The Black Keys are an American rock band formed in Akron, Ohio, in 2001. The band consists of Dan Auerbach on vocals and guitar, and Patrick Carney on drums. Their music is heavily influenced by blues and rock, with Auerbach’s gritty vocals and Carney’s powerful drumming anchoring their sound. The Black Keys have released several critically acclaimed albums, including “El Camino,” “Brothers,” and “Rubber Factory.” They are known for their stripped-down, raw sound and their use of vintage recording equipment, giving their music a timeless quality. The band has won several Grammy Awards for their music and has been recognized as one of the most important rock bands of the 21st century.
The Black Keys have collaborated with several notable artists, including Danger Mouse, RZA, and Michael Kiwanuka. Their music has been featured in several films, TV shows, and commercials, further cementing their place in popular culture. The band’s live performances are also renowned for their energy and intensity, with Auerbach and Carney delivering electrifying performances that showcase their musical prowess.
Overall, The Black Keys’ impact on rock music is undeniable, with their authentic and unapologetic approach to music inspiring countless other artists and resonating with audiences around the world. They continue to push the boundaries of their sound and evolve as musicians, cementing their place as one of the most important rock bands of their generation.
10. “I’ll Be Your Man” from the 2002 album, The Big Come Up
“I’ll Be Your Man” is a blues rock song by The Black Keys, released in 2002 on their debut album “The Big Come Up.” The song features a gritty and raw sound, with Dan Auerbach’s vocals and guitar riffs driving the song’s energy. The lyrics are about love and devotion, with Auerbach promising to be there for his partner no matter what. “I’ll Be Your Man” showcases the band’s signature bluesy sound and raw energy, setting the tone for the rest of the album and establishing The Black Keys as a force to be reckoned with in the world of rock music.
9. “Set You Free” from the 2003 album, Thickfreakness
“Set You Free” is a blues-rock song by American rock band The Black Keys, from their second studio album, “Thickfreakness”, released in 2003. The song features a raw, stripped-down sound with Dan Auerbach’s gritty vocals and bluesy guitar riffs and Patrick Carney’s powerful drumming. The lyrics speak of a failed relationship and the desire to move on and “set you free”. The song showcases The Black Keys’ signature sound, which would become a staple of their later albums and make them one of the most successful and acclaimed rock bands of the 21st century.
8. “I Cry Alone” from the 2003 album, Thickfreakness
“I Cry Alone” is a blues-rock song by American band The Black Keys, released as part of their 10th studio album “Delta Kream”. The song features a driving, distorted guitar riff and Dan Auerbach’s soulful vocals, creating a raw and emotional sound. The lyrics describe the feeling of loneliness and isolation, with Auerbach singing about the pain of being left behind. “I Cry Alone” is a powerful and evocative track that showcases The Black Keys’ ability to create deeply emotional music that resonates with audiences. The song is a standout track on “Delta Kream”, and a testament to the band’s continued relevance in the blues-rock genre.
7. “When The Lights Go Out” from the 2004 album, Rubber Factory
“When The Lights Go Out” is a blues rock song by The Black Keys, released in 2003 on their album “Thickfreakness.” The song features a stripped-down sound, with Dan Auerbach’s vocals and guitar riffs driving the song’s energy, and Patrick Carney’s drumming adding to its driving rhythm. The lyrics are about love and obsession, with Auerbach singing about being consumed by his feelings for someone. “When The Lights Go Out” showcases the band’s raw and unapologetic sound, with its powerful instrumental and evocative lyrics capturing the band’s signature blues rock sound. The song remains a fan favorite and a staple of The Black Keys’ live performances.
6. “Your Touch” from the 2006 album, Magic Potion
“Your Touch” is a garage rock song by American rock band The Black Keys, from their fourth studio album, “Magic Potion”, released in 2006. The song features Dan Auerbach’s soulful vocals, heavy guitar riffs, and Patrick Carney’s driving drum beat, giving it a raw, bluesy sound. The lyrics are about the desire to be with someone and feeling their touch. The song was a commercial success for the band, charting in several countries and becoming a fan favorite at their live shows. “Your Touch” showcases The Black Keys’ ability to create high-energy, infectious rock music with a classic sound.
5. “All You Ever Wanted” from the 2008 album, Attack & Release
“All You Ever Wanted” is a rock song by American band The Black Keys, released as part of their 2008 album “Attack & Release”. The track features a catchy guitar riff and driving drums, with Dan Auerbach’s signature vocals adding a sense of urgency and intensity. The lyrics speak to the feeling of being lost or stuck, with Auerbach singing about the search for something more in life. “All You Ever Wanted” is a high-energy track that showcases The Black Keys’ ability to create anthemic rock music that resonates with audiences. The song is a fan favorite and a highlight of the band’s discography.
4. “Howlin’ for You” from the 2010 album, Brothers
“Howlin’ for You” is a rock song by The Black Keys, released in 2010 on their album “Brothers.” The song features a driving beat, with Dan Auerbach’s vocals and guitar riffs providing a powerful hook. The lyrics are about desire and lust, with Auerbach singing about his attraction to someone he can’t resist. “Howlin’ for You” became a hit for The Black Keys, known for its infectious energy and catchy chorus. The song remains a fan favorite and a popular choice for the band’s live performances, showcasing their signature rock sound and Auerbach’s distinctive vocal style.
3. “Lonely Boy” from the 2011 album, El Camino
“Lonely Boy” is a single by American rock band The Black Keys, released in 2011 as the lead single from their seventh studio album, “El Camino”. The song features a catchy guitar riff, a thumping drum beat, and Dan Auerbach’s bluesy vocals. The lyrics are about feeling alone and trying to find a connection with someone. The music video, which features a man dancing alone in a deserted motel, went viral and helped propel the song to commercial success. “Lonely Boy” is an upbeat, feel-good rock song that showcases The Black Keys’ ability to create catchy, memorable hooks.
2. “Turn Blue” from the 2014 album, Turn Blue
“Turn Blue” is the title track and lead single of The Black Keys’ eighth studio album, released in 2014. The song features a laid-back, psychedelic rock sound, with Dan Auerbach’s soulful vocals and a catchy guitar riff. The lyrics explore the feeling of being lost and disconnected, with Auerbach singing about the struggle to find one’s place in the world. “Turn Blue” is a standout track on the album, showcasing The Black Keys’ versatility and their ability to incorporate new sounds into their music while still staying true to their blues-rock roots. The song is a fan favorite and a testament to the band’s continued relevance in the rock genre.
1. “Lo/Hi” from the 2019 album, Let’s Rock
“Lo/Hi” is a single by American rock band The Black Keys, released in 2019 as the lead single from their ninth studio album, “Let’s Rock”. The song features a driving guitar riff and Dan Auerbach’s signature raspy vocals. The lyrics are about a tumultuous relationship and the cycle of making up and breaking up. “Lo/Hi” represents a return to the band’s bluesy, rock roots after a brief hiatus, and the song’s catchy melody and infectious energy have made it a fan favorite. It’s a testament to The Black Keys’ ability to create timeless rock songs with a modern twist.
Edward Tomlin is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
