Battle Born
The Killers · 2012
51 min · 12 tracks · alternative rock
Anthemic alternative rock infused with cinematic grandeur and introspective lyrics, echoing the band's signature stadium-ready sound.
Top tracks — play these first
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Flesh and Bone Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Runaways — This track features an infectious chorus that captures the album's themes of escapism and youthful rebellion, embodying the energetic spirit of The Killers.
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Miss Atomic Bomb — A poignant narrative that intertwines themes of lost love with vivid imagery, making it a standout example of the band’s storytelling prowess.
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Be Still — With its reflective tone and heartfelt lyrics, this ballad showcases the emotional depth that characterizes much of the album, providing a moment of introspection.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album balances anthemic rock with introspective moments, showcasing solid craftsmanship and cohesive sequencing.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a slow build in 'Flesh and Bone' before transitioning into more upbeat tracks like 'Runaways' and 'The Way It Was'.
- Several tracks feature layered instrumentation, creating a rich soundscape that enhances the anthemic quality of the music.
- The last three tracks, including the title track 'Battle Born', gradually lower the tempo, providing a reflective conclusion to the album.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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8/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady pacing for reflective moments
- epic anthems for group sing-alongs
- introspective ballads for quiet evenings
- consistent flow through full listen
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of instant gratification
- prefer standalone hit singles
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Critical Peak — Represents a high point in ambition and production quality for the band.
- Themes
- neon-lit nostalgia· lost love stories· desert landscapes
- Career context
- Released on January 1, 2012, 'Battle Born' is The Killers' fourth studio album, following their commercially successful 'Day & Age' from 2008. At this point in their career, the band was navigating both critical expectations and their evolving sound, reflecting a deliberate return to a more cohesive and personal style after lineup changes and various side projects.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Franz Ferdinand· The Strokes· Arctic Monkeys
Tracklist
- 1 Flesh and Bone Start here 4:01
- 2 Runaways 4:06
- 3 The Way It Was 3:54
- 4 Here With Me 4:54
- 5 A Matter of Time 4:13
- 6 Deadlines and Commitments 4:24
- 7 Miss Atomic Bomb 4:54
- 8 The Rising Tide 4:20
- 9 Heart of a Girl 4:36
- 10 From Here On Out 2:30
- 11 Be Still 4:35
- 12 Battle Born 5:13
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Hurry Up, We're Dreaming
M83
Shares the same grand, atmospheric production and themes of nostalgia and lost connections.
Trouble Will Find Me
The National
Both feature introspective lyrics with anthemic soundscapes, exploring themes of love and existential reflection.
The Suburbs
Arcade Fire
Echoes similar themes of nostalgia and loss within expansive arrangements and reflective storytelling.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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