Bones cover

Released 20 years ago

Bones

The Killers · 2006

7 min · 2 tracks · alternative rock

A pulsating blend of shimmering synths and driving rhythms, layered with anthemic melodies that capture The Killers' signature sound.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Bones — This title track exemplifies the band's knack for crafting infectious choruses and blends upbeat instrumentation with introspective lyrics, making it a standout anthem.
  • →
    Daddy’s Eyes — Offering a more subdued yet poignant sound, this track showcases the band's lyrical depth and emotional range, contrasting with the energy of 'Bones'.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

48 /100
Foothills
Higher than 19% of albums we've rated

The single showcases The Killers' evolving sound with energetic hooks but lacks depth for lasting appeal.

What we noticed

  • The title track 'Bones' features a driving beat with layered synths that create a pulsating rhythm, while the vocals soar over the instrumentation.
  • The second track, 'Daddy’s Eyes', shifts to a more subdued tempo and introspective lyrics, contrasting with the energetic opener.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

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.

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — The single solidified The Killers' presence in alternative rock post 'Sam's Town'.
Themes
mid-2000s nostalgia· vulnerable masculinity
Career context
Released as a standalone single after their successful album 'Sam's Town', 'Bones' marked a continued evolution for The Killers in 2006. At this point in their career, they were transitioning from the commercial success of their debut to solidifying their artistic identity within the alternative rock scene.
Stylistic neighbors
Franz Ferdinand· The Strokes· Arctic Monkeys

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Bones 3:46
  • 2 Daddy’s Eyes 4:13

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata