Jack White's second solo album, Lazaretto, is probably one of the best all-around records of the year. The roller coaster of an eleven-piece set is an orgy of styles that just shouldn't go together, and certainly wouldn't have in less talented hands, with influences ranging from classic rock to new age to blues to country ("Just One Drink" in particular could fit on any classic country album). Yet it is also cohesive, each track sharing a vibe of gothic disturbia appropriate to the album's title (a "lazaretto" is a quarantine for people with serious infectious diseases like leprosy or plague).
It is a significant step forward for The White Stripes frontman, whose generally well-received first album Blunderbuss was impressive but a far cry from Lazaretto in thoughtfulness, versatility, and sheer market appeal. This album is more of a successor to Icky Thump, itself one of the best alternative albums of the past decade. I wouldn't say Lazaretto is that good, but it's definitely a record that will feature on best-of lists this year and, in all likelihood, years to come.
Rating: ✭✭✭✭✭ (A)
Best tracks: Would You Fight For My Love? (but they're all good).
It is a significant step forward for The White Stripes frontman, whose generally well-received first album Blunderbuss was impressive but a far cry from Lazaretto in thoughtfulness, versatility, and sheer market appeal. This album is more of a successor to Icky Thump, itself one of the best alternative albums of the past decade. I wouldn't say Lazaretto is that good, but it's definitely a record that will feature on best-of lists this year and, in all likelihood, years to come.
Rating: ✭✭✭✭✭ (A)
Best tracks: Would You Fight For My Love? (but they're all good).
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