Brandon Flowers "Flamingo" (ADVANCE)

Much like Julian Casablancas and (to a lesser extent) Dan Auerbach last year, the lead singer of a reputable rock band has decided to release a solo album. Brandon Flowers, if you don't know, is the frontman of The Killers. Flowers is a showman, first and foremost, and with the Killers he usually knocks it out of the park. But without having to listen to input from other band members it can really let an ego run wild and prevent the best possible song from being made.

These were my thoughts going into it. Most lead singers fail solo. It's the Beyonces that are the rare cases. Casablancas' solo turn was a complete 180 from the Strokes. They're garage rock and he went electronic. Flowers also went in the opposite direction of his main band. The Killers are heavy synthpop so Flowers went for a more straightforward rock sound.

It's actually not bad. A little preachy at points but he does well to stay away from anything that would make you think "this is a Killers song." The biggest issue I have is that he buried the lead single "Crossfire" as the 8th track on this 10 song set. You want to grab the listener quickly with something they are familiar with and presumably like. Now, it's a rookie move making it the first track but it needs to fall between songs 2-4. A petty point sure but something that is awkwardly noticeable.

Must hear: Crossfire

(Release Date: 9/14/10)