"Blunderbuss"
By Leo Gomon
Western Sun staff writer
Best known for fronting The White Stripes, The Raconteurs, and drumming for The Dead Weather, Jack White has been constantly generating some kind of music for over a decade – all of it commercially successful. After captivating worldwide audiences for years, White has released his highly anticipated, debut solo album.
All of the album’s 13 tracks showcase White’s musical diversity and wide range of influences. From garage rock, to blues, to gospel, to folk, “Blunderbuss” has everything Jack White fan’s want.
White has always been praised for his unique vocal deliverance and character. His voice is easily recognizable, perhaps the reason for his mass appeal.
Vocally, White creates a vulnerable atmosphere throughout the album, playing to his strengths and weaknesses, without conforming to the digitization and perfection of modern music production.
“Blunderbuss” is a true singer/songwriter record, with songs about love, anger, and jealousy. “Love Interruption” and “Freedom at 21” reflect the spirit and beauty in the lyrics. “Sixteen Saltines” add gospel vocals and folk instruments to compliment White’s song writing approach; a joy to hear. Overall, “Blunderbuss” comes closest to the soundscapes of The White Stripes album than his other projects.
White’s fans have a habit of believing anything he touches turns to gold, which is true in this case. “Blunderbuss” focuses on song writing and arrangements rather than experimentation and prowess, the mark of a true artist.
