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Hot Fuss

Credits

Release Date

Record Label

Performance

Reviewer

Adam R. Holz
Bob Smithouser

Album Review

Pro-Social Content

Lead singer Brandon Flowers is determined to make a relationship work (“Everything Will Be Alright”) and remains hopeful amid breakups (“Believe Me Natalie,” “Midnight Show”). While processing regret, “All These Things That I’ve Done” expresses a desire to persevere and leave a mark on the world.

Objectionable Content

The singer gleefully peeks up a woman’s short skirt (“Midnight Show”) and seems to describe a back-seat sexual encounter in a car (“On Top”). In his mind’s eye, a guy sees his woman in the arms of another man on “Mr. Brightside” (“She’s touching his chest/Now he takes off her dress”). After getting jilted, a man apparently murders his ex (“Jenny Was a Friend of Mine”). Curious gender-bending mars “Somebody Told Me” (“You had a boyfriend who looks like a girlfriend I had”) and “Andy You’re a Star” which, while not overtly sexual, finds a man obsessed with another man.

Summary Advisory

Imagine an amalgam of ’80s bands repackaged for the new millennium. A little techno. A little punk. And enough artistry to earn The Killers a Grammy nom for Best Rock Album. Unfortunately, dark, perverse moments will leave families wondering what the Fuss was about.

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adam-holz
Adam R. Holz

After serving as an associate editor at NavPress’ Discipleship Journal and consulting editor for Current Thoughts and Trends, Adam now oversees the editing and publishing of Plugged In’s reviews as the site’s director. He and his wife, Jennifer, have three children. In their free time, the Holzes enjoy playing games, a variety of musical instruments, swimming and … watching movies.

Bob Smithouser