Boarding House Reach cover

Boarding House Reach

Jack White · 2018

44 min · 13 tracks · alternative rock

A genre-defying blend of blues, rock, and experimental sounds, layered with Jack White's signature raw energy.

Top tracks — play these first

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    Connected by Love — This track opens the album with a powerful blend of gospel influences and rock energy, setting the tone for the eclectic nature of the record.
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    Corporation — A standout socio-political commentary wrapped in catchy melodies, this track exemplifies White's ability to merge lyrical depth with infectious hooks.
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    Over and Over and Over — Featuring a driving rhythm and repetitive motifs, this song encapsulates the album's exploration of obsession and routine through its hypnotic instrumentation.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

52 /100
Foothills
Higher than 38% of albums we've rated

The album's eclectic sound and experimental approach create a unique listening experience, though its cohesion is somewhat uneven.

What we noticed

  • Vocals are often layered with effects, creating a disorienting atmosphere that complements the experimental instrumentation.
  • Tracks like 'Hypermisophoniac' and 'Get in the Mind Shaft' utilize spoken word elements alongside traditional singing, adding to the eclectic nature of the record.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • dynamic journey with peaks
  • kaleidoscopic sound exploration
  • reflective moments of introspection
  • quirky tracks for adventurous listeners
  • eclectic rhythms for active engagement

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking straightforward, catchy songs
  • prefer predictable song structures

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 2018, Boarding House Reach is Jack White's third solo album, following his acclaimed 2014 release Lazaretto. This album marks a significant shift in his sound, embracing a more eclectic and experimental approach compared to his earlier works. At this stage in his career, White was exploring new sonic territories while maintaining his distinctive style.
Stylistic neighbors
The Raconteurs· The Black Keys· Gary Clark Jr.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Connected by Love 4:37
  • 2 Why Walk a Dog? 2:30
  • 3 Corporation 5:39
  • 4 Abulia and Akrasia 1:28
  • 5 Hypermisophoniac 3:35
  • 6 Ice Station Zebra 3:59
  • 7 Over and Over and Over 3:36
  • 8 Everything You've Ever Learned 2:14
  • 9 Respect Commander 4:33
  • 10 Ezmerelda Steals the Show 1:42
  • 11 Get in the Mind Shaft 4:14
  • 12 What's Done Is Done 2:54
  • 13 Humoresque 3:10

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata