Brothers

Looking forward to this one!

Not bad

There is one or two upswings, but it's mostly a miss.

Liked the vibe overall, I'll relisten to it at some point.

Listened to this album in college but had no memory of the second half, now that I’m forcing myself to it sure feels like a slog.

It was good and enjoyable, but didn't really do much for me...

Falls into the same category as Gary Clark for me. I should like it more than I do. Not sure what doesn't click, but still some great songs. I think maybe the drumming is just mid.

I’m a fan of that greasy, in your face, guitar-driven sound the Black Keys deliver which also happens to complement the (sometimes even falsetto) voice of the lead singer very well. The simplicity of the band is great in that they don’t overload you with too many different sounds or effects. It’s a handful of instruments and some good singing. That’s all that is needed.

now that i dont hear these songs in every car commercial i think it's alright

Debate raged in the boardroom of the recently convened NME Sculpture and Architecture Council (NMESAC). Agenda items one to nine had been tabled and progressed without much ado – there’d been unanimous agreement on the timing of “party favours Friday”, the enshrining of “vow of silence until after lunch Mondays” and, surprisingly, no pushback on the draft proposal for rotating aux rights – but item ten was proving tricky. “Royal Blood is to Death From Above what the Monkees were to The Beatles,” offered Archie from beneath an affected scowl. “There’s nothing intrinsically wrong with The Monkees and nothing intrinsically wrong with Royal Blood,” began Penny before being interrupted by Phil, Archie’s pal. “Horseshit. Relativism at its worst.” “Oh, poor you guys. Look, someone’s disagreed and now it’s the sin of ‘relativism’. As if the entire fucking project of deciding on a Mount Rushmore of Millennial Radio Rock isn’t predicated on precisely that. Relativism. Dickheads.” “Enough,” shouted Prince (no relation) over the top of the rowing two and their supporting factions. Using the heel of his hastily delaced winkelpicker as a makeshift gavel, he called the room back into order. “I will not see it that our first major project, our flagship and a commission we know to be so extremely dear to our Financier, is scarred in its infancy by internecine warring. The Rushmore of Millennial Radio Rock cannot be born into a climate of spite.” The eight, disquieted, stared at the boardroom’s gleaming oak table top. An early head of steam saw Sergio Pizarro and Joe Newman already locked in. Helpfully (or not, depending on your perspective), some of the heaviest hitters (James Bond baiting Jack White, AM-era Alex Turner, later Beck) had been reserved for a mysterious future project – rumours in the office were that the Financier was thinking “in lunar terms”. Shortlisted alongside the contentious Mike Kerr were Dan Reynolds of Imagine Dragons, Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys and Dan Smith of Bastille. “Now, if we feel ready, may I propose we put the Kerr question to one side and discuss the relative – I’ll thank you not to scoff, Penny – merits of the Dans?” Royal Blood forgotten about, the discussion soon returned to smooth sailing. Auerbach and Reynolds would be the two taken forward. A late case was made for switching Newman for Smith, delegates remembering how much the “wayohayo stuff” had really struck a chord in the early 10s, but the group ultimately agreed that two Dans was enough. “I think our Financier will be most pleased, team. We have converged on a cadre of creatives whose anthems didn’t just survive a tradesperson’s FM radio but indeed thrived through those antiquated, busted systems.” To celebrate, the folks of NMESAC popped “Howlin’ For You” onto the stereo. It would feel, to anyone with the ears to hear it, that the soundtrack to the time before everything got really shit was itself fairly shit: a sort of bluesy Fratellis that used vibrato in place of any actual ideas. Luckily though, they couldn’t hear it. No one could.

I still can’t tell if this is actually cool or just trying to be and failing. But it’s pretty chill and charming even if unintentionally silly so I can’t be mad at it.

It’s fine

Black Keys su baš proizvod svog vremena. I to mogu reći jer mi već za desetak godina zvuče zastarjelo. A to je ono vrijeme kad je sve postajalo nekako bljutavo i izvještačeno. Tako zvuči ovaj album. Ništa nije loše, ali isto kao da nije tu. Pozadinski zvuk.

This hasn’t held up quite as well as I remember, but still a very listenable album. It’s a bit overlong; if this was a 10-12 track album I think it would play a little better.

Everything about The Black Keys points to me being a fan. They're rock'n'roll, they're a bit dirty, garagey, bluesy. They were popular when I was consuming a lot of music like this but they somehow never quite caught and held my attention. Hell, I own this album and forgot that I had it until I was scrolling my iTunes looking for something else this week. I couldn't remember or recognise a single moment. It's generally good and an easy listen but it just fails to excite me. I never raised the enthusiasm to go and see them live at the time or quite possibly, I did but I've already forgotten about it. So this is about as 2.5 an album as I can possibly imagine but I do find myself feeling that it's better than most of my 2s, even if it's also worse than most of my 3s.

Not my cup of tea

I love the Black Keys, but this is one of their weakest Albums, imo. The Songs feel a little harmless and three or four songs less would have been better. Fav: Howlin‘ for you

Helt greit, men ikke helt min greie.

Not good, not bad... i did forget many times that I already listened to this album That's clear: no big influence over me

3.0 Never been a huge The Black Keys fan and never understood why, still don't. The first 4 songs sounded much better than I remember from radio play in headphones and I thought maybe I'd been unfair. The next 14 though were just too repetitive and I couldn't get into it. I can see why people like them but for me I'm going three (album I enjoyed but don't think I'll revisit)

Catchy music and some good singing mixed with singing through a microphone that made me want to change songs. Thankfully most songs don't use that filter on the singing making it overall a really good smooth album that I really enjoyed listening through.

YouTube charcoal bbq montage music, flame-grilled whopper music, big wielding content music, vintage garbage truck enthusiast music, competitive eating walk-on music, mid-range SUV ads at half-time music

Revisiting this after not really listening to it for over a decade is a kick. Also, the drum/bass/low end mixing on this thing is really impressive and speaks to my basshead loving nature. The non-hit tracks still rock, and it's clear with hindsight it was a pretty inspired album that probably got too big for the band's good. I can clearly hear inspiration in the production taken by Fiona Apple for Fetch the Bolt Cutters.

What a stupid album cover. The music isn’t terrible but gets old quick. Would rate 2.5 but feeling generous.

Some fantastic songs on this. Too Afraid to Love is a particular stand-out. Everlasting light and Howlin' For You are also great (latter is very nostalgic, FIFA and all that). But yeah, something about the Black Keys just doesn't hit quite right for the most part. Not sure what it is exactly, but yeah...

Nice blues rock so I won't ding them for musicianship, but holy cow it was boring.

I saw the track list and was surprised that a) there were a bunch of songs I had already heard and liked, and b) there were a bunch of songs that I hadn't. After listening to the album I can confidently say that Black Keys have a shotgun approach to their songs. A few memorable songs that I'd pick to listen, a handful that I wouldn't skip, and about half the album that is just mediocre. Definitely pick and choose songs instead of listening to the whole thing.

soooo mediocre indie. fifa soundtrack vibes

Decent

The first Black Keys album I heard - it still holds up! There are some really good tracks here. Never Gonna Give You Up is regrettably not a Rick Astley cover song.

I like them and this is good, really good, sounded great in the car. But will I play it much? Probably not. Favourite track is 'I'm Not The One'. If this hasn't been used in a film or TV drama then it should be!

Feels funny rating an album this low that has so many tracks that I really like! Everlasting Light is a really underrated song. I love the steady and deliberate tempo, and the sampled(?) vocals always struck me as super unique. That opener is followed by a strong run from Next Girl, to Tighten Up (another favourite), to Howlin For You, to Shes Long Gone. I like all these tracks, and had them previously liked. Funnily enough, all songs mentioned here are the opening 5 songs!! Just not quite as memorable after these, which brings down the overall album experience. Listened while cooking Sweet Potato and Peanut Curry with Lucy 🧑‍🍳 👩‍🍳

El Camino >>>>>

enkele zeer goeie nummers, maar naar het einde toe is het vat af

Was never that fussed about Black Keys, but everything Danger Mouse produces sounds lovely

I loved this album but I feel like they're slowly becoming cringe, but it was entertaining me and it was long. I think it'd be a 3.5 really. 3 is harsh

This was okay, I’m not a giant fan or anything but playing through the album changed my view a bit. I’ll revisit this for sure.

Some bangers, some filler, decent!

Listened to the band before : Yes Songs I already knew: none Favourite Songs: Tighten Up, Howlin' For You Tighten Up sounds reminds me of Pumped up Kicks. The same hooks and riffs I have heard before on some of there other material. Howlin' For You sounds like T.Rex. The songs become repetitive at times. They have distinctive sound.

My reaction to this one was weird and frustrating! I really liked all the components--the growly bluesy vocals, the buzzy fuzzy instruments. Even the lyrics seemed pretty decent. But it was just all so SAMEY? Howling for You, and Ten Cent Pistol, and especially Sinister Kid kinda stood out, but even those I would have liked more if I'd come across them individually in the wild rather than them being surrounded by So Much More of Nearly the Same? I feel like I need to revisit the whole album one song at a time, weeks apart. Weird! And frustrating!

Easy listen, good at what they do, makes sense, doesn't ever really grab me much.

Well done kind of bluesy rock. Doesn't really do much to elevate the genre, but put together a solid album. The track Too Afraid to Love You would be really cool with Ghostface Killah doing something over it.

Kinda whatever. I remember when this came out and it was big-time on the alt radio station I listened to at the time. The hits are pretty decent and the whole package is alright. Nothing special. I remember liking rubber soul much more back then. Couldn't tell you if thay would be the case today but at the time that was it. I like the vocals but the music itself feels kinda simple and just uneventful. Its good but nothing to write home about

I've only heard Howlin' for You from this band, I think from MLB The Show. Sometimes I'm looking at the critical acclaim for albums on here and see "Was named one of Spin's top 40 albums of 2010." So this wasn't even the best album of 2010 according to Spin....it was #30....soooo what about all those albums more acclaimed than this one from 2010? Are those albums on here too? It's a good rock album, but sometimes I'd like a bit more explanation on why this album specifically was chosen because i'm missing something. There is a bluesy vibe, but I don't think this sound is super unique at this point. Maybe it was more unique in 2010? The music is pretty good, but i'm not really finding anything beyond that. In terms of albums you should listen to before you die, I'm sure I could find a better one not on the list that might give a more unique perspective to music.

While I never had anything against the Black Keys (other than Patrick Carney coming off like kind of a dick sometimes), I never had any interest in listening to them, either. This is better than I expected, though I wonder how much of that is my affinity for the source material. "Never Gonna Give You Up" could've been a Stax song in the '60s, for instance. But this is enjoyable regardless, even if it's not something I'm likely to seek out.

This was almost a 5/5 for me when it came out. I cooled a bit towards it over time — I think their earlier stuff, although less catchy, has more of a staying power.

Enjoyed this a lot more than I expected too. At points it made me think of Nick Cave. I think this could easily rise to a four with more listens

190925 12:25 3

Let Me Be Your Everlasting Light 1001 Albums Generator 121 (09/18/2025) The Black Keys are kind of like the Portland version of the blues. I don't know if they are actually from Portland, but I think you know what I mean (also this isn't a racial thing; I am a huge Led Zeppelin defender). Nothing wrong with Portland, nothing wrong with the blues, but the combination leaves a bit to be desired. The two big hits off of Brothers are Tighten Up, which sounds exactly like a Kia commercial, and Howlin' For You, which isn't bad honestly. Generally, the worst part of Brothers is definitely the middle; the stretch from Black Mud to I'm Not The One is not super enjoyable. However, Ten Cent Pistol isn't bad. The album starts out really strong with Everlasting Light and Next Girl before the two aforementioned hits. She's Long Gone has a bit of garage grit that is really cool. Additionally, the album ends with three of its strongest songs. Unknown Brother has great guitar work, and although I was disappointed that Never Gonna Give You Up wasn't a Rick Astley cover, it still ended up being one of my favorite songs. I don't know what to do with this one. It's like exactly a 2.5/5, but I'll round it up to a 3. Favs: Everlasting Light Next Girl Never Gonna Give You Up Least Fav: The Go Getter

I've already listened to his album (14). Sounds great but too long, too much filler and too many ballads.

I had never really listened to the Black Keys and I enjoyed parts of this, but probably won't return to it.

ok 300th. so you hate this beause you think only led zep and white stripes are white artists who makes good blues rock. but comon its ok innit 3/5

I really didn't know how to feel about this one. I did at least 4 playthroughs in the end, but just couldn't shake the feeling that it's just kind of rock and roll-by-numbers. Dig the production and everything, but the songs just didn't jump out at me really. I feel like I should like it, but yeah. I'm sorry.

Low-fi bluesy rock. Wouldn’t regard it as life-changing or hugely different or interesting.

howlin 4 u !!

Generally liked it. The songs did all start to sound the same on the third listen. Thats said, a solid album with guitar work that's largely missing from today's rock.

What is the point of this? It’s a bit nondescript, I have come to the understanding that this list just, well is subjective so the why is this on here question is redundant but… Sort of blues, mildly interesting just. Not getting into the authenticity thing, They seem to genuinely like the music they make, if they like the blues then if they want to sing and play it not a problem with me, like what you want, do what you want as long as it doesn’t piss on anyone else. But I personally didn’t gain much hearing this today and found it just a little, well boring, if others love it then fine but not moved one way or the other, didn’t like didn’t hate. 2.25 Star

Solid blues rock…they are probably great live.

Jag älskade den den här skivan när den släpptes. Mitt favoritband. Sen tappade jag intresset, har inte lyssnat på säkert 10 år. Ganska bra, men egentligen inget för mig längre.

Good Songs: Everlasting Light, Next Girl, Tighten Up, Howlin' For You, The Only One, Ten Cent Pistol, The Go Getter, These Days Mid Songs: She's Long Gone, Black Mud, Too Afraid To Love You, Sinister Kid, Unknown Brother, Never Gonna Give You Up Bad Songs:

Very quiet vocals in first sung compared to other instruments Catchy beats Absolutely do not like “howling for you” Decent background music but not my fav

Fajne, jako odskocznia od popularnego rocka; nie moje ulubione ale jako urozmaicenie ok

Stripped to the bone rock'n'roll. Enjoyable to listen to for awhile, but then it got a bit boring. Not essential for me.

The Black Keys is another one of those bands that I want to like, but I just can't catch their groove.

Catchy but not that interesting

Good. But not that good.

I used to listen to this album a lot. I hadn’t heard it in years and it sounds so boring to me now. I probably liked it at one point because a lot of the punk/post-punk/whatever stuff I was listening to didn’t touch on blues at all, so this sounded fresh and new. I find it boring and generic now. Sort of soulless.

really love this album a lot , but its inclusion on this list is a joke

Good three, not a bad three

First listen

Meh. Pretty fun at times, irritating at others. Found the sound and stuck with it. Muscle Shoals recording, kinda cool.

I liked the Black Keys back in the day and have forever known the fun fact that Akron produced LeBron, Devo, and these guys. I thought I had more positive feelings, but relistening to this today - I’m not so sure. Here I enjoyed Tighten Up and Howlin’ but the rest was a bit of unmemorable mush. BK is two guys (Dan on guitar, Patrick on drums) and I read recently that they both only played guitar when they formed and Dan was better, so Patrick took the drums, but is also famously bad at keeping time. Fine for a two piece, but apparently that has been tough as they needed to add more instruments to fill bigger venues. I think their album Attack & Release might be a little more interesting but now I’m afraid to listen.

Smooth garage rock

V/rv

I am not a huge black keys fan. But this album hit me in a good place today. I do wish the vocals didn’t sound so distorted so often. It’s really distracting and a lot of times I feel like it’s not adding anything.

3.5 It’s not bad at all, but I think lower of it now because of how many beer and truck commercials these songs have been in the past 15 years, and what a dillweed Patrick Carney is irl. I had fun, but it gets a bit long in the tooth. Why is a Black Keys album an hour long?

De fondo está bien, buen blues rock, pero monótono y casi sin grandes momentos

Heard a lot about these but didn’t love this

There were times during this album when I thought I was getting sick of it, but then the next track would start and I'd be drawn back in.

Heard this… great album.

I am sure everyone my age is aware of The Black Keys, whether you listened to them yourself through the radio or just El Camino as a whole or were exposed to it through your dad. There is no denying they are a staple of the 2010s as a whole, but do they still hold up 15 years later? On today's 1001 albums to hear before I died I pulled The Black Key's Brothers and man was this quite a wake-up call of sorts. This project mixes Blues Rock with a more Garage and slightly Psychedelic sound to create a sound that would define Rock in the 2010s, and I can't lie The Black Keys aren't even that special or good in their own sound. A lot of these songs sound very similar and feel so clocked in that they appeal to a more mainstream audience. To be frank, this album got very lucky and exploded into the mainstream the way the band did because they offer next to nothing besides a barely good listening experience. Nothing here is original or even all that engaging as it is so aggressively safe it waters down the impact of the genres involved. In basic terms it is good and nothing more. Nuff said.

Greit nok. Starta bra.

Just so mid. All the songs sound the same, all the instruments are playing the same riff like half the time. The vox and instruments do sound good, and it feels too well put together to give it lower than a 3. But I was bored listening to this.

Свого часу дуже багато слухав їх і цей альбом зокрема. Якщо на перших був такий брудніший гаражний звук, то на Братах вже відчувається, що хлопці зібралися записувати бенгери. Є одні з найбільших їх хітів (хоча наступний мені здається яскравішим), багато хороших рівних блюз/гараж рок пісень. Хороша рок-музика кінця нульових.

Я люблю блюзові кавери від БК, chulahoma або delta cream - це прям воно. Їхній сольний матеріал звісно непоганий, навіть оцей поп-період; але якось не знаю.. блюзова форма личить їм більші ніж стадіонні хіти. Ще згадав що дуже любив їхній проект blakroc

I was expected this to be a lot heavier then realised I was mixing them up with the Black Crows! I really quite like this album though it goes on for a bit longer than necessary in my opinion. I will listen again though which is good sign.

Unknown band for me. Surprisingly enjoyed the album. I liked the musical arrangements and the vocal was good.

Niente di rivoluzionario, ma è stata una esperienza comunque molto piacevole

Solid album. I had heard it multiple times.

The first half of this album is great. The hits are all back to back and if the album were 20 minutes shorter I think I would rate this a 4. The second half really drags and detracts from the overall experience and my feelings about the album. Too much fuzz, too much feedback and too much same same makes me give this a 3.

Album sinmasero, algunas canciones top y otras flojillas. Nota: 7/10

Favourites: Next Girl, She's Long Gone, Black Mud, The Only One, I'm Not the One, Never Gonna Give You Up, Chop and Change

I listened to the Black Keys a bit back when this album came out. I particularly remember "Howling For You." Others sounds familiar too, like "The Only One." I don't think I ever found their music particularly compelling though to listen to a lot of because some of it is a bit too same-y. Favourite: "Never Gonna Give You Up"

Good slick peckers

I have never DISliked this band, but I have never really LIKED them that much either. I've enjoyed some of their catchier stuff but fair or not I have always compared them (unfavorably) to the White Stripes. I only own one of their albums and it's not this one - it's the next one, El Camino. Reading about this album on Wikipedia, it sounds like "Tighten Up" was "the hit," but it doesn't sound familiar to me at all. "Howlin' for You," on the other hand, sounds VERY familiar. Pretty sure it's been in a bunch of commercials. I would give this album 2.5 stars if I could, because I feel pretty meh about it. I'll give them a 3 because I'm feeling generous.

Meh

I liked this less than their Thickfreakness album but it's still enjoyable.

Featured in playlists such as "Music to walk like a badass to" 3/5

This sounded good but kinda seemed like it was written with adverts in mind at the same time - 3 stars maybe?

Rollicking, bluesy, full-throated roll ‘n roll with bass lines that don’t quit. A great time but never gets too deep.

I’m OK with the Black Keys in smaller doses. A whole album just doesn’t hold my attention - they’re not that good.

I dig T Rex but it was pretty clear to me from the jump that Marc Bolan was a bit of a one-trick pony. I get the same feeling listening to Brothers. There's a formula at play, or maybe a couple, that's hard to ignore. The result is solid, I mean the songs are clearly popular. And I know enough about music psychology and theory to know, especially with pop music, formulas are everywhere. Ultimately, good for The Black Keys for finding something that works, but for my taste I wish there was a bit more variation. On another note, I never really know how to feel about a band that presents themselves with less members than who's playing on the album. Not like every last instrument has to be represented by a person in photos and interviews, but all I ever see are just two dudes. Like whoever's on bass knows they're gonna get snubbed going into the gig. Solid 3

Quite good. Liked most of the songs. Fave song: Howlin' For You Honorable mentions: Tighten Up, The Only One

Good songs here and there but overall generic Favourite Song: Howlin for You

i don't trust any blue rock album made after the 80s. idk why but its a red flag for me it's good. it has its moments but it pretty derivative. so much so that i cannot fathom how it could possibly be a must hear album. someone on here said its "Blues for people who are afraid of black people". i get why this album feels off to me now, couldn't agree more

Never been a huge fan of theseguys. Overall good album.

I burned myself out on these guys, at one point I would have given it a 4. It’s like a 2.75 for me now.

Sounds like the black keys. Some decently catchy songs but the vocal processing ain't it for me

Mellow rock. Not the most interesting, but ok to listen to.

If gentrification had a soundtrack it would be this album.

reminds me of cold war kids, some fun ones for sure

Ok

I've loved the Black Keys since I first listened to El Camino back in 2011, while sitting in an APC driving across the Australian outback. The problem with listening to them for too long is that they end up sounding a bit one note. I enjoyed this album purely as background music, though I'm not sure why this specific album is on this list. El Camino? Sure. Not this. 3/5

Cool album and a neat band. Just not my go-to favorite, but I enjoy the music when it's on.

The Black Keys have long been a band I just thought was pretty good. I first heard them around the time of Rubber Factory. I heard this when it came out and that's probably the last time I really thought about it. The first few songs are really good -- "Everlasting Light" and "Next Girl" being the clear standouts here. After that, it's kind of just okay. There's nothing egregiously bad, and everything sounds good, but the songs are just not that exiciting for the most part. 3.5 stars.

This is an album by the Black Keys. This is the dictionary definition of bog-standard and shouldn’t be anywhere near a 1001 Albums To Listen To Before You Die list.

Very similar not bad but that crazy. Fine

Funny how the only 2 upbeat songs are the 2 popular ones. Everything else was easy to listen to but not remarkable.

i read a review about this being music for ford ads and now i cant get the idea out of my head and i hate it and it instantly reduced my enjoyment by 50% 5.4/10

I've never really clicked with the Black Keys, similar to the White Stripes (although I do marginally prefer them). On paper I should like them, and they have some great songs. But there's something a bit hollow about their music. It just doesn't stick with me. This album is also a bit too long, and fairly front-loaded.

Very iconic sound 6/10

good album, few good songs

The last real rock band? I can’t help but feel this is the hipsters’ choice of Black Keys albums. It’s ok actually. Really good to be fair. But surely the big seller is the one you’d introduce. Not this one. 3

Had to double check if I accidentally put on Imagine Dragons. Among all the albums I've heard, this is the one that closest associates with the term "Home Depot rock" in my head. It's the sort of thing mainstream rock radio stations would put on at peak hours. Like, it's not terrible, even sort of heavy at times, but it's the most safe, blandest, unimaginative shit you can imagine. I don't hate it as much as pop rock since there's a lest some cool riffs, but it's not much better.

on the cusp of 4, great mucisians, just not all gems

this was fine. i wouldn’t wish for it to be turned off at a party or anything. but it sounds like it was made for commercials and nothing else.

I'm about 4 tracks in. It's got some all time popular hits on the first half of this album. However I'm feeling really disconnected from it, and I'm wondering if that is because so many movies, commercials and other content has used these tracks for their ads and whatnot. Like this album suffers from the over saturation in culture since it's release more than most would. It's such a cool gritty sound, but at early in this listen i'm feeling unattached from the songs. I take back my earlier sentiment as the 3rd act of this album is frickin awesome. Just big time D kickers all the way.

I’d say that I enjoyed this album quite a bit but I had to listen to some sort of deluxe anniversary edition so it felt a bit bloated and I would have preferred to listen to the original but eh ho!

2.5

I’m not sure really what came first or not but this sounds remarkably similar to Arctic Monkeys. Got a good amount of jams and grooves though and I generally liked it.

5/1001 :: The Black Keys - Brothers Heard before? ✅ Would I revisit? ✅ Rating: Solid 6, Light 7 Fav Tracks: Tighten Up, Howlin’ For You, Everlasting Light, Unknown Brother I’ve listened to this album a bunch actually. It’s not my favorite Black Keys album but Tighten Up probably my favorite song from them (if I had to choose). I said I would revisit the album because I do plan to buy this on vinyl one day. Waiting till the day I see it in the Used Bin for $15 bucks… But other than in a vinyl format I’m not sure I would listen to the whole thing without skipping tracks. Overall, the album would benefit from a nip and tuck. Clocking in at almost an hour I would probably cut 4 or 5 tracks especially because there are a bunch of tracks that are doing similar things. The Black Keys are always a little one dimensional in that way but sometimes it’s exactly what I’m looking for. Should also be noted this album would play well at a backyard BBQ…🍻

Fine

It's a pretty good one but a little too long for the style. Howlin for you is kinda trash arena rock Will I listen to again: 45%

Conhecia apenas a faixa "Tighten Up" do Fifa11. Tem a virtude de trazer sons "naturais", para um disco de 2010. Uma sonoridade crua que funciona em faixa como "Black Mud" mas não tão bem em "Sinsiter Kid" e "Howlin' For You". A psicodelia de "Ten Cent Pistol", é apenas razoável. Também não me agrada a opção de vocal soul music em "Never Gonna Give Up You". Enfim, um disco mediano, razoável, satisfatório, sem empolgar.

Cool

Grand

Yeah good stuff

This is a Review by Tim The amount of stars that I will give it is 3 I really got into the Black Keys in the late noughties, loving 9AM Automatic, I still love that riff. Then they became really big and had a lot of commercial success. I did see them live a fair amount of times and it was always quite fun. Until I saw them in Alexandra Palace when the crowd was just full of losers. This has really put me off the band resulting in me not really listening to them at all anymore.

I respect it but easily got a little boring towards the end. May relisten though I wasn't quite in the mood for it

Enjoyed but as others have pointed out is a bit samey.

okay, I like El Camino, the one after better.

Buen disco, pero lejos de los años 70.

This album is filled with the type of songs that if I heard on a rock radio station, I’d flip through stations to find something else. And I’m not talking about the classic rock stations that play AC/DC and Led Zeppelin over and over again. I’m talking about the modern rock stations. The kind of stations that will put this on along with Imagine Dragons. My biggest gripe is that all the songs sound almost the same. Everything is just the same indie fluff, complete with that annoying vocal reverb. I know the top reviews point this out, but this was just a collection of commercial songs. Hell, I recognized Howlin’ For You because I heard it during a commercial. I don’t even remember what the fucking product was, but I remember the song. This album is not abysmal. It’s okay. But I think I’m good with anything from the Black Keys ever again. Favorite track: Howlin’ For You Other hits: Sinister Kid, Black Mud, The Only One, Tighten Up

I liked this. It's like if you want a little T-Rex in your blues.

A lot of bangers on this but as a Black Keys fan, even I think this album is a little long. Favorites: Next Girl, Howlin' For You, She's Long Gone, Sinister Kid Would I listen to it again: Yes

The music is simple and huge, loved the mix as well. The songs didn't overstay their welcome, but the album did. I would guess Danger Mouse added a lot of the interesting ideas we hear, I thought it was well-produced. After looking at DM's catalogue, I do notice some intangible groovy element which carries across the music he's worked on. That said, the songs are good but the "same"-iness of suburban white guy blues made for Chevy commercials got a bit much after a straight hour of it - so IMO the consistency, while a good thing, still doesn't justify not cutting the album down to, say, 12 tracks. Solid 3.25/5. Favorite track: still Tighten Up

Really loved this album when it came out and lots of nostalgic tunes - feels a bit out of place compared to the scale and quality of some other albums on this list.

Iconic sound and some catchy melodies, but could have benefited from more diversity.

#620. Some of this is catchy enough, but you find yourself asking who cares? This is blues rock for people who hate blues and rock. 3/5: by hipsters, for hipsters.

Good background listen. A few great highlights 3

It's fine. Competently executed vintage fetishism. Feels like they want you to hear how fine their gear and how exquisite their taste is above all else.

Initially I was grooving on this one, but every song sounds kind of the same and every song sounds like it was designed to be in the background of a kia commercial. Not bad but a little variety would have been nice

A few good tracks, feels a bit try hard and monotonous at times

everything sounds the same and nothing is really peaking my interest. it’s okay.

Its a bit long for what it is, but good. Laid back at times. Decent

didnt wanna listen to it

I like them pulling from soul and motown voices from the past.

5.5/10 This was fine. I’m sure they get compared to the White Stripes constantly, so I will too: O prefer the WS. Well put together, poppy blues rock. Doesn’t have the sensibility nor the fun of the WS. Best: Too Afraid to Love You

Not bad, not great. Good enough to listen to.

I liked this and found it a solid three. Had it had one or more songs that spectacularly grabbed me, I'd have it as a 4. But none did, though it was only one listen of the album, so I'm open to reconsideration.

Decent album

Opened pretty strong, then I tired of the similar sounds/themes, then i had 6 more tracks left. There was nothing terrible wrong with it, few hits, felt like a lot of background noise filler though on reflection

Якби мене попросили назвати найбільш характерних представників олдскульного рок звучання, то першим я б напевно, безперечно, назвав Джека Вайта, ну а другими б були The Black Keys. Увесь час до цього альбому вони намагалися знайти щось нове, бо у стилістиці блюз року, вони здається сказали все що хотіли та могли ще на Rubber Factory (2004). Але після трохи дивного психоделічного Attack & Release (2008), вони все ж повернулись до свого фірмового гаражного звучання з впізнаваними блюзовими мелодіями. Альбом Brothers став втіленням цього повернення та по суті не сильно виділяється чимось новаторським на фоні їх попередньої творчості. Напевно єдиним елементом, що дійсно дивує, так це доволі високі вокальні партії. Але ж цей альбом вважають видатним не просто так, правда? Нууу, тут важко сказати, для когось він є найбільш "безпечним" альбомом цього гурту(і це так), та за це його відповідно не люблять. А для когось - це квінтесенція їх творчості де втілено все найкраще що міг колись продемонструвати гурт (і це також так). Якщо говорити особисто про мене, то у порівняні з вищезгаданим Rubber Factory цей альбом, не дивлячись на вторинність, виглядає більш виграшно. Відчувається в ньому майстерність, та впевненість з якою гурт до нього підійшов. Усі музичні малюнки тут максимально яскраві, а партії на The Only One та Howlin' For You раз і назавжди врізаються в пам'ять. Ба більше, альбом просто здоровезний та нараховує цілих 15 треків в якому немає жодного філера, ніби слухаєш компіляцію їх кращих речей. Він як стейк, готуючи який, нарешті вдалося отримати ідеальну просмажку, це напевно і робить альбом видатним.

I was in pretty early with the Black Keys and as these things tend to go, this meant I was pulling for them to have success. I also kinda lost interest just as fast: their genre exercises, committed and believable, never broke out of being imitation. After thickfreakness long faded from memory I remember giving the one-off BlakRoc collaboration a go, mostly because of the sample material from which the project’s name half originated. It’s not the greatest rap-rock pairing, but hinted at a malleability the earlier classic r&b sound never did. That sets up Brothers, a wide-eyed rock and soul record that lets in hooks and melody. Maybe too many hooks and particular melodies for some, as their reliance on advert placements grew to make them an inescapable sound on tv for the better part of the early 2010s. As with most BK records, there’s a handful of memorable songs and a lot of filler, but the melding of old blues sounds and contemporary production, if cheapened some by the subsequent advert exposure, sits well and sustains a particular tone.

Good ol fashioned rock music. I don't mind this album and The Black Keys but it feels very non-essential for me. I would give up their seat at the table for something nicher any day of the week. Cringe album cover also. Fave Tracks: Everlasting Light 3.3/5

This is a high three, but it’s just not 4 quality for me

fun, a few songs i didnt care for but a good album!! cohesive, intentional

Enjoyable. Wouldn't listen to on repeat

It's a good album, I've already listened to it.

Not bad but definitely wasn't as good as I remembered this album being. Feels pretty one dimensional and felt kinda boring at times. I still think the black keys are cool ass white dudes, but I'm leaning a weak 3 on this. Never Going to Give You Up and These Days were two songs that I enjoyed more than others

Blues Brothers.

These seem to be a marmite band but I love marmite!

Flinke folk uten skikkelige låter. Groovy, da.

It’s alright but El Camino is a better album.

🎤

Used to be a big black keys fan, this was my favorite for a while but honestly it fell off, for me, still some great songs

Middle of the road rock for the most part - Howlin go you and Tighten up are obviously classics. Another reviewer said it’s just a FIFA soundtrack and it’s hard to disagree. El Camino is all round a more exciting album. Good but not great

Not bad but using the same rhythm for most of the album gets boring.

Good3/5

Brothers from The Black Keys with their heavy drums, slinging guitar, and raspy vocals makes for a cool hipster album. Only familiar with the hit Howlin’ for You from radio play, but enjoyed the entire album. Will check out more of their music. L = (2.9*s) J = (3.6*s)

Took a bit for these boys to make the scene but when they finally did, it was smash. I did not fully jump on board at the time but I did like the hits with "Tighten up" best track they got. Danger Mouse is a beast and when he collabs on a project...it's just gonna work. The Black Keys got a good sound that gets better with age. It's the bluesy alt-rock that gets ya. Brothers is a complete album with good range...slows down a bit at the end but as a total package, solid release. 3.45 stars.

The Black Keys were seemingly everywhere for a few years in my late-college run. I wasn't aware they had been active since 2002 but they really made a splash and hit the big time in 2010/2011 on the heels of Brothers and the smash follow up El Camino. Both albums had radio hits that seemed to scratch a certain alt-rock itch. While El Camino is the better album, Brothers is what put them on the map for me. I was exposed to a lot of the songs on this album but don't believe I had ever listened to it in unison previously. Brothers is a respectable album, but my criticism of the album echoes my feelings for the band overall. I'm not sure I need all 55 minutes of Brothers (or The Black Keys for that matter). They have proven they are very capable of putting together a solid radio hit, but there is very little depth or staying power. I respect the hell out of a 2-piece band that is able to assemble a handful of tunes with mass appeal, but I feel they are better consumed in bite-sized quantities and sticking solely to the hits. The deep cuts do little to keep me around, and with only 2 players, there is little variation to the sound they crank out. The Black Keys have their time and place, and I do believe the deserve an entry on this list, but I don't find myself going back to the well on either Brothers or El Camino with much regularity. I'll continue to enjoy a Black Keys songs now and then with a group but quickly move on to the next thing. 2.47 stars

Very much not for me mainly because off heavy fuzz pedals used on guitars and also the main singers voice and how he sings. However I do really enjoy the instrumentals especially the rhythm guitar and whenever they used keys

Listening to a Black Keys record in the year of our Lord 2025, good heavens; takes me back. First half of the album is all bangers and the back half is more groovy blues rock stuff. Overall still as good a listen as it was in 2010 to be honest

The first album I got on this site where I already had something from it in my library. This should be something I like. It's ok. Nothing bad, nothing great. Maybe that's because all the songs sound the same. It's good background music.

It's a scratchy-ballad album. Not my favourite, but I appreciate how much thought went into making the rythyms match the style of the music and the guitar riffs. 3/5.

Very good

"I hate that soulful affectation white girls put on / why don't you move to the Delta?" At least 60s/70s white guys who ripped off the blues would go wild with their vocals, this Millenial/late Gen X commercial rock for the radio, FIFA soundtracks and car adverts is totally sanded down despite its gestures to blues rock. The instrumentation is pretty good, dragging the whole thing up to being pleasantly mediocre.

3 1/2 Stars: I'm all for the distorted guitar sounds of bluesy rockin' roll, but much like AC/DC, I could never sit down and listen to a full hour-long record of it for fun. Good for bits and bites and crafting a playlist, but a full length Black Keys "album" will never be a go-to for me.

Kinda soulless for a souls-like album by white guys

Not bad but would never listen to it again. Sounds like a car commercial.

Bom

Some real car commercial-core tracks on here that really started to meander into one another while just being 'pretty good' I was enjoying it for the most part for half an hour but was feeling pretty numb to it as it reached its close at nearly an hour. I don't know why this was the album chosen for this band

INTENSE URGE TO PURCHASE A NEW ISUZU DMAX NOW ONLY $49999 WITH INSTANT CASHBACK ON TRADE PURCHASES.

The Black Keys, Artic Monkeys, and Cage the Elephant made up the bulk of my 14 year old music taste. Artic Monkeys has undoubtedly aged the most poorly with consistently bland and unimpressive albums. Cage the Elephant have faired much better, I still return to their albums thoughtout the year and have songs which I adore. Unfortunately ruined by Matt Shultz getting over his coke addiction. The black keys sit somewhere in the middle, but even amongst albums I would considered "mixed" in quality Brothers is mid. They are attempting to do a distorted garage sounding blues that is somewhat inspired but utterly flat. Even as a teen I recognised this as a particular weak link. Dan Auerbach has always exhibited remarkably more talent as a producer, and teacher than as a musician in his own right. Just look at the guys production credits if you're curious. He taught Matt Schultz how to sing and clearly understands how to run an electric guitar through a machine to get something to get a sound which is dreamy, rough, textured. Like a mirage in a south American desert. As a composer and a writer. Mixed. 5/10 P.S. Inverted Bell Curve, the start and the end are definitely of the peaks on this one with a complete wash in the middle.

Sorry, Jae, this is...fine?

I constantly mix up the Black Keys and the Black Crowes. Seems fair to me, they’re both basically the same mid-range blues rock.

I bought this album based on the strength of the singles, and remember being pretty disappointed in the rest of the album. And listening back now, I can see my memory was right on the money. There are some great songs, which is honestly bringing my review up to three stars, but my god does it all get soupy in the middle. Their later albums get better at having some consistent quality, but I maintain that The Black Keys are a band where you only really need to listen to the singles.

The Good: It’s a family affair! The Bad: What about the sisters? The Ugly: I always confused them with the Eyed-Peas… Post 2000 modern music isn’t my thing. Though I recognize several of the tunes on the album, and they aren’t bad, it’s the kind of music which, in my humbles opinion, sounds forced… I will put them together with the likes of Imagine Dragons (I think that’s the name of the band), and just say “nice try, you failed”. Down the middle, though I believe I will have to go back and re-rate loads of my previously listened to albums as yesterday it turned out that I ranked Aja by Steely Dan with a 4… and that’s just wrong.

An album with some highs, mixed in with some more tame and lull periods as well, but a nice mixture nonetheless throughout. It would receive 3.5 but will be rounded down to a 3.

Solid album, Tighten Up, Howlin for You and These Days being the stand outs. 3/5.

it starts out fun but pretty standard punk or blues or whatever, but then it gets kinda different starting with "Black Mud" and "The Only One." Not super out there, but there was a slight shift that I wasn't expecting. Maybe a little generic overall? But I still enjoyed it.

Very good

Good album

The Black Keys are a good band and this is a good album. But I never understood the fascination and I don't get why they're on this list. 3

Never heard of them. It's a somewhat decent album, quite bluesy, not bad, and sometimes a strange mixdown. This is not an album I need to hear again.

it's so important to listen to music and realize how many people have pulled inspo...hozier i see you

3, great album of slow jams

It has the ingredients but somehow just doesn't hit the spot. Inoffensive.

I enjoyed this, but its not breaking any boundaries or setting any high watermarks. White man blues rock done very proficiently with some good tunes and some slick production. I owned this first time around but havent listened to it in a decade which tells its own story.

A couple of stand out tracks but very similar sounding throughout. And a longer album so a lot starts to feel the same. Still brings back good memories and a good album but I'll give it a 3.

Decent. 3/5

Some nice songs.

The Black Keys are basically washed up hacks these days, and I truly never need to hear their music again (well, Weight of Love can stay. But otherwise). So I was not excited for this one. But, I do have to say, while I don't *love* this record, I do GET it. It makes sense that this is the album that really made them go mainstream, and it's all-around a decent set of tunes that brought blues & soul to the indie aesthetics of the time in a unique way. The deep cuts are surprisingly consistent. Auerbach is just not my cup of tea.

Besser als ich gedacht hab. Nette Lieder dabei, aber jetzt nicht DAS Album, dass ich in meinem Leben gebraucht hab. Maybe hittets mich eines Tages, aber ka

Its fine

some solid songs. too deep in association with ex

The black keys are a very consistent band.

very mid

This is an album by The Black Keys. The name of this album is Brothers. The rating for this album is 3/5.

Good 2010's indie rock album, with some catchy hits that I remember, but good variety as well in the deep tracks. 3.5

Solid, not earth shattering but enjoyable enough. I know a lot of people who absolutely love The Black Keys, and I don’t quite see the obsession. But also, I do enjoy their music.

The Black Keys have a very distinct sound, but it gets repetitive when listening to a whole album. Still worth listening to, but I don't think I'd go out of my way to do so. I think it would work better as a few songs speckled withing a large playlist than all at once.

this is an album by the black keys. the name of the album is brothers. the rating of the album is ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Great stuff but not edgy enough

Some favorites here, but not among their best albums

2000s rock. Album not half as good as that one song.

Good. Not classic. Certainly not elite. And not even their best or most interesting. This gets a three. El Camino would/will get a four.

Easy listening fuzzy garage blues. Can't say too much bad about it but it just makes me think of car adverts. El Camino is better.

Nothing bad to say. Was great background music while I played DRG but I don't remember anything in particular

Great album

7/10

3 stars

Ooh this is fun! Heavy beats and guitars, thudding catchy rhythms. Not a raw sound but quick-seared on the grill. Yeah, Black Keys. All right. What it is.

This album is fine. 2.5 probably. I'm still listening through it and it's not my thing. I'll give it a 3 because I recognize it's well done but I find it to be not crazy interesting. Now that I'm writing my reasoning I'll give it a 3.

It's a real shame what the marketing majors did to this album. The entire time I was listening I just felt like I was watching commercials.

Like it 3/5

The black keys on release were the saviors of rock and roll if I remember right That doesn't hold up so well, but it's an ok bluesy rock album

Borther uhhh jaja, was söll mir sege. na gmüetlich aber au biz boring tbh. Da hends ez nüd revolutioniert. 3 priise salz für mini brüedere. Alternative album und bandnamevorschläg vu mir: The by Black Keys Brothers Black by The Brothers Keys Keys by The Black Brothers

Fun but probably not going to stick with me

Not too shabby, reminds me of EA NHL game

Really appreciating the groove and tone (especially of the bass). Listened to the black keys in their earlier career and always preferred their stripped back bluesier fuzzier stuff (thickfreakness being my favourite) and this seems a nice marriage between that and their more recent el Camino era. Only flaw is I think the simplicity doesnt always reward multiple listens.

Thickfreakness is superior to this offering.

3.5/5

shameless vibe

Legal, mas concluí que não gosto muito da banda. Tem uma hora que o synth bass já não desce mais tão bem

I really should like this. Two piece band with rock and roll influences, but with a much wider range of tones and styles? Should be an immediate 5. And yet, despite listening 2-3 times, I couldn't remember a single thing from this album. It's not offensive, and I certainly wouldn't turn it off, but it's just a bit...dull? I used to be a bartender and we'd play one of their early albums in the bar all the time, so why *this* album is in the list ai have no idea. 3, because maybe it's a grower? The dictionary definition of "it's fine, I guess"

It's fine, I guess. Doesn't grip me.

Not bad! already familiar with a few songs from this album, really enjoy the general sound of this one! Steady 3/5

Nothing special

Ok

Not-partially good indie with some breakthrough in most hyped song, all and all sounds kinds mid in my opinion

I really vibed and a-grooved with the first four or five songs but the rest was quite forgettable for me. That being said, I still think it's a decent album, just not my thing. Weirdly, out of all the catchy, advert-friendly, corona-selling tunes that Black Keys have under their belts it's always Next Girl that gets stuck in my head for some reason. I really like that song for its tempo and plodding riff (or what my partner describes as "bluesy big-dick energy").

Not the most exciting album. But enjoyable as background music.

A solidly meh album. There are one or two good songs that are classics for a reason, but I'm not sure they're enough to justify going back to listening to the album again.

This was fun, but definitely dragged a bit. I admit I've never understood the draw of the Black Keys; it seems that it would be easy to come up with their music as a linear combination of a few of their contemporaries. But maybe I'm OOTL on something?

-I actually really liked this.. much more than I thought I would -some of the songs here are absolute bangers. I may be biased because I enjoy blues rock, but I love the whole band’s sense of rhythm. -it went on a little long and got kind of samey (only thing keeping it from 4 stars) but pretty good nonetheless -Favorites are Everlasting Light, Tighten Up, and Sinister Kid

A little repetitive but I think I’d listen to this album again

An album I actually already own and enjoy! It’s not groundbreaking, but solid blues-informed rock-n-roll.

i think this is good for what it is and was at the time, but i think we have sort of grown out of this sound, and there are just so many other things i would listen to before this. not terrible tho, doesn’t hurt my ears, overall pleasant, but kind of boring

fine

I’ve never listened to a Black Keys album all the way through before, and while they have some good songs, every song pretty much sounds the same. I was hoping to like this more. 2.5 stars.

People absolutely love this I think, and I've never really understood why. It sounds pretty good though I do feel like the album loses momentum. It's so heavily stylized but not a style I really enjoy. Fine album.

Awesome contemporary blues record. The speaker buzz really adds an aesthetic, pretty cool that they only add it to like one instrument per song. Makes the song feel almost punk rock. The Black Keys often feel like the next step in blues music after Jack White. This album is way too front loaded. If this was cut down to 30ish mins it would be legendary, however the back half is much too slow compared to the first 25 mins.

Not a bad album overall, and some all time great songs as well

Solid album

Not really my type, but it's not bad.

bakker ez is unalmas, nem tudom, hogy ilyen széria van-e vagy én vagyok szigorú kedvemben. :D pedig szépen megcsinált blues ez, de egy albumon keresztül valahogy kicsit erőltetett is meg egyhangú is. a tény, hogy 2010-es az album, és nem sokkalsokkal korábbi, mint ahogy a hangzásból gondolnám, ad neki plusz egy csillagot az előbbiekhez képest, szóval 3 it is.

НедоArckticMonkeys, но послушать можно

A couple of really strong songs, but ultimately a little dull.

Good album

I used to be the worlds biggest Black Keys apologist, and this album in particular was so important to me. Brothers was the first vinyl I bought as a 13-year-old. The video for Tighten Up was the coolest thing I had ever seen and inspired me to start learning guitar. I had all these songs on my iPod Classic and listened to them constantly. The song my high school girlfriend and I claimed was "ours" is Everlasting Light, for fuck's sake! I still have so much love for those songs, as well as Howlin' For You, She's Long Gone, and Never Gonna Give You Up. But the whole thing doesn't hold up quite as well as I hoped. This is clearly the Black Keys at their most commercial-seeking. Songs like Sinister Kid, Black Mud, Next Girl, The Go Getter, and basically the rest of Side B just aren't at the same quality as the first half. I still have love for this album, but man, their earlier garage-leaning stuff was so much more fun. Maybe I'm just a Rubber Factory enjoyer.

It’s not that it’s not good. There are some solid songs on here. But I agree with other reviewers here that say this drags a bit, is repetitive at times and frankly feels… insincere.

Yes!!

Rly nice and chill

3.5- rounded down

Chill music, but it all blends together. Hard to tell one song from another.

Never Gonna Give You Up is an all time CLASSIC. The rest? Pretty unremarkable. All three of these stars are for that track

It’s very repetitive and monotonous to get through. There are a few enjoyable tunes but the vast majority sounds and feel like filler songs.

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.

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.

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

downloaded 2,3,4,7&8. decent

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”

With few exceptions, there is very little variation song to song. Everlasting Light and Howling for You are standouts, the rest kinda blend together.

[5/10] Spotify recommended me the “Beer and Wings” playlist after I listened to this which sums it up pretty well.

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

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

The hits are catchy but the rest drags and feels repetitive. Great production tho 2.6

Never was the biggest black keys guy but this is a solid offering from then with some strong tracks

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.