★★★☆
Brandon Flowers’ solo career has taken off since the release of Flamingo in 2010, and fans of his debut solo album will not be disappointed with his latest offering, The Desired Effect. In some ways, Flowers has attempted to retain some aspects of The Killers, but he has also developed his own unique style.
The Desired Effect has moved away from the American heartland influences of Flamingo and incorporates more alternative synths, reminiscent of Hot Fuss. ‘Can’t Deny My Love’, the album’s defining single, is perhaps not very innovative but it really exemplifies Flowers’ signature sound and sets a precedent for the entire album. It also has a particularly interesting music video, which is based on American author Nathaniel Hawthorne’s short story, ‘Young Goodman Brown’.
Other songs, such as ‘I Can Change’, which samples the backing track from Bronski Beat’s 1984 ‘Smalltown Boy’, have heavy 80s influences, combined with hauntingly composed lyrics. Critics will complain and call Flowers “cheesy”, but, whilst I admit Flowers has a tendency to be a little clichéd, I think it is very much intentional, and adds to the ambiguity of the songs, whilst also making them appear more relatable. Overall, The Desired Effect is an excellent follow up to Flamingo, and an exciting addition to Flower’s illustrious career.
