Sound: Duran Duran’s romantic ‘80s synth rock was the most obvious reference point on their debut album Hot Fuss (my #10 album of 2004) and Bruce Springsteen’s earnest bravado permeated its follow-up (2006’s Sam’s Town). But Day & Age can’t be pigeonholed in any one corner. It’s their poppiest release to date, and it jumps all over the place - from Clash-like disco funk (with a Southwestern flavor), to a tribal world beat that’s Enya-esque, to the type of breezy, Caribbean-tinged pop you might expect from Billy Joel, to the snappy blue-eyed soul of Hall & Oates (with woozy atmosphere). Plus, they’ve got some rockers and ballads that are a little more familiar-sounding for them. Saxophones, acoustic guitars and piano join up with their usual synths, guitars, drums and Brandon Flowers’ quivering, vibrato-heavy vocals.
Heavy Rotation tracks: “Human”; “Spaceman”
Medium Rotation tracks: “Joy Ride”; “I Can’t Stay”
Recommended: You have to credit The Killers for their borderline bizarre musical eclecticism. They pull it off, and deliver an intriguing and satisfying listen. But for the second album in a row, they bring far fewer bona fide hits than they brought on their stellar debut.
Grade: B

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