Review of the album, “Flamingo”

Brandon Flowers, the lead singer of the Killers, announced his solo career in spring 2010, but it wasn’t until September that listeners were able to get their hands on his new solo album, “Flamingo.” I always expect the best from the Killers in their music and I was given an awesome album from the Killers.

Flowers was introduced to music at a young age by his older brother, Shane, who showed him bands like Oasis and the Cure. These are some of what influenced Flowers’ music. This is probably why I sometimes think that I am listening to music from a different decade.

The sweet melodies of the opening track on Brandon Flowers’ “Flamingo” are a musical solace. The guitar and keyboards make me swoon like a girl at her cotillion. “Give us your dreamers, your harlettes and your sin, Las Vegas” is a lyric that somehow covers up the dirty parts of Las Vegas. It doesn’t ever use the word “whore.” Flowers is from Las Vegas so that makes sense.  

Brandon Flowers’ voice is very melodic and soothing in this album. It’s not so soothing that it would put you to sleep, but it has a sweetness to it that is akin to John Lennon in the song, “Imagine.”

The track “Only the Young” is a very catchy tune. It even has a little hint of electronica with the synthesizer coming in to give it that authentic “The Killers” feel. It sounds more like a song by the Killers than a Brandon Flowers song which is disappointing. I wish it was more unique. Another song that is like one of the Killers’ songs is “Jilted Lovers and Broken Hearts.”

The addition of Jenny Lewis in the chorus of “Hard Enough” is different than what I’m used to hearing in the Killers’ songs. Her voice sounds really good in it. It almost makes the song sound a little bit more country which isn’t a bad thing. It’s a song about life’s hardships and how people deal with them individually. “Been telling myself that I can’t roll with the changes” is a good line that works well with the casual tone of the song.

“Playing with Fire” makes use of Flowers’ falsetto. The first part of the song is instrumental and groovy. “You know you’re going to hurt somebody tonight” is a lyric that makes me think of the phrase “playing with fire” and how it is referring to doing something dangerous.

The opening notes on the song, “Crossfire” are very comforting. They bring me to a place that is safe and reassuring. Even the song lyrics reassure the listener with the lines, “I promise tonight not to do no harm.” The song is really about finding a place between redemption and punishment. It’s about living a life that’s not for you, but for God.

The rest of the album is just okay. I like listening to it, but it feels like it’s just another album from the Killers. I don’t feel like there is anything unique about it. I was hoping it would be more of a solo project than a replica of the Killers’ music. I am disappointed by the lack of creativity from Flowers.