Imploding the Mirage
by The Killers
  • Record Label: Island
  • Release Date: Aug 21, 2020
Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 22 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 22
  3. Negative: 0 out of 22
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  1. The Guardian
    Aug 20, 2020
    60
    If none of the songs here has the undeniable hit quality of Mr Brightside et al, they certainly work in suitably anthemic style, with catchy, simplistic hooks, air-punch-inducing dynamics and lyrics designed to bond vast crowds together. ... But the feeling that Imploding the Mirage is less than the sum of its parts persists long after it’s left you exhausted.
  2. The Independent (UK)
    Aug 20, 2020
    60
    It may be a slightly face-flattening wind tunnel of love The Killers offer. But they still have the gale force sincerity required to blow your socks off.
  3. Mojo
    Aug 19, 2020
    60
    Brandon Flowers' commercial appeal holds steady on Imploding The Mirage under producers 13 and 14 Shawn Everett and Jonathan Rado, who lather fidgety single Caution and When The Dreams Run Dry in fine '80s studio-wash. [Oct 2020, p.84]
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  5. The Observer (UK)
    Aug 18, 2020
    60
    What the Killers have yet to learn from the later Springsteen is subtlety. If bombast is not your thing, this is not your band. Imploding the Mirage says some nuanced things, but very loudly. The best things about Flowers’s writing are twofold: the upfront carpe diem spirit here, best captured in lines such as: “We’re all gonna die!” And then there are the more elegant turns of storytelling.
  6. PopMatters
    Aug 21, 2020
    40
    Imploding the Mirage promises dynamite rock 'n' roll yet delivers tepid synthpop. Whereas the album marginally reinvents the Killers' sound, the lyrics problematically redesign archaic ideology.

Awards & Rankings

56
#56 Most Discussed Album of 2020

User Reviews

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User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 151 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 133 out of 151
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 151
  3. Negative: 7 out of 151
  1. Jhonny117
    Aug 21, 2020
    10
    Overall this is a stronger album than "Wonderful Wonderful"

    Each song has its own personality, its highs and lows but always staying at a    Overall this is a stronger album than "Wonderful Wonderful"

    Each song has its own personality, its highs and lows but always staying at a point where they are key pieces of an album that you can tell it was made with passion.

    My Own souls warning is probably one of the best songs on the album, the synthesizers in the chorus, the bass at the beginning and the guitar at the end make an anthem in his discography.

    Blowback It has a rhythm reminiscent of the old west, slide guitar, piano, synthesizers. Another strong point.

    Dying Breed An industrial start with a drum machine mixed with real drums and synthesizers.
    In the middle it explodes to give a direct song to the top of its career.

    Caution the first single, Ronnie driving with his drums, accompanied by acoustic guitars, synthesizers and bass.
    The solo at the end is a spectacular closing.

    Lightning Fields feat k.d.lang
    Lang's chorus and section take this song to another level.

    Fire in Bone, Mix Bass Funk whit Bowie and Talking heads.

    Running Towards a Place
    Driving with bass, drums, synthesizers and the voice of Brandon Flowers

    My God feat Weyes Blood
    Weyes Blood and Brandon Flowers come together to give one of the best songs on the album and the Killers in general.

    When the dreams run dry
    Synthesizers are the stars in this well-implemented pop rock song

    Imploding the Mirage
    A rhythm no one expected.
    Instead of closing with a ballad this time The Killers close with a fun song that leaves a good taste in the mouth.    … Full Review »
  2. ssantiago445
    Aug 21, 2020
    10
    Every song stands out on his own, i can imagine this being a defining album in the 80s. Uplifting and hopeful, this was the album I needed for 2020.
  3. Chesteronlin
    Aug 21, 2020
    9
    The previous album of the band was not so impressive to me. But “Imploding the Mirage” is just as fresh as the winter snow is. Full of energyThe previous album of the band was not so impressive to me. But “Imploding the Mirage” is just as fresh as the winter snow is. Full of energy and memorious melodies it gives the very best of The Killers. Especially in these pandemic days.… Full Review »
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