    Oct 4, 2006
    9
    Works for me. I quite like the idea of a band having numerous personas. It has a different feel to Hot Fuss, which will arguably be seen retrospectively as one of the most classic debut albums, bo so what. The songwriting is strong and the tunes instantly cathy. A Mr Brightside there isn't, but I'm sure I will be tapping along to many of these tacks when I see them live next Works for me. I quite like the idea of a band having numerous personas. It has a different feel to Hot Fuss, which will arguably be seen retrospectively as one of the most classic debut albums, bo so what. The songwriting is strong and the tunes instantly cathy. A Mr Brightside there isn't, but I'm sure I will be tapping along to many of these tacks when I see them live next month. It has a very familiar feel already - I usually take 4 or 5 listens of an album to even get an opinion. I like it.… Expand
  41. AndrewR.
    Oct 4, 2006
    3
    ouch, tough to listen to. I didn't "enjoy the show", and frankly "Sam's town" should only have a population of 3.
  42. robbys
    Oct 4, 2006
    10
    Brilliant from the first to last track.Has to be albm of the year if not decade!!!
  43. JoeW
    Oct 4, 2006
    7
    pretty good all in all, takes a while to get into but after about the third listen you know all the songs and all the hooks. However the ending is pretty poor and that is why i am only giving it a 7
  44. BrandonFlowers
    Oct 4, 2006
    10
    63?! You're kidding. The most important record of the past twenty years and you think it's a 63? This album's slick, innovative Springsteen/U2 sound has made albums like Born In the U.S.A. and The Joshua Tree totally obsolete. How can you give a 63 to a guy who ripped his image from Rivers Cuomo after getting tired of ripping his image from Duran Duran? Has anyone else 63?! You're kidding. The most important record of the past twenty years and you think it's a 63? This album's slick, innovative Springsteen/U2 sound has made albums like Born In the U.S.A. and The Joshua Tree totally obsolete. How can you give a 63 to a guy who ripped his image from Rivers Cuomo after getting tired of ripping his image from Duran Duran? Has anyone else tried to recycle New Wave recently? I didn't think so. The least I'll except is a 94. Otherwise, I'm moving to Mars. Critics are idiots.… Expand
  45. Sean
    Oct 4, 2006
    1
    This album is terrible. Bruce Springsteen should sue The Killers for damaging his legacy. Wow, just wow.
  46. Marc
    Oct 4, 2006
    10
    Dangerous departure from the first album. But they succeedded in making something more lasting and rewarding for listeners who get it. It has a kind of urgency, that makes it sound like they are playing for their lives, like Flowers voice that sounds like it's just one high note away from breaking. It's heartfelt and more honest than the first album. Less posturing, more music.
  47. JonS
    Oct 3, 2006
    8
    not as good as hot fuss. what would be? not really hearing the springsteen influences. hear some simple minds, and u2, and more obscurely - the the. definite 80's type of vibe being dished out. good. more mature than hot fuss...i dig it more each time i listen to it.
  48. Den
    Oct 3, 2006
    3
    Much more fun the last time. The killers are best when being clever with a smile, when showing a sense of humor. Sam's Town drowns in self-importance and buckles under the weight of their heros, namely Bruce Springsteen, U2, Morrissey, and Depeche Mode. Better luck next time!
  49. Samantha
    Oct 3, 2006
    8
    I really like this album. Its alittle different then there first album 'Hot Fuss' (which I love) but, I think the songs are great and catchy. And Brandon Flowers has an amazing sound. All and all, I love their music, lyrics, and there whole musical style.
  50. RichardC
    Oct 3, 2006
    8
    It is not as good as Hot Fuss, but it does have a few very catch songs on the album that make it a worthwhile listen. The lyrics are generic and bland, but I pay more attention to the "music" of albums, and in this regards, Sam's Town is pretty decent. That being said, it is inconsistant, and there are some tracks that I just hate. Overall: 7.6/10, but since there is no decimal It is not as good as Hot Fuss, but it does have a few very catch songs on the album that make it a worthwhile listen. The lyrics are generic and bland, but I pay more attention to the "music" of albums, and in this regards, Sam's Town is pretty decent. That being said, it is inconsistant, and there are some tracks that I just hate. Overall: 7.6/10, but since there is no decimal increments, I will round up my metacritic rating to 8/10… Expand
  51. ZackA
    Oct 3, 2006
    8
    Definitely I would say it is a better album as a whole than Hot Fuss. It does have a few awkward moments, but the great moments are really great. Some of the songs are more like 2 or 3 songs shoved down into one. They almost underuse some great riffs. But still, I would say it is growth for The Killers, no matter what anyone says. I think they're still going places. Standouts are Definitely I would say it is a better album as a whole than Hot Fuss. It does have a few awkward moments, but the great moments are really great. Some of the songs are more like 2 or 3 songs shoved down into one. They almost underuse some great riffs. But still, I would say it is growth for The Killers, no matter what anyone says. I think they're still going places. Standouts are "This River Is Wild," "Bling (Confessions of a King)," and "Bones."… Expand
  52. matt
    Oct 3, 2006
    4
    See the New York Times and Pop Matters reviews...then remind yourself that Hot Fuss was a near perfect pop album and hope next time around these guys will play to their strengths.
  53. BrendanM
    Oct 3, 2006
    10
    Brilliant
  54. MattD.
    Oct 3, 2006
    8
    Not quite as good as Hot Fuss, but no sophomore slump. The Springsteen/U2 sound, when combined with the Killers' new wave touches, makes Sam's Town more than just a copy. The album's end is a little weak, but by then you've had a fun time.
  55. DarenWixson
    Oct 3, 2006
    9
    I just bought the CD on-sale, I'm on track 7, had to see the reviews on Metacritic right-away anticipating a great review! Much Better then the 63 the critics gave! I agree with Mojo "An action-packed blockbuster.", we it grow on you, we'll have to wait and see!
  56. ToddW
    Oct 3, 2006
    5
    Ahhh, The Killers. A dumbed-down, less angular, more predictable, way less astute Franz Ferdinand. Just what we all need, right? For all you soccer moms (and dads!) out there who can't stop humming along to these tired, regurgitated, elementary melodies, how does it feel to be in the same social strata as the circle of prepubescents on the playground of your local junior high school? Ahhh, The Killers. A dumbed-down, less angular, more predictable, way less astute Franz Ferdinand. Just what we all need, right? For all you soccer moms (and dads!) out there who can't stop humming along to these tired, regurgitated, elementary melodies, how does it feel to be in the same social strata as the circle of prepubescents on the playground of your local junior high school? I guess someone had to come along and make you all feel "hip" again, no? Go back to rockin' the Coldplay in your SUVs; the Killers are D.O.A.… Expand
  57. schmackoM
    Oct 3, 2006
    6
    Well, yes, it's a blatant, kinda-dull play at injecting some ol-fashioned Americana into the band
  58. SB
    Oct 3, 2006
    10
    While this album makes me wince at a couple of points, i still can't help but be so stoked. They had me at "When You Were Young".
  59. GGRanger
    Oct 3, 2006
    10
    Good Record.
  60. EricW
    Oct 3, 2006
    3
    Ouch. Watch The Killers crash and burn, blue-collar style.
  61. drewr
    Oct 3, 2006
    10
    i love this band and i love this album
  62. DenmarkJ
    Oct 3, 2006
    10
    I don't get the reviews that say it is not as good as Hot Fuss. Sure, there is no sequal to Mr. Brightside, and I'll admit that I misssed that at first. But it is such a stronger album track for track, and unlike Hot Fuss, gets strongest toward the end. Thanks Killers!
  63. JohnB
    Oct 3, 2006
    8
    It's not Hot Fuss, but it's still the quality I expect from them. Definitely hints of the Cure and Simple Minds. Some critics just seem to want to hate on them, taking shots at the song writing and such, but the one thing I think they overlook is that the Killers appeal stems primarily from how they make you feel. I just want to turn it up, sing along, and shift into fifth.
  64. GaborA
    Oct 3, 2006
    1
    It's hard to say what direction the killers stepped in considering they started off at terrible and landed in abysmal. As musicians they can be considered psuedo retards. As venture capitalists, however, they are geniuses. Eat this one up too america.
  65. Jon
    Oct 3, 2006
    10
    I absolutely love this album. Like it more than the frist album. I think it's more solid start to finish. I hear more U2 than Springsteen or Queen.
  66. dylan
    Oct 3, 2006
    4
    A mediocre record by a band whose ambition has far outstripped it's songwriting and vocal talents.
  67. MC
    Oct 3, 2006
    2
    I recently them perform on SNL....when i heard Flowers "attempting" to sing I lost whatever small amount of respect I had for them. It was embarassing to watch him. This album has just cemented that. totally over-hyped hacks.
  68. TomL
    Oct 3, 2006
    5
    This album is no where near as good as the first one i have waited 2 years and im not happy but its not bad enough to give it less that five
  69. Giterdone
    Oct 3, 2006
    4
    lousy...the gig is up fellas
  70. ShawnM
    Oct 3, 2006
    7
    I'm a big fan of Hot Fuss, and I love the direction that The Killers took with this album, instrumentally. But Flowers' voice is definitely showing its weakness here. Hard not to recommend, but sometimes hard to listen to.
  71. JordanC
    Oct 3, 2006
    10
    An album filled with wonderful catchy moments, hummable tunes and fantastic lyrics. More rounded than Hot Fuss, more of a story, and in my opinion, better.
  72. Al
    Oct 2, 2006
    10
    Amazing
  73. GGinaThis
    Oct 2, 2006
    9
    This is a very good record. I think only time will allow people to listen to it and stop comparing it to all of the artists that the band said inspired them during the making of Sam's Town. It's lush-- and although I think every one has his right to an opinion I wonder how many critics actully listened to this record in its entirity. I say this because I've listened to it a This is a very good record. I think only time will allow people to listen to it and stop comparing it to all of the artists that the band said inspired them during the making of Sam's Town. It's lush-- and although I think every one has his right to an opinion I wonder how many critics actully listened to this record in its entirity. I say this because I've listened to it a few times and ultimately, it's good. I'm surprised that some of the crap that has been released recently can receive such raves while this record that truly is from such a new, creative band is panned. Rock and Roll has suffered so much lately-- mostly because there are very few new bands who admit to being rock and roll artists or who strive to be. Thank goodness for bands like Wolfmother.....and thank goodness for the Killers for trying to keep the rock and roll dream alive. Listen with your ears and decide for yourself, if you don't like it, then you don't like it, but don't let critics tell you that you don't.… Expand
  74. TreyS
    Oct 2, 2006
    1
    How far down will Brandon's ego take the band?
  75. DukeC
    Oct 2, 2006
    9
    At first I didn't believe that this album was as good as Hot Fuss. But after about six-seven listens, I now believe think that it is better than Hot Fuss. The only weak songs on the album are "Why Do I Keep Counting" and "Uncle Johnny"; both seem uninspired.
  76. melissam
    Oct 1, 2006
    8
    takes a few listens to fully appreciate the album. when you were young, is the best track on the album.
  77. 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.
  78. BobM
    Sep 28, 2006
    10
    Not as good as Hot Fuss, but an amazing album nonetheless.
  79. 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
  80. JMo
    Sep 28, 2006
    2
    The cracks are showing on this album...Flowers was obviously hoping that his delicate voice could touch Springsteen or Mercury (Freddie that is) and the simple fact is...it can't. The Killers shoulda stuck with what they knew best.
  81. RyanL
    Sep 19, 2006
    10
    From the 30 seconds I've heard on each track, yeah. This is Hot Fuss #2, but it doesn't have a single hole. Can't wait to hear the rest.
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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.
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  3. Blender
    80
    It is very good.
    Read full review
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