10 Best Rock Albums Of The 2000s

After grunge had flipped the music world on its head in the 90's, it was almost expected that bands take on a more unassuming stage presence when they performed. Rock seemed to be getting more dour and decrepit, with bands aiming to create an atmosphere rather than entertain an audience. Once the Killers emerged from Las Vegas, they brought the bombast back into rock and roll.

Hot Fuss was a real shot in the arm for the music industry at the time, with a sound that was equals parts post-punk, 80's synth rock, and power pop. The band had their sound down to a near perfect level, with almost every track on this record having the potential to be a hit single. What hit even harder than the music was the lyrics, with singer Brandon Flowers bearing his soul on songs like "All These Things That I've Done" and the immortal "Mr. Brightside."

By draping their sound in a synthesized wash, the Killers struck the perfect balance between bombastic instrumentation and emotional potency that many thought to be impossible after 1989. While the band has gone on to bigger and better things, Hot Fuss was the album that made rock and roll feel new and exciting again.