Imploding the Mirage
by The Killers
  • Record Label: Island
  • Release Date: Aug 21, 2020
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
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  1. SherlockKiweez
    Oct 22, 2021
    8
    The singles were awesome so I was very excited to listen to the whole album and it didnt disappoint me at all. In fact I really enjoyed it especially Blowback, Imploding the Mirage and Running towards a Place. I am a huge Killers fan and I think this is their best album since Sams Town. I recommend you to give this a listen!
  2. MarcosRockwell
    Jun 16, 2021
    10
    Meus olhos cheio de lágrimas eu venho dar minha nota para o esplêndido Imploding The Mirage, conheci tem pouco tempo mas foi um amor tão grande que eu não poderia aclamar, arrisco dizer que é um dos melhores álbuns rock que já ouvi, The Killers entregou uma viagem ao tempo e um orgamo sonoro, já derramei lágrimas e meu único arrependimento é não estar ouvindo 24 horas, eles começa com aMeus olhos cheio de lágrimas eu venho dar minha nota para o esplêndido Imploding The Mirage, conheci tem pouco tempo mas foi um amor tão grande que eu não poderia aclamar, arrisco dizer que é um dos melhores álbuns rock que já ouvi, The Killers entregou uma viagem ao tempo e um orgamo sonoro, já derramei lágrimas e meu único arrependimento é não estar ouvindo 24 horas, eles começa com a gigantesca My Own Soul's Warning, aonde Brandon mostra sua devoção, no meio desse caminho encontramos Caution que ganhou meu coração de primeira com seu final grandioso, e cada faixa que passa sentimentos uma viagem gratuita ao paraíso, Running Towards A Place é um grito do que estamos passando nessa época de pandemia...… Expand
  3. RydesaurusRex
    Feb 21, 2021
    10
    I love this album. It's peak Killers. I just returned to it after a few months and I really think this is one of the best albums of the last few years.
  4. IndianaParkWars
    Dec 25, 2020
    0
    8.5/12
    This album is alright. I like The Killers and their sound, so their music is always pleasing. The music is all good but each song sounds more and more repetitive and kind of the same. It would be good to listen to every now and again or to have in the background.
    It sounds like Bruce Springsteen mixed with The Bangles or some other 80's new wave/alternative rock band. It's a bit    8.5/12
    This album is alright. I like The Killers and their sound, so their music is always pleasing. The music is all good but each song sounds more and more repetitive and kind of the same. It would be good to listen to every now and again or to have in the background.
    It sounds like Bruce Springsteen mixed with The Bangles or some other 80's new wave/alternative rock band. It's a bit of a throwback to the early days of synth rock with that prideful heartland feel.
    I also like K.D. Lang so hearing her on "Lightning Fields" was nice.

    ALBUM ARTWORK: The artwork is glorious here. It's like a grandiose classical painting. I'm not sure which time period/art movement it would represent but it's absolutely gorgeous to look at. However, it kind of fits the musical style here but also doesn't. This album cover feels very progressive as if it should be for a Moody Blues album. Regardless, the artwork is beautiful with the colors, texture, and whatever is happening with these angels and clouds. I just love it.
    Artwork rating: 12/12    … Expand
  5. Frankieee
    Nov 20, 2020
    10
    Great album just as expected. There is literally no song I don’t really like on it, especially My Own Soul‘s Warning… man what a banger. Bravo TK
  6. Nami0105
    Oct 2, 2020
    10
    This album saved 2020.. Each track has its own personality and it tackles issues that are still very relevant up to this day. The song Caution is stuck in my head for days now lol.

    Best album of the year!!!!
  7. Shazalia
    Sep 21, 2020
    9
    The Killers build on what worked on their previous record and deliver a product that most bands entering their 19th year in their career can only dream of. 2012's Battle Born found the band in a rut, but they've rebounded successfully with Wonderful Wonderful, and Imploding The Mirage continues the trend. Some of the highlights of the record include Caution, a Killers single through andThe Killers build on what worked on their previous record and deliver a product that most bands entering their 19th year in their career can only dream of. 2012's Battle Born found the band in a rut, but they've rebounded successfully with Wonderful Wonderful, and Imploding The Mirage continues the trend. Some of the highlights of the record include Caution, a Killers single through and through and albeit safe, provides catchy hooks and a reliable beat in its four and a half minute run time. Where Imploding The mirage truly shines is on tracks like Fire In Bone, taking a slow burn to the delivery of the track, slowly but surely getting you to its theme of hope and lending a hand when in need. Lighting Fields and the My God provide features on both tracks, something not common on a Killers record and both are used effectively and don't overstay their welcome. K.D Langs voice compliments Flowers, giving him some respite on the bridge of the track and she sets the trend for the rest of the song. My God was made for statdiums, where it provides a bombastic chorus that will surely get the crowd going. When the Dreams Run Dry takes you on a rollercoaster ride, almost feeling like 3 songs in one. They pull it off well and the pay off is huge in the outro. The record ends with the records title, wrapping up the record in a light hearted tone and is a fitting conclusion. As a whole, Imploding The Mirage is a well rounded experience by a band that's been around for a while, and in a lot of ways, deliver their best record yet. The Killers still have some gas in the tank, and I'm looking forward to see what the future holds.… Expand
  8. DonovanKoen25
    Sep 2, 2020
    9
    Love this album! So glad its back to the recipe that made The Killers work! Back to basics! No generics like Battle Born, this is just them plain and simple! All the tracks are good and the album is well delivered!!! Bravo!! Love it!!!
  9. Ricko
    Aug 30, 2020
    8
    2017's promising "Wonderful Wonderful" hinted that there was a bit of life left in The Killers. Despite its release being delayed by a few months, "Imploding the Mirage" is the relatively fast follow up. It hasn't just built on the momentum of its predecessor, this is the best thing the band have done since the mid 00's. I thought they would struggle with the loss of Dave Keuning's guitars2017's promising "Wonderful Wonderful" hinted that there was a bit of life left in The Killers. Despite its release being delayed by a few months, "Imploding the Mirage" is the relatively fast follow up. It hasn't just built on the momentum of its predecessor, this is the best thing the band have done since the mid 00's. I thought they would struggle with the loss of Dave Keuning's guitars but there are a number of other contributors who have stepped in his place and this has made for the bands freshest and most vibrant record in well over a decade. It's not a return to their indie rock roots either, this is an album that perfectly mixes everything good about modern pop and the heartland area they now occupy, like "The War On Drugs" but with Brandon Flowers pop sensibilities giving the material the ability to hit you instantly. While it doesn't have any timeless indie disco floor fillers that popped up everywhere across their first 2 albums, "Imploding The Mirage" has a consistency and a maturity that should appeal to and be appreciated by those who were fans at the beginning and are now a decade and a half older and more experienced.… Expand
  10. SamSouza
    Aug 29, 2020
    10
    SIM, ESTE É O MELHOR ÁLBUM DA BANDA (ao lado de Sam's Town e Hot Fuss) The Killers voltou retumbante e agora reconhece o peso de expressividade que eles tem no cenário da música e do mundo!
  11. samuels
    Aug 29, 2020
    10
    Um álbum de altíssima qualidade, The Killers voltou a lançar álbuns em grande estilo!
  12. AbelTP
    Aug 28, 2020
    6
    Buenas canciones pero no lo suficiente para mantenerme entretenido en el album, es repetitivo.
  13. Hihihahahoho
    Aug 27, 2020
    10
    Perfect as always! Favorite group made brilliant music again. Cannot stop listening
  14. AroundCorners
    Aug 25, 2020
    4
    I don’t get why the press is fawning over this record. It’s slightly better than the last. Look I’ve always been a Killers fan, wore their records out and tried with this one, but man these last two have been abysmal one or two decent track affairs. Flowers solo stuff has been SO GOOD which is puzzling. This album has one truly hits album worthy track “Dying Breed” with some interestingI don’t get why the press is fawning over this record. It’s slightly better than the last. Look I’ve always been a Killers fan, wore their records out and tried with this one, but man these last two have been abysmal one or two decent track affairs. Flowers solo stuff has been SO GOOD which is puzzling. This album has one truly hits album worthy track “Dying Breed” with some interesting bass and unexpected chord change shuffling. Otherwise this really sounds like a mediocre Fleetwood Mac record ala Tango in the Night and look they even brought in Lindsey Buckingham! Melody is really absent in its place guest appearances and ambitious mixing effects and a movie. They don’t reinvent themselves so much as take on Flowers solo sound full time but WITHOUT the quality of songs on those solo records. Not having Dave Keuning seems to be an issue too as all the interviews with Flowers talk of the bands identity crisis with praise for The War on Drugs, Foxygen and Vampire Weekend. Supposedly they have moved on from Keuning but the identity crisis is just replaced with emulating the stated bands in particular Flowers desire to “top” the newest Vampire Weekend’s ambition and denser world music additions. I haven’t been able to see the liner notes but talk of partnered songwriting is always a warning sign that there is a lack of ideas and usually results in dueling egos that are afraid to tell the other that the parts they contributed or the track they just wrote sucks. The kd Lang track and Weyes Blood are examples of this. My hope is Flowers will go into the studio and write a solo album then bring in the rest of the band to add the Killers sound then release that as the new record. Otherwise I’ll be looking to bands like Rey Pila’s new “Velox Veritas” (who toured with Flowers and sat on the Strokes label) for fresh ideas in this genre.… Expand
  15. Chanbang
    Aug 24, 2020
    10
    I fell in love with Imploding the mirage on the first listen. It’s everything I would hope for in a killers record. From the soaring anthem choruses to the more subdued instrumental breaks, every nuisance plays a role in shaping the lush yet still catchy sound scapes . This is Their finest work yet.
  16. rjmacready
    Aug 23, 2020
    8
    Sadly, the spirit of what makes The Killers so great seems slightly lacking the sixth time around. Which isn't to say this isn't a really GOOD album...but there's finally a sense of been-there-before that they somehow managed to evade the first five times out of the gate.

    I won't make any assumptions about the sudden lack of freshness bearing any relation to the absence of founding    Sadly, the spirit of what makes The Killers so great seems slightly lacking the sixth time around. Which isn't to say this isn't a really GOOD album...but there's finally a sense of been-there-before that they somehow managed to evade the first five times out of the gate.

    I won't make any assumptions about the sudden lack of freshness bearing any relation to the absence of founding guitarist Dave Keuning...though here's hoping his promised return on the next album will reinject a bit of the spark that seems missing this time around. Still an amazing band, but this is easily their weakest studio album to date (in this long-time fan's humble opinion).    … Expand
  17. bertobellamy
    Aug 23, 2020
    7
    There are some ordinary songs in here, but this is a solid record in general. Definitely their best since "Sam's Town." Favorite songs: "My God" and "Caution."
  18. oceanxdamn
    Aug 23, 2020
    10
    You can feel what Brandon Flowers said about The Killers still being alive. Imploding the Mirage is a portrait of the rebirth and how The Killers still manage to get the crowds to sing their hymns in the arenas.
  19. Epicurus
    Aug 22, 2020
    9
    I had almost given up on the Killers. I did not like their previous album. Then they released 'Land of the free', the beautiful new singles and this great album! It is definitely my favourite after 'Hot Fuss' and even more listenable than it. I am not religious but I fully respect other people's beliefs as long as thry are not too obvious. Really happy with this album! Rock is doingI had almost given up on the Killers. I did not like their previous album. Then they released 'Land of the free', the beautiful new singles and this great album! It is definitely my favourite after 'Hot Fuss' and even more listenable than it. I am not religious but I fully respect other people's beliefs as long as thry are not too obvious. Really happy with this album! Rock is doing alright in 2020. Looking forward to The War on drugs and Chilli peppers albums!… Expand
  20. alejoarenas15
    Aug 22, 2020
    9
    It's a pretty consistent album, their best since Day & Age in my opinion, just a couple of weak songs. There's a huge Springsteen's vibe, specially in Dying Breed. My personal favourite is My Own Soul's Warning, such a powerful song. Can't wait to experience this album live.
  21. JLuis_001
    Aug 22, 2020
    6
    Well, I've already listened to the album twice and frankly I'm disappointed.
    I'm not the kind of listener who expects the same thing over and over from a band in order to satisfy an audience that completely lacks the desire to demand more.
    The Killers brand new album; Imploding The Mirage, sounds and feels like an extension of its predecessor, so there's no surprise or novelty in the    Well, I've already listened to the album twice and frankly I'm disappointed.
    I'm not the kind of listener who expects the same thing over and over from a band in order to satisfy an audience that completely lacks the desire to demand more.

    The Killers brand new album; Imploding The Mirage, sounds and feels like an extension of its predecessor, so there's no surprise or novelty in the sound.
    The Killers seem content to get the basics down and stick with their base.

    Perhaps asking them to experiment is not in the cards anymore, but their complacency is daunting.

    Thinking of a follow-up right now is far-fetched but if in a few years they manage to do it and under these same guidelines, then I think I can easily say that the band has already run its course.

    Notable tracks

    > Caution
    > Imploding The Mirage    … Expand
  22. igorls
    Aug 22, 2020
    10
    reminds me more of the solo stuff from brandon career than wonderful wonderful
  23. ssrodriguezc
    Aug 22, 2020
    10
    Best vocal performance from frontman Brandon Flowers, he really stepped up with full confidence in his voice. It was hard to replace Dave in WW but in ITM the band achieves a new refreshing sound that will lift the spirit during these strange times.
  24. CharliePums101
    Aug 22, 2020
    10
    Just an amazing album all around. With beautiful melodies as well as lyrics, this has to be one of the best albums of the year. Props to the Killers, they really killed it in a year full of dissappintments.
  25. Gregors98
    Aug 22, 2020
    10
    Yeah, The Killers grew. They evolved, they changed their music style. Their songs are really different from the ones of Hot Fuss. But maybe we have to think that the chart topping hits from Hot Fuss, Sam's Town and Day and Age had also the aim of making them famous, and giving the chance to show to a huge amount of listeners their real concept of music as well as their soul. I'm the firstYeah, The Killers grew. They evolved, they changed their music style. Their songs are really different from the ones of Hot Fuss. But maybe we have to think that the chart topping hits from Hot Fuss, Sam's Town and Day and Age had also the aim of making them famous, and giving the chance to show to a huge amount of listeners their real concept of music as well as their soul. I'm the first to say that an album needs also some catchy singles. But we have to consider also the goal of the Killers' music today. That's what Brandon always tells us since Wonderful Wonderful. They're going closer and closer to their profound identity. In my opinion we should listen to Imploding The Mirage from this perspective.
    From this album I love the greatness of feelings evoked by Lightning Fields, the sinergy of sound and music in My God, I really like the unstoppable energy of MOSW and the elegance of Blowback. Caution is a good first single. MOSW will become the most successful song in the album. Not all the tracks are what I really appreciate, but considering the entire work and the levels achieved by most of them, I cannot give less than 10.    … Expand
  26. franimall
    Aug 22, 2020
    7
    Best album since Sam's Town , a great mix of rock and pop and should satisfy the needs of their fan base
  27. jfcasasp
    Aug 21, 2020
    10
    Una muy buena sorpresa de una banda que aún no nos decepciona con ningún algún, muy buena adición a su discografía los amo
  28. Gh0stivan
    Aug 21, 2020
    9
    The album is so different but that's what makes it great.

    Every album released by The Killers have been chart topping and this one is no different, Imploding The Mirage has got to be the best album since Sam's Town. You can tell there's no Dave Keuning on the album but that's what makes the album different from the rest and because of this most of the songs stand out, would like him to    The album is so different but that's what makes it great.

    Every album released by The Killers have been chart topping and this one is no different, Imploding The Mirage has got to be the best album since Sam's Town. You can tell there's no Dave Keuning on the album but that's what makes the album different from the rest and because of this most of the songs stand out, would like him to return on future albums though.    … Expand
  29. FranXgunZ
    Aug 21, 2020
    6
    Only a few good songs. Too religious and predictable. A very low risk album
  30. aebright
    Aug 21, 2020
    10
    This is the best new album I've heard in a long time. It has a contagious energy that pulls you into feeling the music in an unusual, but uplifting way; it's not that it makes you feel the urge to dance, which is common, but it makes you feel inspired in a more general way. To me, the greatest purpose of any art is to make you really feel something, and this album achieves that goal.This is the best new album I've heard in a long time. It has a contagious energy that pulls you into feeling the music in an unusual, but uplifting way; it's not that it makes you feel the urge to dance, which is common, but it makes you feel inspired in a more general way. To me, the greatest purpose of any art is to make you really feel something, and this album achieves that goal.

    The first song, "My Own Soul's Warning," slowly builds to a euphoric explosion, and the album never looks back. It feels like a complete, cohesive work that flows extremely well from start to finished.

    I'm extremely impressed.    … Expand
  31. 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 energy and memorious melodies it gives the very best of The Killers. Especially in these pandemic days.
  32. lcseixas
    Aug 21, 2020
    10
    This is so good. It's a mix of old Killers and new Killers. The production, through Shawn Everett and Jonathan Rado is on point. The more experimental tracks prove their pick of new producers was a success. Just look who's back in business!
  33. 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 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    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.    … Expand
  34. shans
    Aug 21, 2020
    9
    Their most hopeful and uplifting record yet, Imploding The Mirage may not be the album that ones want but it is the album that ones need in this trying times. It is also The Killers at their most creative and playful, it’s clear that Flowers and co had a ball making this record.
  35. 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.
  36. MurderedVictim
    Aug 21, 2020
    10
    This album is different but in a very good way!
    It's The Killers but very different and that's what makes it that good.
    My favorite song is My god and that song easily makes it to the top 10!
  37. BvL020
    Aug 21, 2020
    10
    Thus album shows they are one of the best! They keep evolving. Not a bad song on this piece of art.

Awards & Rankings

56
#56 Most Discussed Album of 2020

Critic Reviews

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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
  1. Rolling Stone
    Sep 17, 2020
    70
    The 80s-loving Vegas crew delivers its strongest set of songs in years. [Sep 2020, p.68]
  2. Under The Radar
    Aug 31, 2020
    75
    The Killers still has a way with a story song, but even those could be seen as harking back to the good old days.
    Read full review
  3. Beats Per Minute
    Aug 24, 2020
    80
    The band sounds invigorated, and the listening experience benefits hugely from that sense of direction and self-awareness.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »