On his debut solo album, the last thing Black Keys singer/guitarist Dan Auerbach does is keep his ample talents hidden. Even without sidekick drummer Patrick Carney, he cranks up raw, bluesy garage-rock yet also channels his inner folknik on tracks like "Goin' Home". Other songs, like "My Last Mistake", are suffused with strong melodic hooks, all the while remaining crunchingly raucous. Auerbach recorded the album in his Akron, OH home studio, capturing the room's acoustics in spades. Let's hope he continues delivering the solo reverb-drenched goods from time to time.