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12. Brothers - The Black Keys (2010)

Rock

Nearly ten years into their career, Brothers was the inevitable, but long overdue coming-out party for The Black Keys. While still drawing significant inspiration from their earlier catalog along with a plethora of classic rock influences, Brothers also set the stage for the band’s ostensible domination of mainstream rock for much of the rest of the decade. On the strength of “Howlin’ for You” and “Tighten Up”, both of which introduced undeniably poppy notions into the traditionally bluesy sound the Ohio-based duo had long championed, the album thrust them into the spotlight and accompanying commercial viability. 

Taking nothing from the aforementioned singles, which earned their place as some of the decade’s best and most memorable songs, the rest of the album feels much more familiar. Love, along with some of its less savory permutations, is the predominant theme throughout the album. Lyrics are blue-collar in their directness, largely forgoing poetic fluff and instead opting for an admirable candor delivered with Dan Auerbach’s trademark authenticity. “Ten Cent Pistol” and “Sinister Kid” are can’t-miss tracks highlighting the second half of the record. Brothers put The Black Keys on a whole new plane, and set the stage for their continued domination throughout the decade.

*image; cover art for the album Brothers by The Black Keys