Magic Potion
by The Black Keys
  • Record Label: Nonesuch
  • Release Date: Sep 12, 2006
Metascore
69

Generally favorable reviews - based on 23 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 23
  3. Negative: 0 out of 23
  1. Pitchfork
    60
    Magic Potion is a record where overwhelming competence meets measured restraint, but for me, sacrilege trumps sincerity, and I'd rather hear tuneful blasphemy than a tasteful snoozer of an album.
  2. Drowned In Sound
    60
    Great in parts though it is, Magic Potion isn’t quite the album to attract a raft of newcomers to The Black Keys’ archaic rock.
  3. Mojo
    60
    Anyone possessing their previous output will find little in the way of reinvention. [Oct 2006, p.96]
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  5. New Musical Express (NME)
    60
    They wisely avoid toying with any Darkness-style irony, but the Keys' insistence on authenticity does leave the album a little flat and humourless. [2 Sep 2006, p.21]
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  6. Spin
    60
    If the Black Keys sped up a little, their stodginess might feel more songful. [Oct 2006, p.94]
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  7. Uncut
    60
    The duo can't help sounding like they're holding back a little. [Oct 2006, p.99]
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  8. Stylus Magazine
    58
    Always a wee bit more clever than anyone gave them credit for, the Keys are now a pretty good Zeppelin knockoff for the indie crowd, and little more.
  9. Blender
    50
    Only the relatively sprightly "Just Got to Be" and the haunted-house voodoo of "Strange Desire" cut through the mire. [Oct 2006, p.130]
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  10. musicOMH.com
    40
    As the album progresses, it becomes harder and harder to distinguish between one song and the next.
  11. Q Magazine
    40
    The Black Keys may have as much in common with the conventional '70s blues-rock of Canned Heat and Free as they do with the more left-field THe White Stripes. [Oct 2006, p.118]
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User Reviews

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User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 84 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 69 out of 84
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 84
  3. Negative: 4 out of 84
  1. imthenoob
    Dec 25, 2021
    7
    While the awful mixing and lack of bass are obvious, Magic Potion has a kind of charm to it that makes it worth listening to it. It's the kindWhile the awful mixing and lack of bass are obvious, Magic Potion has a kind of charm to it that makes it worth listening to it. It's the kind of album that I could listen to from start to finish without issue but I'd still love to see a proper remix and remaster of it.… Full Review »
  2. EddieHokie
    Jul 5, 2013
    6
    Magic Potion feels like a step back. It reminds me of their first album, The Big Come up. It is good but its standard fare blues that easilyMagic Potion feels like a step back. It reminds me of their first album, The Big Come up. It is good but its standard fare blues that easily fades in the background. There just isn't enough going on to knock your socks off like the production and melodies on Rubber Factory. It isnt weird enough to notice like Chulahoma EP. And it isn't brash enough to notice like ThickFreakness.

    Theres a couple stand out tracks: Your Touch and The Flame. The rest is pretty take it or leave it.

    Here's to hoping they add to their sound and take some chances next time around.    … Full Review »
  3. rapscallion1980
    Jan 4, 2012
    9
    I don't understand all the low reviews for this album, Magic Potion is a great album, and is a turning point for the BK's as far as theirI don't understand all the low reviews for this album, Magic Potion is a great album, and is a turning point for the BK's as far as their sound. Yea it's not their best album, but it's far better than El Camino and Attack and Release.… Full Review »
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