Released: 2014

Genres: Blues Rock, Garage Rock Revival, Country Rock

The Musiquarium’s Lazaretto Review Score: 8 out of 10

Inspired by various materials that Jack White wrote in his adolescence (poems, short stories, plays), Lazaretto finds Jack White continuing on with the sound from his solo debut Blunderbuss, while diving deeper into the southern and country influences that his Nashville residency has afforded him.

Three Women is a playful opener, where Jack White sings of the various women (red, blonde and brunette) who “blow his blues away”. The title track is this album’s Sixteen Saltines. Temporary Ground sees a country duet, with songs like Just One Drink, I Think I Found the Culprit, Entitlement and Want and Able also indulging in a heavy southern influence.

High Ball Stepper is an instrumental that needs no lyrics to keep your attention. The rising tension and drama of Would You Fight for My Love? makes for one of the best tracks on the album. That Black Bat Licorice and its weird and memorable riff make for another highlight.

Lazaretto may not rival the best work of The White Stripes, but it’s another excellent solo album that shows Jack White expanding upon the template that Blunderbuss had created.

For credit breakdowns and historic release details, view Jack White on Discogs.

Back to the 2014 Album Reviews Guide or the Jack White Reviews page.

Written by Brett Nippard