Reviews (page 9 of 15)
It's almost very good, great start and end. Kind of weak in the middle.
Enjoyed this album more than I thought I would. Although my expectations were quite low. I know the singles from this album quite well, Tighten up & Howlin for you, were on the BBC Radio 6. But I was expecting the other songs to be 'samey' and although thesei are mostly bluesy/shouty type songs there was some elements of variation. Probably won't listen to again. I guess this is a case of, 'you had to be there', to get the best from these. And I'm afraid I can't be bothered going! 3 stars.
Already one of my favs, The Black Keys never disappoints.
That's fine
I probably lost interest in the Black Keys about three or four albums in. I can see that remains the case.
Kind of interesting, but noisy, voice doesn’t sound great, and without any musicality.
Enjoyed the first several songs. The last 5 or so I didn’t care for. The sounds is the iconic Black Keys sound.
Haven't listened to The Black Keys in quite a long time, and those songs weren't even on this album. Howlin' For You sounded very familiar, though. Solid but didn't ever really stimulate me much. B-tier blues rock. A pleasant enough listen but nothing special for me. Favorite track(s): Everlasting Light, Tighten Up, Ten Cent Pistol
Another album that middle school me loved. I still have the CD, even. I do like some of the music here, but the lyrics are kind of weaksauce across the board. Definitely not a bad album. Feels like whitewashed blues pop rock music. I'd liken The Black Keys to being the Target or H&M of Blues Pop Rock, broadly appealing, not much breadth or depth past the surface.
Short Song-by-Song Review of Brothers by The Black Keys Everlasting Light A brilliant opener. The falsetto vocals and stomping beat are hypnotic, setting the stage for the album’s raw, soulful vibe. A perfect mix of grit and groove. Next Girl The heavy bassline and punchy guitars make this a standout. The lyrics are drenched in sardonic wit, while the sound carries a bluesy swagger that’s infectious. Tighten Up The album’s biggest hit for a reason. Danger Mouse’s production shines here, with whistling melodies and a hook that’s impossible not to hum along with. A timeless jam. Howlin’ for You Instantly catchy, with a driving rhythm that feels like a playful nod to garage rock classics. It’s brash, fun, and unrelentingly cool. She’s Long Gone A darker, slower-burning track that oozes bluesy grit. The distorted guitar riff is a highlight, evoking a sense of longing and raw emotion. Black Mud An instrumental interlude with haunting, swampy vibes. It’s short but atmospheric, showcasing the band’s knack for setting a mood. The Only One Dreamy and sultry, this track slows things down with smooth melodies and a soulful undercurrent. The synth touches add a new dimension to the album’s texture. Too Afraid to Love You A deeply emotional standout. The harpsichord adds a baroque, melancholic beauty to the bluesy vocals and lyrics. A haunting love song. Ten Cent Pistol A dark tale of betrayal and revenge set to a slow, menacing groove. The storytelling is vivid, and the music builds tension beautifully. Sinister Kid High energy and full of attitude, with a driving rhythm and sharp riffs. The vocals feel defiant and raw, adding to its rebellious charm. The Go Getter A bit of a moodier, more atmospheric track. The slow tempo and spacey production give it a brooding intensity, making it an intriguing deep cut. I'm Not the One Stripped-down and soulful, this track leans on emotional vulnerability. The minimalist arrangement lets the heartfelt lyrics shine. Unknown Brother A tender and heartfelt song. The lyrics convey a sense of loss and longing, while the melody feels both melancholic and uplifting. Never Gonna Give You Up A soulful cover that pays homage to the band’s influences. Smooth, romantic, and a nice stylistic shift on the album. These Days The perfect closer. Reflective and bittersweet, it feels like the calm after the storm. The melancholic tone lingers beautifully, leaving a lasting impression. Overall: Brothers is a masterclass in blending blues, rock, and soul into something timeless yet fresh. The Black Keys’ raw energy and emotional depth make this album a joy to revisit.
Classic, wouldn't skip any song
This is a good album. Great bluesy sound, with good lyrics and vocals. I enjoyed it. Plus, points are the bluesy sound, the backing tracks, the lyrics, and vocals. Fantastic! On the negative side the album is very front loaded and far too long. It could have easily been the first 10 tracks. Shorter and sharper would have made it a 4/5 There are some great tracks, I really enjoyed too afraid to love you and ten cent pistol. The big hits tighten up and Howlin for you are great tracks too. Favourite song: Too afraid to love you Least favourite: the last 5-6 tracks. they feel like filler. Album artwork: Love it
I didnt relisten but I lived through the 2010s so I have heard this more times than anyone should before I die.
downloaded 2,3,4,7&8. decent
They all sounded the same but 2 of the songs were bangers. Probably because they were more upbeat
4 stars
This is to my ears a poorly recorded album which was a a hard listen. The poor audio quality could be excused if the actual album was up to scratch. But there was nothing at all to hold my attention. All been done before by better artists. 1/5 9/1/25
easy, breezy, beautiful
I kinda skimmed it. It was good but not something I would listen to regularly.
One of the original garage rock stars. I can appreciate the bangers but not “great”
Well the crooks are out And the streets are gray You know I wouldn't have it any other way, yeah Your mother's words, they're, they're ringing still But your mother don't pay our bills, yeah A sinister kid is a kid who Runs to meet his maker A drop that spreads from the day he's born Straight into his maker's arms And that's me, that's me The boy with the broken halo That's me, that's me The devil won't let me be I got a tortured mind And my blade is sharp A bad combination in the dark If I kill a man in the first degree Baby would you, would you flee with me? Here's the thing - This is a great album. I know that its 2 white dudes playing blues rock and appropriating all kinds of shit with both hands but at the end of the day its still just a damn good album. 5/5
With few exceptions, there is very little variation song to song. Everlasting Light and Howling for You are standouts, the rest kinda blend together.
Hated the first few songs. Everlasting light was sung so wispily and I thought the instrumentals sounded like random objects you’d find in a garage. Also tin can vocals and muffled. But it got better. The only one is pretty good, it’s a chill song. Too afraid to love you is also good. I like the swingy melody. Hate the go getter - it just sounds so flat. Several songs I just TOTALLY tuned out accidentally as background music. Whoops. But not the worst, really.
[5/10] Spotify recommended me the “Beer and Wings” playlist after I listened to this which sums it up pretty well.
Fantastic album. My favorite from The Black Keys. Nice blues riffs and good songwriting make for a fantastic listen.
Pretty good. I do think they bring something new to the genre, and would be happy to go back to them. I'm Not the One was one of my favourites
CD
Don't know why but liked it more than I thought I would. The music is definitely better than the singing, but all in all its a decent album. Best song: Too Afraid to Love
Never really liked it then and still don’t. Kinda just fake rock?
The hits are catchy but the rest drags and feels repetitive. Great production tho 2.6
I just don’t love the songs.
Never was the biggest black keys guy but this is a solid offering from then with some strong tracks
Pretty good album, few good songs Favorite song: tighten up
Great)
if you like what theyve got, theyve got extra consistent album of fun modern blues-pop flair
Oujee, ihana groove, ihana jytä ja rokki 5/5
Hm. Not as good as I remembered. A couple of good, psychedelic slow songs in the middle. The rest feels dated and mediocre. 15 songs is too long as well. Shame.
Cool
Was alright
I work at a coffee shop. Yes, I am writing a screenplay, how did you know? We serve tea in proper teapots and teacups, and multiple times I have had to replace the cups with mugs because the male customers, and it is invariably men who do this, don’t want to drink out of ‘little girly cups.’ It’s a sort of masculinity that I don’t understand one bit. How does drinking from a slightly smaller receptacle make you feel like less of a man? If I sense that a couple of blokes with this hangup are going to order tea for two, I try and give them the pink spotty teapot. The Black Keys give me the same sort of sense of toxic masculinity as refusing to drink from teacups does. Brothers is Pop music wearing flannel, it’s designed to scratch your brain in the same way that McDonalds or Maroon 5 does, designed to soundtrack car commercials or pop-up ads for erectile dysfunction pills. But, because it’s informed by the same basic instincts as good Blues music, that makes it somehow OK to listen to, doesn’t make you less of a man than if you admitted to listening to one of the Pop Princesses does. I think that’s fucking stupid. I am secure enough in my masculinity to enjoy Taylor Swift and not go ballistic if I’m forced to drink out of a teacup. Brothers gets One Star, not just because I think it’s an uninspired rehashing of better and more interesting Blues acts, but because it represents a toxicity in Rock that I cannot stand. If you like Pop, listen to Pop. Don’t listen to this garbage just because you don’t want to listen to ‘girly music’
I enjoyed most of this. This album is nicely put together
Somewhat familiar with the Black Keys via their singles throughout the years, especially from "El Camino", which would follow this release. Decent garage rock band at a time when the genre was undergoing a revival. Simplistic production and song composition here, given where the group recorded. The two big singles "Tighten Up" and "Howlin' for You" stick out here and are conveniently back-to-back in the track listing. The album starts to fade after that unfortunately, and becomes a little one-note.
The frontman can't sing. This is like a worse version of Labrinth or Glass Animals. I did like the lyrics but this isn't something I'd listen to again.
Pretty standard blues rock, and though they've clearly been listening to some 70s glam, they're staying solidly in the safe middle ground. Has its moments, but too much of it is forgettable, even as it was playing.
haven’t listened to much of these guys. enjoyed it
Solid fuzz rock album 1001 album worthy: Yes - 17/31
So many hits. Great album. Great sound.
Обложка нравится, а с музлом уже посложнее
There's a lot of good on this album ("Tighten Up", "Long Gone", "Next Girl", "Ten Cent Pistol", "Howlin' For You") that remains in my rotation, but there's a lot of mid stuff too. Sure they moved away from their basement recordings and got Danger Mouse to produce the shit of of these songs so they're never gonna sound like the cheap ass days of yore but you know what? I like the Black Keys, and I like this.
I loved this album, nice bluesy rock with good vocals and a nice "edge". A 3.5.
This is definitely a Black Keys album, I’m not really sure what more there is to say about it. It’s sort of a disappointing departure from their earlier lofi stuff that was a little more aggressive and varying. This album really suffers from an overarching sameness that really makes me not what to listen to it. Every song sounds so similar that it’s a struggle to tell them apart. It’s not that the music is bad, it’s a cool funky blues sound with lots of fuzz, but it’s just so monotonous. I don’t really dislike this album, but I also don’t feel it needs to exist as more than just a couple decent singles. 2*
found my new fav album
Solid album
Bored me, really.
Mediocre white men: blues rock edition.
I don’t know why but they always remind me of Flight of The Concords but like if they made blues rock. This album was everywhere in the early 2010s. There was a love hate relationship going on with people loving the album but also hating it because of the popularity. I was indifferent and never really sought them out but also never disliked their music. Theres a couple bangers on her that will be stuck in my head. Did think the album was a bit long but other than that its a very enjoyable listen. 8/10
Is the cover art some kind of take-off of the Howlin' Wolf album? Very gauche. And yeah, this is slop. Then only 'brothers' I give a hoot about are the Cate Brothers, baby - give them boys a listen to if you want a smooth old time of it.
Great album!
I could not give less of a single fuck about a band for dudes in their mid-30s still going to basement shows after their day job as a consultant, still drinking PBR, still smoking Marb' Reds, and still dating girls who are freshly out of liberal arts college and trying to ✨find themselves✨ while working a temp job as an Executive Assistant. I especially don’t care when that band makes 15 songs that all sound the same, despite the obvious expert-level studio tinkering going on. If you’re going to be Steely Dan for Millennials, the least you could do is write catchy fucking music, and not the sonic equivalent of unseasoned chicken breast. Like, sure, you'll get the gains, but what's the point if there's no flavor? I know there are actual bad albums on this list, but I’d be lying if I tried to pretend that this has any value. Just because The Black Keys are talented, doesn’t mean they deserve my attention. Michelle Branch's The Spirit Room is a million times more deserving of being on this list.
This was just a really solid rock album, nothing else to say really
Okay.
This one just faded into background noise for me. Well made but ultimately uninspiring light rock.
Blues, Rock, 2010 -> 3
While some tracks are very similar sounding, this is still a solid blues rock album.
Enjoyed this more than I thought I would. I would have enjoyed it more if the vocals didn't have effects on every damn song.
I listened to the deluxe version. Not sure what the difference between that and the original but it is brilliant. Blues based and sounds so good. It sounds perfect for a day when you want to sit back and chill and listen to some great tunes.
Some songs are solid but I really don't think this should be on this list. I think people can and will live without listening to this.
Lekker album, Danger Mouse laat het ook geweldig klinken. Maar veel hetzelfde, en veel eerder van ze gehoord.
Good
You could remove the spaces between the songs and just have one long continuous song because every one of them sounds exactly the same. I really liked Sinister Kid when it came out, but listening to this entire album is aural torture. Listening to one or two songs is fine, but more than that is just too monotonous. I kept checking how much longer I had left to listen to this album. That's not a good indicator for a repeat listen.
Buena música pero no destaca demasiado. La puedo poner de fondo y disfrutarla así, pero no me vuela la peluca.
I remember this being such a huge record and how representative it was of music at the time. There was a big trend of using vintage equipment and methods to record, and it seems like the Black Keys might've been the band that started the trend. Cool record that had significant impact at the time, but I don't think it's really that unique as time has gone on.
A qualidade da banda é inegável por mais melancólico que o disco possa transmitir! Senti a falta de maiores sucessos.
Grand
Brothers is a decent, if unexceptional, record. I like the songs okay, but it's not an album I'd return to often. I get why it helped them cross over to a larger audience, because it's well produced with a handful of catchy songs. (Danger Mouse knows what he's doing). People tend to like that sort of thing, which is fine. I want music that really grabs me and carries me along, preferably with a sound that distinguishes itself as being both genuine and distinctly different, and these songs fall short of doing that. They're trying though. I'm not sure anyone NEEDS to hear this album, but if you're going to check this band out you could pick worse places to start. For blues rock from the current century, I'll take The White Stripes over all the competition, and they've got 5 albums out of 6 that I still enjoy regularly.
3.5 stars
3.5 stars
I've heard Black Keys songs on and off for quite a while now, but this was the first time I've sat and listened to an entire album. This one is pretty good. Fuzzy blues guitar, feedback vocals, with a throwback to the 70's Blues sound of Zeppelin in parts. Overall, a good album and I would recommend it. 3.5/5 which translates to a 4/5 on this scale.
I know it's kinda cool to hate on the Black Keys now and I get it... yes, they sold out... yes they are a knockoff White Stripes... yes they do make blues music for people afraid of black people but fuck it. It is an important album to me. My very first concert was Black Keys, and this album helped to really get me into music in general. 10/10 though admittedly biased.
I think the album is good, and I like a decent amount of songs. I am not their biggest fan. It's between a 3 and 4 for me.
Already one of my favorite bands. I think this is their masterpiece so far. Blends the two eras of the band perfectly. The old raw and dirty with the newer polished raw and dirty. I love it. Their music always goes straight into my body and gets me moving.
Really liked some songs, really didn't like some songs.
Gutta rocker jo litt
How do you write an album this long and have every song sound the same? It’s all so thumpy and mid-tempo. Also, got very tired of the “retro” vocal effect after the 2nd song.
This is sort of when they started to suck. Howlin for you is trash but I enjoyed relistening to this and would definitely not complain if someone put it on. Some of the instrumentation sounds like wu-tang beats.
Αρκετα ενδιαφερον αλμπουμ για διαφορα μουντ. Σιγουρα δεν ειναι τελειο και γινεται καπως repitive. Παντως μαρεσε αρκετα και θελω να το ξανακουσω για να χω πληρη αποψη. Rating: A-
I have never listened to The Black Keys, at least knowingly, so I didn't know what to expect going in to this album. By the time a few tracks had gone by, I realized I was enjoying it a decent amount. It wasn't an album that wowed me, but I had a good time with it. A solid 3.5 / 5
nice
I like the Black Keys. Brothers is a solid album, but I KNOW it gets better. A LOT better...aka El Camino. I really like the vocals and guitar parts but some songs on this album just aren't as catchy as they will get later on. More like a 2.5 Liked Songs: "Everlasting Light" , "Next Girl" , "Howlin' for You" , "She's Long Gone" , "Ten Cent Pistol" , "Sinnister Kid"
liked songs: Everlasting Light, Howlin' for You, Ten Cent Pistol Very good. I actually liked how stripped back the production of this album was; the songs shine on their own. 3.75
Not too bad. A lot of reviewers seem to strongly dislike it. I think it's pretty good for background, or having tracks mixed into a bigger playlist. Definitely need to be in the correct mood to enjoy it.
Radio "blues" I remember really liking this as a teenager but it just has no soul or flavour. Mayonnaise
235/1001 🌕🌕🌕🌑🌑
They should start a go fund me for a new microphone
i think i've been giving the arctic monkeys a lot of credit for what the black keys have done...
Love me some Black Keys.
Excellent rock blues album. My eldest nephew reminded me I got him into this band, and that's a nice feeling as an aunt. Great listen.
I enjoyed the album a lot, felt like a really good first listen, but I will need to listen more to give an honest opinion on it. Enjoyed the style of rock.
Undeniable banger
***An ok album
Very solid. The songs all blend together for me though.
Chimbita, me gustó
A great recording. I was never into the Black Keys although I have had heard of them. I wasn't aware that this album was their breakthrough. All of the songs are good and "Everlasting Light" "Tighten Up" are stand outs.
Enjoyable but all just sounds like The Black Keys to me which prevents
Few cool songs
Fine, nothing special. If a liquor commercial was an album.
This is a nice CD, I listed to it a bunch when it came out and saw Black Keys on this tour. But I wouldn't have said it's one of the best CDs of that era. Really, as superlatives go, it's more like the most-normal good CD of that era. Not that it's bad, but I'm more just surprised the guy put it on this list. For starters, he seems to be kind of an Anglophile, and most of the best music from this period is from the British bands. This came out kind of at the tail end of the indie rock period and was sort of a bridge between that style, with the raw stripped-down hard-rocking sound, and the bullshit Disneyland Americana of The Lumineers and Mumford & Sons that would come later. Listening to it again now, it opens strong, the first five songs or so are bangers, but it really loses steam at about the halfway point, after "She's Long Gone". To the extent that a band that is to a first approximation a Doors cover band ever had anything at all to say, they definitely didn't have 55 minutes worth of stuff to say. This would've made a better 35 minute CD. It's not really new, it's not really virtuosic, but it's solid within-the-lines rock. I didn't mind putting it back on again.
meh
Groupe inconnu. Leur musique n'est pas désagréable, mais est très répétitive et très peu originale (blues rock mou, mais sans les chorus), je me suis lassé assez vite. Je n'y reviendrais pas. =>2/5
Nice enough sound. They sort of merged with white denim at this point.
I have a weird relationship with this album. I was SO into the singles when I was in high school, but I found the record itself bloated and a bit boring. Nowadays, I don’t really get much out of “Howlin’ for You” or “Tighten Up,” but deeper cuts like “Sinister Kid” or “10 Cent Pistol” are total jams. It’s a decent album overall; I prefer El Camino if we’re looking at the commercial peak of the Black Keys, but it’s far better than anything they’ve put out since Turn Blue
boring
Very good. Gets a bit repetitive.
Hmmmm not the best - mediocre
pretty forgettable album.
Similar to BRMC. Quite a long album at over an hour.
Blues vaporwave - music is fine but as inoffensive as a ham and cheese sandwich. Proof things can be less than the sum of their parts.
Good
The blues is there for the taking and I'm all for reusing it's tropes—frankly it's hard NOT to—but there's one too many lazy lyrical cliches here for me. The Cramps and Jon Spencer Blues Explosion do it better than this. Not to mention RL Burnside. Jack and Meg probably do it with more conviction too. I've only ever heard songs from this record in snippets and on truck commercials but I do like it more than I thought I would. Also, Black Sabbath, Black Flag, Black Crowes, Black Star, and Black Lips are all better.
Didn’t dislike it, but it was all a bit samey
Let the record show, I’m a fan of The Black Keys, but even they’d likely scoff at 'Brothers' landing on any “best of all time” list. The album marked a shift from their raw, garage-rock roots, with Danger Mouse’s production giving it a slicker feel at the cost of some of the gritty charm found in earlier work. The decision clearly paid off, earning them their first Grammy and going platinum. 'Brothers' has undeniable highlights—“Tighten Up” is an infectious hit, and “Howlin’ for You” delivers a driving rhythm with a catchy chorus. “Next Girl” stands out for its bluesy riff and tension. However, other tracks are solid in isolation but suffer from a lack of distinctive identity, blending into each other. The result is an unsettling dip in energy, leaving you wondering which track you’re even listening to. At over an hour, the album starts to drag, with some moments feeling repetitive. Brothers is a good album, but far from “best of” material. While its hits still resonate, the overall experience is weighed down by pacing issues. The Black Keys would perfect this sound on El Camino, making Brothers, despite its success, feel more like a stepping stone than a defining moment. Did/Do I own this release? No Does this release belong on the list? Even The Black Keys would say no. Would this release make my personal list? No. Will I be listening to it again? Unlikely.
Pretty standard Black Keys - all their songs sound the same to me. That being said, it is a formula that I like. Some pretty funky songs but doesn’t blow me away.
this black keys album unlocked a deep nostalgia that comes with some sadness and longing for the past. HOWEVER, it's really good. love the vocals and variations in distortion in both the vocals and guitar
Favourite track: Tighten Up.
A perfectly fine 3.5/5 that can be a 4/5 at 1am at a dive bar. Like some of the artists on here, it is hard to go above a certain rating when they have other projects I just enjoy more (specifically the earlier Rubber Factory). I liked this album enough to see them on their tour for this album and it was clear they were heading for some more mainstream adoption rolling off of this. Actually sitting down to listen to this for the first time in about a decade, I found myself missing some of the grit of their earlier records and being bored by the radio singles, but still enjoyed the vibe as a whole.
Solid album from start to front.
I never understood the appeal for this album being so good. Its good, but not that good. Kinda funny these guys tried to do an arena tour and cancelled the whole thing for lack of ticket sales. This is an album by The Black Keys. The rating for this album is 3 stars.
Good hooks but not really grabbing me Howlin for You riff has become a classic One-dimensional blues rock I would probably rate 2.5 if I could. Not bad, but other than the hits it didn’t compel me.
Blues rock bore off
Great new age I guess I would call it indie rock? Really fun throughout, memorable riffs and some great standout tracks
Bluesrock. Slicker than the White Stripes. Also much less interesting.
Never heard of them before. Not bad. Forgettable. 5/10
3 good tracks out of 16, and more than half of those are so repetitive they could have been one or two long songs. Easily could have died without listening to most of it.
2.5. It’s Tighten Up and an hour or so of other stuff that sounds the same.
Like every album made by The Black Keys or Kings of Leon, I wish they would just shut up. Such nice pop-rock compositions almost always ruined by the singers voice. I can’t quite pin it down, but there’s something in both the tonality of the singers voice and the lyrics that is so grating on the ears. On the plus side, this is recorded excellently. The fidelity and textures of all the instruments, how they all come together, it’s all fantastic. Softest 3 possible.
Music to sell stuff to.
Never listened to them before. Reazlly good sound
bopppps all around!! Felt perfect for opening up the jazz building too! Will definitely listen again
Its okay
Some great tracks on here. Don’t love the album as a whole though as a lot sounds the same. There is a looseness to everything. Drums, guitar, sound.
I enjoyed this - catchy, bluesy rock and I'm such a sucker for some strong percussion and/or basslines.
Love the Black Keys. Raw, banging and rock solid.
Favorite tracks: Everlasting Light, Tighten Up, Ten Cent Pistol. Some standout tracks throughout. I do prefer the more garage rock sound of Rubber Factory overall. The tracklist could have been trimmed down though, too much filler.
Meh?
I always loved the Black Keys and their songs on the radio but never listened to a full album The Go Getter was not my favorite but that was about it. Beyond the hits it was still great. Ten Cent Pistol, Everlasting Light, Howlin for you all great. I also liked I'm Not the One, it just had a dark gritty sound that was great. Unknown Brothers was good, had a loving vibe (maybe it was the jingle bells) that just feels heartwarming in a rock way. These Days was beautiful, touching, emotion filled and brings a tear to my eye. Their sound is just so uniquely them. Spotify calls it blues, rock, and it is but also more. The voice, the synthesizers, use of drums, and everything just makes these sound that is so deep, raw and something worth listening to again and again.
Black Keys. Soulful. Groovy. Aside from the hits, I've always liked Black Mud. Pretty cool instrumental.
Tighten Up and Howlin' for You have been regulars on my personal playlists for so long that I'm almost tired of them at this point, lol. I really liked the Black Keys when they arrived on the scene, I dug their unique sound and catchy beats. I'm a little more so-so on them now, I feel like I've somehow outgrown them a little. This is still a solid album though. Everlasting Light and The Only One are my two faves on here. It does all start to sound a bit samesy as it goes on, and some of the slower songs where he's talking more than singing get a bit dry, but it was an enjoyable listen overall!
it's like someone grabbed a Fleetwood Mac karaoke album and then stripped all the character out of it before adding in boring vocals?
Great album
cool rock album!
I like a lot of the tracks on this album but I also find it to be pretty repetitive. 3.0 rating from me.
This album rocks!!
packets of energy...grindhouse
So bland and inoffensive it's torturous.
I liked this one a lot. Reminded me a lot of Alabama Shakes. The backstory of recording in the original Muscle Shoals Studio makes it even cooler. Rating: 4.8
2010. Blues rock, garage rock
Bra vibe
Listened a few times but this style of blues rock passes me by and soon didn't get too much out of it.
The second half of this album was better than the first half. Still, three stars is the most I'm prepared to offer.
Very enjoyable. Album flows.
Bluesy rock. Pretty good but I didn’t really care for the vocals. Sounded almost electronic in a way.
DISCAZO
This was a fine album. Weird to listen to it right after "Let It Bleed" by The Rolling Stones, the influence is obvious, although more on the Blues side than the Country side. Nothing particularly memorable about tjis album.
Good
No es lo mio
Maybe a little too glossy for a blues record, but this gets 5 stars for being purely nostalgic. Lots of great songs, covers, productions and just rocking. Surprised this is on the list but a good surprise
Just one of these very good Black Keys albums that they released over the years. Usually go for Rubber Factory, but that is just because that was the first BK album I listened to.
Pretty solid album. Cool blues sound with modern production. Catchy tunes. The vocals are also good, but get a little boring after a while. I remember being more impressed with Magic Potion, but would have to check again.
Terrific bluesy sound, great songs.
Heart said higher because it reminded me of being a young lad at university, head said it probably doesn’t deserve to be here. A 3 it is! Woo!
okay, nothing special
El blues rock contemporáneo e independiente de los Black Keys llegó en 2010 con este disco a las grandes audiencias. Tiene tres exitosos sencillos, "Tighten Up", "Howlin' for You" y "Next Girl", en los que ponen el énfasis en el blues duro con el que se forjaron casi una década antes. Las canciones de Brothers tienen también una veta psicodélica que hace que sean tan especiales. Algo que es muy evidente en otros dos temas que me gustan especialmente en el disco: "The Only One" y "Too Afraid to Love You". También destacaría el arranque del álbum, otra de las canciones con las que más disfruto: "Everlasting Light".
First album I don't recognise Admittedly, when I saw it was an 18 song album I was skeptical since I assumed it'd be too bloated, but the first few songs have been really enjoyable. The opening track, Howlin' For You and The Only One are amazing tracks Fuck me Ten Cent Pistol is good My initial fears of it being bloated were partly true, although most tracks deserve to be on the album. I probably wouldn't miss The Go Getter or Unknown Brother. Definitely one to revisit every now and again
Really solid album. Definitely will listen this again and more Black Keys in general.
4.5 What a monster of a debut album. YT music did not have the original Link album but had the remastered. And that felt like a double album but was easy to listen throug start to finish.
I have a soft spot for white boy blues, what can I say?
Great album. Good beats. Good soul. It's impressive when two people can create a such a rich sound. Specifically liked 6 tracks: Everlasting Light, Tighten Up, Howlin For You, She's Long Gone, Ten Cent Pistol, Never Gonna Give You Up.
With the Black Kets, I always can't help but wonder how much of their sound is just a pastiche of blues rock. But, I also can't deny the effectiveness of their fuzzied out blues guitar sound.
Like Led Zeppelin and the Stones, these dudes are standing on the shoulders of giants. But man, the hits (Everlasting Light, Tighten Up) really hit.
豪庭
I have always heard this is a good album but never gave it a list. Love this!
I've never given these guys an honest listen, just whatever I may have hear on the radio. This first track is cool. I like the sound. Tighten is the one I've heard from these guys. Howlin' For You too. ooh I like Black Mud! Too Afraid to love you is awesome too. I really liked this album. Not quite a 5 but a solid 4 stars!
chill relaxed bellinghamy climbing vibes, gets a little repetative.
Almost a modern classic just a few dud songs let it down, but still a great album 4.5*
I enjoyed the first half of this album but it's not a stand out at all and it's way way too long.
I couldn't listen to the second disc because it was unavailable on Spotify and I couldn't be bothered going to youtube just for the live versions of songs. I am surprised with how good this album was and I enjoyed listening to it in the background. I wish we could give half-star ratings, so this would be 3.5 and not just a mid album, but it's not really a 4.
Black keys are definitely a great reintroduction to blues rock, and by association. They've reintroduced me to a lot of other new artists that I really like. How can you go wrong with piano , guitar, and vocals.
i love a da black keys :)
Reminds me of the good old days
Awesome. 4.5 stars
Fun album. I actually hadn’t ever heard the whole thing. Had a good time with this one.
This used to be one of my favorite albums because of the amount of good songs on it. Upon further listening, I think it's a tad boring although there are still many hits on the record. I still enjoy it.
I was so into this when it came out - feel like I have outgrown it a tiny bit, but still a lot of fun.
I forgot that I love this
I don’t know why but I was expecting something a bit more alive and edgier. Every song seemed to sound the same and it didn’t take long to start getting bored with it.
A couple of good songs and a decent sound does not a full album make
It’s always going to be The Black Keys’ best, I think. It’s a good midway point between the authentically raw blues of their earlier career and the throwback pastiche of the later albums. The tunes are great but the production is sublime. I have to be in the mood to listen to this, but when it hits it hits.
Songs flow nicely together
''Everlasting Light'' is cool. Sounds mysterious. ''Next Girl'' is mid. ''Tighten Up'' is okay, it has cool features. ''Howlin' for You'' is the same as ''Tighten Up''. ''She's Long Gone'' is forgettable. ''Black Mud'' is also forgettable, but makes up for the fact that it's an instrumental. ''The Only One'' is okay, much better than the last two. ''Too Afraid to Love You'' is cool, sounds like The Doors (as does the rest of the album). ''Ten Cent Pistol'' once again, another forgettable song. ''Sinister Kid'' is okay. ''The Go Getter'' is okay, it's interesting. ''I'm Not The One'' is a good song. ''Unknown Brother'' carrying on the strong vibe from ''I'm Not The One''. ''Never Gonna Give You Up'' is a very good song! The best in the album, so far. ''These Days'' is an okay song.
Good alternative band. Love their music.
Expected to like this more than I did, but it seemed so plodding and samey all the way through.
To me, this record represents more of the quintessential sound of The Black Keys. While their record "El Camino" probably had more commercial success, the lo-fi, stripped down sound of this record is a true reflection of what this band is all about to me. With bands like this and The White Stripes, it's truly remarkable that a full, rocking sound can be created with as little as two musicians. Notable Tracks: - Next Girl - Tighten Up - Howlin' For You - She's Long Gone - Black Mud - Sinister Kid - Unknown Brother 7/10
Strong album, some great songs, some okay.
Eh
The songs I liked from this album, I still like but it didn’t introduce anything new to me really. Good not great.
Didn't like it, but didn't hate it either.
2.4
One of my favourite albums of all time. 10/10
The Black Keys to me feel like Imagine Dragons with more indie rocker cred. But like more offensive because Imagine Dragons doesn't carry the pretense of presenting themselves as a good band. This was somehow both inoffensive and genuinely painful, I felt like I was listening to an hour worth of primetime TV spots. The soundtrack to the death of mainstream guitar music.
Poppy electric blues rock with light flakes of psychedelia. Catchy hooks, catchy fuzzy/overdriven riffs. Auerbach’s smooth falsetto. Decent groove to it. Pretty repetitive songs and ton of variety in sound - which makes the 55 min run time drag a bit. Not much soars, but it’s very listenable and pretty broadly appealing.
I love this album. It's just banger after banger. Is it the best album by The Black Keys? No. But it's better than a lot of these random albums from 1985-2003 that I've gotten so far on this list.
A little rocky for my taste. At times like the Doors meet Led Zep.
Not super into the music, but appreciate it, nonetheless
Great album, love the Black Keys!
Love it. I used to listen to this album on repeat.
First listen through Passive listening while cleaning Vibey. Songs definitely blend together. You can definitely tell they were written at the same time. Undecided if it's a good thing or not. Definitely nice to listen to as background though. Initial impression is 7.5 out of 10. During second listen, will be analyzing more musicality and lyrics
Transporting. “The perfect album doesn’t exi—” Sinister Kid gtfo what further proof do you need that they made that crossroads deal.
I dunno man I kind of wish I had left my understanding of the Black Keys to be informed by their hits that already made it to me, which are pretty fuckin great! They should get a smiley face on their homework for sticking with the vibe, but the rest of the album feels like a stream of faxed over copies of the hits and I’m a little bummed to have learned there’s not more to it.
I feel the urge to purchase an F150
Brother - The Black Keys (2010) 👌 Uma mistura de indie, blues, garage, com um resultado agradável que para o ouvinte ocasional vai gerar um impacto positivo, conta com várias boas canções, e o instrumental é bem interessante e cativante. Vale a pena ouvir! Melhores músicas: Everlasting Light, Tighten Up, She's Long Gone, Sinister Kid, The Go Getter, Unknown Brother, Never Gonna Give You Up (cover de Jerry Butler), These Days. Piores músicas: N/A 4/5
Good enough alternative Rock.
Funky. Good beats. Some pretty good stuff on this one. Highlights: Everlasting Light Howlin' For You
It was really good. But honestly a bit boring. A lot of the songs seemed to be of the same structure and template and lacked a lot of variety. That being said I thoroughly enjoyed the song "Too Afraid to Love You".
A consistent sound thought the album. Muffly guitars and vocal recordings reminiscent of The Strokes with nice backup vocals. Catchy lyrics performed by a cool raspy voice.
I came across The Black Keys' music years ago and for, like, two and a half days, it seemed like one of the best things ever. Until it very suddenly wasn't. I was satiated. Full. Now... this could turn into a whole, deep food metaphor with artificial additives and everything but I'm not gonna work that out now. Point being: this album is a roadside burger. It sufficiently serves an archaic need for an old, classic dish but that's all there is to it. That said, I'm munching on some of these songs.
Was nice, but not really my vibe of music
Never been drawn to this band, but they at the very least can put together some good tracks. "The Only One" is a highlight here for sure. 4/5
Quintessential 2010’s indie rock. Truly encapsulates the vibe of that decade
Oikein oiva, entuudestaan tuttu.
Another one from my days of hanging out in our local rock and roll scene. This minimalist bluesy stuff was all the rage there for awhile. The front half of this album is solidly good. The back half gets a little bit too farting the way through the blues, but it's still worth a listen. I can imagine they still get plenty of royalties from that Howlin' For You lick. Unexpected bangers: Sinister Kid, Unknown Brother
Good but so bloated it's unreal
Some cool songs, some meandering jazz
Me gustó mucho, tiene clásicos de la banda, por ahí en algun momento se vuelve un poco monótono al tener tantas canciones del mismo estilo pero es un discazo por donde lo mires. 8.2/10
Primo dad blues. You can find this in any fuzz pedal review video. Decent background stuff.
Great album. Such a different sound. Something to get lost into
Nice crunchy album. Modern production on a well tried theme. I like it a lot
Pretty nice bluesy rock - their next album El Camino is much better and more consistent. This was quite front-loaded.
Really enjoyed this album, modern blues rock definitely something I have time for Little bit of filler makes it a 4.5 and I’ll round down.
This was good. I’d forgotten how much I liked them. But the album was a bit repetitive.
I like the Black Keys. I haven’t listened in a while. Pretty good.
It's interesting how I can like something and simultaneously found it boring. Don't get me wrong, this has some good songs and I like some of the riffs and chill atmosphere, but I get the sense this band has done better. Also, does it need to be almost an hour?
Groovy.
I quite liked Never Gonna Give You Up but it's not the song I'll be thinking of when I hear that name. Apart from it nothing really stood out
Crazy how these guys have this amount of plays on their songs and I have somehow never heard a single one of these once before Probably for the better, given how much I liked them
One didn’t realize how much one liked this band so much.Some great pscyh-blues ‘60s power and vibes, plus real depth and feeling (especially on last few songs). "These Days" is very much a saved-best-for-last kinda closer.
Wow - this is the first time I’ve listened to this. I had to listen to it again straight away. It’s just amazing - I never knew I loved The Black Keys.
Inoffensive, but not bringing anything new, just playing very old blues and marrying it to 60s rock (think The Rolling Stones) and 70s soul sensibilities. Feels like it should have appeared in episodes of LUTHER. Doesn't have a wide enough scope to be in a Bond film, but could saunter into a Guy Ritchie picture. Not bad, but nothing that reveals anything new in the genre. Nothing played or performed that makes me feel like that could only come from The Black Keys. I wish they put something of themselves in that was uniquely their own sound instead of trying to carbon copy others.
Gritty and soulful, Brothers oozes with raw emotion and timeless rock energy. Each track is a powerful blend of bluesy riffs, infectious grooves, and haunting vocals, all wrapped in a lo-fi, vintage vibe that feels both fresh and nostalgic. Every listen uncovers new layers of brilliance—this is a classic rock 'n' roll work of audio art.
A lot of hits
Lived this album. Big fan of the black keys. Favorite song was Howlin for you
An American band pretending to be a British band pretending to be an American band. I'm exhausted. I feel like I've heard all of these songs over the years but I've never really been interested enough to seek out this band or this album.
I enjoy this album a lot and it's a total vibe but so many of the songs just slide off of me for me to consider it a 5/5.
I enjoy this album a fair bit, and a number of years ago I would have given this a 4 or 5. El Camino is better imo Best thing it did for me was get me into Muddy Waters years ago.
Not my cup of tea
meh
fine
I love these guys. El Camino is stronger, but this is a great album.
It's an instant classic. Every song is instantly recognizable and brings back great memories.
Couple songs I really enjoyed. All in all not a bad album but didn’t leave a lasting impression.
I didn't care for this.
Epic, love the black keys. Although listening to this makes me realize how shit they're new stuff is
Amazing blues album. I thought the 55 minute length would not hold, but Black Keys makes every song interesting. Love the drum work same with the guitar work
Very nice!
Solid album, love The Black Keys Too Afraid to Love You is my never-heard standout
I was 15 when the album came out and I fell in love with it, it really helped me discover a whole world of music. If possible I’d give a 4.5 as a couple of songs could have been left off the record. But my 15 year old self wouldn’t forgive me if I gave it a 4 so has to be a 5.
mid white boy blues
This is a fantastic album. I can't really label it a particular style or genre, there were many different influences. If I had to name it I would call it blues-rock-funk. I don't think there were any weak tracks. It flowed so well. I listened to it twice initially and will be delving into the artists catalogue.
Wasn’t the worst. Wasn’t the best. Liked a few & didn’t necessarily hate any, high 2 seems reasonable
Blues for the suburbs. If that's your thing, you'll like this.
It was fine but only really background music tbh
Consistently alright but certainly nothing special.
Ahhh the Black Keys remind me so much of high school. This was when I started to take more notice of contemporary music, and this album stood out, it’s bluesy, and mostly good. In hindsight this album still holds up okay, I think it suffers from cultural rot. Like I associate the Black Keys with previews for an AMC show that no one remembers. Something about crime and sex, as like Gold on the Ceiling plays on the background. I also think they kinda wind up poisoning what would become later mainstream indie rock. Dan Auerbach producing Cage the Elephant being my favorite example, what a fucking nightmare. This album is good. It sounds good, I remember a lot of the songs. It’s good. Do I think a better singer would have helped? By god yes. But still
A great fuzzy rock album. Will listen again
I got this album when it came out as I was and still an a fan of the song Tighten Up and I loved it back in the day. Haven't listened to it for a long time so it was nice to go back at revisit it and ideas surprised to find I still really enjoyed it, Tighten Up is still a cracker but Everlasting Light & Howlin' For You are both great too.
- the black keys were my shit when i was like 8 and the only music i listened to was whatever my dad put on my ipod - but now? eh i kind of just feel like im listening to the radio - which is fine, i guess - but im not gonna seek out any of these songs after this - i got really bored really fast. don't know if listening to a whole album in one sitting is the best way to listen to the black keys. but i wouldn't know, i don't listen to the black keys. - oh well! hope tomorrow's is more fun.
This is okay. I think the songs are pretty decent, although the album is a bit too long and repetitive. Perfectly middle of the road. 5/10 Would I listen again? I'd probably end up hearing some of the tracks on various commercials
To preface this review I really need a bit of sleep, but because I’m doing the daily thing I will put this album on and judge the songs on how good they are at keeping me awake. I’ve only heard two songs previously from the band ”Lonely boy” and ”gold on the ceiling” both of which I feel were playing it very safe just to get on the radio. So I’m not optimistic I’ll make it through the whole thing but I’ll be hoping for an oasis situation where the album previous to the big one is the masterpiece. Everlasting light: I really like the overall sound but the song doesn’t keep me interested, it just feels like the intro prolonged into the entire song. By the end of it I’m already closing my eyes 5/10. Next Girl: Basic rock tune the sort I’ve gotten used to and without lyrics to compensate. By this point I’m really only kept awake by my writing 3/10. Tighten up: It’s not extraordinary in anyway but fun and a bit more to it than the others so far. I’ve gotta say it woke me up a bit 6/10. Howlin for you: I have the same critique I had for the first song and even a bit worse since it’s not as catchy. I’m only still awake because I have the last song’s ending in my mind 4/10. She’s long gone: It feels like I’m going in circles at this point, this is like the second song. Nothing I really like about it and I’m now ever so close to dozing off 3/10. Black mud: Pretty good track. I tend not to rate instrumentals though since there’s not much go on. I can say however that it made me more enthusiastic about continuing. The Only One: Fine song, but nothing special, doesn’t tire me though 6/10. Too Afraid to Love You: it’s just OK 5/10. Ten Cent Pistol: I feel I’m falling in a pattern here I like them but I don’t love them. It may be because i’m now quite tired and tired of the album as a whole but that’s a fair to critique to make because nothing is truly standing out 6/10. Sinister Kid: Second half kept me up but as a whole just not that great 6/10. The Go Getter: I’m kind of bored by this point, figured I would make myself a coffee to finish it but have no motivation to 6/10. I’m not the one: Slow, boring and most likely filler 4/10 Unknown Brother: The album really doesn’t have to go on for as long as it does… but this was cd times so I guess that was preferred 5/10 Never gonna give you up: Change in sound very well done, kept me interested 8/10 These Days: Just an outro song, probably only made because they wanted to put it at the end. I’ve heard a dozen like it. It was a pretty good sedative at least 2/10. zzz zzz zzz…
It's not bad, but it feels a little flat throughout
Real good record, probably the Black Keys best.
Album 510 of 1001 The Black Keys - Brothers Rating : 4.5 / 5 Awesome album that makes me want more. I may be going a little high here but I really like what I hear.
monotonous, uninteresting, lacks some kick and energy + no charisma in the vocals
Sonorità ruvide e viscerali, cattiveria e scarsa igiene personale. Che Album meraviglioso.
Great stuff from these guys. Not sure what the “deluxe” album is that this directs you to because it’s track for track and the same length as normal🤷
The more I listened the more this grew on me.
It’s good but got a little diluted by the shear number of songs. Edit, edit, edit…so it went from great to good as an album.
Another album that suffers from too damn many songs. At 9/10 songs this album approaches great - probably the high water mark for the band and the modern blues rock genre. At 15 songs it gets a little stale and has no real arc - just lots of music - a lot of it quite good. I would call it 3.5/5.
Some of the better pop music out there. I didn't really love the second half of the album with less hits, though it was still fine to listen to.
Solid blues rock. Loved this album in college, but after listening again it seems to be lacking something.
**Album Review: *Brothers* by The Black Keys** Released in 2010, *Brothers* by The Black Keys marked a pivotal moment in the band's career, serving as both a commercial breakthrough and a critical triumph. The album combines the rawness of garage rock with a soulful, bluesy edge, creating a sound that resonates with both the heart and the ears. This review delves into the album's lyrics, music, production, themes, and influence, offering a comprehensive analysis of its strengths and weaknesses. ### **Lyrics** The lyrics in *Brothers* are characterized by their simplicity and emotional directness. Dan Auerbach, the band's vocalist and guitarist, often employs straightforward language to convey themes of love, heartbreak, and personal struggle. The album’s opener, "Everlasting Light," sets the tone with lines like “Let me be your everlasting light / The sun when there is none,” a clear expression of unwavering support and love. The lyrics are accessible, yet they carry an emotional weight that allows listeners to connect with the music on a personal level. Songs like "Next Girl" and "Tighten Up" explore themes of romantic disillusionment and frustration. "Next Girl" presents a candid narrative of a man who’s been wronged, with lines like “My next girl will be nothing like my ex-girl / I made mistakes back then, I’ll never do it again.” The simplicity of the lyrics belies the complexity of the emotions involved, reflecting the universal experience of moving on from a failed relationship. However, the lyrical simplicity can sometimes veer into the realm of predictability. While the directness of the lyrics makes the album approachable, it also means that there is little in the way of poetic nuance or metaphorical depth. The lyrics serve their purpose effectively but don't always offer new insights or layers upon repeated listens. ### **Music** Musically, *Brothers* is a rich tapestry of blues, rock, and soul. The Black Keys, consisting of Dan Auerbach and drummer Patrick Carney, draw heavily from the blues tradition, but they infuse it with a modern sensibility. The album features a variety of tempos and moods, ranging from the upbeat, foot-tapping rhythm of "Tighten Up" to the slow, melancholic groove of "Too Afraid to Love You." One of the most notable aspects of the album is its instrumentation. Auerbach's guitar work is gritty and raw, often characterized by distorted riffs and fuzz-laden solos. The guitar tone is central to the album's sound, giving it a rough-edged, almost primitive feel that harkens back to the roots of rock and roll. Carney’s drumming is equally compelling, providing a solid, often minimalist backbone that allows the guitar to take center stage. The album also experiments with different musical textures, incorporating elements of soul and R&B. "Howlin' for You," with its infectious rhythm and catchy chorus, is a prime example of this, blending rock with a pop sensibility. On tracks like "The Only One," the band introduces keyboard and bass lines that add a layer of depth and warmth to their sound. One of the strengths of *Brothers* is its variety. The album never feels monotonous, with each track offering something slightly different in terms of mood and style. However, this variety can also be seen as a weakness. Some critics argue that the album lacks a cohesive sound, with certain tracks feeling like they belong to different projects entirely. While this diversity showcases the band's versatility, it also means that the album can sometimes feel disjointed. ### **Production** *Brothers* was recorded at the famed Muscle Shoals Sound Studio in Alabama, known for its association with classic soul and R&B records. The decision to record there is evident in the album’s warm, analog sound, which stands in contrast to the more polished production of many contemporary rock albums. The production, handled by the band along with Mark Neill, retains the raw, unrefined quality that has always been a hallmark of The Black Keys’ music, while also introducing new sonic elements that enhance the overall listening experience. The album’s production is both a strength and a weakness. On one hand, the lo-fi aesthetic and the emphasis on live, organic sound give the album an authenticity that is often missing in modern rock music. The use of vintage equipment and recording techniques adds to the album’s retro vibe, paying homage to the blues and soul records that clearly inspired it. This approach creates a sense of intimacy, making the listener feel as though they are in the room with the band. However, this same rawness can be off-putting to some listeners. The album’s sound is intentionally rough around the edges, which might be seen as a limitation for those who prefer a cleaner, more polished production. Moreover, the heavy use of reverb and distortion, while effective in creating a certain atmosphere, can sometimes obscure the details of the music, making it difficult to fully appreciate the nuances of the instrumentation. ### **Themes** Thematically, *Brothers* is steeped in the classic motifs of love, heartbreak, and redemption. The album often explores the darker side of relationships, with many songs dealing with themes of betrayal, loss, and emotional pain. This is most evident in tracks like "Too Afraid to Love You" and "Unknown Brother," which delve into the complexities of love and the scars it can leave behind. "Too Afraid to Love You" captures the fear of vulnerability with lyrics like “My heart is in my hand / And I’m too afraid to love you.” The song’s haunting melody and Auerbach’s plaintive vocals underscore the emotional weight of the lyrics, creating a sense of melancholy that permeates much of the album. "Unknown Brother" takes a more reflective approach, addressing themes of loss and mourning with a sense of quiet dignity. The album also touches on themes of resilience and perseverance. Songs like "Next Girl" and "Ten Cent Pistol" depict characters who have been hurt but are determined to move forward. "Ten Cent Pistol" in particular tells a story of revenge and justice, with lyrics that paint a vivid picture of betrayal and retribution. The narrative quality of the song highlights the band’s ability to tell stories through their music, even when the lyrics are relatively simple. Despite the album’s often somber themes, there is an undercurrent of hope and redemption. The closing track, "These Days," reflects a sense of acceptance and moving on, with lines like “These days I barely get by / I don't even try.” While the lyrics convey a sense of resignation, the music suggests a quiet strength, a determination to keep going despite the hardships. ### **Influence** *Brothers* had a significant impact on both The Black Keys’ career and the broader rock landscape. The album was a commercial success, debuting at number three on the Billboard 200 and earning the band their first Grammy Award for Best Alternative Music Album. Its success marked a turning point for The Black Keys, propelling them from indie darlings to mainstream rock stars. The album’s influence can be seen in the resurgence of interest in blues-rock and garage rock that followed its release. Bands like Alabama Shakes and Gary Clark Jr. have cited The Black Keys as an influence, and *Brothers* played a key role in bringing raw, blues-infused rock back into the mainstream. The album’s success also paved the way for the band’s subsequent albums, including the Grammy-winning *El Camino*. *Brothers* also contributed to the broader trend of retro revivalism in the 2010s, where many artists began to draw inspiration from the sounds of the past. The album’s blend of vintage blues and modern rock appealed to a wide audience, bridging the gap between older generations who grew up with the blues and younger listeners looking for something authentic and raw. ### **Pros and Cons** **Pros:** 1. **Emotional Depth:** The lyrics, while simple, resonate deeply with themes of love, heartbreak, and perseverance. 2. **Musical Variety:** The album offers a diverse range of styles, from gritty blues to soulful rock, keeping the listener engaged throughout. 3. **Authentic Production:** The use of analog equipment and vintage recording techniques gives the album a warm, organic sound that stands out in an era of digital production. 4. **Strong Instrumentation:** Auerbach’s guitar work and Carney’s drumming create a powerful, dynamic sound that is both raw and refined. 5. **Cultural Impact:** The album played a key role in the revival of blues-rock and influenced a generation of musicians. **Cons:** 1. **Lyrical Simplicity:** The lyrics, while effective, lack the poetic nuance and depth that might elevate the album to the level of a masterpiece. 2. **Lack of Cohesion:** The diversity of musical styles, while a strength in some respects, can also make the album feel disjointed at times. 3. **Rough Production:** The intentionally raw production, while authentic, might not appeal to listeners who prefer a cleaner, more polished sound. 4. **Predictability:** Some of the album’s themes and musical choices can feel predictable, adhering closely to the conventions of the blues-rock genre without pushing boundaries. ### **Conclusion** *Brothers* by The Black Keys is an album that captures the essence of modern blues-rock while paying homage to the genre’s roots. Its emotional depth, musical variety, and authentic production make it a standout in the band’s discography and a significant album in the broader rock landscape of the 2010s. While it has its flaws, including a lack of lyrical nuance and occasional disjointedness, its strengths far outweigh its weaknesses. The album’s influence on the resurgence of blues-rock and its role in shaping the sound of the 2010s cannot be overstated. *Brothers* is an album that resonates with both the heart and the ears, offering a raw, unfiltered look at the complexities of love, loss, and resilience. It remains a testament to The Black Keys’ ability to craft music that is both timeless and contemporary, solidifying their place as one of the most important rock bands of their generation.
Awesome
At the time when this came out I wasn’t a much of a fan. But after giving this a couple plays, I think it’s very solid rock record. Enjoyed, still not a big fan though.
Distinctive sound but not that interesting track to track
ZzzZzz. Kedelige sange og irriterende stemme. Baggrundsmusik til en irriterende craft beer bar i 2011
Love this album! Knew this album from before and I think this listen I enjoyed it even more and should have had it in the regular playlist. Great Album!
I enjoy the album. It isn't perfect but it is pretty dang good.
Pretty good album will come back to it again. liked sinister kid,tighten up,she’s long gone
Great music for selling beer and cars. Minus one star for that. Liked songs added: - Tighten Up - Sinister Kid
A lot to like here. I think 4 stars or B- is fair.
I appreciate reading the criticism of this album, because my own judgment is a bit clouded by the influence it had on my adolescence. It’s still good music, but I agree that the album could do with a few less songs. It particularly drags in the middle around “The Only One” and “Too Afraid to Love You.”
This album started off decently, but slowly devolved into a sad mess of generic garage rock