The Black Keys - El Camino
 

This album was released a few days ago. Thoughts?

It's more polished that most of their previously albums, but then again, so was Brothers, and that's by far their best album IMO. I'm gonna withhold judgement until I've listened through it a few more times.

I slept on Brothers and went to check this out but was disappointed. None of it really sticks with me. I wasn't able to 5 star any of the tracks on this album personally. Gold on the Ceiling was all right I suppose. I didn't dislike this album, I just was expecting something more after all the props Black Keys have been getting...

Not ever going to bother listening to this album. They have already lessened my love with Brothers and Attack & Release.

I listened to it once, didn't dislike it but it really didn't do anything for me. It was admirable to try and top an album like Brothers (2010) in little over a year, but I do think this album will be largely forgotten in the next 5-7 years depending on what else the put out.

Their worst album in my opinion. Not even close to as good as Brothers, and I'm more a fan of their older stuff. I would have given it a 2 but "Little Black Submarine" is the reason I gave it a 3. That song is great. No other songs really stand out to me.

It's so high up on a lot of top 2011 albums lists, and not just from the places I'd expect to endorse crap so lightly. Meh....

Gave it a 3, with room to grow. I'm just not a big fan of Danger Mouse's work with TBKs... it deviates too much from their style, and their general path of growth throughout their discography. On the bright side, I like the tempo and there are some hugely good tracks. See: Little Black Submarines.

Little Black Submarines is a great song.

I`m diggin it! I gave it a 5...Can`t wait to see what these two will do next!

A 5? That basically means it's perfect. As a guy who hasn't even bothered to listen to it can you explain to me what makes the album deserving of such a high score?

5 on a scale of 10 maybe, and even then that is a little generous.

I give the song writing a 1 and a bonus point for a cool sounding production and presentation. 2.

Judging by what some of you guys are saying, this album isn't really worth me checking out, is it?

Don't think I would ever recommend just not checking out an album... give it a listen and see what you think. At a minimum there are a couple of songs worth your time.

Wait... so people have cooled on this or what? I still love it...

I think it will be a rather boring listen and would prefer to play any of their pre-Arrack & Release albums at this moment.

El Camino is nothing like the old stuff. It's a little hard to go from "The Big Come Up" and then to "El Camino". I still love some songs on there, cool beats and riffs. If you start with either album, good luck liking the second one.

This Album is the original Black Keys 2.0
 

Brothers is THE WORST Black Keys album of all time. they sold out and went to make money. i dont blame them. after 6 albums and no national recognition, please sell out and earn your money. but. El Camino goes right back to their rock n roll roots. its all rock. no crappy light songs. its not as edgy as Thickfreakness, but a bit heavier than Magic Potion. Really, every song on it is respectable and roots rock. Its basically as good or better than Rubber Factory.

Pretty sure most people say El Camino is a more mainstream Brothers...

Either way, The Black Keys were making enough money and had a massive fan base before. I don't think they are now "selling out" they are just making different music. And fair play to them.

Need to check this out. I've been slow getting around to it but I love The Black Keys.

I gave El Camino a 4. It's quite good, but it's also fairly forgettable. Like TC11 just said, it's pretty much a more mainstream Brothers.

That said, I freaking love Brothers so that's really not a bad thing for me.

The Black Keys have had "light" songs since their debut...

I ended up listening to most of the album today. Loved Little Black Submarine even though it sounded like an exact replica of the opening to Stairway.

Still, not really inspired to go through the whole album.

Well obviously you have heard better. You would have to be deaf not to.

4.3

The faux-vintage sound doesn't cover up that it's just a cheap pop record. Which tends to be the issue with most bands that opt for a vintage sound, they never can come close to their target original influences.

That said, this being popular is a step up from typical pop tripe.

"faux-vintage"??? They have an EP of Junior Kimbrough covers for chrissakes...

Ah, so a cover of a classic blues artist makes it the 'real thing'.

Thank you for informing me.

What would please you? If they recorded in an old rubber factory or something??? Geez, you're crazy!!!

I think he was talking about this album, fanboy. :D

Haha I know, but my point is... they've recorded several "authentic" albums that were true to their original influences. So they've lightened up a bit here? They paid their dues...

I agree, but people are still allowed to point out the obvious flaws in their new album.

I mean, one of the tracks is an almost chord for chord copy of Stairway to Heaven.

Then it transitions into 'Last Dance with Mary Jane'! :laughing:

It's not a great blues rock record. No disagreement with me there. But it *is* a great pop rock album. I think with that mindset you can appreciate it a lot more...

Great compared to a heap of bile.

Production qualities are really great, which is why I stated 'faux-vintage', why it is faux and not totally legit is the song writing. Others in here share a similar opinion.

Yes sir. The previous few were a lot better, this one fell into the trappings of pop vintage and extreme unoriginality, as you quoted with the Stairway reference. The mainstream kiddies like it, all cool, better than that of Nicki Minaj. :/

I don't dislike any of The Black Keys's albums. El Camino is an okay album by their standards. I'm just celebrating the fact that they've released seven of them now and not one of them has been poor. Yeah, this one isn't blues rock, isn't terribly original, and every song is nearly the same pace. Nevermind that. It's a great pop rock record. I can dance to 'Lonely Boy' with my friends. They've all seen the music video. I can request 'Tighten Up' from the guy playing piano covers at the local bar tonight. It's fun. Keep your expectations reasonable and you can enjoy it too... :thumb:

I love this band. Their previous albums are far better but you can't blame them for progressing towards a different sound. What is the point of them making another Thickfreakness... been there done that.

El Camino is awesome.... more upbeat, love driving to this album. Its not awesome that commercial radio has flogged the crap out of Lonely Boy, just makes me want to bang my head on a brick wall.

It's a great song... so what's wrong with hearing it on the radio?

I just hate how commercial radio jump on the band wagon and thats all you hear. Over three times a day. Until I never want to hear it again. But yes it is a great song. I love how I can dance like I always have done and not look stupid becuase of the Lonely Boy clip :p

Ah, me and my friends love busting out those "moves" when we hear it no matter where we are haha...