Review
On their 13th LP, No Rain, No Flowers, The Black Keys seem to be reckoning with turbulence, both past and present — but they do it in sunnier tones than one might expect. After the underwhelming performance of Ohio Players, a cancelled arena tour, and parting ways with their management, Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney double down on craftsmanship and polish. They bring in big-name songwriters/producers like Rick Nowels, Daniel Tashian, and Scott Storch, leaning into more melodic pop, soul, disco, and vintage AM-radio vibes.
Musically, the album finds them trading some of the gritty blues-rock edge for smoother grooves. Songs like “Make You Mine” exude a falsetto-tinged disco/soul warmth, “Babygirl” layers on organ, piano, and glide, and “Neon Moon” closes things with a nod to country rock, giving the whole record a feeling of emotional and stylistic breadth.
Where the album falters is in its risk-factor: much of it is safe, pleasant, and familiar. Critics generally praise its sheen and moods, but point out that there aren’t many surprises, and that this isn’t a record that pushes the duo’s boundaries so much as it refines the ones they’ve already drawn. It’s reassuring, even heartening — but for some longtime fans, that may feel like “comfort” more than “challenge.”
All together, No Rain, No Flowers ultimately feels like a grown-ups album: wise, a bit world-weary, but choosing hope over bitterness. Solid, enjoyable, and well-crafted, but not their most daring work. - Lena
