Top 10 Killers Songs

One of two original songs from their greatest hits collection, “Shot at the Night” reminds us all what makes the Killers so great. Featuring a much more electronic sound thanks to the production of M83’s Anthony Gonzalez, the track calls back to the 80’s with heavy synths and glittery vocals. The song’s music video, which was directed by band favorite Roboshobo, prominently features the nightlife of the band’s hometown of Las Vegas. The song feels perfectly at home on Direct Hits with clear inspiration from the best tracks of the band’s decade long discography.

After a four year absence in which their members focused on solo projects, The Killers made their triumphant return with the leadoff single from their fourth album. “Runaways” returned The Killers to their former glory, with a sound reminiscent of 80’s heartland rock featuring lyrics by frontman and lead singer Brandon Flowers about star-crossed lovers from a small town. “Runaways” proved to everyone that TheKillers had not gone anywhere and their latest album was worth the wait.

A bizarre song with an equally bizarre music video to match, “Spaceman” features some of the best imagery and coolest costumes in a Killers video, which is truly saying something. The upbeat song has an addictive synth filled beat, and an altogether otherworldly feel, lending itself nicely to the lyrics about an alien abduction. It’s no wonder Flowers has gone on to describe the track as a mix of “Space Oddity” and “Rocket Man.” It’s also no wonder that the tune has become a live staple, opening up the majority of the bands shows on tour.

This genre defining alt-rock anthem features one of the most baffling and debated lines in music history; “Are we human or are we dancer?” While many have tried to answer the question, which is allegedly a reference to a Hunter S. Thompson quote, perhaps it’s not meant to be answered at all. The lead single on the band’s most musically diverse album, the track has caused quite a commotion in the music world, but nevertheless is one of the group’s greatest works.

Released as the fourth single off of Hot Fuss, and written in the F-major key, “Smile Like You Mean It” is easily one of the album’s most memorable tracks. It quickly earned critical acclaimed both for its insightful lyrics and the excellent drumming by Ronnie Vannucci Jr. The song is an early example of the heights The Killers are capable of reaching, telling a poignant story about coming to terms with growing older, memories, as well as the things and people we leave behind.

Brandon Flowers once described “Read My Mind” as the best song The Killers had ever written, and it’s hard to argue with him. The themes of small town America, young love, and wanting more in life, all of which in the wrong hands could seem clichéd, are portrayed beautifully in this soulful ballad. While a keen listener can pick up on The Killers’ musical influences on the track, including Duran Duran and Bruce Springsteen, it stands as a great example of The Killers’ unique sound, and one of the best songs from Sam’s Town.

As the third of four singles from The Killers’ first album, “All These Things That I’ve Done” became a pop culture phenomenon from the time it was released. The video is a clear precursor to Sam’s Town, with the cowboy motif, black and white imagery, and of course a mustached Brandon Flowers, even if it was fake at the moment. The song features a gospel influenced sound unlike anything else from Hot Fuss, and contains what might be The Killers’ most memorable refrain, “I’ve got soul, but I’m not a solider.”

One of a few Killers songs to be written by all four members, “Somebody Told Me” is one of their more lighthearted songs, detailing trying to pick up someone at the club. The song, written in verse-chorus form, has one of The Killers’ best chord progressions and a great hook, giving it a fun and dancey feel. It helped skyrocket The Killers to massive popularity, and helped the band gain new fans on both sides of the Atlantic.

Expectations were high for The Killers second album, and fans were apprehensive to hear what their sophomore effort would hold. The band replaced most of the glam and sleekness seen in Hot Fuss with a grittier more “heartland rock” filled single in “When You Were Young,” which was representative of the album to come. The Killers’ new style and direction paid off, as the song became their only track to top the US Alternative Rock chart. Not only was the song stellar, but the equally stellar music video helped earn the band a Grammy nomination.

Before we unveil our top pick here are a few honorable mentions:
“Jenny was a Friend of Mine”
Hot Fuss (2004)

“A Dustland Fairytale”
Day and Age (2008)

“The Way it Was”
Battle Born (2012)

“Under the Gun”
Sawdust (2007)

“Bones”
Sam’s Town (2006)

This infectiously catchy ditty was chosen as The Killers’ first single, and it’s clear why. Its popularity stems not only from its awesome guitar riff, but its relatable and memorable lyrics about a man imagining his love interest with another lover. The song was written before the band was even fully formed by two original members, Flowers and guitarist Dave Keuning, drawing inspiration from Flower’s cheating ex-girlfriend. The track’s new wave inspired sound ensured that The Killers would become a sensation, which they have remained to this day.