The Killers, Run for Cover | Track Review 🎵

The Killers step up their game on “Run for Cover,” the second single from their highly-anticipated comeback album, Wonderful Wonderful.

Brandon Flowers is turnt up to the nth degree on “Run for Cover.” Okay, okay – turnt up isn’t usually the way to describe The Killers, but the energy level is high on the second single from Wonderful Wonderful.  Wonderful Wonderful is definitely a highly-anticipated album, arriving five years after the band’s last (Runaways, 2012).  Based upon “Run for Cover,” is there any way that Wonderful Wonderful couldn’t be wonderful?

First things first.  The Killers came back swinging with “The Man” months ahead of the album.  Some loved it while others hated it.  While personally being on board, “Run for Cover” sounds more in the wheelhouse of the band.  The 80s, new wave cues are full throttle, while Flowers pushes his voice to the limits.  He has his inaccurate moments in regards to pitch, but this is and always has been part of his charm.  His energy is infectious.

The most infectious moment of “Run for Cover” is the powerful, gargantuan chorus.

“Run for cover
Run while you can, baby, don’t look back
You gotta run for cover
Don’t be afraid of the fear, that’s a played-out trap, man
You know you’re not the only one
And don’t look back, just run for cover.”

As far as the content, there are politics and a reference to Sonny Liston. The central idea seems to be about losses – making mistakes and their ramifications. For example, Sonny Liston is described lyrically as “Black-fisted and strong singing Redemption Song.” Flowers references his mother, singing, “I said ‘Momma I know you’ve tried’ / But she fell on her knees and cried.”  This seems to be why the band is all about running for cover.

Final Thoughts 

All in all, “Run for Cover” is a well-rounded, energetic, and up-tempo record from The Killers. Does it trump “The Man?” It depends upon who you ask, but true to the band’s style, this is next-level. Elite? Yes.

The Killers • Wonderful Wonderful • Island • Release: 9.22.17

Photo Credit: Island