Turn Blue
The Black Keys · 2014
45 min · 11 tracks · indie rock
A haunting blend of blues and psychedelic rock, exploring themes of love and introspection with a rich sonic palette.
Top tracks — play these first
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Weight of Love Start here — Opening with a slow-burning guitar riff that builds into an expansive soundscape, this track encapsulates the album's depth and emotional resonance.
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Fever — This song showcases a more playful and experimental side of The Black Keys, featuring infectious rhythms and hypnotic melodies that contrast with their traditional sound.
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Turn Blue — The title track delves into themes of heartbreak and longing, combining lush instrumentation with poignant lyrics that highlight the album's introspective nature.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's moody atmosphere and layered production create a distinct sound that rewards repeated listens.
What we noticed
- The first track, 'Weight of Love', opens with a slow, atmospheric build-up featuring layered guitar effects and a gradual introduction of vocals.
- Several tracks incorporate extended instrumental sections, allowing for moments of introspection and mood shifts, particularly in 'In Our Prime' and 'Bullet in the Brain'.
- The album features a consistent use of reverb and echo effects throughout, enhancing its psychedelic feel and creating a sense of space.
- The last three tracks maintain a slower tempo, culminating in 'Gotta Get Away', which closes the album on a reflective note.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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8/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- steady pacing for deep listening
- moody introspection during quiet moments
- gradual peaks that invite reflection
- suitable for evening relaxation
Maybe skip if you
- seeking upbeat party tracks
- prefer instant gratification songs
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Critical Peak — Represents a significant artistic evolution and received critical acclaim.
- Themes
- emotional longing· blues-infused introspection
- Moods
- Melancholy· Introspective
- Career context
- Released in 2014, Turn Blue is The Black Keys' eighth studio album, following their commercially successful record El Camino. At this point, the duo had solidified their status as a leading force in modern rock, navigating a shift toward more experimental sounds while retaining their gritty roots.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The White Stripes· Royal Blood· Jack White
Tracklist
- 1 Weight of Love Start here 6:50
- 2 In Time 4:28
- 3 Turn Blue 3:42
- 4 Fever 4:06
- 5 Year in Review 3:48
- 6 Bullet in the Brain 4:15
- 7 It’s Up to You Now 3:10
- 8 Waiting on Words 3:37
- 9 10 Lovers 3:33
- 10 In Our Prime 4:38
- 11 Gotta Get Away 3:02
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Lonerism
Tame Impala
Shares a moody, psychedelic atmosphere and explores themes of introspection and emotional complexity.
Sound & Color
Alabama Shakes
Blues-infused rock with a rich sonic palette, emphasizing longing and emotional depth in the lyrics.
Lost in the Dream
The War on Drugs
Combines atmospheric production with themes of longing and introspection, echoing a similar emotional register.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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