El Camino
by The Black Keys
  • Record Label: Nonesuch
  • Release Date: Dec 6, 2011
User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 284 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 264 out of 284
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 284
  3. Negative: 8 out of 284
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  1. sirensabrina
    May 1, 2016
    10
    I just came here to give my score and say that they're fuc*ing awesome and that "Little Black Submarine" is a masterpiece (also one of the most original sound a band could have)
  2. Geary
    Mar 11, 2015
    8
    Garage rock is without a doubt the focal point of The Black Keys' music. Having recorded and self-produced many of their records, the group managed to cling onto their style of music once they became a notable group, despite no longer recording in their familiar garage atmosphere. Putting their garage rock to use, the band managed to create the popular release, El Camino.
    El Camino is    Garage rock is without a doubt the focal point of The Black Keys' music. Having recorded and self-produced many of their records, the group managed to cling onto their style of music once they became a notable group, despite no longer recording in their familiar garage atmosphere. Putting their garage rock to use, the band managed to create the popular release, El Camino.
    El Camino is potentially the most well-known album to be released by The Black Keys. Whilst still remaining in the same central style of garage rock, El Camino provides different moods for listeners to pick up on. Immediately immersing the audience with what is seemingly their most popular song to date, “Lonely Boy,” El Camino shows a great deal of potential to the point that it could be played over and over again. The simple yet enticing drum beats and raunchy guitar riffs of “Lonely Boy” engages the rock and roll section of the brain, and one cannot help but smile whilst the upbeat song proceeds to play. Coming in as the third track of the album, with the drum beat of “The Hey Song” and an excellent organ-infused chorus, “Gold on the Ceiling” can really only be described as a song that could get the blood pumping. However, though many may disagree, it could be said that “Little Black Submarines” is the highlight of the album. Following immediately after “Gold on the Ceiling”, “Little Black Submarines” is practically a ticking time bomb, as it begins with mellow acoustic guitar backing, and then explodes about halfway through the song into hard rock. Overall, the album is definitely worth a listen.    … Expand
  3. Jamison12
    Sep 27, 2014
    10
    I am not exaggerating, El Camino is literally one of the greatest rock albums to ever be created. Every single track takes you off to some indescribably happy place. El Camino is the definition of rock.
  4. ydnar4
    Jul 24, 2014
    9
    Welcome to the Black Keys era. The band have bettered their breakout hit Brothers with this record and they did so without trying to replicate the same formula. I can see El Camino becoming an influential album further down the road. There are no duds on this album and its well worth a listen! I'm hoping that Turn Blue will be just as good as the last 2 because that could really send theWelcome to the Black Keys era. The band have bettered their breakout hit Brothers with this record and they did so without trying to replicate the same formula. I can see El Camino becoming an influential album further down the road. There are no duds on this album and its well worth a listen! I'm hoping that Turn Blue will be just as good as the last 2 because that could really send the duo into true rock stardom!… Expand
  5. adhamhany
    Jun 7, 2014
    7
    Good old rock 'n' roll. Some catchy tracks in here, particularly "Lonely Boy", "Gold on the Ceiling", and "Mind Eraser". The music is mostly great, the lyrics are okay, and the vocals are what you'd expect from The Black Keys.

    While i enjoyed it, i believe the 10s in the reviews here are a bit much. it's no masterpiece.
  6. philosophorse
    Jun 1, 2014
    10
    No matter what happens, nobody will ever deny that this indeed deserves to be hailed the best album of the year in the Grammys. Because, simply because, it is.
  7. LawrenceKatte
    Dec 9, 2013
    9
    This album has a different sound and that's interesting. The Black Keys had a good work again. Little Black Submarines took first place at my favourite song list of 2012. I hope they'll give us another fascinating album.
  8. Shaker
    May 3, 2013
    8
    El Camino was an exceptional album. The energy throughout the songs was highly energetic and kept my interest during the whole album. Lonely Boy is an outstanding opener and I felt that Gold on the ceiling was a focal point that encompassed the classic Black Keys vibes. Overall, El Camino was a fantastic album that really grows on the listener.
  9. ricco94
    Apr 8, 2013
    9
    This album is amazing, catchy and exciting. Most of the song are very good and there aren't bad tracks. I really love Lonely Boy, Gold on the Ceiling and also Little Black Submarines (it reminds Foo Fighters' Echoes Silence Patience & Grace). One of the best of 2011, even if not on the same level of Social Distortion's Hard Times and Nursery Rhymes, Foo Fighters' Wasting Light and R.E.M.'sThis album is amazing, catchy and exciting. Most of the song are very good and there aren't bad tracks. I really love Lonely Boy, Gold on the Ceiling and also Little Black Submarines (it reminds Foo Fighters' Echoes Silence Patience & Grace). One of the best of 2011, even if not on the same level of Social Distortion's Hard Times and Nursery Rhymes, Foo Fighters' Wasting Light and R.E.M.'s Collapse into Now, which are the best in my opinion.… Expand
  10. OmriPC
    Feb 19, 2013
    9
    One of the best Blues-Rock albums ever written. Funky, emotional songs make this album to the greatest album this year. There are some songs too similar to each other but it is not that a big of deal. A must buy (only 8$)!.
  11. DaBryceDeVaughn
    Feb 6, 2013
    9
    It's not Brothers, but it's still great. It's just raw rock and roll power, and we expect nothing less. Certainly worth a listen, one of 2011's best albums.
  12. crumrill
    Dec 29, 2012
    10
    Gold on the Ceiling. Lonely Boy. Stop Stop. Mind Eraser. Little Black Submarines. All great songs. All unique and captivating, catchy and and brilliant. I'm yet to find a better Black Keys album. This was outstanding.
  13. lpfan2000
    Dec 3, 2012
    10
    Interesting and unique, especially since there is only two guys in the band. They have the title of best rock band in my opinion, combining modern technology without losing that rock and roll feel. Lonely Boy is my fav song in a looooong time.
  14. cameronmorewood
    Nov 9, 2012
    9
    El Camino is a genre-bender that kicks hard. It's also The Black Keys' best album yet.
  15. poon
    Sep 10, 2012
    9
    a great album by a genuine and hard working band who deserve all the success they have.

    little black submarines was a personal album favorite, a quality rock song by all means.
  16. Methylenedioxy
    Aug 20, 2012
    8
    While you can't deny there are some killer tracks on El Camino, it lacks some of the diversity and rawness of their past work. The structure Danger Mouse brings to the table is welcome overall, but it also borders on being "too" pop-y or boxed in. They're not there yet, but will be if they go too much farther in this direction. I'd hate to see my favorite band suffer the same fate asWhile you can't deny there are some killer tracks on El Camino, it lacks some of the diversity and rawness of their past work. The structure Danger Mouse brings to the table is welcome overall, but it also borders on being "too" pop-y or boxed in. They're not there yet, but will be if they go too much farther in this direction. I'd hate to see my favorite band suffer the same fate as Modest Mouse after "Float On".

    Highlights include "Run Right Back", "Sister" and "Money Maker".    … Expand
  17. mdm389
    Jul 13, 2012
    8
    It lacks the depth and soul of Brothers, but no one is pumping out rock n' roll like the Keys are these days. It's without doubt the most catchy and accessible album they have recorded to date; the unfortunate downside to that is that after many listens, the weaker tracks become all the more obvious and are quickly relegated to the listener's skip list. It plays through more like aIt lacks the depth and soul of Brothers, but no one is pumping out rock n' roll like the Keys are these days. It's without doubt the most catchy and accessible album they have recorded to date; the unfortunate downside to that is that after many listens, the weaker tracks become all the more obvious and are quickly relegated to the listener's skip list. It plays through more like a collection of singles than as an album, but then again, that seems to be exactly TBK and Danger Mouse were going for, anyway.… Expand
  18. Purronnaconda
    Jul 9, 2012
    10
    Incredible, The Black Keys retain their trademark sound while yet providing a fresh sound. They've thrown in their catchy guitar riffs song after song. A simply great album, I especially enjoyed "Little Black Submarines", the harder rock song in the album. I enjoyed every song, it's hard to believe it's their 7th album.
  19. neoncritic
    Jun 3, 2012
    8
    A bunch of great tracks with the sucker punch ballad 'Little Black Submarines' a standout. Danger Mouse producing the Black Keys finally makes fireworks, and though it may seem shiny and polished at times, it still rocks hard at the core. 'El Camino' shows The Black Keys emerging from their white boys playing blues shadow to a new brighter, swaggering style, 'Gold on the Ceiling' is pureA bunch of great tracks with the sucker punch ballad 'Little Black Submarines' a standout. Danger Mouse producing the Black Keys finally makes fireworks, and though it may seem shiny and polished at times, it still rocks hard at the core. 'El Camino' shows The Black Keys emerging from their white boys playing blues shadow to a new brighter, swaggering style, 'Gold on the Ceiling' is pure glam rock filth. Love it.… Expand
  20. djlollyb
    May 4, 2012
    8
    El Camino is a throwback to the sound of 70s rock bands like T-Rex, The Rolling Stones & Lynyrd Skynyrd.
    The album takes us back to the 70s and does a very good job at it.
    El Camino is an amazing album.
  21. Ricko
    Mar 21, 2012
    8
    This is an old school rock record. Its guitars, drums, bass and vocals and not a whole lot else. This record is somewhere between a White Stripes album and an album by The Kills with the Black Keys own stamp on things. Unless you've been living under a rock you'll have heard Lonely Boy, which is a good indication of what the rest of the record sounds like. If won't change your life, butThis is an old school rock record. Its guitars, drums, bass and vocals and not a whole lot else. This record is somewhere between a White Stripes album and an album by The Kills with the Black Keys own stamp on things. Unless you've been living under a rock you'll have heard Lonely Boy, which is a good indication of what the rest of the record sounds like. If won't change your life, but its an enjoyable record, full of great hooks and slick riffs.… Expand
  22. Vampire25
    Feb 18, 2012
    9
    I personally think El Camino is The Black Keys best album. "Brothers was a great record when it came out but a lot of the tracks I felt were just fillers. Each track on "El Camino" really standout and is very consistent. The opening track and the number one single "Lonely Boy" really launches this album into blues rock heaven. All In All, "El Camino" is The Black Keys best album and one ofI personally think El Camino is The Black Keys best album. "Brothers was a great record when it came out but a lot of the tracks I felt were just fillers. Each track on "El Camino" really standout and is very consistent. The opening track and the number one single "Lonely Boy" really launches this album into blues rock heaven. All In All, "El Camino" is The Black Keys best album and one of the best rock duos out right now. A-… Expand
  23. SammyMFHutch
    Feb 17, 2012
    9
    Brothers had soul,this one is straight up rock and roll.This cemented the Black keys as an arena rock band. Lonely boy is a kick in the balls,in your face gas pedal to the floor rock and roll. When I hear on the radio I can't help to go way above the speed limit. Gold on the celing sounds like a classic rock stomper that I've known my whole life. The whole album is great. Little BlackBrothers had soul,this one is straight up rock and roll.This cemented the Black keys as an arena rock band. Lonely boy is a kick in the balls,in your face gas pedal to the floor rock and roll. When I hear on the radio I can't help to go way above the speed limit. Gold on the celing sounds like a classic rock stomper that I've known my whole life. The whole album is great. Little Black Submarines is my favorite though it's hard to pick a favorite this one stands out. Everyone says it's Stairway meets Mary Jane's Last Dance.So it's two legendary songs combined with a Black Keys swagger,and Dan's crooning voice.Me likey. If I chose a least favorite it'd be dead and gone.Nova baby sounds like an MGMT song,but better since it's done by the black keys.El Camino is a rock n roll record,and how a rock record should be. Pat's pounding beats,and Dan's scorching solos,and catchy hooks is what rock and roll is all about. This is good and dare i say it,groovy rust belt rock and roll. Though it's got a the band's '94 Chrysler Town and Country on the cover, and not an actual El Camino just proves that the Keys are a a couple of bad asses who make kick ass garage tunes,and can do whatever the hell they want.… Expand
  24. TTW107
    Feb 8, 2012
    8
    I am a complete hip hop head, I still enjoy good music when I hear it. And as far as rock/blues goes right now it doesn't get better than The Black Keys.
  25. TedU
    Feb 2, 2012
    8
    I have been a keys fan for years. They continue to impress with every album. Although not as solid as Brothers, still an amazing album from beginning to end.
  26. zgodula
    Jan 30, 2012
    8
    A good follow-up and changeup to Brothers. That Black Keys sound is still there but modified from Brothers. Favorite tracks: Gold on the Ceiling, Nova Baby, Lonely Boy, Little Black Submarines. Anybody notice how Little Black Submarines 2nd half sounds like Mary Jane's Last Dance by Tom Petty?
  27. Dutter92
    Jan 29, 2012
    9
    Defiantly one of the best rock albums of 2011. What a sound, "Lonely Boy" hits you hard first, you think maybe that's going to take away from the next 10 tracks, oh no, it only comes at you harder. It's almost too much to handle, but its astonishing what they put together here. Put this in and get ready for a great ride.
  28. belladonna7498
    Jan 28, 2012
    10
    While slightly more mainstream than their previous offerings, El Camino is still has the basic groove and appreciation for blues that makes The Black Keys great. This definitely rivals Wasting Light for best rock album of 2011.
  29. LuizCC
    Jan 12, 2012
    8
    I really don't believe it's them seventh album. It has the freshness of a debut, but the strenght of pros. The riffs and voice tricks fitted with the stylish of this CD, but, I don't know, I still think they are in the thin barrier between indie rock/ folk, and it's a real good thing.
  30. j30
    Jan 11, 2012
    8
    This is the sound of a band hitting their stride, an excellent release. 38 minutes of pure blues/rock bliss with so much swagger, it puts a big smile on your face.
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Awards & Rankings

35
#35 Best Album of 2011
22
#22 Most Discussed Album of 2011
34
#34 Most Shared Album of 2011

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
84

Universal acclaim - based on 37 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 34 out of 37
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 37
  3. Negative: 0 out of 37
  1. Mojo
    May 31, 2012
    100
    It's never just meat and potatoes. It's more like eating bone marrow in a fashionable restaurant - earthy, carnivorous but still beautifully designed and knowingly conceptualized. [Jan 2012, p.88]
  2. cokemachineglow
    Jan 17, 2012
    65
    With El Camino, the Black Keys have essentially twenty minutes of worthwhile music, at least as far as partying is concerned.
    Read full review
  3. Kerrang!
    Jan 3, 2012
    80
    This is a rip-roaring, multi-faceted rock fest. [17 Dec 2011, p.52]
See all critic reviews »