Album Review: The Black Keys - Turn Blue The eight studio album from the blues rock two-piece from Akron, Ohio is decidedly darker than the duos past albums, especially their last, El Camino. Its not as punchy, its not as catchy, its sure as Hell not as accessible. Becoming essentially a third member of the band, producer Danger Mouse (aka Brian Burton) adds his psychedelic touch to Turn Blue and gets more involved than ever. Tracks like the beautiful Waiting On Words and In Our Prime are perfect examples of frontman and guitarist Dan Auerbachs personal lyrics (he went through a divorce last year), with lines like We had it all when we were in our prime and Goodbye/ Dont know where youre going/ The only thing I really know/ My love for you was real. Auerbachs recent divorce also finds its way into other tracks on the record, like the fantastic, nearly 7-minute Weight of Love, In Time, and Auerbach even seems unsure of being able to move on in album highlight 10 Lovers. Auerbachs falsetto also finds its way into the record, more-so than ever. That, backed by Patrick Carneys gentle percussion gives the album a gentler, more vulnerable side that weve never seen from the Black Keys. For fans of the arena-sized Black Keys, dont worry. Theres still plenty of that to be found on the record. Lead single Fever features a grand finale that begs to be listened to over and over. Bullet in the Brain features soaring guitar work and punchy drumming from Carney. Even the opener Weight of Love features some astounding guitar work, while the closer Gotta Get Away is the most straightforward track on the record. Its a fun, poppy, hook-driven song. After all the turmoil that can be found in Auerbachs lyrics throughout the record, the duo certainly deserved to cut loose and have a little fun. A positive note to end the album on, Gotta Get Away is a standout on the album. With Turn Blue, the Black Keys continue to change and expand their style of blues-rock music. Their emotion can be heard on every track and after a monster 2011 album, Turn Blue slows things down musically, but ups the ante artistically and creatively. Recommended Tracks: Weight of Love, 10 Lovers, Gotta Get Away Rating: 5/5
Posted on: Tue, 13 May 2014 21:11:39 +0000
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