Imploding the Mirage

They've finally become The Killers, not The Fillers. Imploding The Mirage is a non-stop joyride, the best and most consistent album from a group that's been at it for almost 20 years. Shamelessly borrowing ideas from Americana legends like Springsteen and Petty, Brandon Flower and company take their influences and coat it in the technicolor sheen their music is known for. But this time, there's no fluff, not lifeless experimentation, and less inane lyricism than you'd usually expect. Flowers has never sounded younger and freer, and he sings as if he's soaring across the Utah landscapes ITM was supposedly based on. His voice is as assured as he sings some of the best hooks on any Killers songs, like those on "Caution" and "Imploding The Mirage". There's a variety to the sonic approach as well, and songs can build to a fantastic climax (Dying Breed) or erupt at the start (My Own Soul's Warning). It's rare to see a band deliver a career-best effort this far into a successful career, but The Killers managed that and then some.

Standouts: My Own Soul's Warning, Blowback, Dying Breed, Caution, Lightning Fields, Running Towards A Place, My God, When The Dreams Run Dry, Imploding The Mirage