After a five year hiatus, the band makes it abundantly clear what they plan to do. They’re making music again and they plan to have fun with it. “Let’s Rock” is thus as much of a statement as it is a telling album title.

“Eagle Birds” is a groovy blues track. The guitar riff is playful and crunchy, bouncing off a classic 12 bar. It’s unpretentious with Dan Auerbach proclaiming the simple truth: “Don’t nobody wanna be lonely / Everybody oughta be loved sometime.”

The subsequent track “Lo/Hi” follows in a similar vein. ZZ Top and Jack White influences can definitely be singled out here only Auerbach’s distinctive voice characterizes the track as one from The Black Keys. The lyrics are not poetry, rather they serve the function of fulfilling the recipe for a rock song. In the spirit of “Gold on the Ceiling”, Auerbach sings for the music rather than writing music for his lyrics.

“Tell Me Lies” is an album highlight. Aurbach groans: “Burn, baby burn /
You live and learn every time along the way / Lies, tellin’ lies / Hypnotize, disguising things you say.” The dirty riffs and licks pay homage to rock ‘n’ roll tropes and will inspire every young guitarist to purchase a new pedal immediately.

“Every Little Thing” is also heavier and distorted, firing up with a Jimi Hendrix style opening. Although there is a heavy psychedelic core present here, The Black Keys continue to inject a playful pop edge which keeps their music in the mainstream eye.

At 38-minutes long, Let’s Rock falls on the short side but the lack of quantity is certainly compensated for in terms of the quality. There are no standout “weaker tracks” and The Black Keys keep up the groove from start to finish. If the album title “Let’s Rock” is a statement concerning the band’s comeback, it may as well also qualify as an instruction to fans. There’s no pretense or showing off here, just quality, playful rock music which is bound to get you on your feet.

5/5

The post The Black Keys’ “Let’s Rock” is a Perfect Rock Album appeared first on Hot Pop Today.

Alongside the announcement, the band presented the second single from the album titled “Eagle Birds.” Check it out below.

The Black Keys also shared a cover of the album and a tracklist via social media.

“Let’s Rock” was recorded in vocalist Dan Auerbach’s studio in Nashville while the band members produced the album themselves. The release features Leisa Hans and Ashley Wilcoxson on backing vocals.

“When we’re together we are the Black Keys, that’s where that real magic is, and always has been since we were 16,” Auerbach said in a statement.

“The record is like a homage to electric guitar,” – drummer Patrick Carney added. “We took a simple approach and trimmed all the fat like we used to.”

Following the release of the album, The Black Keys are set to tour North America in fall. The band was also scheduled to perform at Woodstock 50 festival in August, but decided to cancel their appearance due to “scheduling issues.”

The post The Black Keys Share New Song, Announce New Studio Album appeared first on Hot Pop Today.

After a five year hiatus, the band makes it abundantly clear what they plan to do. They’re making music again and they plan to have fun with it. “Let’s Rock” is thus as much of a statement as it is a telling album title.

“Eagle Birds” is a groovy blues track. The guitar riff is playful and crunchy, bouncing off a classic 12 bar. It’s unpretentious with Dan Auerbach proclaiming the simple truth: “Don’t nobody wanna be lonely / Everybody oughta be loved sometime.”

The subsequent track “Lo/Hi” follows in a similar vein. ZZ Top and Jack White influences can definitely be singled out here only Auerbach’s distinctive voice characterizes the track as one from The Black Keys. The lyrics are not poetry, rather they serve the function of fulfilling the recipe for a rock song. In the spirit of “Gold on the Ceiling”, Auerbach sings for the music rather than writing music for his lyrics.

“Tell Me Lies” is an album highlight. Aurbach groans: “Burn, baby burn /
You live and learn every time along the way / Lies, tellin’ lies / Hypnotize, disguising things you say.” The dirty riffs and licks pay homage to rock ‘n’ roll tropes and will inspire every young guitarist to purchase a new pedal immediately.

“Every Little Thing” is also heavier and distorted, firing up with a Jimi Hendrix style opening. Although there is a heavy psychedelic core present here, The Black Keys continue to inject a playful pop edge which keeps their music in the mainstream eye.

At 38-minutes long, Let’s Rock falls on the short side but the lack of quantity is certainly compensated for in terms of the quality. There are no standout “weaker tracks” and The Black Keys keep up the groove from start to finish. If the album title “Let’s Rock” is a statement concerning the band’s comeback, it may as well also qualify as an instruction to fans. There’s no pretense or showing off here, just quality, playful rock music which is bound to get you on your feet.

5/5

The post The Black Keys’ “Let’s Rock” is a Perfect Rock Album appeared first on Hot Pop Today.

Alongside the announcement, the band presented the second single from the album titled “Eagle Birds.” Check it out below.

The Black Keys also shared a cover of the album and a tracklist via social media.

“Let’s Rock” was recorded in vocalist Dan Auerbach’s studio in Nashville while the band members produced the album themselves. The release features Leisa Hans and Ashley Wilcoxson on backing vocals.

“When we’re together we are the Black Keys, that’s where that real magic is, and always has been since we were 16,” Auerbach said in a statement.

“The record is like a homage to electric guitar,” – drummer Patrick Carney added. “We took a simple approach and trimmed all the fat like we used to.”

Following the release of the album, The Black Keys are set to tour North America in fall. The band was also scheduled to perform at Woodstock 50 festival in August, but decided to cancel their appearance due to “scheduling issues.”

The post The Black Keys Share New Song, Announce New Studio Album appeared first on Hot Pop Today.