“No Name” was almost the biggest surprise drop of 2024 (thanks, K.Dot), and Jack White’s newest collection of songs still made a huge impression. Describing his new album as “guitar-forward” feels like an understatement, as Johnny Guitar (his new persona, per Instagram) jams through these 13 tracks with something to prove about himself as an artist, as well as the power of good rock and roll.
Jack White’s back in a big, big way! Here he slides back into the raw, blown out garage rock that he’s so well known for and man does it sound good. The riffs are piled high all over this album and he’s never sounded so urgent and utterly relevant. Everything distorts in just the right places and the hooks are guaranteed to stay in your head for a long, long time. He’s stripped everything back and come back bigger, badder and better than ever. 2024 needs this man big time.
“That’s How I’m Feeling” delivers hardest in terms of rock vibes, but there’s something spiritually compelling about the very next track, “It’s Rough on Rats (If You’re Asking),” which faces down civilization’s decline with wit and positive thinking: Whatever the future might hold, unlike the rats we’re not “food for cats” — for right now, at least.
The Fat Angel Sings 