The Redemption of Mr. Brightside
By Joseph Peck
Nobody gave much of a damn when The Killers started performing the Las Vegas circuit back in the early 2000s. Even Brandon Flowers, in all his gorgeous glory, couldn’t win over the good folks of that drug addled city. Then, in 2004, Mr. Brightside hit the big time. It charted throughout the world, and why not, its groovy beat has a little something for everyone. Although, even with the initial success of the song and its accompanying album, Hot Fuss, no one could have predicted the level Mr. Brightside would reach. In the UK Top 100, it went straight to number one and, ever since, there has not been a single year it has not featured in the charts. To this day, it has charted a total of 166 times and, only last year, finished a marathon run of 35 consecutive weeks.
You’re not really supposed to like Mr. Brightside if you’re interested in upholding those indie, Sad Boy vibes. Just like any Mac Demarco song, Mr. Brightside is a tune that should be left in your high school days, to avoid looking like someone who only started listening to music properly last christmas, when your mother bought you that Now That’s what I Call Music album. But in reality, such an image of alternative, edgy purity is impossible to keep up, particularly when the sweet and sultry tones of Brandon Flowers are coming at you through the speakers. Who can resist dancing when those first notes kick in, inspiring each and every one of us to COMIN’ OUT OF MY CAGE AND I’VE BEEN DOING JUST FINE.
There is not a more unifying song for the 21st century man. That quiet girl with the bangs you’ve been trying to date? Look at her nodding her head subtly, pretending not to seem interested when really she’s loving every word. The Republican boy in your section who you didn’t think had a soul? Well, those tunes are clearly touching something. That awful frat boy who you wish wasn’t so awful? Look at him dancing around like a loveable idiot, maybe friends can become enemies a er all. In those short 3 minutes and 44 seconds, peace is restored.
And why not? The song presents a time old story of love and loss that is recognisable to anyone who could ever listen to it. Sometimes our stomachs do get sick, and jealousy truly does turn saints into the sea. Wow, wise words Mr. Flowers. So let’s embrace Mr. Brightside, because we all love it even if we say we don’t.