Rarely are there albums that people listen to over and over again. They memorize the words to each song, fantasize about the lead singer, and even years later, for them, the CD still seems epic.

The Killers’ second album, Sam’s Town, is one of those records. The band takes the energy present in its début album, Hot Fuss, and pushes it a step further with such amazing songs as the title track and “When You Were Young,” which successfully plays on Bruce Springsteen’s “Born to Run.”

Lead singer Brandon Flowers croons soulfully on such tracks as “Read my Mind” and “The List,” and the rest of the group rocks out on songs “Uncle Jonny” and “This River Is Wild.”

Not only does the band possess an awesome talent for creating catchy rock beats, but the songwriting contains enticing lyrics. Much of the album’s material focuses on growing up. On such songs as “For Reasons Unknown,” Flowers sings about getting “older” and “colder.”

On “Bones,” the upbeat melody is complemented with the lyrics “Don’t you wanna come with me? Don’t you wanna feel my bones on your bones? It’s only natural.” It may not be romantic in any way, but Flowers’ smooth vocals make it OK.

Be it the intriguing, weird lyrics, his soulful yet edgy voice, or the amazing tunes that stick with listeners, Sam’s Town will always be one of the best.

— by Sarah Larson