The Killers, Wonderful, Wonderful | Track Review 🎵

The Killers shine on “Wonderful Wonderful,” the third single and title track from their highly-anticipated fifth studio album.

“Keep your ear to the shell, keep your ear to the shell.” Ah, a third single has been unveiled by The Killers! After a five-year hiatus, the Brandon Flowers fronted Vegas band returns with Wonderful Wonderful. So far, The Killers are off to a rollicking start.  On “The Man”, Flowers was feistier and cockier than ever, asserting “nothing can break me down.” Similarly, on second single, “Run for Cover”, him and the rest of the band were turnt up to the nth degree, with the 80s new wave cues going full throttle. Expectedly, “Wonderful Wonderful” is wonderfully wonderful.

In addition to its role as the title track, “Wonderful Wonderful” serves as album opener.  In this capacity, it sets the tone of the album, building intrigue.  Initially mysterious with a sense of unpredictability, the listener is certainly stimulated by a more experimental approach, particularly compared to the previous two singles.  Once things settle in, that unpredictability wears off, but it’s definitely a pro that The Killers don’t show all their cards initially.  Another pro? The production is stunning – gritty guitars, pummeling drums, and strings.  WONDERFUL WONDERFUL!

Cons? It’s ambitious, which is both a pro and a con. Crossing the five-minute mark can always downgrade the opinion of a song as well.  Given lofty ambition and long length, arguably the title track’s a bit much in both departments.  This of course, would be nitpicking.  Even if this song were objectionable, the outgoing, dramatic bridge is enough to win over most skeptics.

Final Thoughts

To reiterate the final sentence from the first paragraph, “Wonderful Wonderful” is wonderfully wonderful. Why wouldn’t it be? Great production, compelling, nuanced lead vocals from Brandon Flowers, and a dash of mysteriousness and unpredictability.  The Killers have still got it.

The Killers • Wonderful Wonderful • Island • Release: 9.22.17

Photo Credit: Island