The Black Keys released their 7th full-length album, (not including any vinyl or mix tapes) "Turn Blue" earlier this year. It's hard to keep up with these guys - every time I get into one of their records; they release a new one! It doesn't seem like that long ago they released, "El Camino" which was certainly not their best work. The whole album has a slow-tempo and depressing blues sound, no cool melodies or catchy choruses like in their previous albums. "Turn Blue" is a BIG improvement compared to "El Camino", but it's not my favorite piece of their work either. The album features some cool songs like the single, "In Time", the self-titled track, "Turn Blue", "Fever", and "Gotta Get Away".
I enjoy listening to this album, with the exception of one or two tracks. All of Black Keys albums have been produced by Danger Mouse, who is essentially the invisible third member of the band, he adds in all the other instruments and back-up vocals / choir. However, I think Danger Mouse put WAY too much synth on this album. It seems like every song has a strong synth sound in the background and it doesn't mesh with the music. The Black Keys are known for that bluesy-rock sound and with a record title like "Turn Blue"; you would think they would bring out more of that blues sound. Instead, the band decided to try something new and different.
Their sound has changed significantly since their earlier stuff; compare "Attack & Release" to this new album. Their sound isn't scratchy or vintage-sounding anymore like The Strokes earlier work. This record sounds much more polished, but they haven't changed completely, there is still that Black Keys trademark sound. I guess after 12 years, your music style changes and evolves naturally. However, they are definitely not meant to be a synth-pop band!
This is a 2-person band, but listening to this record, you hear several instruments played at once. You would think it's a 7 piece band with a choir. Danger Mouse, the producer and unofficial third member of the band, makes sure they have that same sound when performing LIVE. This 2-man Blues/Rock band from Akron, Ohio have come a long way since touring in a mini van and playing small gigs. Now, they are arguably the BEST 2-man band making rock music (F*CK The White Stripes).
Overall, I give this album a 6 /10, because I prefer their old rough, mid-west rock sound.
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