Direct Hits
The Killers · 2013
76 min · 18 tracks · alternative rock
A dynamic collection of anthemic alternative rock, blending nostalgia with the band's signature storytelling and vibrant melodies.
Top tracks — play these first
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Mr. Brightside Start here — As one of The Killers' most enduring hits, this track captures the band's blend of emotive lyrics and catchy hooks while showcasing their early sound.
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When You Were Young — This song stands out for its narrative depth and anthemic chorus, representing the band’s ability to evoke nostalgia and yearning through music.
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Human — With its infectious beat and philosophical lyrics about identity and existence, this track exemplifies The Killers' knack for blending danceable rock with introspective themes.
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Shot at the Night — This newer addition revitalizes the compilation with soaring production and hopeful lyrics, symbolizing both reflection on past successes and looking forward to future endeavors.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The compilation showcases The Killers' hits but lacks the cohesive narrative of a studio album.
What we noticed
- The running order begins with high-energy anthems before transitioning into more reflective pieces, creating a dynamic flow.
- 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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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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4/10
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
- sing-along anthems for gatherings
- dynamic collection of fan favorites
- wave-like pacing for easy flow
- nostalgic reflections on youth
- late-night drives with friends
Maybe skip if you
- seeking slow, introspective vibes
- prefer standalone tracks only
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Deep Cut — A compilation that showcases their hits but isn't a primary studio album.
- Themes
- early 2000s indie revival· Las Vegas nightlife· nostalgia for youth
- Career context
- Released on November 11, 2013, Direct Hits is The Killers' first compilation album, coming after their fourth studio album, Battle Born (2012). By this point in their career, they had established themselves as a prominent force in alternative rock, with a string of hits that defined the early 2000s music landscape.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Franz Ferdinand· The Strokes· Arctic Monkeys
Tracklist
- 1 Mr. Brightside Start here 3:42
- 2 Somebody Told Me 3:17
- 3 Smile Like You Mean It 3:54
- 4 All These Things That I’ve Done 5:01
- 5 When You Were Young 3:40
- 6 Read My Mind 4:06
- 7 For Reasons Unknown 3:32
- 8 Human 4:09
- 9 Spaceman 4:43
- 10 A Dustland Fairytale 3:45
- 11 Runaways 4:04
- 12 Miss Atomic Bomb 4:53
- 13 The Way It Was 3:51
- 14 Shot at the Night 4:02
- 15 Just Another Girl 4:22
- 16 Mr. Brightside (original demo) 4:22
- 17 When You Were Young (Calvin Harris remix) 6:12
- 18 Be Still 4:33
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
You Could Have It So Much Better
Franz Ferdinand
Features anthemic hooks and a similar nostalgic vibe tied to early 2000s indie rock.
The Suburbs
Arcade Fire
Explores themes of nostalgia and youth with a dynamic, layered sound that resonates emotionally.
Only by the Night
Kings of Leon
Shares vibrant melodies and anthemic choruses, echoing the storytelling found in The Killers' work.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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