Unshackled from the expectations that come with creating an album with The White Stripes, The Raconteurs, or The Dead Weather, Jack White lets his genius off the leash for a vibrant, eclectic first offering as a solo artist. White's unmistakable voice and the twinkling ivories behind the achy title track are reminiscent of The White Stripes' softer piano-led balladry, but the sweeping lap steel winding through announces this album as its own beast. His transplanted Nashville roots shine on the rockabilly swagger of "I'm Shakin'", name dropping Bo Diddley through backing singers and snarling guitar, while the raw soulful vocals and loose, explosive sound of "Trash Tongue Talker" offers brilliantly roughed up piano rock.
The album offers so many sides of White's sonic personality that it largely plays like a career-spanning greatest hits you simply have not heard yet. The propulsive shake of acoustic guitar and beat on "Hip (Eponymous) Poor Boy", his organ-laced, melodic plea for the pain of love on "Love Interruption", and the softly shuffling beat of "On And On And On" show off the more mellow side of White's sound. Those looking for something with a bit more oomph will find solace in the classic rock leaning swirl of "Weep Themselves To Sleep" and crunchy riff storm of "Sixteen Saltines", while those searching for his ability to deliver deliciously dark narratives will love the twirling "Missing Pieces" and rebellious bluesy kick of "Freedom At 21" treats. Hell, he even manages to beautifully meld a buzzing guitar solo, breezy strings, and a hip-hop beat into closing "Take Me With You When You Go". In the end, White's debut is a dazzling album that gets stronger with each passing listen.
Seek - "Freedom At 21", "Love Interruption", "Trash Tongue Talker"
For fans of - Neil Young
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