Brandon Flowers, front-man for The Killers, sets his sights on the 80s for his second solo studio album, The Desired Effect. But is it a resounding success or disappointing failure? For our track-by-track review, see below.
Opening up the dreamy new album is ‘Dreams Come True’. This one’s got a real country feel to it, and is quite different from other previously heard material from the album. Full of echoing trumpets, solid drum beats and a strumming sound that keeps the track travelling at a frenetic pace, we’re picking this one as the ‘marmite’ track of the album. It’s so intriguing and bewildering at the same time, we’re not quite sure what to make of it. The lead single from the album is up next, it's ‘Can’t Deny My Love’, which makes a statement that's hard to forget. Unapologetic and striking, this becomes easily identifiable in the sea of recent songs which can't help but sound the same. From the resonating synth beats to the breaks in instrumentals for a chorus-esque sound that builds and builds until you can’t get enough, this track stands out on the album as a winner.
The irresistibly smooth and strangely inviting ‘I Can Change’ is track 3, and this one is pure perfection. Sampling the 1984 track ‘Smalltown Boy’ by Bronski Beat, it combines new wave and old classic to make something that is thoroughly fresh and addictive. ‘Still Want You’ combines resounding backing vocals from some fantastic female singers and experimental beats which elevate this track to angelic heights, providing some fantastic contrast for the individual verses. ‘Between Me And You’ is a more understated track from the album, that combines some beautiful vocals from Flowers with electro beats and soaring synths, culminating with a wonderfully atmospheric chorus that feels larger than what it is.
‘Lonely Town’ – We’ve talked about this one in a longer review, here, but essentially, it possesses the remarkable ability to feel equally nostalgic and recognisable as well as new and original. It’s a 80s inspired anthem if we ever heard one. Track 7's ‘Diggin’ Up The Heart’ is a more alternative rock-country smash, which is a jolly fun addition, possessing a beat that you can really get behind and dance to. After 6 very 80s tracks though, it does sound a little bit repetitive after a few good listens. ‘Never Get You Right’ starts out slow, but Flowers truly gets this one exactly right, infusing triumphant sounding chorus with twilight beats and a fluid bass. Flowers is comfortable showing off his impressive vocal range, and this one has a few falsettos that are very easy on the ears. A real gem of a track.
‘Untangled Love’ – For some reason, this one sounds almost equally as nostalgic as ‘Lonely Town’, it just doesn’t seem to be a style of song that many people are doing in mainstream music anymore, and this is what makes it sound outstanding. It’s got those cool hooks and will no doubt become one fans can easily sing along to in arena tours. ‘The Way It’s Always Been’ brings the album to a suitably slow finish. Overall, the album has been filled with mostly highs (albeit a few lows), and poignant lyrics that resonate far belong completion. 'The Way It's Always Been' is perhaps it’s a little too drawn out for some listeners liking, but it ends the album on a relatively memorable note.
Overall verdict:
Full of plenty of 80s inspired belters, Flowers, despite being known for the lead of The Killers, manages to compile a very cohesive pop album that would put many other musical artists to shame. He shows that he can put his talents towards an impressive second solo studio album, which soars triumphantly for the most part. The Desired Effect is successful in drawing a whole new audience to Flowers’ brimming talent who will no doubt be enticed by the smooth synths and atmospheric tracks that truly sound larger than they are, giving a sense of gravitas to the whole album.
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