The Black Keys – No Rain, No Flowers

On their thirteenth studio album, No Rain, No Flowers, The Black Keys integrate the blues-rock sound they're known for into their more recent forays into psychedelic rock. The album starts with the title track: an upbeat, highly danceable bop about going with the flow. The message is heartening, if a little generic. As the album progresses, more varied rock sounds weave their way in, culminating in Neon Moon, a Lynyrd Skynyrd-style anthem.

This album is dad rock for my generation in the best way. Having come of age alongside The Black Keys' early hits, I'm finding resonances in their work again. No Rain, No Flowers reflects the peace in knowing that grief and pain are part of life. The album features plenty of jams; Dan Auerbach's rooted guitar and vocals, propelled by Patrick Carney's steady drums, find that signature Black Keys groove. All My Life drifts into disco, featuring an earworm of a bassline.

The album reaches its emotional climax over the last two tracks. It's road trip music at its finest. Ending on a country rock note, No Rain, No Flowers sounds hopeful above all else. The album's optimism is infectious, overflowing with the conviction that the future is bright.

Listen to: On Repeat, Man on a Mission, A Little Too High