The review is 8:13, the album dropped on 8/13, and today is Friday the 13th... WHAT ARE YOU TRYING TO TELL ME UNIVERSE?! Wait I hear it...it's saying to like the video and tell me your thoughts in the comments???
I tired listening to it while working this morning but it didn't really click with me. Once I sat down later and just focused on getting lost in the record, I enjoyed it much more. It's really an album where the lyrics are the focus as opposed to melodies that you can enjoy on their own. Still, it's decent overall
I'm from the area in Utah that the album is referencing and written about and when I say I bawled my eyes out listening to this... I absolutely loved this album. It's a bittersweet letter to a home that loved you the wrong kinds of ways and never really got you, and it's just so much what so many people here feel and go through, and the bitter, loving, hopeless and helpless nature of it all is just so pitch perfect. Absolutely love this album.
I had the same experience listening to this album. I got through it once and then had to take a break because it was almost overwhelming. Captured the aura perfectly
Very impressed with this album. One of the more interesting albums of the year, in my personal opinion. Songs like “Quiet Town” (teens hit by a train and the grieving process) and “Desperate Times” (married husband cheating on his wife with an abused woman) are pretty heartbreaking. Also really like the audio samples between the songs. The sound bites hold the album together and create an eerie, yet sad, narrative of people in a small town in rural America.
I couldn’t agree more :);) BUT .. not everyone’s cup of tea :) I love this band .. love the slow and “boring” as well as the songs that pop.. especially if your in a relationshit .. or a long ass drive home ! Windows down .. what really turned me on to them was THE SAMS TOWN Tour .. they co headlined with Death Cab for Cutie in 2007.. seen ALMOST every tour since
@@BruceWayne-fw5wn I rewrote the comment on one other video. My opinion and thoughts stayed the same that day…sorry that bothers you. Please apologize to your “friend”, the Boy Wonder for me. 🙄
@ghost mall ohh now mentioning something is attacking? I saw same comment in various videos and just wondering why he did that. I think you need to learn more words biddy
This is one of those albums that grows on you. At first I was disappointed because they didn't have "concert bangers" but as I've started to listen to it more carefully I love it now!
@ghost mall exactly, I love the violin and harmonica too. The references and towns in the album are what shaped The Killers and if they wanted to write about their past hometowns I think we should respect that.
This album is a grower, I think people will feel differently about overtime. Having followed the Killers right from start this record feels more like an album than any of previous work I really love "West Hills", "Cody" and "In the Car Outside"
As someone who lives in a small town and surrounded by other small towns, this album hit REALLY hard. Got quite emotional a few times during it, which I generally don't do with The Killers. They are my favorite band, and this is probably my favorite album of theirs. I actually liked the interviews, I think they gelled the concept together well. The train track clip at the end of the album felt like a perfect end note with a slight bit of hope. I kind of think this is an album that will especially gel with others who live in a small town, and might be something that those who live in bigger cities just don't fully "get". Not in an intelligence sense, but in an emotional sense. And funnily enough, Desperate Things was one of my favorite songs. Honestly, the one that came the closest to not enjoying as much is probably Cody? It's good, but not as much as everything else.
Yeah I’m from a small town too, and it made me emotional as well. I was out and about my first listen, and I had to turn it off because it was getting to me. I love it. It’s not their most melodic album, sure, but it is absolutely their most meaningful for a guy like me.
Honestly I think this might be my favorite album from the killers since sams town, flowers really gives it his all with lyrics here and the sound is stripped back enough that it doesn’t get overwhelming but isn’t a full acoustic folk album such as Nebraska. For me a great album, a 8/10 for me.
Desperate things is one of the best songs the killers it’s beautiful and heartbreaking. I think it’s a really great change of pace for them. But to each their own I guess.
Can’t agree .. “opinions right “?! Lol.. Pressure Machine was damn good .. listen to it more than once .. trust me .. and take a long drive.. It’s hard to rank a Killers album .. one of my top 3 bands .. I prefer a dark long “CURE-ISH” sound .. I don’t like mr bright side non stop .. I prefer the long goosebumps songs .. each Killers album is better from start to finish .. my Opinion at least.. this , is as close to get to Sam’s Town as we could get.. If they were going to F up.. would have been Imploding the Mirage .. THAT ALBUM SURPRISED THE SHIT out of me .. was a lot like Beck “colors” album .. super catchy pop ish ..Once again .. it’s hard to rank a KILLERS album.. so I had to pipe up at least lol.. It’s hard being Biased .: I love all their albums .. every couple connects to each other. “Day and age /Imploding/“ .. “Wonderful wonderful / Pressure Machine / Sam’s Town” .: “Battle Born / Hot Fuse / Sawdust/ the two singles on the best of “ .. great flowing playlists on Rando
6 full listens later, I'm in love with this album. I'm a mild and recent Killers fan, so I didn't have a huge amount of hype going into it so I feel like my thoughts are pretty genuine as opposed to being clouded by me making up my mind from the get-go. Probably going to end up as my 2nd or 3rd favourite album in their discography. It's exactly what they needed I think, and I love the blatant Americana Springsteen rip-off vibes. "Desperate Things" is the only song I don't really care for.
As someone who's been here since listening to Hot Fuss when I was like 10 (27 now) I would say this is in their top three imo. I actually really enjoyed Wonderful Wonderful but Imploding The Mirage was the first Killers album I couldn't find myself to give a full listen to.
The songs Sleepwalker, In the car outside, In another life, Cody are my favorites off this album. Definitely the worst is Runaway Horses in my opinion. The ending of Cody is amazing
I’ve been thinking about getting more into The Killers. I hear them all the time on the radio and I’m starting to really really like them. I really hope I can eventually call them one of my favorite groups ☺️
If u can use headphones at work .. just download a couple albums at a time .. put on Rando .. also a great band for a long drive in traffic .. between that and my true crime podcasts lol
They're my favourite group in the world! Every album of theirs is so special in its own way and Pressure Machine is my second favourite album of all time
The Killers are in my Top 10. I liked the album - I'm a huge Springsteen fan so I like how they kinda blended the lyricism and vibe of Nebraska with the synth touches of Tunnel of Love. It's nowhere near my favourite Killers album, but The Killers have once again in my opinion not released a bad album.
The album is brilliant! Been listening to it since the minute it dropped and have heard it in full probably 40 plus times. I disagree with a lot of this review but that is all cool! Pressure Machine itself is an absolute beautiful song and Brandon's voice is off the charts in it. Cheers :)
I can’t get enough of this album. I think it’s a masterpiece. Very Springsteen influenced, but yet it’s own thing. Brandon sounds remarkably good on it. The broader story of the album Paints a picture of rural life that is without judgement or politics, just people and experiences.
i was really happy with this album. it is a beautiful record. great production, and probably their best songwriting since sams town? its incredibly more different, stripped back and melancholy for the band but boy it delivers. its easily their most emotional and darkest album yet. there is a great balance of ballads and typical anthemic songs you'd expect from the band. its just a mesmerizing listen from start to finish.
Completely agreed! I mentioned this in another comment, but Pressure Machine had a perfect balance of energetic tracks (In The Car Outside, Quiet Town), powerful and anthemic tracks (In Another Life, West Hills), and beautiful, folk-oriented ballads which they execute way better than Taylor Swift and other artists (Runaway Horses, The Getting By, Pressure Machine). I've listened to Pressure Machine on-repeat ever since it came out and it has never gotten boring at all. It's one of the two albums I would score in the 9-10 range (9.1/10 for me personally). The only album I enjoy more than Pressure Machine is Punisher by Phoebe Bridgers (9.7/10). Both are mesmerizing and transport you into a scenic landscape/emotional atmosphere with the music. Truly incredible!
@ghost mall Sam's Town was previously their best-written album (IMO), but Pressure Machine is in another league - from the heavy lyrical content to the poetic writing style
Personally I love this side of the killers. Probably only their 4th best album but I still think it’s amazing. It’s their Nebraska, or their Folklore, and I think that’s awesome
I gave it a 3.9 Runaway Horses out of 5 Runaway Horse in my review. Can't wait to hear what Jon has to say here. I still need to hear it a few more times.
West Hills is amazing! Desperate Horses grew on me after a while. Overall, the best I can say about it is that's not a terrible album. Just not on my list to put on repeat this year. 6th fave Killers album! 3/5
I’m glad you pointed out there’s an abridged version. I thought the album was okay and wanted to give it a few more listens but did not want to have to hear those talking introductions on every track again. In The Car Outside also immediately struck me as the best song on the album.
I feel like this is the kind of album I’d play while in bed with headphones on, trying to fall asleep, contemplating my life. Not that I’ve already done that or anything 😳
I love this album. I’ve seen a lot of people say this album is a disappointment, and really who cares? They’re making music that they want to make, and they produced it in under 12 months. It’s not going to be for everyone but to say it’s disappointing is pretty selfish and shows people lack perspective. I haven’t been listening to the abridged version because I’m pretty sure even without the voice lines they’re still different? I could be wrong. Also the interview on Runaway Horses is heartbreaking and sets the tone for the entire song in my opinion. I love Brandon’s vocals on Pressure Machine so much. I can’t wait to hear it live. Cody is just incredible, I haven’t really been able to get into In The Car Outside much but I’m sure it’ll grow on me the more I listen. The fact is that this isn’t really an album you can just have on repeat forever and that’s okay. It’s a change of pace for them and I can’t wait to see what they do next. In the mean time I’m going to love this album more and more as it grows on me.
Yeah this album is just right for a re-review down-the-line. After spending time and listening to this this is seriously one of the most cohesive and best things they have ever done. And that is coming from someone who hasn't been a fan of their albums really since battle born. This album has great Passion lyrics and amazing story telling and easily in their top 3 or 4.
Desperate Things was my favorite track the first time around and it still might be!!! It was also the only track to make me tear up upon my first listen!!! ;) My first reaction to the album as a whole was that it was okay. Reminded me of my first listen to Wonderful Wonderful and from that I ascertained that I just wasn’t in the right mindset when listening to the album the first time. I was thinking of Imploding the Mirage and when the sound didn’t follow through I grasped desperately for other “Killers” like sounds. I came to the obvious conclusion that this is not a fair way to judge the album, and that it should be judged on its own and subsequently fare well or not on its own. But also as a Killers fan I had to compare it to the others and drawing certain parallels did help me to warm up to it a little more. I didn’t actually want to listen to it at all until yesterday morning in which I buckled down and got into a completely different mindset, a more thoughtful and perceptive one, absorbing the stories, closing my eyes and immersing myself in the grey haze that the album was filling me with. And because of this I actually quite enjoy it. I don’t know what to rate it yet and I feel the 6/10 the first time around isn’t doing it justice but opinion has definitely improved massively.
Been a month and I have listened to this album fully everyday since launch...It is a gem! Love it more and more even after what would have to be 300 plus play throughs!
I didn’t realize there was an abridged version of the record. Now I’m excited to give the album another try because I really don’t like the interviews at the start of every song but I quite liked some of songs themselves.
For me it's simple, I sat down with my speaker, watching the stars through the summer breeze... It didn't implode that feeling I needed from one of The Killers' albums. Some days later I was about to sleep and put on my headphones to give it another try... Best decision in my life cause the instrumental is really good and the lyrics transport you to somewhere else you actually feel interested to be. Love it.
Been a huge killer's fan since the beginning. I must say this album is the ultimate grower. Upon 1st listen I was like OK then. After multiple listens I was like OK this is fantastic. Very good album. Best is definitely In Another Life followed by Cody, In the Car Outside , Sleepwalker, Terrible Things and West Hills. And the last thing to say is there needs to be more love for Battle Born!! fantastic album. Flesh and Bone and Battle Born two of their best songs.
Agree that Battle Born is underrated, I think it's to the Killers what Living Things is to Linkin Park. I think a lot of people just shunned it because it came after what was considered a disappointing album, and it has a similar electronic-heavy vibe, and also both came out in 2012
Change in sound in a good manner,emotional, excellent songwriting,slow tempo songs,dark lyrics... My fav picks---in the car outside,Cody,West hills,Terrible things,Sleepwalker Worst picks---Runaway Horses Cons I could say is that many won't like this as this albums takes in a different direction,which can't be said as con,just your taste matters...overall solid album,not that solid like Imploding the Mirage My rating would be 75/100 Kinda 3.7/5
I've never really listened to the killers other than the famous Mr brightside, need to have a listen to their discography soon. Also have you heard the new Nothing But Thieves EP Jon? I'd love to hear your thoughts on it in a review
I'm still not sure, rn it feels like an album you need to take time and really listen to. It's growing on me tho and as someone who's lived in a smalltown all my life, it hits home. My faves are 'Cody', 'In the car outside', 'The getting by' and 'Quiet town'. While I'm already writing, will you do a rewiew or something on Luke Hemmings Solo Album 'When Facing The Things We Turn Away From'? I really enjoyed every song on that (yes, I am a fan of 5sos but it's a masterpiece really).
If you're still making videos a few years from now, I imagine you will do a re-review of this record and like it more. Imo, it's better than Imploding the Mirage or Wonderful, Wonderful. The songwriting is just suberb. Desperate Things blew me away personally. Runaway Horses is pretty forgettable as well is Terrible Thing. But for the most part, it strikes gold. The abridged version is definitely the way to go. The interviews are awful.
I don't think so. I listened to the album 9 times before I reviewed it since I got it early, whereas "I Got It Wrong" Battle Born was only a couple listens, and it was 2012 I absolutely sucked at reviewing music. I guess you never know, but let's not act like a 3.5/5 is somehow a negative or bad rating...
@@artvjon I don't think you gave it a bad review or anything to that effect. I think a lot of fans have a hard time getting over the bombast of ITM, and I also think some, in turn, become a little tone deaf after hearing In the Car Outside because it's kind of the anti-thesis to what the album is. Every disappointed fan cites In The Car Outside being their favorite track and that they wish more of the album was like it. It's a great track, but it's not representative of what the record was trying to capture. I still think Runaway Horses and A Terrible Thing are forgettable cuts, but the rest are tracks that pushed the bands to new heights that ITM and WW couldn't reach.
@@ZazarStudios Pressure Machine surpasses Imploding The Mirage by miles IMO. I thought ITM was too bombastic and sonically overwhelming. ITM also felt lyrically weak compared to Pressure Machine, Sam's Town, and Battle Born. Pressure Machine had a perfect balance of energetic tracks (In The Car Outside, Quiet Town), powerful and anthemic tracks (In Another Life, West Hills), and beautiful, folk-oriented ballads which they execute way better than Taylor Swift and other artists (Runaway Horses, The Getting By, Pressure Machine). I've listened to Pressure Machine on-repeat ever since it came out and it has never gotten boring at all. It's one of the two albums I would score in the 9-10 range (9.1/10 for me personally). The only album I enjoy more than Pressure Machine is Punisher by Phoebe Bridgers (9.7/10).
Thanks for pointing out there's an abridged version as I really did not like the narration segments before almost every track. Yeah a little disappointed with this; granted I didn't listen on headphones which probably didn't help, but I think there's just way too many ballads on the album. Desperate Things was actually my favourite out of said ballads, probably because it has some drums in at least which is quite important for my personal enjoyment. It kind of sucks because The Killers are in my top 5 favourite bands and the other day in the comments of your 'Why Do People Pretend To Love Everything' video I was only just raving about how The Killers have never had a bad song, although said they have two albums I'm not a big fan of (Day & Age and Wonderful Wonderful). I listened to WW a couple of weeks ago and it was actually better than I remember, and given D&A at least has Spaceman and Dustland on, I think Pressure Machine could quite well be their worst
It's fascinating to me how polarized the fans are on this one. I skew toward the, "This is pretty awesome, the lyrics are so smart," side, but I also totally get feeling let down, especially if you were expecting ITM part 2. That said, I feel like you could put ITM and PM on a single playlist and shuffle the music to get a solid album that is really well-balanced in terms of bombastic, loud, and explosive songs mixed with the softer instrumentals and smoother vocalizations of the latter album. I hope when they tour for PM, they sing an equal number of songs from both albums to showcase both instead of just sticking to their greatest hits, like they did with WW.
So funny how we can land on the same score but for completely different reasons. I personally thought the record was at its strongest when it slowed things down and really let its lyrics shine (the final two tracks are my favorite). But then the more typical Killers tracks like West Hills and Sleepwalker were hurt for me by the overproduction and bombasticness that some people didn't like about Imploding the Mirage (it oddly didn't bother me on that album.) Regardless the storytelling and themes really elevated this album for me, even if ItM edges it out overall
I listened to the album and here are my final thoughts: My favorites were Cody, In The Car Outside, and Sleepwalker. My least favorite was Runaway Horses. It’s not a bad song, it’s just the one I liked the least. I somewhat disagree with your opinion on Desperate Things, but I completely disagree with your opinion on Pressure Machine, the title track. Overall, I rate this album the same as you did: 3.5/5. There were some songs I thought ran on for too long, like Runaway Horses. I love West Hills, but it would’ve been better if it were a minute shorter in my opinion.
Sams town is a certified top teir album in my books and this is the only record they’ve put out that comes close but it does it in a completely different way. It’s not perfect but it definitely is something I’d recommend everyone listen to
the record is hauntingly beautiful. it took time and a few listens for me to truly grasp its themes - especially the religious ones which i found particularly interesting. it’s dark, bittersweet, and emotional all at once and the lyrics are some of their best thus far. definitely better than imploding, in my opinion. a hand full of tracks, especially terrible thing, brought me to tears.
I thought the abridged version was the official version tbh Overall, I thought this album was very solid, just not one of my personal favorites from The Killers. I’d put it above Day & Age and Wonderful Wonderful, but under Hot Fuss, Sam’s Town, Battle Born and Imploding The Mirage
Pressure Machine is a great album but it just doesn't suit The Killers. This album would have been better off released as a Brandon solo album instead. Whether they like it or not the band is known for their Synth Pop sound and honestly their aborted 8th album tracks (now on Rebel Diamonds) are more like The Killers we know and love and would have made a better Killers album than PM. Brandon pours his heart and soul out on the album but got Brandon's name all over it except on the cover!
The writing on this album is great and the lyrics in the title track 'Pressure machine' are incredible IMO, the sadness of the passage of time is something we can all relate to. I respect them so much for making this album despite the fact I can't relate to some of the themes and the fact it's not a genre I'm usually keen on (I prefer the synthy side).
I don’t think this album was aimed at me really. I’m not really one who listens for lyrics and I feel that was the main focus of the record. I don’t feel it was a bad album but I found it quite tedious to listen to after a while. I think I’d probably give about the same score as you. A 3.5/5 seems fitting
I agree with you and I hope we can have all 4 of them in the studio again, also Am I the only one that's kind of evaluating again Imploding The Mirage after this?
I don’t mind religious themes or references to God in popular music, but damn, I thought Flowers laid it on really thick on this project. Came across very self righteous to me. But overall I still loved the stripped back sound
The issue for me is the kind of energy in In the Car Outside "in a moment of weakness" is too sparse. Brandon hasn't built on the transcendent niche he started to flesh out on Imploding the Mirage with the Saturn in Aquarius, essentialism themes "summit of an ancient design". They are like two different worlds, but I'm quite sure he wants the love in Dying Breed to reach for the stars and have a hand in the dustbowl. He's not there yet, but perhaps this piece needed to be in place first. I feel like he sets his own standard very high thematically, if not sonically.
In my opinion, the first song looked great and a good prelude for the album but as tracks go by the interest in it gets lost for me and I found myself skiping tracks until the end. But, like I said, it's my opinion.
This isn’t related but did you listen to the new Trash Boat album? I don’t ask these questions often cause everyone asks this kind of question but I’m curious
Interesting. Pressure Machine is my favorite track from the album and In the Car Outside is my least favorite lol. Good review, even if I disagree. Love your content.
I like the killers, personally they still haven’t beat Mr. Brightside for me personally, but they still have other good songs. Also you probably didn’t see this comment on the other video, if you did I’m still trying to rank all the Avril Lavigne songs, but it’s been taking a while
I really wanted to love this album!! Like it had some great songs, and then some songs were kinda dull😔😔 I’m not gonna lie, that Phoebe song was underwhelming to me, and I’m worried about the song she’ll do with Taylor. And she’s one of my favorite artists. I really hope this album grows on me😥 I don’t know how they went from their second best album to their second worst album!!😥 Great review, Jon!! Hopefully it’ll grow on me!!
The album is good I’m not surprised it’s highly rated on Metacritic. I think people are having a hard time getting over how different it is from Imploding the Mirage
@@artvjon thanks for replying I fully agree, not quite near Crown Shyness quality but some absolute bangers on it, an interesting change of style for sure 👌
There’s not a bad tune on this album. It’s difficult to rank this one compared to the other Killers albums because it is so different. It’s better than last year’s Imploding the Mirage which I like but feel little overrated. Pressure Machine gets a 4.5/5 from me. The only criticism I have is some of the stories don’t match the songs as tightly as they should at times. Mild complaint though.
This concept album is very interesting but it is inevitable not to compare with this Imploding The Mirage. It is a good album but I don't think it's one of those that I'll remember.
The Killers were great in 2000 decade with their 3 classic albums, ending with Day And Age. They were my favorite band at the time. Since they started to go solo, some of their separate albums being very good like The Desired Effect by Brandon Flowers and Stoermer's Filthy Apes And Lions. But what is left for the Killers? Some fine Christmas songs and that's all. The rest is just disappointement after disappointement. With Stoermer and Keuning leaving and returning, we don't know if the Killers are still a band. Pressure Machine is another fail and I am polite not saying worse. The spoken words at the beginning of the songs s**k. Will the Killers come back as a united band some day? This is left to speculation.
For me, this album is extremely dull. It doesn't go anywhere and is self indulgent. I really wanted to like it cos I bought it lol. The songs are slow, meandering affairs that lack a lot of what I normally love about the band. I sold it two days later!
We’re never getting another Hot Fuss are we? I hoped once Brandon finally did a duet with Springsteen he would stop chasing the mans approval and attempting to replicate that heartland sound like he’s done for the last 15 years...but nope.
imploding the mirage i feel is a better album,but the band seems to be in a slump ever since battleborn 1 or 2 members not writing or being involved & taking breaks,it seems like its more Flowers solo album.hot fuss & Sams town are still extremely solid albums from them & their highlight albums but everything after has been a mixed bag
The review is 8:13, the album dropped on 8/13, and today is Friday the 13th...
WHAT ARE YOU TRYING TO TELL ME UNIVERSE?! Wait I hear it...it's saying to like the video and tell me your thoughts in the comments???
I hear it too!
You should review “If This Isn’t Nice, Then I Don’t Know What Is” by Still Woozy. That album also dropped on 8/13 and it’s EXCELLENT
I tired listening to it while working this morning but it didn't really click with me. Once I sat down later and just focused on getting lost in the record, I enjoyed it much more. It's really an album where the lyrics are the focus as opposed to melodies that you can enjoy on their own. Still, it's decent overall
Same. Cody has such a powerful ending
I'm from the area in Utah that the album is referencing and written about and when I say I bawled my eyes out listening to this... I absolutely loved this album. It's a bittersweet letter to a home that loved you the wrong kinds of ways and never really got you, and it's just so much what so many people here feel and go through, and the bitter, loving, hopeless and helpless nature of it all is just so pitch perfect. Absolutely love this album.
I had the same experience listening to this album. I got through it once and then had to take a break because it was almost overwhelming. Captured the aura perfectly
Very impressed with this album. One of the more interesting albums of the year, in my personal opinion. Songs like “Quiet Town” (teens hit by a train and the grieving process) and “Desperate Times” (married husband cheating on his wife with an abused woman) are pretty heartbreaking. Also really like the audio samples between the songs. The sound bites hold the album together and create an eerie, yet sad, narrative of people in a small town in rural America.
I couldn’t agree more :);) BUT .. not everyone’s cup of tea :) I love this band .. love the slow and “boring” as well as the songs that pop.. especially if your in a relationshit .. or a long ass drive home ! Windows down .. what really turned me on to them was THE SAMS TOWN Tour .. they co headlined with Death Cab for Cutie in 2007.. seen ALMOST every tour since
This guy is copy pasting the same comment on every video lol
@@BruceWayne-fw5wn I rewrote the comment on one other video. My opinion and thoughts stayed the same that day…sorry that bothers you. Please apologize to your “friend”, the Boy Wonder for me. 🙄
@@rushmore309 I guess getting likes boosts your ego somehow. Makes you feel special?
@ghost mall ohh now mentioning something is attacking? I saw same comment in various videos and just wondering why he did that. I think you need to learn more words biddy
This is one of those albums that grows on you. At first I was disappointed because they didn't have "concert bangers" but as I've started to listen to it more carefully I love it now!
Eh, kinda UNgrew on me.
@@artvjon lol! Fair enough
@ghost mall exactly, I love the violin and harmonica too. The references and towns in the album are what shaped The Killers and if they wanted to write about their past hometowns I think we should respect that.
This album is a grower, I think people will feel differently about overtime. Having followed the Killers right from start this record feels more like an album than any of previous work I really love "West Hills", "Cody" and "In the Car Outside"
As someone who lives in a small town and surrounded by other small towns, this album hit REALLY hard. Got quite emotional a few times during it, which I generally don't do with The Killers. They are my favorite band, and this is probably my favorite album of theirs. I actually liked the interviews, I think they gelled the concept together well. The train track clip at the end of the album felt like a perfect end note with a slight bit of hope. I kind of think this is an album that will especially gel with others who live in a small town, and might be something that those who live in bigger cities just don't fully "get". Not in an intelligence sense, but in an emotional sense. And funnily enough, Desperate Things was one of my favorite songs. Honestly, the one that came the closest to not enjoying as much is probably Cody? It's good, but not as much as everything else.
I agree, my eyes were quite moist multiple times throughout this album, which is rare for me.
Yeah I’m from a small town too, and it made me emotional as well. I was out and about my first listen, and I had to turn it off because it was getting to me. I love it. It’s not their most melodic album, sure, but it is absolutely their most meaningful for a guy like me.
I completely agree. I'm from a small town and I think this is pretty much a masterpiece.
I got really emotional listening to sleepwalker and runaway horses
Tbh, this is the best The Killers have been since many MANY years
Honestly I think this might be my favorite album from the killers since sams town, flowers really gives it his all with lyrics here and the sound is stripped back enough that it doesn’t get overwhelming but isn’t a full acoustic folk album such as Nebraska. For me a great album, a 8/10 for me.
Desperate things is one of the best songs the killers it’s beautiful and heartbreaking. I think it’s a really great change of pace for them. But to each their own I guess.
One of their worst, easily, funny how it goes.
@@artvjon I'm not a huge Killers fan, but Desperate Things is the most interesting song writing they've done in a long time tbh.
Yeah I must not be a big killers fan cause Im enjoying this way more than most of their material
@anyway96 I think this is their best album period lol. The storytelling takes it to another level
Can’t agree .. “opinions right “?! Lol.. Pressure Machine was damn good .. listen to it more than once .. trust me .. and take a long drive.. It’s hard to rank a Killers album .. one of my top 3 bands .. I prefer a dark long “CURE-ISH” sound .. I don’t like mr bright side non stop .. I prefer the long goosebumps songs .. each Killers album is better from start to finish .. my Opinion at least.. this , is as close to get to Sam’s Town as we could get.. If they were going to F up.. would have been Imploding the Mirage .. THAT ALBUM SURPRISED THE SHIT out of me .. was a lot like Beck “colors” album .. super catchy pop ish ..Once again .. it’s hard to rank a KILLERS album.. so I had to pipe up at least lol.. It’s hard being Biased .: I love all their albums .. every couple connects to each other. “Day and age /Imploding/“ .. “Wonderful wonderful / Pressure Machine / Sam’s Town” .: “Battle Born / Hot Fuse / Sawdust/ the two singles on the best of “ .. great flowing playlists on Rando
6 full listens later, I'm in love with this album. I'm a mild and recent Killers fan, so I didn't have a huge amount of hype going into it so I feel like my thoughts are pretty genuine as opposed to being clouded by me making up my mind from the get-go.
Probably going to end up as my 2nd or 3rd favourite album in their discography. It's exactly what they needed I think, and I love the blatant Americana Springsteen rip-off vibes. "Desperate Things" is the only song I don't really care for.
As someone who's been here since listening to Hot Fuss when I was like 10 (27 now) I would say this is in their top three imo. I actually really enjoyed Wonderful Wonderful but Imploding The Mirage was the first Killers album I couldn't find myself to give a full listen to.
The songs Sleepwalker, In the car outside, In another life, Cody are my favorites off this album. Definitely the worst is Runaway Horses in my opinion. The ending of Cody is amazing
I really enjoyed this album. Quiet Town, In Another Life & Desperate Things were my favorites
In another life 👍👍👍 the best track
@@eddyflowers1077 agree! 🤩
I personally really enjoyed Desperate Things, and now that I know the story of it I like it even more.
Yeah it doesn’t feel like it drags on, I really like it
I’ve been thinking about getting more into The Killers. I hear them all the time on the radio and I’m starting to really really like them. I really hope I can eventually call them one of my favorite groups ☺️
If u can use headphones at work .. just download a couple albums at a time .. put on Rando .. also a great band for a long drive in traffic .. between that and my true crime podcasts lol
@@Michele-fq7si I will! I’m already starting to love their first album. That may seem like a cliche because it’s a classic but hey it’s still awesome!
They are definitely in my top 5, this album made me cry
They're my favourite group in the world! Every album of theirs is so special in its own way and Pressure Machine is my second favourite album of all time
@@Thecleetus It's so emotionally poignant and beautiful from beginning to end
The Killers are in my Top 10. I liked the album - I'm a huge Springsteen fan so I like how they kinda blended the lyricism and vibe of Nebraska with the synth touches of Tunnel of Love. It's nowhere near my favourite Killers album, but The Killers have once again in my opinion not released a bad album.
Legit didn’t realise they released an album recently this year lol. I’ll check it out.
I remember you posting thumbnail options on Instagram, making it black & white was very clever and works super well! Props to Hannah!
Bruh... desperate things is a song of the year contender
The album is brilliant! Been listening to it since the minute it dropped and have heard it in full probably 40 plus times. I disagree with a lot of this review but that is all cool! Pressure Machine itself is an absolute beautiful song and Brandon's voice is off the charts in it. Cheers :)
I can’t get enough of this album. I think it’s a masterpiece. Very Springsteen influenced, but yet it’s own thing. Brandon sounds remarkably good on it. The broader story of the album Paints a picture of rural life that is without judgement or politics, just people and experiences.
Even if it's not as good as imploding, its amazing that it exists so soon anyway
i was really happy with this album. it is a beautiful record. great production, and probably their best songwriting since sams town? its incredibly more different, stripped back and melancholy for the band but boy it delivers. its easily their most emotional and darkest album yet. there is a great balance of ballads and typical anthemic songs you'd expect from the band. its just a mesmerizing listen from start to finish.
Oh yeah The Killers do lofi well.
Completely agreed! I mentioned this in another comment, but Pressure Machine had a perfect balance of energetic tracks (In The Car Outside, Quiet Town), powerful and anthemic tracks (In Another Life, West Hills), and beautiful, folk-oriented ballads which they execute way better than Taylor Swift and other artists (Runaway Horses, The Getting By, Pressure Machine). I've listened to Pressure Machine on-repeat ever since it came out and it has never gotten boring at all. It's one of the two albums I would score in the 9-10 range (9.1/10 for me personally). The only album I enjoy more than Pressure Machine is Punisher by Phoebe Bridgers (9.7/10). Both are mesmerizing and transport you into a scenic landscape/emotional atmosphere with the music. Truly incredible!
@ghost mall Sam's Town was previously their best-written album (IMO), but Pressure Machine is in another league - from the heavy lyrical content to the poetic writing style
As a small town kid, it’s always interesting when you’re related to half the town
Cool man, have not seen one of your videos in a while, digging the goatee
How long you been gone? I've had this most of the time since 2015! Mustache was this year though lol
@@artvjon Bout 9 months actually!
Personally I love this side of the killers. Probably only their 4th best album but I still think it’s amazing. It’s their Nebraska, or their Folklore, and I think that’s awesome
Definitely reminded me of Folklore in the artistic evolution/development! Both are masterpieces
A surprisingly nice easy listen, in some ways even more so than ITM. Definitely needs more listens though, gonna give the abridged version a crack.
I love The killers, but this didn't click with me at all
I gave it a 3.9 Runaway Horses out of 5 Runaway Horse in my review. Can't wait to hear what Jon has to say here. I still need to hear it a few more times.
West Hills is amazing! Desperate Horses grew on me after a while. Overall, the best I can say about it is that's not a terrible album. Just not on my list to put on repeat this year. 6th fave Killers album! 3/5
Desperate Horses? hahaha I wish that was a song name, but I think you combined two!
@@artvjon You're right. Desperate Things was the song I meant to type. Runaway Horses had potential to be good.
I’m glad you pointed out there’s an abridged version. I thought the album was okay and wanted to give it a few more listens but did not want to have to hear those talking introductions on every track again. In The Car Outside also immediately struck me as the best song on the album.
I feel like this is the kind of album I’d play while in bed with headphones on, trying to fall asleep, contemplating my life. Not that I’ve already done that or anything 😳
I love this album.
I’ve seen a lot of people say this album is a disappointment, and really who cares? They’re making music that they want to make, and they produced it in under 12 months. It’s not going to be for everyone but to say it’s disappointing is pretty selfish and shows people lack perspective.
I haven’t been listening to the abridged version because I’m pretty sure even without the voice lines they’re still different? I could be wrong.
Also the interview on Runaway Horses is heartbreaking and sets the tone for the entire song in my opinion.
I love Brandon’s vocals on Pressure Machine so much. I can’t wait to hear it live.
Cody is just incredible, I haven’t really been able to get into In The Car Outside much but I’m sure it’ll grow on me the more I listen.
The fact is that this isn’t really an album you can just have on repeat forever and that’s okay. It’s a change of pace for them and I can’t wait to see what they do next. In the mean time I’m going to love this album more and more as it grows on me.
Yeah this album is just right for a re-review down-the-line. After spending time and listening to this this is seriously one of the most cohesive and best things they have ever done. And that is coming from someone who hasn't been a fan of their albums really since battle born. This album has great Passion lyrics and amazing story telling and easily in their top 3 or 4.
I adore this album. Every aspect clicked with me, 4.5/5 for me
Desperate Things was my favorite track the first time around and it still might be!!! It was also the only track to make me tear up upon my first listen!!! ;) My first reaction to the album as a whole was that it was okay. Reminded me of my first listen to Wonderful Wonderful and from that I ascertained that I just wasn’t in the right mindset when listening to the album the first time. I was thinking of Imploding the Mirage and when the sound didn’t follow through I grasped desperately for other “Killers” like sounds. I came to the obvious conclusion that this is not a fair way to judge the album, and that it should be judged on its own and subsequently fare well or not on its own. But also as a Killers fan I had to compare it to the others and drawing certain parallels did help me to warm up to it a little more. I didn’t actually want to listen to it at all until yesterday morning in which I buckled down and got into a completely different mindset, a more thoughtful and perceptive one, absorbing the stories, closing my eyes and immersing myself in the grey haze that the album was filling me with. And because of this I actually quite enjoy it. I don’t know what to rate it yet and I feel the 6/10 the first time around isn’t doing it justice but opinion has definitely improved massively.
Been a month and I have listened to this album fully everyday since launch...It is a gem! Love it more and more even after what would have to be 300 plus play throughs!
This is such a different vibe from them, but the album was great. “In the Car Outside” was amazing
I didn’t realize there was an abridged version of the record. Now I’m excited to give the album another try because I really don’t like the interviews at the start of every song but I quite liked some of songs themselves.
For me it's simple, I sat down with my speaker, watching the stars through the summer breeze... It didn't implode that feeling I needed from one of The Killers' albums. Some days later I was about to sleep and put on my headphones to give it another try... Best decision in my life cause the instrumental is really good and the lyrics transport you to somewhere else you actually feel interested to be. Love it.
Been a huge killer's fan since the beginning. I must say this album is the ultimate grower. Upon 1st listen I was like OK then. After multiple listens I was like OK this is fantastic. Very good album. Best is definitely In Another Life followed by Cody, In the Car Outside , Sleepwalker, Terrible Things and West Hills. And the last thing to say is there needs to be more love for Battle Born!! fantastic album. Flesh and Bone and Battle Born two of their best songs.
Agree that Battle Born is underrated, I think it's to the Killers what Living Things is to Linkin Park. I think a lot of people just shunned it because it came after what was considered a disappointing album, and it has a similar electronic-heavy vibe, and also both came out in 2012
Terrible Thing is my personal favorite of the album, really connects to some experiences I had in my life
Change in sound in a good manner,emotional, excellent songwriting,slow tempo songs,dark lyrics...
My fav picks---in the car outside,Cody,West hills,Terrible things,Sleepwalker
Worst picks---Runaway Horses
Cons I could say is that many won't like this as this albums takes in a different direction,which can't be said as con,just your taste matters...overall solid album,not that solid like Imploding the Mirage
My rating would be 75/100
Kinda 3.7/5
I've never really listened to the killers other than the famous Mr brightside, need to have a listen to their discography soon. Also have you heard the new Nothing But Thieves EP Jon? I'd love to hear your thoughts on it in a review
When You Were Young
We will always have reliable Ronnie.
( yes after many years I have finally changed my profile pic, goodbye danger days anime girls)
I'm still not sure, rn it feels like an album you need to take time and really listen to. It's growing on me tho and as someone who's lived in a smalltown all my life, it hits home. My faves are 'Cody', 'In the car outside', 'The getting by' and 'Quiet town'.
While I'm already writing, will you do a rewiew or something on Luke Hemmings Solo Album 'When Facing The Things We Turn Away From'? I really enjoyed every song on that (yes, I am a fan of 5sos but it's a masterpiece really).
I was just watching one of your old videos 😂
Listened this morning. Enjoyed it more than Imploding the Mirage tbh. We’ll see after a few more spins
If you're still making videos a few years from now, I imagine you will do a re-review of this record and like it more. Imo, it's better than Imploding the Mirage or Wonderful, Wonderful. The songwriting is just suberb. Desperate Things blew me away personally.
Runaway Horses is pretty forgettable as well is Terrible Thing. But for the most part, it strikes gold.
The abridged version is definitely the way to go. The interviews are awful.
I don't think so. I listened to the album 9 times before I reviewed it since I got it early, whereas "I Got It Wrong" Battle Born was only a couple listens, and it was 2012 I absolutely sucked at reviewing music. I guess you never know, but let's not act like a 3.5/5 is somehow a negative or bad rating...
@@artvjon I don't think you gave it a bad review or anything to that effect. I think a lot of fans have a hard time getting over the bombast of ITM, and I also think some, in turn, become a little tone deaf after hearing In the Car Outside because it's kind of the anti-thesis to what the album is. Every disappointed fan cites In The Car Outside being their favorite track and that they wish more of the album was like it. It's a great track, but it's not representative of what the record was trying to capture. I still think Runaway Horses and A Terrible Thing are forgettable cuts, but the rest are tracks that pushed the bands to new heights that ITM and WW couldn't reach.
@@ZazarStudios Pressure Machine surpasses Imploding The Mirage by miles IMO. I thought ITM was too bombastic and sonically overwhelming. ITM also felt lyrically weak compared to Pressure Machine, Sam's Town, and Battle Born. Pressure Machine had a perfect balance of energetic tracks (In The Car Outside, Quiet Town), powerful and anthemic tracks (In Another Life, West Hills), and beautiful, folk-oriented ballads which they execute way better than Taylor Swift and other artists (Runaway Horses, The Getting By, Pressure Machine). I've listened to Pressure Machine on-repeat ever since it came out and it has never gotten boring at all. It's one of the two albums I would score in the 9-10 range (9.1/10 for me personally). The only album I enjoy more than Pressure Machine is Punisher by Phoebe Bridgers (9.7/10).
@@lotusmiragemusic agreed.
@@lotusmiragemusic I agree. I do like ITM but Pressure Machine is far superior
Thanks for pointing out there's an abridged version as I really did not like the narration segments before almost every track. Yeah a little disappointed with this; granted I didn't listen on headphones which probably didn't help, but I think there's just way too many ballads on the album. Desperate Things was actually my favourite out of said ballads, probably because it has some drums in at least which is quite important for my personal enjoyment.
It kind of sucks because The Killers are in my top 5 favourite bands and the other day in the comments of your 'Why Do People Pretend To Love Everything' video I was only just raving about how The Killers have never had a bad song, although said they have two albums I'm not a big fan of (Day & Age and Wonderful Wonderful). I listened to WW a couple of weeks ago and it was actually better than I remember, and given D&A at least has Spaceman and Dustland on, I think Pressure Machine could quite well be their worst
The day The Killers new album came out, I knew this channel will review it the next day.
It's fascinating to me how polarized the fans are on this one. I skew toward the, "This is pretty awesome, the lyrics are so smart," side, but I also totally get feeling let down, especially if you were expecting ITM part 2. That said, I feel like you could put ITM and PM on a single playlist and shuffle the music to get a solid album that is really well-balanced in terms of bombastic, loud, and explosive songs mixed with the softer instrumentals and smoother vocalizations of the latter album. I hope when they tour for PM, they sing an equal number of songs from both albums to showcase both instead of just sticking to their greatest hits, like they did with WW.
Awesome review
So funny how we can land on the same score but for completely different reasons. I personally thought the record was at its strongest when it slowed things down and really let its lyrics shine (the final two tracks are my favorite). But then the more typical Killers tracks like West Hills and Sleepwalker were hurt for me by the overproduction and bombasticness that some people didn't like about Imploding the Mirage (it oddly didn't bother me on that album.) Regardless the storytelling and themes really elevated this album for me, even if ItM edges it out overall
I listened to the album and here are my final thoughts:
My favorites were Cody, In The Car Outside, and Sleepwalker. My least favorite was Runaway Horses. It’s not a bad song, it’s just the one I liked the least. I somewhat disagree with your opinion on Desperate Things, but I completely disagree with your opinion on Pressure Machine, the title track. Overall, I rate this album the same as you did: 3.5/5. There were some songs I thought ran on for too long, like Runaway Horses. I love West Hills, but it would’ve been better if it were a minute shorter in my opinion.
Sams town is a certified top teir album in my books and this is the only record they’ve put out that comes close but it does it in a completely different way. It’s not perfect but it definitely is something I’d recommend everyone listen to
This album has done a fantastic job of distinguishing itself from the rest of the catalog.
Would love for you to do a classic review of “Candy-O” by The Cars. This was the band that got Brandon Flowers into music in the first place.
Panorama is one of the most underrated albums by anyone.
the record is hauntingly beautiful. it took time and a few listens for me to truly grasp its themes - especially the religious ones which i found particularly interesting. it’s dark, bittersweet, and emotional all at once and the lyrics are some of their best thus far. definitely better than imploding, in my opinion. a hand full of tracks, especially terrible thing, brought me to tears.
I thought the abridged version was the official version tbh
Overall, I thought this album was very solid, just not one of my personal favorites from The Killers. I’d put it above Day & Age and Wonderful Wonderful, but under Hot Fuss, Sam’s Town, Battle Born and Imploding The Mirage
Pressure Machine is a great album but it just doesn't suit The Killers. This album would have been better off released as a Brandon solo album instead. Whether they like it or not the band is known for their Synth Pop sound and honestly their aborted 8th album tracks (now on Rebel Diamonds) are more like The Killers we know and love and would have made a better Killers album than PM. Brandon pours his heart and soul out on the album but got Brandon's name all over it except on the cover!
Damn didnt even know they dropped a whole new album, the last one is like only a year old
The writing on this album is great and the lyrics in the title track 'Pressure machine' are incredible IMO, the sadness of the passage of time is something we can all relate to. I respect them so much for making this album despite the fact I can't relate to some of the themes and the fact it's not a genre I'm usually keen on (I prefer the synthy side).
I don’t think this album was aimed at me really. I’m not really one who listens for lyrics and I feel that was the main focus of the record. I don’t feel it was a bad album but I found it quite tedious to listen to after a while. I think I’d probably give about the same score as you. A 3.5/5 seems fitting
As someone who grew up in a small town ravaged by drugs and issues with homophobia, this album hit.
Am I the only one that enjoys the title track? It has such a beautiful chorus.
No, you are not. It's one of my favorite songs from the album.
I almost started to cry towards the end of the song it makes me feel at ease
I agree with you and I hope we can have all 4 of them in the studio again, also Am I the only one that's kind of evaluating again Imploding The Mirage after this?
The title track man wow 🥺
This album is a heart breaker and a tear jerker, especially if any of the themes hit home for ya.
As crazy as it sounds, I loved this more than Imploding The Mirage.
This is the best album I’ve heard this year.
I actually really like the title track, so gorgeous.
I prefer IMPLODING THE MIRAGE but I think this album is interesting. I hope they come back to BANGERS in the next album.
The title track is amazing as well, I really dig this album, im feeling a 3.9/5.
I don’t mind religious themes or references to God in popular music, but damn, I thought Flowers laid it on really thick on this project. Came across very self righteous to me. But overall I still loved the stripped back sound
I’m just gonna listen to the full-length album, Cody and In The Car Outside were both awesome songs
The issue for me is the kind of energy in In the Car Outside "in a moment of weakness" is too sparse. Brandon hasn't built on the transcendent niche he started to flesh out on Imploding the Mirage with the Saturn in Aquarius, essentialism themes "summit of an ancient design". They are like two different worlds, but I'm quite sure he wants the love in Dying Breed to reach for the stars and have a hand in the dustbowl. He's not there yet, but perhaps this piece needed to be in place first. I feel like he sets his own standard very high thematically, if not sonically.
In my opinion, the first song looked great and a good prelude for the album but as tracks go by the interest in it gets lost for me and I found myself skiping tracks until the end.
But, like I said, it's my opinion.
Imploding the Mirage really surprised me last year. I'll go into this one with tempered expectations tho
This isn’t related but did you listen to the new Trash Boat album? I don’t ask these questions often cause everyone asks this kind of question but I’m curious
Yes, and I dug it, especially the first half! Love the changeup a lot of people seem to hate that shift, but I'm into it!
Interesting. Pressure Machine is my favorite track from the album and In the Car Outside is my least favorite lol. Good review, even if I disagree. Love your content.
I like the killers, personally they still haven’t beat Mr. Brightside for me personally, but they still have other good songs.
Also you probably didn’t see this comment on the other video, if you did I’m still trying to rank all the Avril Lavigne songs, but it’s been taking a while
Have you heard of the band Taproot?
I really wanted to love this album!! Like it had some great songs, and then some songs were kinda dull😔😔
I’m not gonna lie, that Phoebe song was underwhelming to me, and I’m worried about the song she’ll do with Taylor. And she’s one of my favorite artists.
I really hope this album grows on me😥 I don’t know how they went from their second best album to their second worst album!!😥
Great review, Jon!! Hopefully it’ll grow on me!!
Also this album somehow has 'universal acclaim' on Metacritic. Guess those guys have a preference for modern folky albums lol
The album is good I’m not surprised it’s highly rated on Metacritic. I think people are having a hard time getting over how different it is from Imploding the Mirage
Where does this one go in the discography rankings
Will you be reviewing the new trash boat album
No, but it’s pretty solid! I really enjoyed the first half or so especially
@@artvjon thanks for replying I fully agree, not quite near Crown Shyness quality but some absolute bangers on it, an interesting change of style for sure 👌
There’s not a bad tune on this album. It’s difficult to rank this one compared to the other Killers albums because it is so different. It’s better than last year’s Imploding the Mirage which I like but feel little overrated. Pressure Machine gets a 4.5/5 from me. The only criticism I have is some of the stories don’t match the songs as tightly as they should at times. Mild complaint though.
Hated the new killers album😒🤢🤢. You’re review is spot on! Thank you
This concept album is very interesting but it is inevitable not to compare with this Imploding The Mirage. It is a good album but I don't think it's one of those that I'll remember.
it's kinda the anti-country album
The Killers were great in 2000 decade with their 3 classic albums, ending with Day And Age. They were my favorite band at the time.
Since they started to go solo, some of their separate albums being very good like The Desired Effect by Brandon Flowers and Stoermer's Filthy Apes And Lions. But what is left for the Killers? Some fine Christmas songs and that's all. The rest is just disappointement after disappointement. With Stoermer and Keuning leaving and returning, we don't know if the Killers are still a band.
Pressure Machine is another fail and I am polite not saying worse. The spoken words at the beginning of the songs s**k.
Will the Killers come back as a united band some day? This is left to speculation.
I listened to it twice, I’m still not impressed. Going to give it a chance though. I still prefer their older stuff.
West Hills hits good
For me, this album is extremely dull. It doesn't go anywhere and is self indulgent. I really wanted to like it cos I bought it lol. The songs are slow, meandering affairs that lack a lot of what I normally love about the band. I sold it two days later!
We’re never getting another Hot Fuss are we? I hoped once Brandon finally did a duet with Springsteen he would stop chasing the mans approval and attempting to replicate that heartland sound like he’s done for the last 15 years...but nope.
imploding the mirage i feel is a better album,but the band seems to be in a slump ever since battleborn 1 or 2 members not writing or being involved & taking breaks,it seems like its more Flowers solo album.hot fuss & Sams town are still extremely solid albums from them & their highlight albums but everything after has been a mixed bag
Snooze machine
This record kinda reminds me of Matchbox Twenty.