More cliches by the two-chord king...
More of the same chords, same cringe-inducing lyrics, and more music from people who don't play instruments.

Disappointed
I'm writing this review from the seemingly rare viewpoint of someone who is a big fan of Brendan Benson's rather than Jack White's. I've been a fan a brendan's since his first record came out nearly ten years ago. I was excited about the first Raconteurs record and really liked it, though not as much as Brendan's solo albums. I've never really been a White Stripes fan but I still liked Jack's contributions to Broken Boy Soldiers. What I liked most about his songs and why I think I like them better than almost every White Stripes song I've ever heard was that he was singing really well! We wasn't doing his high pitched cackly whine that is so prevailant on White Stripes albums. Now comes Consolers of the Lonely and I just don't like it. For lack of a better description it's "too Jack". He's singing like it's a White Stripes record again and I just can't listen to an entire album of that. Sadly, even Brendan's offering don't grab me. There are some songs that I kinda like, such as "Many Shades of Black" and "Hold Up" to name a couple. Overall the energy and pace of the record is far greater compared to the somewhat slower Broken Boy Soldiers, but the song structures sound underdeveloped and just kinda chaotic. All the country influence on the record just tends to sound contrived and as if it's just there in an attempt to be cool and different. So, it's a total let down for me. I really hope Brendan gets back to his solo work sooner than later. I'd rather even hear new a Greenhornes record than whatever the Racs do next.

Expect Only The Best
Consolers of the Lonely is different than Broken Boy Soldier and in a good way. They have written songs from several genres and made them rock. Broken Boy Soldiers is a great album in its own right. COTL is a different direction and is great for what it is, as well.They have doen great work with lyrics. There are the tell-tale slides from White's guitar that we all love.Track #14, Carolina Drama, is an absolute masterpiece. Terrific lyrics and masterful guitar blended with a great story. This song will live for the ages.

I love Broken Boy Soldiers, but I love COTL for different reasons.

Definitely a favorite for 2008!!
There really isn't anything that I can add to all the superb reviews I have read today. I am a fan of Jack White, and The White Stripes, and the first Raconteurs album "Broken Boy Soldier" took a few times of listening through it before it grew on me. It became one of my favorites, and I didn't know what to expect with Consolers of the Lonely. After listening to it many times, I can honestly say there isn't one song on this album that I don't love. It's a classic- I think it's genius. And it's true what they say about The Raconteurs putting on an unbelievably awesome live show. We just saw them on the 28th, and they rocked the house down! I have seen many performers in my lifetime, and I can honestly say this is THE BEST concert I have attended. If you get a chance to see them live, don't pass it up, you won't regret it!!

Great Record, Better Than The Last
I wish I could take a star off my review off 'Broken Boy Soldiers,' as this album is more than a one-star improvement. I liked the BBS EP, but this is far more fully realized. Unfortunately, it's more of a Jack White record than anything, I say unfortunately because Brendan Benson is a much more sophisticated composer than White, and his skills seem under-used here. I am a fan of both, and appreciate that White brings a tremendous gusto and feel that Benson's solo projects lack. I hope this group stays together and includes Benson more in the writing process for the next record.

This record, though, absolutely rocks. The guitar work is fantastic, the production is perfect, the vocals are great, and the melodies, while mostly simplistic, are very catchy.