Is Sawdust a good place to start with The Killers?

Yes, Sawdust is recommended as a starting point for new The Killers listeners. A compilation of atmospheric rock anthems infused with eclectic influences and a touch of nostalgic yearning. Sawdust, released in November 2007, is a collection of B-sides and rarities from The Killers' earlier albums, including Sam's Town. At this point in their career, the band was transitioning from their breakthrough success with Hot Fuss and navigating the pressures of maintaining that momentum after the mixed reception of Sam's Town.

Sawdust works well if you're into dynamic journey with emotional peaks, atmospheric ballads for reflection and sing-along anthems for gatherings.

How many songs are on Sawdust?

Sawdust has 18 tracks, running approximately 75 minutes.

Sawdust

The Killers · 2007

75 min · 18 tracks · alternative rock

A compilation of atmospheric rock anthems infused with eclectic influences and a touch of nostalgic yearning.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Tranquilize Start here — This track features an evocative duet with Lou Reed that highlights themes of disillusionment and longing, blending rock with haunting melodies.
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Shadowplay — A reinterpretation of the Joy Division classic, this song captures the essence of post-punk revival while showcasing The Killers' signature sound.
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Who Let You Go? — This track stands out for its emotional depth and storytelling, reflecting on themes of loss and regret within a catchy rock framework.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

45 /100

Lowland

Higher than 5% of albums we've rated

Sawdust showcases solid songwriting but lacks the cohesion of a fully realized album, featuring varied styles and some notable tracks.

What we noticed

The album opens with a mid-tempo track and maintains a consistent energy level through the first half before introducing slower songs in the latter part.
Several tracks feature layered instrumentation, creating a rich soundscape that enhances the atmospheric quality of the music.
The last three tracks include a cover and two remixes, which shift the tone and style significantly compared to the preceding original material.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 4/10

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

dynamic journey with emotional peaks
atmospheric ballads for reflection
sing-along anthems for gatherings
wave-like pacing for engagement
curated collection of vibrant tracks

Maybe skip if you

prefer instant gratification tracks
seek standalone singles only

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Deep Cut — A collection of B-sides and rarities, appealing mainly to dedicated fans.
Themes: Las Vegas nightlife· B-sides nostalgia· poignant storytelling
Career context: Sawdust, released in November 2007, is a collection of B-sides and rarities from The Killers' earlier albums, including Sam's Town. At this point in their career, the band was transitioning from their breakthrough success with Hot Fuss and navigating the pressures of maintaining that momentum after the mixed reception of Sam's Town.
Stylistic neighbors: Franz Ferdinand· The Strokes· Arctic Monkeys