Like many bands on the rise to commercial stardom, The Killers have said goodbye to eyeliner and David Bowie and hello to a more sophisticated, classic-rock style with sophomore release Sam’s Town. Title track “Sam’s Town” and “When You Were Young” employ complicated, sophisticated arrangements that did not appear on their first album, Hot Fuss. The Las Vegas quartet creates heart-stopping tension by effectively decreasing and increasing volume and energy throughout their songs. Meticulously calculated? Perhaps, but that’s how genius composers have been working since the 16th century. The Killers’ sound and appearance may have been revamped to grab a wider audience, but there should be no hard feelings from fans of yore: Sam’s Town stays true to its glorious synth-rock roots. Grade: A
— Theresa Kelliher, Muse Staff