• Record Label: Nonesuch
  • Release Date: Apr 1, 2008
User Score
8.2

Universal acclaim- based on 97 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 88 out of 97
  2. Negative: 3 out of 97

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  1. GW
    Apr 3, 2008
    10
    I think the PopMatters synopsis says it best..."this album IS a musical grand slam and the Keys' career is one long winning streak." Attack & Release has enough of a change in production to make it stand out from Magic Potion and Thickfreakness. This album is a MUST HAVE.
  2. ChristianP.
    Apr 4, 2008
    10
    Expanded their sound without taking anything away from the heart of it. Incredible album.
  3. ChrisB.
    Apr 14, 2008
    10
    Best one yet! I really like their new sound.
  4. Donnie
    Apr 3, 2008
    10
    Best Black Keys album..seems they are refreshed after Magic Portion and having much fun playing these great tunes..a modern classic.
  5. 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. 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 areIt'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.
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  6. DanH
    Apr 18, 2008
    9
    Still has that Black Keys feel to it, but manages to evolve their sound into something unique and different from their other albums. A great album with virtually no filler.
  7. Jimmy
    Apr 2, 2008
    8
    Solid with some new experiments musically. I prefer Magic Potion but this is better than nothing.
  8. 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 an album that I would personally consider their best.
  9. Dec 23, 2010
    7
    Album starts off good. "All You Ever Wanted", "Strange Times", "I Got Mine". Some solid tracks but others feel kinda bland. Still nevertheless a good album by The Black Keys. B
  10. 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.
  11. Jul 6, 2013
    7
    This whole album is generally more interesting than their previous effort "Magic Potion". The sound is fuller and more experimental.

    But all in all I just miss the urgent GUTPUNCH of their early records. There new sound strays from the blues and goes for more of a garage rock feel with ambient overtones which is way better than Magic Potions just garage rock sound. Like Magic
    This whole album is generally more interesting than their previous effort "Magic Potion". The sound is fuller and more experimental.

    But all in all I just miss the urgent GUTPUNCH of their early records. There new sound strays from the blues and goes for more of a garage rock feel with ambient overtones which is way better than Magic Potions just garage rock sound.

    Like Magic Potion, there arent any tracks that grab you immediately but a couple songs are real strong. Highlights are:

    "Psychotic Girl" and "Things ain't Like they Used to Be" are solid.
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Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 32 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 25 out of 32
  2. Negative: 0 out of 32
  1. 70
    Odd touches, from the choir that materializes halfway through 'I Got Mine' to the sonar ping keeping time in 'Oceans & Streams,' add texture yo these impressionistic tales of ramblin' and being done wrong, without ever sacrificing the Keys' raw power. [Apr 2008, p.76]
  2. Filter
    93
    Attack & Release is a great accomplishment for both The Black Keys and Danger Mouse, who have proven good things can not only last, but sometimes, actually get better. [Winter, 2008, p.91]
  3. Burton was drafted to produce the next album by the group from Akron, Ohio, and the result is the Keys' most multicolored set.