Flamingo by Brandon Flowers

Flamingo (Brandon Flowers)

The Killers front man first solo record… Or is it??

Album Rating: **^1/2 (2.5/5) 

The Killers have gone on a hiatus and Brandon Flowers sighted this as a reason to release a solo album. He had many ideas in his head and could not wait for other band members to complete their break. All this is fine but what seems hard to digest is the fact that when a lead singer from a band goes for a solo project he tries to explore a side that is new to him, an experiment of sorts. But what Flowers has done is basically recycle ‘The Killers’ music labeling it as a solo record.  (The Killers drummer has provided his services for two, if not more songs in this album).

Flowers love for Las Vegas (a place he grew up in) was quite evident in previous records but here he opens the album with an anthem sorts song “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” which pretty much tells us that he will be filling up the arenas soon with this song probably as a concert opener as well. Next song “Only The Young” is pretty much a sure-shot single and would probably be played in radio stations all across and showcases some solo characteristics. The lead single from the album “Crossfire” is nicely constructed and will certainly encourage the fans to go out and buy the record.  

“Jilted Lovers And Broken Dreams” sounds like just another ‘Killers’ song and is probably a skipped song from “Day & Age” or “The Sam’s Town” sessions.  “Hard Enough” and “Was It Something I Said” is easily forgettable and leaves no impression on listener whatsoever.  “Magdalena” showcases some ‘Mexican’ influence, but for no good. It just increases the album duration and provides us with further misery.

The album does have some highs and it comes just before the end with a soulful “On The Floor” in which Brandon Flowers vividly paints the picture of despair and surrender. This song probably holds the best vocals and song composing done by him (in this album) and depicts some of his talent as a skilled musician.  The album ends with “Swallow It” which has lyrics appropriate for Flowers himself “You couldn’t swallow it, you are not ready slow down, take your time to evolve”.  

With “Flamingo”, Flowers tries his level best to establish a ‘Bruce Springsteen’ type rhythm and music based album but barring few songs it hardly does anything for the listeners. The loyal Killers fan would be happy with what the album has turned out be but it won’t create any ‘Brandon Flowers’ fans.


Key Songs: On The Floor, Crossfire,  Only The Young. 

Track Listing: 
 
1. "Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas" (4:48)
2. "Only the Young" (4:19)
3. "Hard Enough" (featuring Jenny Lewis) (4:05)
4. "Jilted Lovers & Broken Hearts" (4:40)
5. "Playing with Fire" (5:48)
6. "Was It Something I Said?" (3:19)
7. "Magdalena" (3:19)
8. "Crossfire" (4:18)
9. "On the Floor" (3:23)
10. "Swallow It" (2:57)


(The Deluxe Edition features four other songs but it's hardly worth mentioning)