Twenty years since it’s inception, Hot Fuss by The Killers remains as important as it was when it first released.
Not only an Indie staple, Hot Fuss has remained in public conscious far longer than other albums of the time.
Songs like the endlessly played Mr Brightside, and club banger Somebody Told Me have been burned into the heads of listeners since they first heard them all those years ago.
“Comin’ out of my cage”
Hot Fuss is an album built on jealousy. Partially stemming from a bad breakup vocalist Brandon Flowers had, thus many of the songs deal with cheating partners and the search for love.
Album opener Jenny Was A Friend Of Mine is the final part of a story fans dub, “The Murder Trilogy”, that sees the speaker interrogated about the murder of a young woman named Jenny.
The trilogy of songs were scattered before the release of the album. The first part Leave The Bourbon On The Shelf releasing later on The Killers B-Sides album, Sawdust, in 2007.
The second part of the trilogy, Midnight Show, is one of Hot Fuss‘ closing songs.
This theme acts as the backbone of the album, with the hit single Mr Brightside following this trend.
Mr Brightside has dominated the charts since it released in 2004. Becoming well renowned for it’s catchy hooks and quotable lyrics. Theirs no single in the 21st century that has come close to reaching the universal status of Mr Brightside.
The melancholy tones of Smile Like You Mean It brings added depth to the sound of Hot Fuss. Further establishing the theme of jealousy with the lyrics “Someone will drive her around, down the same streets that I did.”
The neon brightness the band are known for truly shines on Somebody Told Me. A fantastic pop song that swings for the fences, flowing from a synth heavy verse to a chorus dominated by bass.
All These Things That I’ve Done brings a gospel element to the album, making it feel stripped back compared to other tracks on the album.
It’s catchy enough to be played on a radio, but it radiates an edge and sincerity many other indie tracks are lacking.
The clearly queer Andy Your’re A Star brings back the themes of the album but refocuses them to tell a story of closeted infatuation , a story all to common for many listeners.
“I got soul but i’m not a soldier”
The back half of Hot Fuss features some of The Killers finest work. A blend of fun love songs and mournful cries for comfort, it’s far more varied than the first half of the album.
On Top brings back the energy of Somebody Told Me. It’s fun and has a killer synth that scores the entire track.
Flower’s mix of instruments helped The Killers stand out amongst other indie acts like Bloc Party and Arctic Monkeys. The use of synths and Flower’s mellow singing style lends The Killers a very unique sound.
The next two songs are unique as both were region exclusive to the UK and the US respectively.
A different approach is given to Glamorous Indie Rock & Roll. The trademark synths are traded for distorted guitars and thumping drums.
There’s a D.I.Y sound to the song that sets it apart to the other tracks on the album.
Change Your mind brings back the synths in a gentle love ballad. Flower’s lyrics are very reminiscent of The Smiths.
Both songs occupy the eight slot on the track-list for their respective region, and have never been put together on physical releases.
The romance and jealousy continues into Believe Me Natalie. A song that encapsulates many of the albums themes whilst adding a flair that sets it apart.
The darker elements of the album are brought together in Midnight Show, the second part of the aforementioned “Murder Trilogy.”
The lyrics tell a story of a murder done out of jealousy. The dark lines continue into the outro with Flowers singing “She said she loved me”, drowned out by the furious instrumentation.
The closer Everything Will Be Alright is a touching closer to the journey of Hot Fuss. An dream like sound that eases the listener.
It’s a strange choice to end such a high octane album, but it allows the listeners a chance to breathe.
“I’m dreaming ’bout those dreamy eyes”
The journey of The Killers is one that doesn’t get discussed nearly as much as it should.
Starting of getting booed off stages because they sounded like The Smiths rather than Limp Bizkit.
To globe trotting superstars that almost everyone knows about, it’s an inspiring journey.
Unlike many of their contemporaries. The Killers have been able to evolve over time without sounding like a completely different band.
As the band has matured, much of the angst of Hot Fuss has faded, but what it’s been replaced with is even better.
The Killers continue to sing about love and complex relationships, but it’s clear the band are no longer struggling with the issues many 20 year olds are faced with anymore.
Many people my age grew up with this album and have a very personal connection to it. I am one of these people.
My Dad would play Hot Fuss endlessly when I was young and It’s never left my ears for too long since then.
Hot Fuss is one of my favourite albums, and the legacy left behind in it’s wake only continues to grow as the years go by.
Hot Fuss can be streamed here .
Tickets to The Killers upcoming Glasgow show can be bought here.
Featured image credit: Steve Jennings
Fourth year Film and Journalism student
Deputy editor
Contact - deputyeditor@brignews.com
