thickfreakness
by The Black Keys
Metascore
74

Generally favorable reviews - based on 13 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 13
  3. Negative: 1 out of 13
  1. PopMatters
    100
    The best record to come out this year.
  2. Delusions of Adequacy
    90
    The songs on Thickfreakness are all near masterpieces.
  3. Mojo
    80
    A rich, compelling album. [Jun 2003, p.93]
    All this publication's reviews
  5. Billboard
    80
    Sounds like something carved out of the earth, a soulful howl of Hendrixian guitars and Zeppelin stomp.
  6. AllMusic
    80
    If you're looking for irony, you're out of luck; if you want to hear a rock band confront the blues with soul, muscle, and respect, then thickfreakness is right up your alley.
  7. Q Magazine
    80
    A lesson in untouched simplicity, raw groove and my-woman-done-left-me throat wobbling. [Jun 2003, p.94]
    All this publication's reviews
  8. Pitchfork
    77
    Thickfreakness isn't quite their debut, but it's still a powerhouse, even exceeding its ancestor in total spectacle. Raw rock grandeur as so frequently conjured up on this album is hard to come by in any capacity; if that means having to overlook a few minor flaws, it's worth it.
  9. Alternative Press
    70
    What you hear on Thickfreakness is no less faithful than what old black guys on porches on the Delta have churned out for the last hundred years. [June 2003, p.105]
    All this publication's reviews
  10. Magnet
    70
    When they fall into slow, sullen standards like minimalist closer "I Cry Alone," it's magnificently evil. [#59, p.86]
    All this publication's reviews

Awards & Rankings

100
#100 Most Discussed Album of 2003
64
#64 Most Shared Album of 2003

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 62 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 55 out of 62
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 62
  3. Negative: 2 out of 62
  1. imthenoob
    Feb 4, 2021
    8
    In comparison to their first album, It's a massive step up across the board and it really puts the stamp on their definitive sound. At leastIn comparison to their first album, It's a massive step up across the board and it really puts the stamp on their definitive sound. At least the style of sound that dominated a lot of their earlier records. It's fantastic, I have nothing bad to say about it. It's everything you want in a second album.… Full Review »
  2. EddieHokie
    Jul 2, 2013
    6
    The music here is thin but you gotta respect what two people can pull off on their own. It does get a little same-y and you gotta like bluesThe music here is thin but you gotta respect what two people can pull off on their own. It does get a little same-y and you gotta like blues rock to get into this because this band is steadfast in their sound.

    I have always believed The Black Keys to be just a tad overrated and I still feel that way. They are good. And this is good. But it can all blur together. There are some real highlights. Top 3 being

    7) Everywhere I go
    5) Have Love Will Travel
    1) Title Track thickfreakness    … Full Review »
  3. zgodula
    Jan 30, 2012
    10
    Kick ass blues rock and my favorite Keys record to date. Basically love every track on the record. Favorite tracks: Hold Me in Your ArmsKick ass blues rock and my favorite Keys record to date. Basically love every track on the record. Favorite tracks: Hold Me in Your Arms Hard Row
    If You See Me
    Thickfreakness    … Full Review »
See all user reviews »