This album review is a bit different than most, because Hot Fuss is now 20 years old – soon it can legally drink! – and yet I can’t stop thinking about it. It’s an album that’s come and gone in my life, always returning with something fresh for me to obsess over.
From a first listen, “Mr. Brightside” and “Somebody Told Me” are the songs most people know. These angsty ballads were my first introduction to The Killers and my personal pop-punk anthems at age 13, slotting right in-between songs from The Black Parade and Pinkerton.
After a few phase changes (less hair dye, more adult responsibilities), it took me a few months to return to that album, but once I did, it was as though nothing changed. “Midnight Show,” “On Top” and “All These Things That I’ve Done” are songs that topped my charts. Some underrated classics that I’m currently looping are “Andy, You’re a Star,” “Change Your Mind” and “Everything Will Be Alright.” These songs all vary in tempo, distortion and energy, but each one brings something new to this album’s table. My favorite has to be “Jenny Was a Friend of Mine.” It’s just the perfect opener to a killer album (pun intended).
For me, to love an album means to be able to return to it at any point in your life. Hot Fuss’ songs vary enough in both sound and lyrical content that I will always find something new to take out of it.
Jenny Was a Friend of Mine
Mr. Brightside
Smile Like You Mean It
Somebody Told Me
All These Things That I’ve Done
Andy, You’re a Star
On Top
Change Your Mind
Believe Me Natalie
Midnight Show
Everything Will Be Alright
Glamorous Indie Rock & Roll