Year in Rock 2012 Nominee: Jack White

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JACK WHITE
Sixteen Saltines
From: Blunderbuss
Released: April 24

Few artists have ever, or will ever, have their solo debut as hotly anticipated or as closely inspected as Jack White. Fans of The White Stripes, Raconteurs and Dead Weather alike had to be wondering just where he would go; what sort of musical statement was worthy, after all this time, of brandishing his own name? As it turns out, Blunderbuss wasn't so much a statement as it was a love letter, to all of Mr. White's influences. Soul, the blues, old-time country, garage rock, all are given their due on Blunderbuss. And yet, as wide a range of sounds inhabit the album, it flows remarkably well. Its novelty may have worn off somewhat, but it's definitely one of the year's most interesting and engaging listens.

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