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. 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.
  2. 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+
  3. 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).
  4. brockcheese
    Aug 19, 2020
    6
    This album’s concept kind of fall’s flat without a cohesive through line. We are introduced to Sam’s town. A bunch of sad songs ensue and then we are left wondering what the point of it all was.
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. 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.
  8. 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
  9. 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
  10. Palp
    May 26, 2012
    5
    While I didn't think this album was awful, I found it weak when compared to Hot Fuss and Day & Age. I found the majority of the songs on this album to be dull and lacking hooks to make them memorable. I think this album will leave a poor impression on someone who picks this up as their first Killers album, and would recommend either Hot Fuss of Day & Age as a starting point.
  11. 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)
  12. MidnightShow
    Sep 30, 2010
    10
    Great follow up too the great Hot Fuss , The Killers certainly dont do things by halfs and the ambition and passion of this album is infectious , my favourite tracks are Bling and This River is Wild the Enterlude / Exitlude are a really nice touch and overall this album feels like a journey rather than just a series of (very good) songs with a common theme like Hot Fuss
  13. 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.
  14. 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
  15. 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.
  16. 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
  17. JoshK.
    Jul 6, 2007
    10
    One of my favorite albums. It is as good as Hot Fuss, but it takes a few listens to see it. After that you'll notice how every track except the two enter and exit tracks are completely unique.
  18. 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
  19. 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
  20. robbys
    Oct 4, 2006
    10
    Brilliant from the first to last track.Has to be albm of the year if not decade!!!
  21. 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.
  22. NellyZ
    Oct 9, 2006
    10
    I Love it, it has great songs and who cares what the critics say.
  23. GunnarS.
    Jan 20, 2010
    10
    This is the really best of The Killers! Amazing album!
  24. 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.
  25. colinw
    Oct 18, 2006
    10
    i was unimpressed originally, but the album has really grown on me. songs such as "why do i keep counting," "the river is wild" and "Bling (confession of a king)" have become particular favorites of mine, to join "While you were young" and the enter/exitludes. overall, a very satisfying album.
  26. TreyS
    Oct 2, 2006
    1
    How far down will Brandon's ego take the band?
  27. CWhit
    Oct 20, 2006
    9
    Anyone who doesn't appreciate the lyrics on this album has never heard of a metaphor - which apparently includes most of the reviewers..
  28. randolfl
    Dec 4, 2006
    7
    On first listen there's enough about Sams Town to draw the listener in. Fans will instantly recognize Flowers' distinctive vocal tones while newcomers are likely to turn their ear to its urgency and energy. This is the bands strength; a telling energy infused with a kind of spiritual yearning and professional desire to go all the way. Throw in the big band theatrics and the On first listen there's enough about Sams Town to draw the listener in. Fans will instantly recognize Flowers' distinctive vocal tones while newcomers are likely to turn their ear to its urgency and energy. This is the bands strength; a telling energy infused with a kind of spiritual yearning and professional desire to go all the way. Throw in the big band theatrics and the recipe except for its most crucial elements is almost complete. Authenticity is something aspiring bands, especially those in their early years, need to build. Its rare abnyone arrives fully formed. In Sams Town there is more ambition than authentic greatness but the let don is still leaves plenty of room for hope. I think The Killers have it in them to make a great rock and roll record, Flowers just has to find the right place inside himself to come up withh lyrics and the delivery. Less U2 now, more Springsteen 30 years ago.… Expand
  29. AlexA
    Oct 27, 2006
    9
    Sounds epic. Brandon Flovers and co. are the new U2, that's for sure!
  30. 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.
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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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