The Raconteurs on DeBaser: reviews, riffs and real talk

The Profile

The Raconteurs are an American rock band formed in 2005 by Jack White and Brendan Benson with Jack Lawrence and Patrick Keeler. Their debut Broken Boy Soldiers (2006) introduced the White–Benson partnership, followed by Consolers of the Lonely (2008). After a long hiatus, they returned with Help Us Stranger (2019). In Australia they perform as The Saboteurs.

Members: Jack White, Brendan Benson, Jack Lawrence, Patrick Keeler; formed in 2005 in the U.S.; also known as The Saboteurs in Australia; albums: Broken Boy Soldiers (2006), Consolers of the Lonely (2008), Help Us Stranger (2019); the band received Grammy nominations; the reviews note a hiatus before the 2019 return.

DeBaser’s reviews chart The Raconteurs from the 2006 debut’s garage-pop punch to the expansive Consolers of the Lonely and the 2019 return Help Us Stranger. Writers praise the White–Benson chemistry, classic/garage/blues rock blend, and tight performances. One review notes some monotony on the debut, but overall sentiment is strong. Highlights include Steady, As She Goes, Salute Your Solution, Old Enough, and What’s Yours Is Mine.

Notable Quotes

❝ A great album that reconciles with tradition and offers one of the most successful collaborations in the last twenty years of American rock.

❝ The main differences from the past are greater cohesion as a group, a slightly rawer sound more inspired than the debut, and the perception that White has become the deus ex machina of the project.