The Killers: 'Human'

Released on Monday, Nov 17 2008

Published Monday, Nov 3 2008, 15:30 GMT | By Alex Fletcher | 13 comments

Rex Features

"Are we human or are we dancer?" sings Brandon Flowers on this comeback track from The Killers. His grasp of grammar may be a little shaky, but Flowers hasn't completely lost the plot here - he's actually referencing Hunter S. Thompson's comments about America breeding a generation of dancers. Thankfully, once you've got your head round the philosophical nonsense, 'Human' really hits the spot.

Somewhere between the glittering synth-pop of Hot Fuzz and the Bruce Springsteen-aping Sam's Town, 'Human' should win back those who felt The Killers went too serious on their second album. Produced by Stuart Price, the man behind Keane's recent renaissance, it begins with hushed synths and rippling guitars before spluttering into life in a way that recalls classic New Order. If the band's upcoming Day & Age set can match this, it could be a late contender for Album Of The Year.

More: The Killers, Music

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13 Comments

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Ryan thomas swansea 384 oyster mounth road , on April 2nd, 2009
dont know the lead singer do u know

Vincent Belgium, on January 23rd, 2009
I hate it, I really do. It's like cancer to my ears.

Ben, Shrewsbury, on November 29th, 2008
just to comment on the other ben about the line being "or are we denser". It is actually "or are we DANCER". According to Brandon it is a quote from Hunter S Thomas. Check their website or their wiki page to see that it is DANCER. A great song!

Espen, Norway, on November 28th, 2008
Take a train outta here from your blasted "platform of surrender" Killers, the music is uninteresting, the lyrics are pathetic blabbering. The song would have been better off with Michael Stipe-lyrics like "alealeale" throughout.

josh herrant , on November 25th, 2008
I dont like it. Yo moma

Ben, Brighton, on November 24th, 2008
The line is actually "Are we human, or are we denser?" which makes perfect sense.

Les Ferris, on November 16th, 2008
Love The Killers, and love this song. Can't wait to see them play live.

Jeff - Vancouver, on November 13th, 2008
Human is a horrible song, and the fact it's getting ratings is proof that people prefer sh***y music.

hot fuzz, east mids, on November 10th, 2008
one of the best tracks of the year!

Ed, london, on November 9th, 2008
Really? Compared to every other Killers song I've ever heard - it ranks right at the bottom - awful song, guys :(

Alan, Cork, on November 9th, 2008
Took me a while to come round to it, but after seeing it on the MTV awards I love it since.

Deano, Nottingham, on November 6th, 2008
Amazing!! One of my favourite songs at the moment

Chris, Merseyside, on November 3rd, 2008
Love this song.