The Raconteurs
Broken Boy Soldiers
V2 / Third Man Records [2006]
By now, you probably know this is Jack White’s “side project” band. Alongside Detroit rocker Brendan Benson and two members of Cincinnati’s The Greenhornes, The Raconteurs deliver exactly what you might expect: a well-oiled, no-nonsense rock ‘n’ roll album. Broken Boy Soldiers doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it doesn’t need to. It’s a confident debut that plays to everyone’s strengths without overreaching.
“Hands” would’ve felt right at home on Benson’s Alternative to Love, while the title track echoes vintage Jack White and wouldn’t sound out of place on a White Stripes record. Every member pulls their weight, with standout contributions from the rhythm section—especially on the soulful closer, “Blue Veins.” Broken Boy Soldiers might not break new ground, but it’s a satisfying listen from four pros who clearly enjoy playing together.
KEY TRACKS
“Steady As She Goes” / “Store Bought Bones” / “Level”
ARTISTS WITH SIMILAR FIRE
Cheap Trick / Sloan / Jimmy Eat World
A lifelong fan of new music—spent the '90s working in a record store and producing alternative video shows. In the 2000s, that passion shifted online with blogging, diving headfirst into the indie scene and always on the lookout for the next great release. Still here, still listening, and still sharing the best of what’s new.
- Christopher Anthonyhttps://thefirenote.com/author/canthony/
- Christopher Anthonyhttps://thefirenote.com/author/canthony/
- Christopher Anthonyhttps://thefirenote.com/author/canthony/
- Christopher Anthonyhttps://thefirenote.com/author/canthony/
