Attack & Release
by The Black Keys
  • Record Label: Nonesuch
  • Release Date: Apr 1, 2008
Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 32 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 25 out of 32
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 32
  3. Negative: 0 out of 32
  1. New Musical Express (NME)
    50
    There’s a fine line between blues authenticity and pub-rock tedium and, accordingly, Attack & Release often falls victim to parody.
  2. The Guardian
    60
    Danger Mouse brings decent gifts: songs originally meant for Ike Turner; a shimmering sea of flutes, organs and sound effects; a spacious sound that gives a little shine to the rough.
  3. Paste Magazine
    60
    Wonderful as they are, imagining the 76-year-old “Rocket 88” creator singing the weary gospel of “Remember When (Side A)” or the reflective “Things Ain’t Like They Used To Be” makes Dan Auerbach’s vocals sound tragically demo-like.
  5. cokemachineglow
    60
    The title Attack & Release implies the best aspects of the Black Keys’ music, all sweat and hurt and sweat and ecstasy, but the album neither gives nor takes, neither emotional nor sweaty but still clammy-handed.
  6. 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]
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  7. Q Magazine
    60
    Danger Mouse's effect is apparent, the sparse guitar-and-drums template fleshed out with organ and banjo. [May 2008, p.126]
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  8. Magnet
    60
    There's precious little invention at work on Attack And Release, and the stench of authenticity hangs heavy. [Summer 2008, p.98]
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User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.2

Universal acclaim- based on 97 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 88 out of 97
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 97
  3. Negative: 3 out of 97
  1. 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.
  2. 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.… Full Review »
  3. 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.    … Full Review »
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