The Raconteurs formed in 2005 and like most Jack White projects, was formed in Detroit. Aside from Jack White (from The White Stripes) the band also includes Brendan Benson, Jack Lawrence and Patrick Keeler. Their first full length album "Broken Boy Soldiers" would lead to a few Grammy Award nominations including Best Rock Album and Best Rock Performance. The records single "Steady, As She Goes" would eventually become number one in the U.S. alternative charts, and become their biggest hit.
Because Jack White is involved, the band probably got more attention then they would have otherwise. Which isn't a bad thing. The entire album makes me think that this is what The White Stripes would sound like if they went to a music academy when they were younger. Instead of reckless raw power, The Raconteurs present a more refined controlled version of a rock band. There is still a lot of power behind the music but it doesn't feel like the songs are running out of control.
Which is kind of the problem that I have with the album. With the amount of control the musicians have while playing, it kind of takes away from the energy that could be released. It almost sounds to me like the band had played the songs so many times before recording the album, that they had become bored with the songs they were playing. The first four songs are perfect examples of what could have been. "Steady, As She Goes", "Hands", "Broken Boy Soldiers" and "Intimate Secretary" all have very powerful guitar riffs supported by a constant back beat. Musically the songs sound great. I just can't help but feel like they were holding back for some reason.
The song I decided to upload was "Together". I think this track is unique in the sense that Jack White probably should have stayed off the vocals. With a slower and quieter almost ballad type of song, his voice cuts through it and almost ruins the melody. It just doesn't seem to work. It might just because my brain seems to equate his voice to a more intensive kind of rock music, but that might be my problem. However, I think after a few listens of the album, "Together" is probably my favourite track. It doesn't try to act like something it isn't, it's a rock lullaby. "Call It A Day" is a similar example that Jack White's voice isn't really made for slower tempo songs. Although he does do a much better job of harmonizing with "Call It A Day".
The only other tracks on the album that I would say are worth listening to on the album are "Store Bought Bones" and "Blue Veins". "Store Bought Bones" actually gets very close to how I think the entire album should sound. It feels like they enjoyed playing it and it shows potential for what could have been. "Blue Veins" is a very Blues themed track. It doesn't really fit in with the rest of the album but as a stand alone track it is wonderful.
Even though I kind of shit on the album in the past couple paragraphs, I do like this album. Could it be better? Sure. Does it need to be? Not really. It really comes down to personal preference on an album like this one. If you like albums that sound like they were recorded in a studio, this album is definately for you. If you prefer your rock music to be a little bit wild, I would say download the singles. Overall I would probably give the album somewhere between a 70-75/100 rating. It's a good record, but it seems like the potential for an awesome album was missed.
Buy it here though:
http://www.amazon.ca/Broken-Boy-Soldiers-Raconteurs/dp/B000F48CD8
or here:
http://itunes.apple.com/ca/album/broken-boy-soldiers/id276567248
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