Album Review: Blunderbuss

Photo By Leslie Rowett

Blunderbuss [bluhn-der-buhs] – to be flawed or clumsy.

Jack White’s debut solo album, titled Blunderbuss, is the exact opposite of the dictionary definition. In my opinion, this 13 track CD more closely mirrors perfection and pure skill.

The album is packed with blues, hard rock, heart-pouring piano solos, roots and even some country influences; all of which are perfectly married with Jack’s unique vocals and raw, emotional, passion filled lyrics.

We’ve seen a variety of Jack White, with different sounds and styles in TheWhite Stripes, The Raconteurs and Dead Weather. But this album, gives Jack White fans a true taste of exactly what Jack White is about.

I kinda love him...
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Love Interruption (track 4) was the first single released from the album, maybe you’ve heard it – it’s the reason I bought the album. Although like most albums these days, I assumed the single would be the strongest track on the album, but man was I wrong. I popped the CD into my car and was blown away by the opening track Missing Pieces, and then from there the album seemed to just get better and better. Tracks like Blunderbuss and I Guess I Should Go to Sleep give us a taste of Jack White we’ve never seen before in his other work. While I admit, the style of these two tracks isn’t exactly the Jack White I love; they are a glimpse into Jack’s true inspiration and unique talent and definitley worth a listen.

The hard, heartbroken tracks such as Freedom at 21, Hypocritical Kiss and Weep Themselves to Sleep, are what seal the deal for me. The passion, talent and raw emotion in these songs have made me fall in love with Jack White.

Definitely give Love Interruption and Sixteen Saltines a listen. I am pretty confident you will fall in love with Jack White too.

My overall rating: 4.5/5