Brandon Flowers "Flamingo" | Album Review

Story by Mitch McCann 

| Published Sep 24, 2010

Brandon Flowers, frontman of the hit machine The Killers - who have held a solid foothold on the radio waves over the last 6 years, debuted his not-that-long-in-the-works solo album 'Flamingo' September 14th.

'Flamingo' is Flowers' declaration of self-worth and accomplishment as an artist. As The Killers lead singer, he has enjoyed the spotlight and suffered the consequences of playing with fan's expectation. On 'Flamingo' however, Flowers sets the record straight, marking the line in the sand for all to see. All around, the writing on the album is solid, and despite the tunes luke-warm appeal, Flowers seems to have a firm idea for what he wants HIS record to be.

Killers fans looking for grand rock ballads, anything along the lines of Mr. Brightside, Human, or other Killer's smash-hits -- you won't find them here.

'Flamingo' plays as an experiment for the Vegas-born crooner. It includes a gospel tune, "On The Floor", "Was It Something I Said?" an early 80's, Smiths-esque tune, and of course, the first single off the album "Crossfire" that carries the album high enough up the charts to stick it to any naysayers. The rest of the album -- songs like "Swallow It", which as the name suggests, blows, and "Playing With Fire", a song that, when it isn't boring you, yanks at your gag reflex- certainly won't earn him any acclaim, particularly among The Killers' dwindling fanbase.

It is my hope that Flowers got whatever this album is out of his system so he can return to doing what he does best.

'Flamingo' is a firm effort by a good artist, but there is nothing about this record the 30 second sample on iTunes can't tell you.

by Mitch McCann