Nonesuch Records Blues/Folk Dan Auerbach may have garnered attention as the guitarist/vocalist for the blues-rock dup The Black Keys, but on “Keep It Hid,” Auerbach goes it alone. While I’d never intentionally piss off the Keys fans by suggesting that Auerbach go solo, I will say if he can find a way to do both, he should. The greatest strength of “Keep it Hid” is Auerbach’s voice and his ability to pair lyrics with the right music. On paper the lyrics seem to be just words, and the music sounds simple. However, when you add Auerbach to the equation, he is able to transform the songs into works of high quality art. There’s no blaring guitar riffs or blood curdling screams. There’s only music stripped to its core, and it’s all good. Only people who are able to transcend words and sound are successful in their efforts to mesh the two together. What Auerbach is able to bring to this record and music in general is a gift. Either you accept it with love and appreciation, or you reject it and move on to something else. I say open your minds and you hearts. You will be grateful that you did. – Bri Arnwine