Album Review: The Black Keys' "Let's Rock"

In 2014, rock’s balance of power had shifted from The Black Keys to the Arctic Monkeys.

2013 saw the release of the latter band’s AM, a critically and commercially successful album that had a cultural moment, thanks in large part to the album’s lead single and opening track, “Do I Wanna Know?,” a certified banger with an infectious riff that was tailor-made for stadium performances.

The album had staying power, and while the Arctic Monkeys had a loyal following in their home country of England, it cemented the band as a major player in American rock. It effortlessly blended hip hop and R&B grooves with moody alternative arena rock, and felt new and familiar all at once.

The Black Keys responded with 2014’s Turn Blue - an album that similarly blended synths, keys, and soul to provide a groovy, if occasionally overly sappy record. The result was a far cry from the cultural dynamo AM was, and a far cry from the band’s previous two smash hits. 2010’s breakout Brothers, and 2011’s blockbuster followup El Camino.

Gone were the fuzzy pedals, gritty guitar work, simple, yet effective drumbeats, and catchy hooks that were made to be sung in arenas across the globe.

The Arctic Monkeys became the de facto face of alternative rock music, seemingly overnight.

Ultimately, both bands took a 5 year hiatus, as indie rock bands of all kinds, largely tried and failed to capture the cultural magic of AM, Brothers, or El Camino.

With The Black Keys nowhere to be found, and a desolate rock landscape in general, the Arctic Monkeys were poised to solidify their place among rock royalty when they returned in 2018 with Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino. Only the album was far from traditional alternative rock. It was atmospheric, space-inspired lounge music. Frontman Alex Turner had gotten a piano for his 30th birthday, and looked to it as the inspiration for their album. The record received mixed reviews, and divided the fan base. The Arctic Monkeys are known for changing their style often, but Tranquility Base was still a shock to the system, given how much it deviated from the band’s previous, uber-successful record.

Their forfeiture of the rock throne left a wide open lane for The Black Keys to once again take the crown.

Where Turner was inspired by piano, Keys frontman Dan Auerbach had reconnected with the electric guitar after collaborating with late Ohio guitarist Glenn Schwartz.

“Let’s Rock” (named after the last words of a Nashville death row inmate) is the band’s first record in 5 years, and serves as an homage to the guitar itself.

Clocking in at just under 40 minutes, the record zips through 60s and 70s inspired riffs and solos and never overstays its welcome. It’s a night and day difference from their previous record, and one that sounds closer to their earlier work, before they became a household name.

The album opens with “Shine A Light,” a gritty, booming, almost cinematic track that’s sure to be a highlight for fans of the band.

The one-two-three punch of “Shine A Light,” “Eagle Birds,” and “Lo/Hi” knock you around with one feverish, wailing guitar lick after another before you can get your bearings.

The album mellows out some after that, before picking things up again with “Get Yourself Together,” and “Go;” songs that sound right at home alongside catchy Danger Mouse-produced hits of singles past - like “Tighten Up” and “Gold On The Ceiling.”

The album closes out with two incredible tracks in “Under The Gun” and “Fire Walk With Me” respectively. The latter of which is among the best album closers in the band’s discography.

The album lives up to its name, and fans of all sub-genres of rock, from blues to bluegrass, should find something here to enjoy.

Though, there’s no denying the album largely feels out of place in today’s current musical landscape; a landscape in which rock is oft-ignored and overshadowed by hip hop and pop.

While the record itself knocks, scratches riff-lovers right where they itch, and overall makes for an entertaining summer soundtrack - one can’t help but wonder how much staying power it’ll have in the long run.

For guitarist and vocalist Dan Auerbach, and drummer Patrick Carney - it’s a return to form, and a much-needed album for the band personally.

But In creating a record that essentially doubles as an homage to rock’s most recognizable instrument - it may also serve as a potential eulogy for a genre of music whose best days are behind it.