Ruby Red Vinyl

Following the tumultuous promotion cycle for 2024's Ohio Players, the Black Keys wasted no time dwelling on the past and forged ahead with their 13th album, No Rain, No Flowers. As the title implies, the duo have taken an optimistic view on events, and the music reflects that attitude, resulting in some of the catchier and more upbeat offerings in their discography. They recruited hitmakers Daniel Tashian (Kacey Musgraves), Rick Nowels (Madonna, Lana Del Rey), and Scott Storch (Beyoncé, Dr. Dre) for the LP, but -- unlike the strong stylistic influence exerted by Danger Mouse on El Camino and Turn Blue -- Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney haven't suddenly recorded a pop/hip-hop album. Instead, they keep it close to their existing blues-rock sound, with the producers simply adding a little shine here and there. The uptempo "No Rain, No Flowers" is a joyous standout, packed with quotable affirmations ("All these little messes are only little lessons we learn") and a catchy singalong chorus, while the rollicking highlight "The Night Before" and the crunchy "Man on a Mission" keep the energy elevated. Meanwhile, the beautiful closing track "Neon Moon" expands "Take Me Home, Country Roads" into an uplifting epic that ends this brisk album on an emotional high. Throughout, their established nostalgic aesthetic washes over everything, providing familiar moments that connect No Rain, No Flowers to similar-sounding tracks throughout their catalog. There aren't many surprises here, for better or worse, and it's a pleasant, straightforward collection of reliably rocking jams.

No Rain, No Flowers    
The Night Before    
Babygirl    
Down To Nothing    
On Repeat    
Make You Mine    
Man On A Mission    
Kiss It    
All My Life    
A Little Too High    
Neon Moon