The Black Keys is an American rock band formed in Akron, Ohio, in 2001 by Dan Auerbach (vocals, guitar) and Patrick Carney (drums). Known for their gritty, blues-infused sound, The Black Keys rose to fame in the early 2000s as a key part of the garage rock revival movement. The duo gained widespread critical acclaim and commercial success with their raw, stripped-back production style, blending blues, rock, psychedelic, and garage rock. Their breakout albums, “Brothers” (2010) and “El Camino” (2011), solidified their place in modern rock, earning them multiple Grammy Awards and influencing a new wave of blues-rock bands.
Early Formation and Rise to Success
Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney grew up in Akron and started playing music together after high school. They shared a love for blues music, particularly classic blues legends like Junior Kimbrough and R.L. Burnside, whose raw, unpolished sound inspired their approach to making music. They recorded their debut album, “The Big Come Up” (2002), in Carney’s basement with limited equipment, creating a lo-fi sound that emphasized gritty guitar riffs and heavy, minimalist drumming.
The album received positive reviews from critics, with tracks like “Leavin’ Trunk” and “She Said, She Said” showing their raw energy and blues influence. They followed up with “Thickfreakness” (2003) and “Rubber Factory” (2004), both of which helped them build a cult following and earn a reputation as one of the most authentic, hardworking rock bands of the early 2000s. Their music during this time was marked by its lo-fi production and intense, riff-driven sound, which set them apart from mainstream rock bands of the era.
Breakthrough with Brothers and El Camino
The Black Keys achieved major commercial success with their sixth album, “Brothers” (2010), which marked a turning point in their career. Produced by Auerbach and Carney along with Mark Neill and Danger Mouse (Brian Burton), “Brothers” featured a more polished yet still gritty sound. The album’s hit single, “Tighten Up”, earned the band their first Grammy Award and showcased their ability to blend blues roots with a modern, accessible sound.
Other standout tracks from Brothers include:
- “Howlin’ for You”: With its catchy guitar riff and infectious beat, this track became a fan favorite and further broadened their appeal.
- “Next Girl” and “Everlasting Light”: Songs that demonstrated the band’s ability to explore new styles while staying true to their bluesy roots.
Following the success of Brothers, The Black Keys released “El Camino” (2011), which propelled them to rock superstardom. Produced by Danger Mouse, the album incorporated more up-tempo, radio-friendly tracks with a vintage rock vibe. “El Camino” included hits like:
- “Lonely Boy”: A high-energy track featuring an unforgettable guitar riff, “Lonely Boy” became a massive hit and solidified their place in mainstream rock.
- “Gold on the Ceiling”: This anthem-like track, with its driving beat and catchy melody, became one of the band’s signature songs.
El Camino won the band several Grammy Awards, including Best Rock Performance and Best Rock Album, and was widely praised for its mix of classic rock, blues, and garage influences. With this album, The Black Keys brought blues-rock back into the mainstream and demonstrated the enduring appeal of a back-to-basics rock approach.
Musical Style and Evolution
The Black Keys’ music is rooted in blues-rock, but they have expanded their sound over the years to include elements of psychedelic rock, soul, and garage rock. Their early albums were characterized by their raw, lo-fi aesthetic, minimalist production, and gritty guitar riffs. As they evolved, their sound became more polished, incorporating elements of soul, psychedelic influences, and vintage rock sounds without sacrificing their bluesy core.
The Black Keys are known for Auerbach’s gritty, soulful vocals and distinctive guitar style, often paired with Carney’s simple, powerful drumming. Their work with Danger Mouse added a new dimension to their sound, bringing in more layered production and experimental touches that helped them achieve commercial success while maintaining their distinctive, down-to-earth style.
Cultural Impact and Influence
The Black Keys have had a significant impact on modern rock music, especially during the garage rock revival of the 2000s. Along with bands like The White Stripes and The Strokes, they helped revive interest in blues-inspired garage rock. Their success demonstrated the commercial potential for blues-influenced music in the 21st century, inspiring a generation of musicians to explore classic rock and blues influences in new ways.
Their music has been widely used in films, commercials, and video games, bringing their sound to an even broader audience. Songs like “Tighten Up” and “Lonely Boy” have become cultural touchstones, with “Lonely Boy” in particular becoming one of the defining rock anthems of the 2010s.
Later Career and Recent Works
After the success of El Camino, The Black Keys released “Turn Blue” (2014), an album that explored more psychedelic and introspective themes. Produced again by Danger Mouse, the album was darker and more atmospheric, showing the band’s willingness to evolve and experiment. “Turn Blue” reached number one on the Billboard 200, marking a new level of commercial success for the band.
Following a hiatus, they returned with “Let’s Rock” (2019), a back-to-basics album inspired by classic rock and dedicated to the late guitarist Glenn Schwartz. In 2021, they released “Delta Kream,” an album of Mississippi hill country blues covers that paid homage to their influences, including R.L. Burnside and Junior Kimbrough. This album was a return to their blues roots and was well-received by fans and critics alike for its authenticity and reverence for traditional blues.
Legacy and Recognition
The Black Keys have received multiple Grammy Awards, including Best Rock Album for El Camino and Best Rock Performance for “Lonely Boy.” They are celebrated for their contributions to rock music and for helping keep the blues-rock genre alive in the 21st century. Their ability to stay relevant across decades, evolving while maintaining their core sound, has solidified their place as one of the most influential rock bands of the 2000s and 2010s.
References
- Hermes, Will. Love Goes to Buildings on Fire: Five Years in New York That Changed Music Forever. Penguin Press, 2011.
- Erlewine, Stephen Thomas. “The Black Keys Biography.” AllMusic. Available at: AllMusic.com
- Hermes, Will. “How the Black Keys Became Rock’s Hardest-Working Band.” Rolling Stone, 2011. Available at: RollingStone.com
- “The Black Keys: Grammy-Winning Blues Rock Duo.” Grammy Awards. Available at: Grammy.com
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