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Attack & Release
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  • Record Label:
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Attack & Release Image
Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 32 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.2

Universal acclaim- based on 97 Ratings

  • Summary: Daniel Auerbach and Patrick Carney release their fifth full-length album, produced by Danger Mouse.

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 25 out of 32
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 32
  3. Negative: 0 out of 32
  1. NOW Magazine
    100
    What’s most impressive about Attack & Release is how they’ve raised their vocal and compositional game in accord with the sonic enhancements, bringing an unexpected poignancy to their earthy funkiness. Every track is a stunner.
  2. Delusions of Adequacy
    90
    Their soul is in no way hurt by the production but instead, this is one of those many times where Danger Mouse’s production has truly aided in creating a terrific album from start to finish.
  3. PopMatters
    80
    For the two Akronites, Attack & Release is a musical grand slam, and their career is one long winning streak.
  4. Dot Music
    70
    Danger Mouse hasn't commandeered his charges' muse and forced The Black Keys to change, simply encouraged them to co-operate and collaborate for the first time. Clearly, company becomes them.
  5. Rolling Stone
    70
    Burton was drafted to produce the next album by the group from Akron, Ohio, and the result is the Keys' most multicolored set.
  6. Los Angeles Times
    63
    As it is, it's an encouraging (re)start.
  7. Under The Radar
    40
    Diversifying their palette would seem like a good idea, but Attack & Release proves that the more straightforward the better. [Spring 2008, p.74]
    All this publication's reviews

See all 32 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 12
  3. Negative: 0 out of 12
  1. FullyAlive24
    Dec 1, 2019
    10
    It's fast, and then it's slow, and then it's fast again. Variety is the flavor of life, and this record from Dan & Patrick understand that.It's fast, and then it's slow, and then it's fast again. Variety is the flavor of life, and this record from Dan & Patrick understand that. Sound mix is great And the division between the two musicians are incredible audio-wise, with neither drowning each other out in the mix. The drums are almost the best sounding I've heard with great balancing from the producer, Danger Mouse. There are highlight tracks here, "I Got Mine" instantly comes into mind. What's more important is that nothing on this collection of vibrations is bad per-say, just some generally forgettable tracks.

    I recommend this album to anyone who likes The Black Keys, but also to people willing to hear something different from their norm. I really think there's something for anyone on this one.    … Expand
  2. ChristianP.
    Apr 4, 2008
    10
    Expanded their sound without taking anything away from the heart of it. Incredible album.
  4. ChrisB.
    Apr 14, 2008
    10
    Best one yet! I really like their new sound.
  5. Jimmy
    Apr 2, 2008
    8
    Solid with some new experiments musically. I prefer Magic Potion but this is better than nothing.
  6. imthenoob
    Feb 4, 2021
    8
    This is the album that really defined the sound featured heavily in the second half of their discography. It's such a rock-heavy, banger of anThis is the album that really defined the sound featured heavily in the second half of their discography. It's such a rock-heavy, banger of an album that I would personally consider their best.… Expand
  7. j30
    Nov 29, 2011
    7
    Attack & Release, the 5th LP from blues rock duo, is the Black Keys big turning point in the sound and direction.
  8. ns151
    Jul 14, 2011
    6
    It's a decent attempt at evolving their sound after they took their gritty blues rock as far as they could in their previous albums, but thisIt's a decent attempt at evolving their sound after they took their gritty blues rock as far as they could in their previous albums, but this just misses as many times as it hits. It features a few great cuts like "I Got Mine," "Oceans and Streams," and "Remember When (Side B)," but the rest too often fail to impress or keep the listeners' attention ("Remember When (Side A)," "Same Old Thing"). After having heard the follow-up album Brothers, this seems weak by comparison.… Expand

See all 12 User Reviews

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