Sam's Town
by The Killers
  • Record Label: Island
  • Release Date: Oct 3, 2006
User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 334 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 269 out of 334
  2. Mixed: 35 out of 334
  3. Negative: 30 out of 334

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  1. MidnightShow
    Sep 30, 2010
    10
    Great follow up too the great Hot Fuss , The Killers certainly dont do things by halfs and the ambition and passion of this album is infectious , my favourite tracks are Bling and This River is Wild the Enterlude / Exitlude are a really nice touch and overall this album feels like a journey rather than just a series of (very good) songs with a common theme like Hot Fuss
  2. PC
    Nov 19, 2006
    9
    I must admit, when I first listened to this album I thought it was utter crap. It was too loud and sounded like they were trying so hard to be great that they crammed everything they counld into these tracks. And then somewhere along listening to the album all the different melodies and sounds seperated into something I could actually listen to. To be honest, I dont really like any recent I must admit, when I first listened to this album I thought it was utter crap. It was too loud and sounded like they were trying so hard to be great that they crammed everything they counld into these tracks. And then somewhere along listening to the album all the different melodies and sounds seperated into something I could actually listen to. To be honest, I dont really like any recent ablums, I'm more of a classic rock guy listening to artsits like ELP, Yes, The Beatles and Pink Floyd. This album echoes the sounds of those great bands that today's young have forgotten about. How many people today know that Meatloaf was something other than a food? Sam's Town is a very musically complicated disc. It takes many listens to actually see some of the brilliance behind some of the tracks. It just takes some time to see that brilliance, something critics dont have time to do. Hence the bad reviews… Expand
  3. JoshK.
    Jul 6, 2007
    10
    One of my favorite albums. It is as good as Hot Fuss, but it takes a few listens to see it. After that you'll notice how every track except the two enter and exit tracks are completely unique.
  4. ZackA
    Oct 3, 2006
    8
    Definitely I would say it is a better album as a whole than Hot Fuss. It does have a few awkward moments, but the great moments are really great. Some of the songs are more like 2 or 3 songs shoved down into one. They almost underuse some great riffs. But still, I would say it is growth for The Killers, no matter what anyone says. I think they're still going places. Standouts are Definitely I would say it is a better album as a whole than Hot Fuss. It does have a few awkward moments, but the great moments are really great. Some of the songs are more like 2 or 3 songs shoved down into one. They almost underuse some great riffs. But still, I would say it is growth for The Killers, no matter what anyone says. I think they're still going places. Standouts are "This River Is Wild," "Bling (Confessions of a King)," and "Bones."… Expand
  5. robbys
    Oct 4, 2006
    10
    Brilliant from the first to last track.Has to be albm of the year if not decade!!!
  6. gregor
    Oct 5, 2006
    9
    They will lose a few fans due to the new direction, but a fantastic album nevertheless even if it is a little daunting at first.
  7. NellyZ
    Oct 9, 2006
    10
    I Love it, it has great songs and who cares what the critics say.
  8. GunnarS.
    Jan 20, 2010
    10
    This is the really best of The Killers! Amazing album!
  9. JohnN
    Oct 10, 2006
    7
    This is an ok effort You have Bling which is excelent easily the standout track and Sam's Town, when we were young, the River is Wild which are all top tracks also. However Bones which most seem to like is awful but why do I keep counting is one of the worst songs I have ever heard it flat out sucks. The rest of the tracks are samesy and do not stand out.
  10. colinw
    Oct 18, 2006
    10
    i was unimpressed originally, but the album has really grown on me. songs such as "why do i keep counting," "the river is wild" and "Bling (confession of a king)" have become particular favorites of mine, to join "While you were young" and the enter/exitludes. overall, a very satisfying album.
  11. CWhit
    Oct 20, 2006
    9
    Anyone who doesn't appreciate the lyrics on this album has never heard of a metaphor - which apparently includes most of the reviewers..
  12. randolfl
    Dec 4, 2006
    7
    On first listen there's enough about Sams Town to draw the listener in. Fans will instantly recognize Flowers' distinctive vocal tones while newcomers are likely to turn their ear to its urgency and energy. This is the bands strength; a telling energy infused with a kind of spiritual yearning and professional desire to go all the way. Throw in the big band theatrics and the On first listen there's enough about Sams Town to draw the listener in. Fans will instantly recognize Flowers' distinctive vocal tones while newcomers are likely to turn their ear to its urgency and energy. This is the bands strength; a telling energy infused with a kind of spiritual yearning and professional desire to go all the way. Throw in the big band theatrics and the recipe except for its most crucial elements is almost complete. Authenticity is something aspiring bands, especially those in their early years, need to build. Its rare abnyone arrives fully formed. In Sams Town there is more ambition than authentic greatness but the let don is still leaves plenty of room for hope. I think The Killers have it in them to make a great rock and roll record, Flowers just has to find the right place inside himself to come up withh lyrics and the delivery. Less U2 now, more Springsteen 30 years ago.… Expand
  13. AlexA
    Oct 27, 2006
    9
    Sounds epic. Brandon Flovers and co. are the new U2, that's for sure!
  14. JordanC
    Oct 3, 2006
    10
    An album filled with wonderful catchy moments, hummable tunes and fantastic lyrics. More rounded than Hot Fuss, more of a story, and in my opinion, better.
  15. JoeW
    Oct 4, 2006
    7
    pretty good all in all, takes a while to get into but after about the third listen you know all the songs and all the hooks. However the ending is pretty poor and that is why i am only giving it a 7
  16. Marc
    Oct 4, 2006
    10
    Dangerous departure from the first album. But they succeedded in making something more lasting and rewarding for listeners who get it. It has a kind of urgency, that makes it sound like they are playing for their lives, like Flowers voice that sounds like it's just one high note away from breaking. It's heartfelt and more honest than the first album. Less posturing, more music.
  17. MichaelC
    Oct 5, 2006
    7
    Definitely not "the best record of the last 10 years" like Brandon Flowers boasted, but good enough. Thoroughly enjoyable and solid. It is definitely an improvement on Hot Fuss. The standout track is, by far, "Bones"
  18. staystay
    Oct 5, 2006
    9
    Just give it a chance. This record is very good.
  19. TrevorH
    Oct 6, 2006
    9
    Oh dear... the cynics won't like this at all. That too-cool-for-school posse of world weary Serious Music Fans are bound to sneer at the naive ethusiasm on display here. Unfashionable themes of optimism and dreaming of better thing are grabbed and held tight. Pre-corporate Springsteen comes to mind. It may not have the depth of Born To Run, but it has it's soul in excess
  20. AlexE
    Oct 9, 2006
    8
    It's hard to reach the soul of the songs through all this bombast & overproduction; but it's also hard to not let it win you over, once you've been there. Brandon Flowers delivers a perfomance that should have been given much more room to shine. Excellent!
  21. BobM
    Sep 28, 2006
    10
    Not as good as Hot Fuss, but an amazing album nonetheless.
  22. DavidM
    Jan 29, 2007
    8
    With this album the Killers strike me right in my heart. I realy love the lyrics and melody and the way that it feels like a unity.
  23. JerryT
    Feb 16, 2007
    10
    I LOVE this CD. The more you listen to it the more you learn. The lyrics are great and so is the sound. Congrats to the Killers for topping their first album.
  24. Jeroen
    Aug 31, 2007
    10
    One of the best albums I have. (only listened to it since 3 weeks).. Am listening now for 3 weeks to it. That happens rarely. Category new one from Kings of leon...Very very good.
  25. AnnM
    Sep 8, 2008
    10
    Sams Town is definitely as good as Hot Fuss. This is the only band that has captured my heart. Some of the critics must be listening with their ears closed.
  26. K.C.S
    Oct 11, 2006
    9
    Fantastic. I've had the same impressions as the rest who like the album. Of course critics don't like it, its listenable. I also agree that "Bones" is not the strongest song on the album and should not be the next single. But, am I the only one who thinks that "Why Do I Keep Counting?" is the catchiest, most radio friendly track on the disc? The first thing that came to mind Fantastic. I've had the same impressions as the rest who like the album. Of course critics don't like it, its listenable. I also agree that "Bones" is not the strongest song on the album and should not be the next single. But, am I the only one who thinks that "Why Do I Keep Counting?" is the catchiest, most radio friendly track on the disc? The first thing that came to mind when hearing the album was Springsteen. Nothing wrong with that.… Expand
  27. JamesT
    Oct 12, 2006
    10
    Are these guys aiming too high? Certainly. But some of the best rock albums of all time have come from musicians aiming too high. I think that this is one of them.
  28. faheemh
    Nov 4, 2006
    8
    If u hear it long it sounds like a spoof album (if theres such a thing). The lyrics are overreaching yet shallow. Musically its not uniquely Killers. The album starts out at a frenetic tempo but gets muddled towards the end.But I still give it 9/10. Why? It is just unbelievably addictive. I hear the title track atleast 10 times every day. Read my mind, bling, When u were young, Reasons If u hear it long it sounds like a spoof album (if theres such a thing). The lyrics are overreaching yet shallow. Musically its not uniquely Killers. The album starts out at a frenetic tempo but gets muddled towards the end.But I still give it 9/10. Why? It is just unbelievably addictive. I hear the title track atleast 10 times every day. Read my mind, bling, When u were young, Reasons unkown all rock. Hot Fuss is a nigh on impossible album to follow up. But Sams town comes really close. Go for it.… Expand
  29. GrahamV
    Oct 10, 2006
    9
    Well said, Trevor H. It's hilarious how ambition is lauded in hip hop and scowled at in rock 'n' roll. This is an ambitious rock album toying with big, non-ironic themes and the sounds of some of the biggest bands of the last 20 years. That makes the frustrated-musician set uncomfortable. This is a powerhouse album that, granted, shoots too high, but largely hits the Well said, Trevor H. It's hilarious how ambition is lauded in hip hop and scowled at in rock 'n' roll. This is an ambitious rock album toying with big, non-ironic themes and the sounds of some of the biggest bands of the last 20 years. That makes the frustrated-musician set uncomfortable. This is a powerhouse album that, granted, shoots too high, but largely hits the target. When hope and faith become bad words in rock, we're really in trouble. Go cower in your bedroom with Morrissey if you don't like this.… Expand
  30. Al
    Oct 2, 2006
    10
    Amazing
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Awards & Rankings

13
#13 Most Discussed Album of 2006
13
#13 Most Shared Album of 2006

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
64

Generally favorable reviews - based on 32 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 32
  2. Mixed: 14 out of 32
  3. Negative: 2 out of 32
  1. Uncut
    60
    The problem... is that size seems to be used as an excuse for the lack of musical ideas. [Nov 2006, p.102]
  2. Observer Music Monthly
    100
    Crucially, Sam's Town sounds like a complete collection, with a far better strike rate than its predecessor.
    Read full review
  3. Blender
    80
    It is very good.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »