Review Summary: A true classic.
A five out of five does not come lightly from me. Why does this album deserve it?
Quite simply:
It's Revolutionary.
Laugh if you will, perhaps you are surfing through reviews and think that a 5 is a ridiculous score for a Keys album, perhaps you hate the keys, perhaps you think that this is a terrible review. That's all opinion. And while I think Rubber Factory is still slightly above this album in terms of musicality, it does not compare with connectivity.
Im quite the weezer fan. When Pinkerton came out, it was bashed for its abrasive sound, somewhat offensive lyrics, and above all, total change of genre. After a couple years, the critics realized their mistake, and Rolling Stone changed the rating, a 2/5 (they called it the worst album of 1996), to a 5/5. I think something similar will happen here. Of course this wasn't bashed on it's realease, but i still think this album is rock/blues heavy artillery against bands like the Jonas Brothers. I am a terrible reviewer, I know, but this album deserves to praise I give it.
The sign of a great band (such as the beatles, the who, the stones) is a band that has a consistent stream of great albums, and then totally changes their sound to create something great. This is what the black keys have done. The album takes the hard rocking, drum pounding musicians and does something rather peculiar...they simply tone it down. Not the passion, but the music. The album simply screams from it's insides with soul. It's like they have all this emotion, but they are keeping it all inside. Each song bursts with originality: every track is laced with intricate harmonies, saucy guitars, and some of the most compelling drum beats I have ever heard. Not only that, but the Black Keys try something they have never done before...fallsetto. I'm sure that may seem like a trivial thing, but this is what makes the album so unique. It's an emotional overload, and it comes off as a truly personal album.
Which is why the album is in and of itself a revolution: the songs are what music should be. Filled with a range of emotion, trying to push yourself to new limits, and connecting with your audience. Whenever I think of an album, I simply ask myself this: does it connect with me? Most albums i listen to may be pretty good, but an elite few connect.
Look: I am well aware I am not a good reviewer - Its just a small hobby. If you can leave any tips or comments below, that would rock. Almost every song on the album is perfect - ironically, the worst song is the lead single - Tighten Up. Nontheless, the keys dont fail to impress. Again, just my opinion.
But you owe it to yourself to check out this album.
Check Out
10 Cent Pistol
Everlasting Light
Sinister Kid
Only One
Black Mud
