If any more evidence were needed, The Killers are proof of the unfortunate phenomenon that popularity so often equates with mediocrity in the music world. A hugely acclaimed band, they have built their success on plain, enervated rock songs. It’s the least common denominator at work again, as The Killers slip into the mix of extremely popular, yet musically destitute, bands like Coldplay and Kings of Leon. Their fourth studio release, Battle Born, is nothing but a bland and lifeless excuse for an album.
Granted, The Killers are unquestionably talented performers. But alas, competent performance is worlds apart from the ability to pen an engaging set of tunes, and Battle Born is unimaginably monotonous. Opener “Flesh and Bone” is labored and overproduced, with a tedious structure and guitar parts that sound as if they were extracted directly from the “Standard Handbook of Dull Guitar Progressions.” Lead single “Runaways” is a harsh, discordant track on which Flowers is guilty of shouting where he should be singing.
Overflowing with trite romanticism, the record is as uninspired thematically as it is musically. Not to bully Flowers, but he may want to reevaluate his idea of a romantic complement. On title track “Battle Born”, he sings: “Always seen you as a kind of keeper / Mother of a child.” And on “Miss Atomic Bomb,” Flowers tells us passionately: “I feel the heat / I see the light / Miss Atomic Bomb.” The fan-girl who falls for this version of romance is surely a woman of questionable judgment.
Reaffirming what became apparent with the release of hit single “Mr. Brightside” in 2004, The Killers demonstrate again that they are one of the most disproportionately successful bands relative to the quality of their music. Their latest, Battle Born, is a tiresome collection of below-average rock songs.
Contact Eytan at [email protected] .
Comment Policy
Comments should remain on topic, concerning the article or blog post to which they are connected. Brevity is encouraged. Posting under a pseudonym is discouraged, but permitted. The Daily Cal encourages readers to voice their opinions respectfully in regard to the readers, writers and contributors of The Daily Californian. Comments are not pre-moderated, but may be removed if deemed to be in violation of this policy. Click here to read the full comment policy.
The Killers’ lyrics are brilliant and
have so much substance, so much more than the majority of bands out there. This
is a terrible review of one of the better bands in the music industry. I guess
you can’t understand metaphors and analogies based on the way you reviewed the
lyrics. Explicit lyrics take no talent. Anyone can write a lyrical line “I
love you, babe.” Flowers does an outstanding job of using wit to write
superb lyrics, some of my favorite. Despite what you think, their music is timeless
and will always be around, unlike the bands that are popular now (i.e. LMFAO,
Cobra Starship, Nicki Minaj, etc.) The Killers are successful because they
write great music. They stick to “The KIllers’” style of music and
continue to sell albums and have a ton of buzz about them even after taking a
few years off. They don’t change their style just because the ‘popular’ music style
changes like ordinary pop stars do. They created their own style. This is a
terrible review. Even if you don’t like their style of music, anyone with a
brain can realize that they are a great band, musically and lyrically. One can
only assume that someone with terrible music intuition, based solely on this
review, gave this review. Oh, and since you think The Killers’ are so terrible,
what’s your idea of a good band?
you mad bro? not their best album but by no means on the same level as the tireless crap the music industry churns out
after a few listens I’m digging it. give it a deeper listen
If any more evidence were needed, Eytan Schindelhaim is proof of the unfortunate phenomenon that college journalism so often equates with mediocrity in the intellectual world.
P.S. The Killers deserve their popularity.
Eh, I disagree with your review. I feel like Battle Born is their definitive album. Flowers’ has obviously mastered his lyrics, his voice has improved, and the instruments are all pretty stellar overall. I personally find Battle Born to be top notch production. The Killers have sold over 15 million albums. Now, let’s see you get out of your little critiquing dungeon and do that.
sooo true love the Killers had to wait for years for this piece of crap so disapointed!!