Yet the fact he collaborated with just one in-demand producer, Ariel Rechtshaid (Vampire Weekend, Haim, Sky Ferreira), versus the five producers employed for the Killers' 2012 album Battle Born, is reason enough to celebrate.
Still, the '80s pop-rock influences remain, be it in the overt sampling of Bronski Beat hit Smalltown Boy (on I Can Change) to the various synth stabs and swells, syncopated rhythms and joyous backing vocals that permeate this album.
• Brandon Flowers. The Desired Effect. Island Records
• Three and a half stars (out of five)
Single download: Still Want You
For those who like: Boy George meets Morrissey
- Shane Gilchrist
