El Camino

Keeping the momentum going after their breakthrough Brothers, The Black Keys reunite with Danger Mouse, who produced 2008's Attack and Release. Taking on a co-writing role as well this time, the producer helps Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney stray from their Southern-rock comfort zone. Increasing both the tempos and the hooks, El Camino is a joyous, danceable rock album. Standouts like the infectious, fuzztoned single "Lonely Boy" and the acoustic-into-electric epic "Little Black Submarines" are among the duo's most exciting songs.