Grammy-winning, alternative darling Jack White is wilder and more adventurous than ever on his highly-anticipated third solo album, ‘Boarding House Reach.’

42-year-old Jack White is a longtime darling of the alternative music world.  He’s been successful as a member (and creative force) of The White Stripes, The Raconteurs, and The Dead Weather. Also, his songwriting and production credits can’t be ignored either. Out of 33 Grammy nominations, White has been victorious 12 times.  This highly accomplished musician returns with his third, and most adventurous solo album yet, Boarding House Reach.

“Connected by Love”

“Woman, don’t you know what I’m suffering from?
Ease my pain, make it wash on with the rain…”

“Connected by Love” superbly kicks off Boarding House Reach. Commencing with a mysterious wavy synth, “Connected by Love” sets the tone of album, embracing more electronic sounds. The vocals by Jack White are dramatic, expressive, and raw if “pitchy.” The chorus is epic, notably the use of organ, piano, and synthesizer. Lyrically, it’s simple, but catchy.

“Cause I know we’re connected by love
Yes, I know we’re connected, connected, connected by love
Yeah, I wanna be directed by your love
Connected by love.”

The second iteration of the chorus welcomes gospel-tinged backing vocals, courtesy of Ann & Regina McCrary (The McCrary Sisters). The spirited nature of White is notable as well. A superb instrumental section follows, highlighted by the organ, played by Neal Evans. Later, the third and final chorus is the longest and most epic. “Why Walk a Dog” has a tough act to follow.  Luckily, the title alone is enough to pique the listener’s interest.  After actually listening, the listener still has questions – lyrically…  Regardless, what is unquestionable are the musical ideas, where White’s “bread is buttered.”

“Corporation”

“Corporation” commences with a sick drum groove – instantly a catalyst for head-nodding and foot-tapping.  After the initial burst of drums, the retro-rock instrumentation kicks in: keyboard, guitar, bass, etc.  This is undeniably delicious, instrumental ear-candy – incredibly funky and vintage through and through. There’s one exuberant, key lyric to know throughout the first three minutes of the song: “Who’s with me?” Later, Jack White serves up some spoken lyrics, over the course of two verses, matching the energy of the corybantic production.

“Yeah, I’m thinking about starting a corporation
Who’s with me?
Nowadays, that’s how you get adulation
Who wants to start a corporation?” 

“Abulia and Akrasia” is best described as an interlude.  White is only credited as the producer, as C.W. Stoneking delivers a spoken word vocal. As thrilling as that is, the music is the showstopper, it is the live instrumentation that truly stands out – trumpet, trombone, tuba, fiddle, and upright bass. 

“Hypermisophoniac” is among the most bizarre numbers without question.  Even so, the creativity – particularly synthesizers – make it truly refreshing on the ears.  The vocals themselves are unique – definitely non-standard.  The groove of “Ice Zebra Station” is simply irresistible. This is one of the funkier joints of White’s career, period. White and his musicians incorporate plenty of captivating sounds, whether it’s off-kilter vocals, pummeling drums, raw guitars, or bluesy piano.  The sound palette, coupled with White’s artistic adventurousness makes this a standout.

“Over and Over and Over”

“Over and Over and Over” is chocked-full of attitude, energy, and groove.  This has a garage-, old-school/retro rock sensibility that instantly makes it sound refreshing and incredibly charming.  The record isn’t quite as wild as the aforementioned “Corporation,” but it’s close. Jack White still exhibits unconventionality, sounding more progressive musically. Vocally, he remains unfazed by the pitch-perfect performance, but mostly concerned about delivering a captivating and spirited performance. The musical palette is excellent, with standard rock instrumentation, synthesizers, and background vocals. “Everything You’ve Learned” follows, in all its weirdness.  Filled with synths and congas, “Everything You’ve Learned” ends up being brief, yet filled with angst and intensity.

“Respect Commander” 

“Respect Commander”,another highlight, opens with an incredibly groovy instrumental section.  That section is comprised of sick drums, synthesizers, and electric guitar.  There’s an experimental, care-free vibe that makes the record appealing. The bass helps things to settle in for the second part of the song, which includes vocals. The backing production work has some grit, and bite, fueling White’s vocal fire. The marvelous building intensity, musically and vocally, leads into an unapologetic, bluesy electric guitar solo.

“Get in the Mind Shaft”

“Ezmerelda Steals the Show” gets the tough task of following up a juggernaut.  The brief number, which clocks in under two minutes, finds White reciting poetry – that’s the best way to describe it.  Essentially, it’s another left-of-center interlude. A one-man-band, White accompanies himself via acoustic guitar and organ. “Get in the Mind Shaft” keeps things both bizarre and intriguing, as Jack White expounds upon his musical experience.  While there are some lyrics – namely “can you hear me now?” – “Get in the Mind Shaft” is best described as an instrumental record. Synthesizers, electronic instruments, and vocals effects make it stand out.

The brief “What’s Done is Done” gives White a soulful, country-folk joint.  Even though “What’s Done is Done” has a lot of old-school, traditional qualities, the use of synthesizer (Anthony “Brew” Brewster) and electronic drums (Carla Azar) add some modern flare and some of the quirk that’s characterized the album to this point.  Esther Rose delivers stunning backing vocals, supporting White’s raw lead. “Humoresque” shifts styles, concluding Boarding House Reach in jazzy fashion.  Arguably what’s most impressive is the harmonic language, brought to life by the incredible Neal Evans on piano.

Final Thoughts

Ah, what does one make of Boarding House Reach? On the positive side of things, this is White’s most adventurous, left-of-center album yet.  So many years into his career, it’s impressive that he has so many tricks left up his sleeve.  Slightly less positive, yet not necessarily negative either is the fact that Boarding House Reach is “all over the place.” A lack of cohesion hurts the effort a smidge, but more often than not, the eccentricity of Jack White is incredibly rewarding.

Gems: “Connected by Love,” “Corporation,” “Hypermisophoniac,” “Ice Station Zebra,” “Over and Over and Over” & “Respect Commander”

Jack White • Boarding House Reach • Columbia • Release: 3.23.18

Photo Credit: Columbia