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Help Us Stranger
by
Help Us Stranger Image
Metascore
81

Universal acclaim - based on 24 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 59 Ratings

  • Summary: The first new studio release in 11 years for the Detroit rock band features a cover of Donovan's "Hey Gyp (Dig the Slow)" and was self-produced with Joshua V. Smith.
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Top Track

Sunday Driver
[Intro] Woo [Verse 1] Here comes the Sunday driver Came to get my sister We know you're such a liar Can't believe I missed her [Chorus] Ain't it... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 24
  3. Negative: 0 out of 24
  1. DIY Magazine
    Jun 21, 2019
    90
    The beauty of The Raconteurs is in the timeless joy of hearing two world-class songwriters, cut from two very different sides of a similar cloth, come together to make something if not greater, then at least as good as the sum of their considerable parts. And in that sense, Help Us Stranger succeeds, and then some.
  2. Variety
    Jun 21, 2019
    84
    Mostly, though, “Help Us” is a simple, effective return to form for fans of White who continue to hold out hope that a new White Stripes album may one day arrive. That prayer isn’t likely to pay dividends, but with the Raconteurs’ latest offering, listeners can at least take solace in the best consolation prize possible. More importantly, this album is timely proof that White may actually be at his best when he’s constrained by the framework of collaboration.
  3. Mojo
    Jun 12, 2019
    80
    The Raconteurs offers a much more straightforward and enjoyable 42 minutes [than Boarding House Reach]. [Jul 2019, p.84]
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  4. Clash Music
    Jun 18, 2019
    80
    Picking up exactly where they left off, The Raconteurs’ denim-clad early ‘70s reference points are in check, delivered in gleeful, exuberant, electrifying fashion.
  5. musicOMH.com
    Jun 26, 2019
    80
    Leading The Raconteurs, the restlessly inventive maverick White and the sunnier, more straightforward tunesmith Benson really do complement each other well, mixing thrilling aggression with focused sweetness. White may have a much higher profile, but Benson brings a positive, restraining influence to some of his partner’s self-indulgent tendencies.
  6. Consequence
    Jun 21, 2019
    75
    There’s nothing new under the sun or on this record, but when the riffs are crisp and the harmonies tight, that’s a complaint that’s at least a couple of spots down the list. The Raconteurs won’t save rock and roll, but they’ll certainly help us pass the time until we find whoever will.
  7. The Guardian
    Jun 21, 2019
    60
    Help Me Stranger swirls with so many ideas that it’s impossible to physically hear everything that’s going on. The energy and exhilaration of the collaborative process might be palpable, but in its weaker moments Help Us Stranger sounds like the worst kind of compromise--cluttered, ill-defined and lacking the clarity of vision that once charged its driving forces.

See all 24 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 11
  3. Negative: 2 out of 11
  1. Dristiron
    Jun 26, 2019
    10
    Loved it. Sunday Driver and Now that you ate gone are bangers! Jack White can do no wrong.
  2. Sundardev
    Jul 3, 2019
    10
    Wow! Stupendous! Jack White and the other Raconteurs are simply breathtaking. Their music is familiar and extrodinary, firmly steeped inWow! Stupendous! Jack White and the other Raconteurs are simply breathtaking. Their music is familiar and extrodinary, firmly steeped in America's musical roots while propelling the conversation of rock and roll to a deeper, more nuanced and complex place. The voice of this album is really exciting: sincire, unhinged, and unflinching.… Expand
  4. Planetvibz
    Jun 24, 2019
    10
    All White's unhooked wildness meshes impeccably with Benson's instinctive melody to create a seemingly effortless romp through 60s and 70sAll White's unhooked wildness meshes impeccably with Benson's instinctive melody to create a seemingly effortless romp through 60s and 70s influences, from Donavan to Led Zeppelin. Ultimately it's still uniquely "The Raconteurs" and immensely re-playable!… Expand
  5. Aron_G
    Jun 21, 2019
    9
    Literally the only thing which was a con to me was the fact that the lyrics were repeated for longer than they had to, but not to the point toLiterally the only thing which was a con to me was the fact that the lyrics were repeated for longer than they had to, but not to the point to where it’s annoying. It’s just a bit of space that could be filled up with other things.… Expand
  6. Ricko
    Sep 22, 2019
    8
    This is more than just a safe rock n'roll rethreading of old ground. Jack White is the Godfather of 21st century rock. Don't be fooled by theThis is more than just a safe rock n'roll rethreading of old ground. Jack White is the Godfather of 21st century rock. Don't be fooled by the traditional rock aesthetic on the surface. Listening closely and frequently and you will see that White is a natural innovator. Out of all the various vehicles for his creative output, The Raconteurs are the least contemporary and the ones that most aim for that anthemic classic stadium rock, that titanic sound of the late 60's and 70's I would say. "Help Us Stranger" is a logical follow up to "Consolers of the Lonely" and much for me closer to that record that their instant and underrated debut. Like "Consolers", this takes more listening time to get into, is more layered and goes off in more tangents. For sure this is an album built on the classic rock n' roll set up but this record is a whole lot more than the straight up rock n roll soup many would have you believe is on offer. There are very few rock bands writing traditional yet complex rock songs like "Bored and Razed" and "Sunday Driver" out there. "Help Us Stranger" doesn't change the game but it is another interesting play from the intriguing Mr White.… Expand
  7. CiphirSol
    Aug 1, 2019
    8
    Respectable, solid album. It throws you back to the sound they had years back which in itself is a throwback, and it manages to do soRespectable, solid album. It throws you back to the sound they had years back which in itself is a throwback, and it manages to do so successfully. Critically this is their most well-received project as well, proving that we NEED solid rock albums in 2019. It seems the tides are shifting once again.… Expand
  8. Introscapes
    Apr 12, 2023
    1
    Overcompressed and tired. I believe the only reason people listen to this is simply that Jack White is in it. The composition is so simpleOvercompressed and tired. I believe the only reason people listen to this is simply that Jack White is in it. The composition is so simple and redundant it's remarkable. An AI would write better guitar licks and riffs if it was fed a random high school rock band.… Expand

See all 11 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

98
#98 Most Discussed Album of 2019
9
#9 Most Shared Album of 2019

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