What makes Horehound by The Dead Weather notable?

Horehound received critical acclaim upon its release, with notable reviews in publications like Rolling Stone and Pitchfork praising its distinct sound. The album debuted at number 6 on the Billboard 200 chart and solidified The Dead Weather's place within the alternative rock scene, influencing subsequent artists through its blend of blues rock and garage elements. Released on July 14, 2009, Horehound marked The Dead Weather's debut album, emerging from the creative synergy of Jack White, who was already well-established with The White Stripes and The Raconteurs. This project showcased a darker, more experimental sound and offered a new direction for White while introducing Alison Mosshart to a broader audience as a prominent vocalist.

Who is Horehound for?

Horehound works well if you're into dynamic emotional journeys, long, immersive listening sessions and wave-like pacing and flow.

How many songs are on Horehound?

Horehound has 11 tracks, running approximately 43 minutes.

Horehound

The Dead Weather · 2009

43 min · 11 tracks · alternative rock

Raw, gritty rock merges with haunting melodies and fierce vocals, creating a visceral atmosphere of tension and release.

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Top tracks — play these first

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60 Feet Tall — This opening track establishes the album's raw energy and introduces listeners to the band's gritty sound, featuring powerful vocals layered over pulsating rhythms.
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Treat Me Like Your Mother — With its aggressive instrumentation and commanding vocals, this track exemplifies the band's fusion of blues-infused rock and punk attitude, making it a standout anthem.
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Hang You From the Heavens — The eerie atmosphere created by haunting melodies and dynamic shifts makes this song a prime example of how The Dead Weather crafts tension throughout the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

64 /100

Treeline

Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

Horehound combines raw energy with haunting melodies, showcasing strong songwriting and production choices.

What we noticed

The first three tracks feature aggressive guitar riffs and driving rhythms, establishing a high-energy opening.
Several tracks incorporate call-and-response vocals, creating a dynamic interplay between the lead and backing singers.
The album frequently shifts between heavy instrumentation and sparse arrangements, particularly evident in the transition to 'Rocking Horse'.
The final track ends with an unresolved chord, leaving a lingering tension that contrasts with the preceding songs.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

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 emotional journeys
long, immersive listening sessions
wave-like pacing and flow
haunting vocal experiences

Where this album fits

Career context: Released on July 14, 2009, Horehound marked The Dead Weather's debut album, emerging from the creative synergy of Jack White, who was already well-established with The White Stripes and The Raconteurs. This project showcased a darker, more experimental sound and offered a new direction for White while introducing Alison Mosshart to a broader audience as a prominent vocalist.
Stylistic neighbors: The Raconteurs· Queens of the Stone Age· Jack White