Jack White - Blunderbuss

Jack White - Blunderbuss (2012)

Genre: Blues Rock, Garage Rock

Among the biggest icons in 21st century rock music lies Jack White, who's first proper solo album may not exactly tread completely new ground, is still an excellent demonstration of blues rock... with spunk. As a reminder, I do not intend for this to be a really in-depth and complex review. I'm just sharing my quick personal thoughts on the album. As for any album review I do, I try to be objective without letting any personal bias get too much in the way of the final grade. 

Up to this point in his career, I believe it wasn't since The White Stripes' Elephant that White cranked out an album as consistently great as this. This is pure blues rock revival, with that touch of charisma that is undeniable of Jack White. He roars through the track list with such conviction, and at times, even angst, that you can't help but keep up with these storylines of disturbed emotions and troubled love that he sings about. My first exposure to this album was upon hearing Sixteen Saltines while I was playing Rocksmith back in my younger teenage years, and I immediately feel in love with it.

While Sixteen Saltines is certainly one of my favorites, there are no shortage of other great tracks here. Freedom at 21, plays like an anthem of young rebellion, and I can't help but feel hooked by Jack's borderline rapping here. Love Interruption is a favorite among many, it seems, and it's easy to see its appeal among its subtle abrasiveness. Likewise, Trash Tongue Talker is another abrasive track that seems to draw on some soul influence. Its aggressive piano riffs and Jack's evident anger in his voice drives this song amazingly well and is certainly one of the funkier songs on here. 

As much praise as I'm giving this album, there's still a few songs here that don't necessarily live up to standard. The title track, while still effective in its subtle country influences, didn't exactly hook me all that much. Hip (Eponymous) Poor Boy seemed to be among the more upbeat tracks, and it certainly succeeds in its more happy aesthetic, but I can't help but feel that it sounds a bit out of place on the album. Still, these two tracks don't really detract much from the rest of the album's appeal.

Overall, Jack's brilliance in creating stellar rock tracks shines through on this record. What this album lacks in innovation, it makes up for it with a sizeable number of infectiously moody and catchy songs, with only the occasionally small hiccup. For lovers of blues rock or anyone that was a fan of The White Stripes, this is a must listen. If anything, it serves as a prime example of why Jack White is such a revered figure among the rock community today.

A

Favorite Tracks: Missing Pieces, Sixteen Saltines, Freedom at 21, Love Interruption, I'm Shakin', Trash Tongue Talker

Least Favorite Track: Hip (Eponymous) Poor Boy