What makes Fever by The Black Keys notable?

Fever debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart, solidifying The Black Keys' status in the rock music landscape. The album was notable for its production by Danger Mouse, which contributed to its modern feel and garnered significant critical acclaim, further establishing the band's influence in contemporary rock. Released in 2014, Fever is The Black Keys' eighth studio album and their first since the commercially successful El Camino. The album marked a shift towards a more polished sound after the raw, garage-inflected approach of earlier works, reflecting the duo's evolution as they continued to gain mainstream recognition.

How many songs are on Fever?

Fever has 1 track, running approximately 4 minutes.

Fever

The Black Keys · 2014

4 min · 1 track · indie rock

Fever melds infectious grooves with a modern twist on classic blues rock, showcasing an energetic and playful vibe.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Fever — The title track features a catchy chorus and a danceable beat that distinguishes it from their earlier work, embodying the album's playful spirit.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

45 /100

Lowland

Higher than 5% of albums we've rated

Fever combines modern production with classic influences, resulting in an engaging but somewhat conventional sound.

What we noticed

The track features a steady, danceable beat that drives the song forward without significant tempo changes.
Vocals are delivered in a playful manner, with call-and-response sections that engage the listener.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 4/10

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. 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.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Fever solidified The Black Keys' status with a polished sound and commercial success.
Themes: danceable grooves· modern blues revival· playful energy
Career context: Released in 2014, Fever is The Black Keys' eighth studio album and their first since the commercially successful El Camino. The album marked a shift towards a more polished sound after the raw, garage-inflected approach of earlier works, reflecting the duo's evolution as they continued to gain mainstream recognition.
Stylistic neighbors: The White Stripes· Royal Blood· Jack White

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Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Fever

The chorus repeats a haunting line that blends longing with exhilaration, creating a sense of urgency and desire.

This repetition amplifies the song's emotional core while cleverly contrasting the upbeat instrumentation with themes of infatuation.