The Black Keys’ newly released album Turn Blue delivers with a moody, soulful and psychedelic sound that has the potential to please faithful fans, but also win over the hearts of new fans. Even if these fans are won over through the hilarious promotional tweet from Mike Tyson. Really, what kind of band does that?

Well, it is undeniable that The Black Keys’ diversity in their music has earned them global success in the music industry and multiple honors. The duo has won 7 Grammy awards and 12 nominations, 3 of them being for their 2011 breakthrough album, Brothers. Last year, they released El Camino, complete with radio-hits “Lonely Boy” and “Gold On The Ceiling”, which ushered them on to the duo’s first arena concert tour.

The band’s sound has changed over the years, starting out as solely the partnership of Dan Auerbach (guitar, vocals) and Patrick Carney (drums) and a recorder in a basement in their hometown of Akron, Ohio. Over the years the band jumped labels, releasing albums laden with gritty guitar riffs and bold drum beats, until they finally settled down with Nonesuch Records and producer Danger Mouse with the release of Attack & Release (2008).

To many, this signaled a departure from their raw, blues rock sound. Turn Blue may further deviate from the raw sound of The Black Keys’ earliest work, but it brings the progression and innovation that should be produced by a band.

The first song on the album is “Weight of Love”, which is the album’s longest song. But don’t the length keep you from listening to the psychedelic rock odyssey that the song takes you on, starting out with eerie synths and acoustic guitar that eventually climaxes into impressive dueling electric guitars. This song hints at the fuzzed-out guitar and crooning vocals of Auerbach that will make many appearances throughout the album, but also reminds the listener that The Black Keys are still the moody, blues rock duo that many know and love.

The title track, “Turn Blue”, (which is also noncoincidentally the catchphrase of 60’s horror host Ghoulardi) begins with loud, defined drum beats paired with smooth, bluesy guitar licks, while Auerbach howls, “In the dead of the night I started lose control, but I still carry the weight like I’ve always done before. It gets so heavy at times but what more can I do.” “Turn Blue” is the perfect song for a devoted Black Keys fan, while still offering the benefits of the “new” sound – bass line, synthesizers, backing vocals and all. 

“Fever”, the first single off Turn Blue and draws clear influences of 60’s psychedelic rock. It’s an obvious radio-hit, with it’s catchy synth melodies, unique percussion, and strong chorus. It is the most notable song from the album, mainly because it is the song that is most differs most from the iconic Black Keys sound.

Other songs that stand out from the rest include the smart-mouthed and punchy number “It’s Up To You Now” and “Gotta Get Away”, which incorporates lively hooks and irresistibly wacky lyrics , producing a tune that was rather unpredictable based on the sound of the previous tracks.

Turn Blue as a whole proves that The Black Keys aren’t a band that will simply go along with what the fans want. They set out to create an album that reflects their progression as a band. Fans may be upset by the new direction The Black Keys are going in, but if you ask me, this album shows growth and experimentation that is key to the success of any artist today.

The Black Keys are headlining the Turn Blue Tour this fall, which will be backed by St. Vincent and Cage The Elephant. They are making their way to Chicago on September 27th, 2014 for a show at The United Center along with supporting band, Cage The Elephant.