Jack White

‘Blunderbuss’

April 24

Record Label: Third Man Records

5 out 5 Decibels

Top Track: ‘Love Interruption’

Sounds Like: the perfect mix of blues, folk and rock

Musical geniuses are easy to spot. They produce amazing music, draw from different sources and make it work without gimmicks. That’s exactly what Jack White does in ‘Blunderbuss,’ his first solo album.

Besides his Tim Burton-esque persona and ability to look awesome in a top hat, White is talented because of his diverse musicianship. His powerful rock voice has a laid-back bluesy tone. White complements it by incorporating folky acoustic guitars, drum-driven rock sounds and electric guitar riffs that whisper the blues. White’s ability to seamlessly combine these different styles in ‘Blunderbuss’ makes it a compilation of varied tastes.

White is most well known as the frontman for the Grammy Award-winning band The White Stripes. The punk and grunge rock band rose to widespread success with its fourth studio album, ‘Elephant,‘which featured the famous single ‘Seven Nation Army.’ As if that weren’t enough success, White formed Detroit-based folk rock band The Raconteurs in 2005 and joined alternative rock super-group The Dead Weather in 2009. All that was left for White was to make a solo album blending the blues, folk and classic rock styles he has exhibited in his past groups.

One of the album’s most bluesy triumphs is ‘Freedom at 21.’ The song has a rock-driven production reminiscent of The White Stripes’ ‘Seven Nation Army.’ In the repetitive but catchy guitar-heavy track, White shows off his vocal range. He hits high falsetto notes in the chorus, contrasted with quick vocals in verses with a laid-back groove. White then takes a page from Ray Charles in ‘I’m Shakin’.’ He unleashes his R&B vocals as he sings, ‘I’m shaking all over / Oh, shivers in my knee bone,’ which are accented by soulful background singers and jazzy guitar riffs.

White also shows off his folksy side in songs like ‘Hip (Eponymous) Poor Boy,’ about a young, penniless boy destined for fame. The song’s light feel will make listeners forget that an Edward Scissorhands-looking rocker is singing such a sweet song.

On the other hand, ‘Love Interruption’ has a simple single guitar and piano backing paired with bass clarinet solos. Vocals provided by White and featured artist Ruby Amanfu’s shine, but then listeners will hear rather unsettling lyrics: ‘I want love to grab my fingers gently / Slam them in a doorway / Put my face into the ground.’ This is tame compared to the next line, when he says he wants to kill his mother. In all likelihood, there’s some explanation as to why he feels this way, but the song’s simplicity and beauty makes it hit-worthy anyway.

White returns to his grungy, punk rock roots in songs like ‘Sixteen Saltines.’ Bizarre lyrics show up once again. He croons: ‘I eat 16 saltines, then I lick my fingers.’ But the track takes him back to his White Stripes days. White’s vocals literally scream rock ‘n’ roll as he unleashes his powerful yet controlled voice, rounding out an album that satisfies a plethora of rock genres.

His ability to merge genres so gracefully is what makes White’s debut album a hit. Featuring well-written songs and a variety of sounds, ‘Blunderbuss’ is a testament to why White is a musical genius.

ieinyang@syr.edu

Published on April 24, 2012 at 12:00 pm

Contact Ibet: ieinyang@syr.edu