Blunderbuss
by Jack White
  • Record Label: Columbia
  • Release Date: Apr 24, 2012
Metascore
83

Universal acclaim - based on 44 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 40 out of 44
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 44
  3. Negative: 0 out of 44
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  1. NOW Magazine
    Apr 19, 2012
    60
    Thankfully, there are just enough flashes of brilliance to save it, even if much of the album comes across as a really expensive demo.
  2. PopMatters
    Apr 23, 2012
    60
    Despite all the critics desperately wanting White to continue being our modern-day rock savior, the record can't have it both ways [being both a pointed statement about the pains of a break up and a collection of daring, wacky and eccentric songs] -although it's still a blast to hear it try.
  3. The New York Times
    Apr 23, 2012
    60
    Few songs on "Blunderbuss" truly knock the wind out of you, as the White Stripes could - even with riffs that were fragmentary, simple or borrowed. This is a songwriter's record, and a kind of orchestrator's record; there's also a new overall vehemence in the lyrics, hammering on dishonesty, jealousy, immorality.
  5. Under The Radar
    Apr 25, 2012
    60
    Somewhere along the way, though, the emotions fail to match up, or the song structures that always sound so familiar fail to separate themselves from what's come before.

Awards & Rankings

51
#51 Best Album of 2012
35
#35 Most Discussed Album of 2012
57
#57 Most Shared Album of 2012

User Reviews

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User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 178 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 158 out of 178
  2. Mixed: 17 out of 178
  3. Negative: 3 out of 178
  1. MetallicAlec
    Apr 24, 2012
    10
    It's not the White Stripes, it's not the Raconteurs, it's not the Dead Weather. It's a strange, creative, and very emotional blend of all ofIt's not the White Stripes, it's not the Raconteurs, it's not the Dead Weather. It's a strange, creative, and very emotional blend of all of White's collective sounds that has echoes of old-school blues, garage rock, and even some folk. The album never gets repetitive, features lyrics that express the thoughts of a man that sometimes feels that people want him to do things that he doesn't want to do, and features some screeching Jack White style guitar licks just when they're needed. The album isn't an extreme of anything, and nothing all that new is done, but the way the sounds blend together create a very strong experience of an album, with a few stellar songs, that is a great way to mark the beginning to what I hope will be a very long solo career.… Full Review »
  2. fredjblack
    Apr 24, 2012
    10
    The most important thing to remember when listening to this album is that it isn't a debut. It's his 12th, and the new-found maturity helps itThe most important thing to remember when listening to this album is that it isn't a debut. It's his 12th, and the new-found maturity helps it sticks right up there with the best of what he's done before. This album is some of the best music to come out of anywhere recently, and has the strongest shout for album of the year so far.… Full Review »
  3. AaronAction
    Feb 17, 2013
    10
    There's a reason this album and the song 21 century were nominated as both best album and best song of the year at the Grammy's Jack whiteThere's a reason this album and the song 21 century were nominated as both best album and best song of the year at the Grammy's Jack white completely stole the show outperforming every single musician on stage that night. We're talking about giving a live performance on television that's better than every single musician that we could possibly think of giving an Grammy's to.

    All around this album is a 11/10 for me. One of the best album's I've heard in my entire life.    … Full Review »
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