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"Hot Fuss" is pretty much the only album The Killers got right. Their subsequent albums couldn't quite hit the nail on the head, containing too much experimentation with heartland rock and new wave. It seemed they completely ditched the pure alt-rock sound of this amazing debut. Perhaps their newer albums are more enjoyable for new wave / "oldies" rock fans, but for the one's who just want a solid, upbeat, melodic, mostly alt-rock album, "Hot Fuss" is the way to go. The album still has an overall, 80's new wave layer to it, but the incorporation of it here sounds nostalgic and beautiful. The reason the mix of genres works here is because on this debut, you'll find this detail is pushed more toward the back of the recording so the loud, rock guitars can be front and center. The new wave synths succeed their magic when they're just slight touches to help boost the emotion in the music, instead of being a musical overpower. The guitars go hard, and are either full of emotion, or amazing post-grunge angst, depending on the track. "Jenny Was A Friend Of Mine" and "Mr. Brightside" have the most beautiful, magical and melodic hooks here. "Smile Like You Mean It" has the most appealing synths. "Andy, You're A Star"'s guitar riff is the most grunge-y, garage-rock sounding here. "On Top" and "Change Your Mind" feel summer-y and happy. Then towards the end, "Believe Me Natalie" and "Everything Will Be Alright" are the most balladry, experimental cuts. Overall though, the new wave stylings of The Killers' music has proven to have been both a blessing and a curse, but they got the blend of new wave and rock just right, with their first try on "Hot Fuss". It's sad they didn't stick to the sound they had here. Sure all band's / artist's sounds evolve from their debut albums, but The Killers' sound is the most "Killers" here, sounding the most appealing and unique, more so than subsequent albums that tried too hard to just copy old genres instead of revitalizing them.

RATING- 8 / 10
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Track Picks:

Jenny Was A Friend Of Mine
Mr. Brightside
Smile Like You Mean It
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(ALBUM PICK)
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