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. 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.
  2. DaveT
    Oct 9, 2006
    8
    i hate Bones, other wise the album has grown on me.
  3. 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.
  4. scottw.
    Aug 19, 2007
    8
    They are true pop rockers and this album proves it. An other one thats a must buy for todays rock fans.
  5. AidanK
    Mar 8, 2008
    8
    Hot fuss was frustrating and frequently switched between brilliant and rubbish, this one however is a joy from begining to end. A really good effort.
  6. 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.
  7. bb
    Oct 23, 2006
    8
    making a killer second album after such a popular and awesome, smash breaking first album, is always hard, and most of the time not so succesful...the killers have done a decent job, the thing is that most of the fans/listeners were used to the 'hot fuss' sound, and had expectations on the new album somewhere along those lines, but the killers went a new way. this is confusing making a killer second album after such a popular and awesome, smash breaking first album, is always hard, and most of the time not so succesful...the killers have done a decent job, the thing is that most of the fans/listeners were used to the 'hot fuss' sound, and had expectations on the new album somewhere along those lines, but the killers went a new way. this is confusing and new and like...yea...the fans/listeners were probably like: "wtf? this is just plain shit....*further insults*"...but in the realistic world nothing can be liked given only one chance, so after some listens to this new album, i've grown to like my visits in sam's town...… Expand
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. 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.
  11. 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.
  12. DinoM
    Dec 4, 2007
    8
    This one grew on me. Great album, definitely worth getting, most of the songs are content filled and each with unique appeal. The indie feel is still this for this huge mainstream band. Instant classics which are not easily forgettable. Do yourself a favour and get this album.
  13. ReviewBoy15
    Jan 26, 2007
    8
    The lyrics are'nt amazing at first but it's the way that they combine the lyrics into their instrumental music that gets you hooked. It's not as good as "Hot Fuss" but it's a great record nonetheless. Kept me hooked for weeks on end.
  14. SulH.
    Jun 28, 2007
    8
    A solid album (albeit a bit too much grandeur) that really grows on you with every spin..
  15. DerekB
    Nov 11, 2006
    8
    I'm tired of people saying that this album is like Bruce Springsteen. Maybe they haven't listened to it and only looked at recent photos of the band. Or maybe all the reviewers decided to copy each other so they didn't actually have to listen to the album. Long story short...you wouldn't mistake this album for anything other than the Killers. Very catchy, great songs. I'm tired of people saying that this album is like Bruce Springsteen. Maybe they haven't listened to it and only looked at recent photos of the band. Or maybe all the reviewers decided to copy each other so they didn't actually have to listen to the album. Long story short...you wouldn't mistake this album for anything other than the Killers. Very catchy, great songs. Most of these songs will stick in your head for days afterwards.… Expand
  16. 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.
  17. 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
  18. 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
  19. 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.
  20. 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
  21. 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.
  22. 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
  23. 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.
  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. 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
  27. 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
  28. 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.
  29. 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
  30. 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.
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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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