The Killers, The Man | Track Review 🎵

The Killers make an electrifying comeback with their biting, cocky, promo single, “The Man.” Has frontman Brandon Flowers ever sounded cockier?

“I know the score like the back of my hand / Them other boys, I don’t give a damn / They kiss on the ring, I carry the crown / Nothing can break, nothing can break me down.”  Woo! Brandon Flowers comes out swinging on “The Man.” “The Man” serves as the promo single for the highly anticipated new album from The Killers, Wonderful Wonderful.  To the person who has yet to hear “The Man,” maybe it sounds like Flowers is feeling himself a little bit too much.  He’s not – HE IS THE MAN!

“The Man” opens enigmatically, setting a foreboding tone. Indeed, that is the vibe The Killers are opting for.  While the enigma transforms into stability, the sound remains malicious, anchored by a ‘takes no prisoners’ groove. Even before the bravado of the frontman blesses the track, it’s clear that The Killers as a band are in a “kick ass and take names” sort of mood.

Throughout its course, Flowers gets it in. Following the colorful, aforementioned first verse, he continues to assert his manly status.

“When it comes to Friday, I always earn
Don’t try to teach me, I got nothing to learn
‘Cause baby I’m gifted.”

His confidence knows no end.  He confirms this on the pre-chorus and chorus sections.  On the pre-chorus, he sings:

“I’m the man, come round
No-no-nothing can break, no-nothing can break me down.”

On the chorus, he adds more lyrics, further amplifying the seriousness of the flex-action.

“I got gas in the tank
I got money in the bank
I got news for you baby, you’re looking at the man
I got skin in the game
Headed to the hall of fame
I got news for you baby, you’re looking at the man.”

YAAAS, Brandon, you betta flex son! He even goes so far later to assert, “Right hand to God / First in command / My testimony, but I take the stand.”

Final Thoughts

All in all, The Killers kill it on “The Man.” Given the five-year hiatus, the band needed to make a big splash.  They do, without question.  It’s different than their past songs and while it lacks depth (the “USDA certified lean” lyric is cringe-worthy), it’s catchy and fun. Brandon Flowers: You the man!

The Killers • Wonderful Wonderful • Island • Release: 9.22.17

Photo Credit: Island