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Stars indicate the most critically-acclaimed albums.

Rubber Factory
by The Black Keys


9.5

based on 23 reviews
Read critic reviews
How did we calculate this?

based on 28 votes
Read user comments
Rate this album

Official Artist Site

The blues-rock duo of Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney return with their third album, so-named because it was recorded in a deserted rubber (tire) factory.

LABEL:	Epitaph
RELEASE DATE:	07 September 2004
DISCS:	1 disc
GENRE(S):	Indie, Rock

NOTES: Some versions come with a bonus DVD.

All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...

100

Entertainment Weekly

Shockingly well done... a remarkable album. [3 Sep 2004, p.73]

100

E! Online

Some called their first two albums derivative, but with this third disc the guys wrestle their greased-up garage boogie until they own it.

Planet

The sparse arrangements and DIY aesthetic give the Keys a rock and roll genuineness that's missing from their contemporaries. [#8, p.79]

All Music Guide

The most exciting and best rock & roll record of 2004.

Billboard

The Black Keys play the kind of raw, sensual blues-rock that makes you want to hide your girlfriend and warn your mom.

Filter

More of the same meaty riffs meet familiar sweaty rhythms to take you down to the Midwestern delta one more time. [#12, p.95]

Pitchfork

It picks up right where Thickfreakness left off-- outside the bar in the gravel parking lot, swinging aggressively with Dan Auerbach's ferocious six-string and Patrick Carney's cymbal-and-snare seizures-- and brings the noise one step further.

cokemachineglow

Patrick Carney and Dan Auerbach deliver a much more consistent and musically varied album with Rubber Factory, yet don’t sacrifice the guitar rock that made their previous two albums so much fun.

Lost At Sea

This is deceptively simple, back-to-basics rock music that no honest American can help but enjoy.

Splendid

Sounds like it's coming from bluesmasters who've lived twice as long and seen three times as much.

ShakingThrough.net

Rubber Factory finds inspiration in decay, and signals a hopeful future for the Black Keys.

PopMatters

Their sound is no more polished than the tracks were on their last album, the also-great thickfreakness, but there's an air of stronger confidence on Rubber Factory.

Mojo

The duo-only, no bass required songs don't lack for sonic depth. [Sep 2004, p.98]

The Onion (A.V. Club)

The disc makes a lot of noise, and it sounds great in the process.

Delusions of Adequacy

This album shows that these guys have plenty of room to expand stylistically while still absolutely owning blues rock.

Stylus Magazine

Rubber Factory is not as consistent an offering as Thickfreakness.... But make no mistake, the strengths here more than amend for the weaknesses.

Spin

Doesn't sound as raw as they probably wanted it to. [Oct 2004, p.120]

Blender

Auerbach's fat, rocketing riffs are rivaled only by his Delta-dipped drawl. [Oct 2004, p.114]

New Musical Express

It's just a shame that quieter moments such as 'The Lengths' sound a little weedy in comparison. [4 Sep 2004, p.72]

Q Magazine

Innovation isn't on the agenda, but thanks to some stomping tunes and Auerbach's oak-smoked vocals, it's another rock-solid enterprise. [Sep 2004, p.119]

Uncut

It's terrific, lively fun--soulful, even--as long as nobody tries to tell you there's something radical about it. [Sep 2004, p.101]

Rolling Stone

High-impact scuzz-blues that aims for prime Hendrix and almost gets there. [30 Sep 2004, p.186]

Alternative Press

There's a bit more quiet time on this effort. [Nov 2004, p.149]

The average user rating for this album is 9.5 (out of 10) based on 28 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

D Dub gave it a9:
Gritty dirty blues music. I think I have said enough.

Jake Z gave it a10:
i absolutly love this album

Thomas L gave it a10:
exceptional modern blues. the black keys most diverse effort.

[Anonymous] gave it a9:
This is one of the best bands ever, and this continues to be one og the bets cd's ever. - 1 point because the lengths sucks.

Lisa gave it a9:
I first heard the Black Keys' All Hands Against His Own on a web radio stream, and instantly liked it. When I heard 10AM Automatic, I knew I had to have Rubber Factory. Stack Shot Billy is really growing on me -- it's so bluesy/funky. Awesome disc !!

Caleb Q gave it a10:
Gritty garage blues-rock at its finest. Perfect for the hip indiephile tired od philosophical verse and Pixies ripoffs. My personal faves are "Act Nice And Gentle", a perfect honly-tonk jam; and "Stack Shot Billy", with witty songwriting along with the Lava-soap rock. After eating nothing but strange foreign dishes and crazy tastes your friends suggested, its refreshing to just get a huge steak. And the Black Keys serve this slab hot and juicy. (Warning: may cure musical jadedness.)

Dave R gave it a 10:
Hell yes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rubber Factory by The Black Keys

Rubber Factory
by The Black Keys