Are The Killers Still Any Good?!

[@JustinHawkinsRidesAgain]

The Darkness are going on tour in the USA and Europe this Winter! Tickets: www.thedarknesslive.com/tour-dates/

[@SampleRate-w2w]

your not a f'n idiot Justin, sometimes ppl forget that the job of an entertainer is simply to make ppl feel better. Just remember, the darkness is the vacuum that Corpse filled.

[@MountainBlade]

You could where the same shirt talking about Franz Ferdinand..

[@nikoletta7678]

I wish you could have come to Madrid. I'm going to have to try the dangerous game of resale for the London show.

[@JustinHawkinsRidesAgain]

@@nikoletta7678 Use Twickets!

[@nikoletta7678]

@@JustinHawkinsRidesAgain thank you. Fingers crossed

[@_LightLeak_]

Pressure Machine is one of my all time favorite albums. That project was so well done and is grossly underrated in my opinion. An album where the sum is greater than the parts. A must listen from front to back. If they decide to stick with that style going forward I'm all for it!

[@Rocksarum]

Agreed. Bruce Springsteen influence is quite remarkable on it

[@nikoletta7678]

West Hills is one of their best tracks.

[@cocoant78]

I like a couple of songs off the album(Pressure Machine), but not a favorite for me. Just didn't love it. BUT I haven't listened to it in 2 yrs, so it may blow my britches off the next time I throw it on.

[@henrikibsen6258]

Runaway Horses ❤

[@janikautto6801]

I agree. Such an underrated masterpiece.

[@alisonkester8785]

Best band ever, they are amazing live. Brandon Flowers is my god. They did their new song when we went to see them last week & it’s sounds better live ❤

[@Amy-hy6zn]

Great review! You read my mind with your initial reaction to it - it's definitely one that grows on you. As a massive Killers fan, I can see why Brandon says they are moving on, let's just hope they can carry on making music!

[@NeverSaySandwich1]

Sad he doesn't want to make more music like Your Side of Town, it's a fantastic song and a real jam

[@fredskull1618]

Great review, Justin! I appreciate the detailed background on the song's production and how it fits into The Killers' evolving sound. Your deep dive into the '80s influences and the instrumentation was fascinating (since I missed most of that decade’s music first time around). Looking forward to your next video!

[@dawsforfun6456]

Brandon Flowers two solo albums are outstanding.

[@JonathanMarsala]

Only the young is the greatest song of all time

[@MayLily]

Yes! Crossfire could've been a killers song too.

[@Bebop_Elysium]

Lonely Town is underrated

[@aprilkurtz1589]

Justin, that shirt vibes hard. Muy bueno, senor. Never cared for this type of music, which is not to say it isn't good. It is! Never regret your tattoos, make them regret you. Brilliant rant last Monday. I hope it felt better to get it off your chest. It looked and sounded like it did. Congrats on your hard won sobriety. It's fucking impressive!

[@JackMellor498]

Its rather orchestral synth arrangements in the intro definitely remind me of Pet Shop Boys, especially the start of It’s a Sin. I’ll miss synths in The Killers output, I’m a big electronic and synth music fan, but I welcome Brandon’s comments about maturing as a songwriter.

[@mackin26]

That verse is so True Faith by New Order, the melody and the phrasing. That hit me straight away.

[@MsTriangle]

Yeah New Order & Pet Shop Boys, much less Depeche Mode

[@brentr9166]

Justin, I love your insight and commentary. Always a pleasure to watch.

[@micheletotton9342]

Huge fan of The Killers. If you haven't heard their live cover of The Whole of the Moon, give it a listen

[@CourtneyCrockett97]

Very emotional cover

[@CJ-oi7zm]

Thanks! I just listened to the Zen Warrior, Righteous Littlehawk. Great work, great music, I really like it. I want more. I think you and the Darkness still have your best success ahead. CJ

[@JustinHawkinsRidesAgain]

Keep an eye on the mailing list, that's where all that secret music will be sent to.

[@MariaFrancesca]

Love that shirt/blouse! 🙂 Nooo, not the last time!

[@Rocksarum]

It seems like The Killers have been always exploring different genres since their first albums...However, their essence remained in all of them👍 (though in this song I only perceive it on Brandon's voice)

[@jillmayes139]

I love the Killlers sound, mainly down to BF’s vocals. I’ve always been drawn to distinctive voices! Many of today’s bands seem ‘same-y’ to me, but then I’m older … in numbers lol. PS .. live, they’re fantastic and BF is a completely charismatic front man!

[@T.I.L.P]

With The Killers I think that comment about taking new styles without losing their essence hit the nail on the head. New stuff from them can be a bit touch and go at times, but for me it always feels it still has the heart that goes into their music. I like their new tune Your Side of Town. The intro synth of the track felt like a good throwback to the early 2000s in some ways to me, with this weird funky 80s background instrumental. Interesting amalgamation - Good stuff Justin!

[@SuzanneO707]

I'm not a devoted fan of the band. But I will give things a listen. His voice is reminiscent of Morten Harket/AHA, at times. Enjoy your channel. Working the blouse, not everyone can pull that off.

[@MomtoZnE]

What do you mean by working the blouse?

[@SuzanneO707]

@@MomtoZnE It means he's, not just Justin wearing the blouse and he's doing a great job, i.e its just a garment but he's owning it.

[@pureamoursoul]

I like this song. The synth sounds remind me of Julian Casablancas' solo album Phrazes for the Young. Also, the Daft Punk song "Instant Crush" featuring Julian carries a similar theme of missing out on the chance to be with someone you love. The music video for it is brilliant. Some of my fav Killer's songs are "All These Things That I've Done", "For Reasons Unknown", "Caution", and of course "Mr. Brightside".

[@kimberleyfarley6021]

The Killers and The Darkness have been my favourite bands since I was 11 (31 now) so this has just provided me with the same level of joyful dopamine as billionare sub death, right when I needed it.

[@seminolefantodd4736]

One of the qualities that I really like about you Justin is your love of all music. I tire of those musicians who express that their genre is the good stuff an all others are sh*t. I like The Killers. Their debut album as well as yours (The Darkness) are must haves.

[@raquelsnt]

Cool shirt Justin! It's true that the sound reminds to Pet Shop Boys or Depeche Mode...more Pet Shop Boys. I loved their song Suburbia!

[@Flukey_1970]

Hope it does well we need bands doing well in the sea of solo artists. Yes very 80s and thats also not a bad thing

[@la0070.]

Adore Brandon's solo work -- time will tell if that is the direction he/they are going.

[@SLeXii]

The Darkness and The Killers are my two absolute favourite bands, what I wouldn't give to see you and Brandon Flowers collab on a song. That would be a DREAM!! 😍😍😍❤❤❤ I will also add that I'm obsessed with their new song. it is everything i love about The Killers: amazing lyrics + strong synth + brandon's vocals 👌🙌

[@izzydavie5505]

Sams Town and Hot Fuss are two of my fave albums - such naustalgia and great anthems

[@balkee42]

Those albums were my go to albums in college. Played them so much

[@MayLily]

Same here. IMO, those 2 albums as a whole were excellent compared to the rest. When You Were Young was simply their masterpiece. I haven't followed them much over the past several years due to life and other interests, but now I'm coming back to them and trying to catch up lol.

[@nataliabedia9371]

Saw them live last year and they were amazing. Personally, I prefer their initials records because that’s more my thing but I do appreciate all the good stuff they create considering the bad music we have these days on all stations.

[@doegywhail728]

Definitely strains of True Faith in the vocal melody.

[@judyweaver4460]

All I can hear is True Faith, everything from his vocal phrasing to how the verse leads into the chorus screamed True Faith. I actually think at times I can hear samples of True Faith but I think it's just the similarities. New Order deserves a shout out from Brandon.

[@kimberleyfarley6021]

100% I fondly call this "Brandon Order Shop New Pet Boys"

[@wennmichelle]

@@judyweaver4460Should check out Brandon’s solo song, “I Can Change” where he samples Bronski Beat. Great 80’s video as well.

[@tanstonbriant8344]

Brought my daughter (7)& son (5) to their first concert in Dublin last week . They love the Killers and know every song but this is my son's fav..he asks for it everyday without fail when we get in car for school.. it was played late in the gig and i panicked for a bit that it wouldn't be played..the smile on his face week live with me forever..he was so happy 😊

[@roxylamprecht9654]

the killers will forever be a band to go down n history and from i've heard has saved too many lives to count just by playing with their beautiful rhythms. they are extremely talented and don't deserve people telling them to stop playing

[@leoxavier5785]

I don’t get it tbh they’re truly one of the greatest in my opinion, and for me my favorite band ever I love their music

[@Nicolasmondragon707]

It’s Justin Fucking Hawkins Rides Againnnnn!!!!! 🎸🥁🎶🎶🍿

[@leedsmanc]

Again

[@Michael_Valentine]

I love all of The Killers work, but I miss the kind of music they made around the time they did Day & Age and Battleborn.

[@dawsforfun6456]

Definitely Battle Born

[@Michael_Valentine]

@@dawsforfun6456 I agree

[@Dogge497]

They were really onto something 2006-2012 imo

[@Michael_Valentine]

@@Dogge497Imploding the mirage was good too, though

[@MsTriangle]

Battle Born was very unpopular

[@joanquerzoli2662]

Guitarist is in the thumbnail… The bassist is missing… Love everything you do sir Hawkins!

[@lyndalouise3480]

Love the shirt, always enjoy your review of whatever music you feature, good honest review. Your a good egg Justin, maybe that's just a Tasmanian saying, take care.😌🙏❤️

[@Larick16]

Got sams town cd in 2006, still think its one of the Best albums of all time

[@theyoutubegeek7493]

This is their best for sure and i loved it back then :)!

[@wennmichelle]

1000%!🙌🏽

[@gerardoramirez9450]

I will see them live next October😎 They rock!👏🏻👌🏻

[@JustPlayingBass]

Eeeyah...Justin..you are making my ocd kick off!!!! Give that lovely acoustic a clean please 😅 top show as usual. Thanks man.

[@FutileGrief]

Pressure Machine is a GLORIOUS album, I'm so happy they're going on that direction

[@FutileGrief]

Shoutout to the shirt. It looks fabulous on you 💜

[@bign1247]

I thought that the previous single “Boy” was very Pet Shop Boys, but this one is another level closer. Great song!

[@samdowens9754]

I’ve just seen them recently at Leeds fest and when they played this I turned to my mate and said it was similar to pet shop boys and he also bought out the pet shop boys at glasto a few years back so you can tell they definitely tell they are fans of the 80s sound

[@kimmyr4864]

I seen these guys live in Brisbane i waited a whole year it literally made me just stop all the noise in my life in that one moment , and Brandon flowers has energy on steroids , I had no voice for a week after seeing them live so are they any good , bloody oath , when are you guys coming back to Brisbane , please do a journey on your tattoo inking on Justine Hawkins rides again please 🤞 I love your ride again segments

[@poonyhooman]

There’s a hefty splodge of True Faith in that verse melody. No bad thing, obvs 😀

[@emilyhutchens3682]

The Killers are probably my favorite band. Having said that, I've had mixed reactions on some of their newer releases and usually takes a few listens before it grows on me (if at all). However, I still think they're one of the best live bands around and Brandon is one of the best frontmen going today.

[@kennedys75]

Totally agree, I’ve seen them live 15 times now. So yeah, my top band. Having said that, I’m with you. Not a huge fan of their recent stuff. Wonderful Wonderful in 2017 was prob the last album I really liked. & it’s a bummer to hear Flowers saying he wants to continue putting out the slow acoustic songs. But I guess we’ll see…

[@balkee42]

I dunno i miss the earlier live stuff with nervous quirky brandon

[@emilyhutchens3682]

@kennedys75 It took a while for me to come around on The Man but love it now. I thought Imploding The Mirage was a good album but wasn't crazy about Pressure Machine.

[@wennmichelle]

You 100% just described me. Wonderful Wonderful was hard for me. Although, I do think the song Wonderful Wonderful and the Calling are two of their best songs. But I couldn’t get into the rest of the songs. I used to wait for Rut to be played to rest or go to the bathroom during that tour😂 Imploding the Mirage had a few good songs but it’s the opposite of their other albums where I pretty much loved every song and only disliked a couple. I think Pressure Machine was really good, although not the type of album you put on everyday. Although, I must admit, West Hills is on my daily playlist. Again, one of my favorite songs by them. I’m definitely looking forward to what comes next.🙌🏽

[@wennmichelle]

@@emilyhutchens3682Lol, it’s a fun song but I absolutely get 2nd hand embarrassment when he does that thrust dance live. I can’t even watch🤦🏻‍♀️😂

[@shiftybat7318]

Anyone disappointed they aren't going to pursue this style might do well to check out White Lies, who have been slowly leaning more toward it like a house plant toward a window. Editors and even the latest two Muse albums may even be for you.

[@nick6660]

Editors are Britain best band

[@paulbodman5474]

Simulation theory was a great modern bit of synth rock

[@sydguitar99]

I wish the second verse was the same as the first verse where it was his natural voice with no Auto-Tune. He has a beautiful voice and I think he should have let it shine more

[@8517vini]

Saw them live last year in Montreal, and i think it was the best arena show i’ve ever seen. The sound is as f-ing great live, if not better, Brandon flowers got some Elvis-ish type moves, and Johnny Marr opened it up. Brilliant. They did really bring the house down with Runaway Horses, which is an acoustic ballad, so yeah, maybe Flowers is right. P.S. Montreal’s Bell Center must have one of the best live camera shooting i’ve ever seen in a big venue.

[@shckltnebay]

The guitar player, the drummer and Brandon are pictured!!!

[@ryanflavell6159]

I saw the killers last week in Edinburgh. Absolutely amazing band and even better live. And an absolute bonus that I got to see Johnny marr as well. Loved the killers since hot fuss. Mr Brightside is the anthem of my youth

[@dr9465]

Johnny followed by The Killers, was there too, awesome!!!!!!

[@ryanflavell6159]

@@dr9465 and this charming man together was class

[@alisonkester8785]

Fantastic gig. Whole of the moon made me cry 😢❤

[@nikoletta7678]

I hear True Faith from New Order in the first few lines

[@DuelingPeaks]

Absolutely! First thing I thought of.

[@nikoletta7678]

@@DuelingPeaks good track though and a definite nod to some excellent bands.

[@LLove-cs8ye]

Was gonna say the same thing, but searched for a comment. And, here it is! Those first few snips he played and my brain was all, "I feel so ex-tr'ordi-nary..." :-)

[@DuelingPeaks]

@@LLove-cs8ye words are veeeery unnecessary

[@nikoletta7678]

@@LLove-cs8ye yes! I did the same. It reminded me of what a great track True Faith is.

[@hevvyserve]

I feel like it would be a blast to spend a day in the studio with Justin

[@moonpie2866]

Desperately wanting to see Justin's Jagger impersonation (c'mon on, we all have one) with that snazzy shirt. 80's synth music - love it.

[@soulflower8687]

The "justin hawkins rides again" descending theme, flipping from head voice to chest voice has become an established part of my vocal warm up routine now. People do look at me rather strangely when I sing it though.

[@jackharvey4332]

Hi Justin all I could hear throughout this was the song ‘about work the dance floor’ by Georgia. Sounds similar

[@avery1830]

This song had me excited for a new album with some life to it. Upsetting they’re going back to the Springsteen impersonations.

[@Doodlebug78]

I ❤this! Took a few listens but I’m sold..

[@thelordofdarkness141]

The guitarist is in the thumbnail it's the bassist that's missing, I saw a clip of them doing Mr brightside at reading fest I personlly thought it sounded a bit crap theoriginal guitarist wasn't there and the original bassist was missing

[@mccoycol]

great review Justin. just subscribed.

[@rickscarpellotherapy]

Just transported me back to that 80’s era synth pop goodness. Why is When in Rome stuck in my head now? 🔥

[@marcoe.6987]

Just paying homage to their influences! 🎶🎵💗😎🔥🔥

[@dandorrance5890]

I love your channel. Its tye only thing i watch. Could you please do one on the new radicals. Or a podcast with Greg alexander. You know him.

[@trumsolon]

I think it's an excellent song!

[@MayLily]

The Killers are definitely one of the best rock bands to come out of the past 2 decades along with Muse and Coldplay. They are certainly the best American rock band of the 2000s, and Brandon Flowers is the best front man as well. Their live concerts are just the best.

[@juliehartley3652]

I could watch your shirt all day. It's much more interesting than the song you are reviewing. 😍

[@anthonygates7523]

Sweet fit dude! 🔥🔥🔥

[@SeanYeomans71]

I love that shirt!

[@ImOnYouTube]

Brandon's an excellent artist. I feel quite sorry for them as a band. It's such a bitter sweet thing being in this place. But ultimately I feel like they're sick of the shackles of their first two (three ish) albums. That's what the people want and I don't think he cares for those albums anymore, but that's what sells his tickets.

[@wennmichelle]

Although, they did do the two nights in Vegas for the 10 yr anniversary of Sam’s Town. Played the album from start to finish. The entire hotel (Sam’s Town) was like Disneyland for fans. They played their music the entire weekend over the speakers, had the Killers gambling chips, the Killers themed drinks and so on and so on. I loved that they did that for their fans even if they want to move away from that style of music.

[@Jamalama555]

Always preferred Stellastarr when it comes to the clean pop rock sound.

[@CosmicHobo2]

Would love a video on Billy Mackenzie/the Associates, what a voice.

[@SarahJane96]

Just come across your channel and love your reaction and comments on this song. I saw them at Reading and they SMASHED IT! You should react to the drummer ('Ronaldo') I dunno his actual name (he had on a Ronaldo footie tee) but that was dope! Definitely check it out

[@MedalionDS9]

I haven't liked an album from The Killers since Battleborn... an album often derided but I loved it personally. Though I did like the song "The Man" from the follow-up but the overall album was kind of just ok.

[@dylangullberg7383]

I’m surprised you didn’t like Imploding the Mirage! I think it’s their best post-Sam’s Town album next to Sawdust.

[@MedalionDS9]

It may also be that I am outgrowing that kind of sound @@dylangullberg7383

[@MichaelBerthelsen]

DEfinitely got Erasure feels from that intro.❤👍 Sounds awesome, but as an artist, I also want him to make what he loves, rather than doing stuff just because they have to for the fans. Lots of respect for that.

[@MomtoZnE]

Agree. I’m not a huge fan of Pressure Machine but I wouldn’t want him to make songs that he isn’t feeling. No matter what songs they put out, the ones I personally like will always be there.

[@FRGuitar]

Justin, do us a video talking about your guitar collection! for us guitar playing wanna be singers! btw.. We're loving your channel here in Scotland ya funny mad basstart. 😂🤣👍

[@Nick.Webster]

It has Foot of The Mountain by the wonderful a-Ha to me

[@MariaFrancesca]

It reminds me a bit of New Order's Blue Monday, actually. I don't mind it.

[@AdrianCartersheffield]

I like it but then I love Stuart Price production, I can't think of anything he's done with people that I wasn't really a fan of. His work with Madge, the Pet Shop Boys etc has always worked for me and his remixes tend to be a bit on the glorious side as well 😀

[@amacampbell]

I said this the first time I heard The Killers and I stand by it: It's this generation's Duran Duran.

[@gioboyz4312]

Quick answer, Yes! Live, Immense as always ⚡

[@chrisjames5188]

Really liked the killers first few albums like 'hot fuss' 'sams town' and 'day and age' They've gone very 80's over the last decade (not saying a bad thing) obviously brandon is heavily influenced by uk 80s music.

[@DeeTeaDee]

YES

[@umq5147]

Sometimes there’s a thin line between love and hate. I get evolving and changing but making such definitive statements is a turn off, since yet made their money and fans from liking their original form

[@bartleysawatsky2423]

I loved Pressure Machine. After my initial surprise (and almost disappointment) with the sound, I grew to love the album. But I'm to sure I like the idea of the Killers moving totally in that direction. The Killers have a distinct sound that is built on: driving beat, Brandon's voice, strong melodies, drama and synth. (They use guitar tastefully as well.) This new song, Your Side of Town, even with its more extreme synthwave feel and autotune, is still distinctly the Killers because it checks the boxes. A whole album of this would be too much, for sure. Maybe his next albums needs to be a bit more eclectic and incorporate a broader range of styles. For me, I love it when his songs capture the spirit of indie music by messing with standard song patterns (think: I've got soul but I'm not a soldier, or or the awesome drum solo in Spaceman). He also has never had a hit ballad; something he is very capable of writing if he chooses to. Then I'd also love to hear some older style songs with the early Killers edge (Somebody Told Me, When You Were Young). As we age we mellow, but I'd like to hear Brandon sing about something that taps into some deep angst (without getting political!!!). Isn't that why Mr. B'side is still their greatest hit?

[@gdog3finally]

I live the newer stuff. 'Imploding the Mirage' and 'Pressure Machine' are great albums.

[@nunchuckerband1001]

Feels extraordinary, somethings got a hold on him.

[@bellslinki]

Im looking forward to your Bernie Marsden tribute. God rest his soul.

[@DBELLTREE]

He's correct. That song needs to go wherever songs go to be forgotten.

[@ilona7899]

Love the shirt but hope you don’t get it ruined doing the plumbing.

[@pestesoidubutor8626]

The only Killers song (&era/album) I really really was into is "when you were young" and the sublime video going with. Can't describe how much that song/vid combo marked me aesthetically. Often listen to it followed by that Interpol song with a mexican-themed video too. But that new song, despise being quite cool, just doesn't catch my ear, I find it a bit corny/generic tbh.

[@randomcustomer2806]

I've got the urge to listen to Blancmange's "Living on the Ceiling" for some reason.

[@clairotway6045]

Looking gorgeous Justin. And not a fan of the killers, thought they were average. Love ya❤

[@dave-jk6en]

Sounds a bit like Cutting Crew ‘I just died in your arms tonight’

[@RosieHarp]

It sounds very formula 80's to me but with slightly better production. Oh ..... you just said that

[@neilg7804]

I like these assessments but wish Hawkins would let the songs play for longer before jumping in, or maybe once all the way through first. Can't really get a feel for whether they're any good when you only hear a few seconds at a time.

[@federicovavassori4303]

As a great Killers fan I prefer the style of Pressure Machine to this (it is not bad). I love synths but in this for me there is a lack of the the killers' sound (the first album has great synths but great bass and guitars). The previous single Boy for example has a more classical killers' sound

[@bloffs3352]

What did you chat about with Mr Flowers? Don't mind the song too.

[@kerrymdare]

It's very "Pet Shop Boys"-esque ... which is not a bad thing. Cool! Thumbs up from me.

[@RosieHarp]

I've never forgiven The Killers for ripping off Bowie's 'Queen Bitch' with 'Mr Brightside' and getting off with it.

[@benjamindavis4974]

Sounds nothing alike

[@RosieHarp]

@@benjamindavis4974 it does. Killers 2004 : 1st and 2nd chorus second halves Bowie 1971 : section of the song bridge. Almost identical. Check the lyrics. Bowie And I'm *phoning a cab* Cause my *stomach feels small* There's a taste in my mouth And it's no taste at all It could have been me Oh yeah, it could have been me Why didn't I say? Why didn't I say? No, no, no Killers And *she's calling a cab* While he's having a smoke And she's taking a drag Now they're going to bed And *my stomach is sick* And it's all in my head But she's touching his chest now He takes off her dress now Let me go

[@CTScenic]

Thanks for bringing this cool song and similarity to my attention (Bowie song is a bit before my time but I like him generally). I definitely see the similar phrasing, lyrics and subject matter. But I'm going to say this is the kind of clever homage we should enjoy as fans or as artists. The Killers certainly brought their own original melody, arrangement, and the rest of the lyrics to their song, and nothing about the Killers threatens or shits on Bowie's legacy.

[@benjamindavis4974]

@@RosieHarp nearly every artist has similar lyrics

[@RosieHarp]

@@benjamindavis4974 It's not just the lyrics. They copied the style, both sets of lyrics are spoken, same tempo, same metre, same cadence. It's plagiarism basically. Flowers admitted it in 'Rolling Stone' but he called it 'inspiration'. 😆

[@richardhonour1522]

It leads me to wonder why artists as renowned as the killers don't do various recordings of the same song, Sawdust did Abbey Road acustic versions of songs from Sams Town and really showed another side to the band.

[@carlwells9504]

Especially in this fast distribution model

[@wennmichelle]

They also did a live version of Sam’s Town at Royal Albert Hall. I’ve always loved that my favorite song of all time has 3 versions I can listen to 🙌🏽

[@sweetwill6233]

Not a fan of the song but I think it is well made for all the reasons you said. What is your process for picking songs or is it about helping to promote other artists?

[@sah-win]

Seems alright. Not sure they’re moving forward with this sound though.