Review: ‘El Camino’ by The Black Keys opens musical eyes of student

The Black Keys recently released its seventh studio album, titled “El Camino,” which has become its best selling album to date. The rock duo paired with producer Danger Mouse for this album, who has produced several albums for big stars like the Gorillaz, Beck and U2.

The Black Keys have been around for about 10 years, but I only recently jumped on the wagon for their previous album, “Brothers,” which contained the hit “Howlin’ for You.”

When it comes to music, I am a super picky. I tend to gravitate towards the female side of the spectrum, including Florence and the Machine, Imogen Heap, Kerli and even a little bit of Lady Gaga. The Black Keys, however, have really caught my attention, like some sort of shiny jewel in the bucket of crap that is current radio music.

“El Camino” is the first physical album I have bought since Drake released his first album. My music exposure usually occurs via YouTube, but after hearing just a few songs from this album, I decided to lay down the 13 bucks to stick “El Camino” in my Honda Civic. Money well spent.

This album combines everything I love about music right into one package. The lyrics are catchy and well-written. I always sing along to music, but when I sing the song just walking around Target, I know I am smitten.

What really just puts a smile on my face is how Dan Auerbach, the singer and guitarist, can bring those lyrics to life in my head. His voice is unique to say the least-high-pitched and smooth. Everything is brought together with awesome drum beats by Patrick Carney, which sounded pretty badass with my car’s sound system. Mix in some keyboard, and you got the idea of the band’s uncomplicated but satisfying brand of American rock.

One of the big problems I have with buying albums is that every song either sounds the exact same, or they all sound so different that it is confusing. This album includes mostly fast-paced songs, but a few slower, sadder songs are mixed in. The transition from song to song is well thought out, and is something I can appreciate. It has a different mood than “Brothers,” but I like it.

I would recommend this album to anyone because it certainly has mass appeal. It would resonate more with fans of music such as Cage the Elephant or the Raconteurs.

It has given me faith about the possibilities of good things to come with music. I feel like I have gotten stuck in a rut with music that is fun for a week, but soon crawls under your skin and irritates you like some sort of musical rash (I’m talking to you, Selena Gomez).

Whenever I pop this album in, I feel like it is the perfect soundtrack to my life right now and hope it does the same for everyone else.