Day & Age cover

Day & Age

The Killers · 2008

45 min · 11 tracks · alternative rock

A vibrant blend of synth-driven melodies and anthemic rock, capturing the essence of escapism and existential wonder.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Losing Touch Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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    Human — This track blends infectious beats with existential lyrics questioning what it means to be human, making it emblematic of the album's overarching theme of identity.
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    Spaceman — With its soaring choruses and narrative about alienation and adventure, 'Spaceman' encapsulates the album's exploration of escapism through vivid storytelling.
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    A Dustland Fairytale — This song stands out for its poignant lyrics reflecting on love and loss, providing emotional depth that balances the album's more upbeat tracks.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

59 /100
Treeline
Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album blends energetic anthems with introspective moments, showcasing solid songwriting and production.

What we noticed

  • The first half of the album maintains a consistent upbeat tempo, while the second half introduces slower tracks that create a contrast in energy.
  • Several songs feature layered synths and prominent guitar riffs, with 'Human' incorporating a distinctive rhythmic hook that stands out.
  • The lyrics often explore themes of existentialism and escapism, with tracks like 'A Dustland Fairytale' using narrative storytelling.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady mid-tempo listening experience
  • infectious melodies for sing-alongs
  • introspective moments for reflection
  • late-night drives with friends
  • uplifting tracks for positive vibes

Maybe skip if you

  • seek instant gratification tracks
  • prefer high-energy fast beats

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — Established The Killers' reputation with a shift to electronic sound and hit single 'Human'.
Themes
neon-lit introspection· post-2000 escapism· dusty fairytale narratives
Career context
When The Killers released Day & Age in late 2008, they were solidifying their status as a leading force in alternative rock following their breakthrough albums Hot Fuss and Sam's Town. This third studio album came after a period of extensive touring and marked a shift toward a more eclectic sound influenced by dance-pop and new wave.
Stylistic neighbors
Franz Ferdinand· The Strokes· Arctic Monkeys

Tracklist

  • 1 Losing Touch Start here 4:15
  • 2 Human 4:05
  • 3 Spaceman 4:44
  • 4 Joy Ride 3:33
  • 5 A Dustland Fairytale 3:45
  • 6 This Is Your Life 3:41
  • 7 I Can’t Stay 3:06
  • 8 Neon Tiger 3:05
  • 9 The World We Live In 4:40
  • 10 Goodnight, Travel Well 6:52
  • 11 A Crippling Blow 3:36

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata