The Raconteurs – “Help Me Stranger” [Song Review]

The Raconteurs seem to be restless about showing off their new music with the world as they share their latest single “Help Me Stranger.” The fourth single off of their highly-anticipated forthcoming album Help Us Stranger, this track offers a sound that is undeniably Raconteurs. Like the other singles released so far, “Help Me Stranger” (streaming/purchase options here) demonstrates the growth the band has taken in their ten-year hiatus.

Both Jack White and Brendan Benson (the lead songwriters of the group) have recorded many solo albums among other projects since the release of their previous recording Consolers of the Lonely — and it shows. Hot off the tour for his most experimental effort to date, White certainly brought some creative ideas to the studio. Whether it is the grand array of guitar effects he has taken to, or the unique production methods, the singles so far show promise of an album that is trying something new but is also comfortingly familiar.

“Help Me Stranger” opens like you are listening to an old blues 45 stuck in a groove formed from years of spinning. Right when you feel the impulse to move the needle (even though you are probably listening on your phone), the song really kicks in. A clean, upbeat riff set against fuzzy electric guitar makes for a call and response between White and Benson. Unlike the other singles from this album so far, this track hears both White and Benson singing all the lyrics in unison; showcasing how well their vocals work together. Overall, “Help Me Stranger” is The Raconteurs back at it with sounds that are both wildly new and familiar in equal measure.

Check out the official video for “Help Me Stranger” below:

The Raconteurs’ world tour in support of Help Us Stranger starts July 12th and includes a few Canadian dates. Each online ticket purchase for their North American shows will include a physical CD copy of the album with the option to upgrade to standard black vinyl. Help Us Stranger will be released on June 21st, available wherever it is you stream or buy music.

Run Time: 3:40
Release Date: May 17, 2019
Record Label: Third Man Records

The Raconteurs 2019 World Tour Dates:

07/14 – Eagles Ballroom – Milwaukee, WI
07/15 – Armory – Minneapolis, MN
07/18 – WaMu Theater at CenturyLink Field Events Center – Seattle, WA
07/19: – Queen Elizabeth Theatre – Vancouver, BC
07/21 – Edgefield – Troutdale, OR
07/23 – Fox Theater – Oakland, CA
07/26 – Greek Theatre – Los Angeles, CA
07/27 – Santa Barbara Bowl – Santa Barbara, CA
07/28 – Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre – San Diego, CA
08/10 – Railbird Festival – Lexington, KY *
08/11 – Knoxville Civic Auditorium – Knoxville, TN
08/12 – Egyptian Room at Old National Centre – Indianapolis, IN
08/13 – Stage AE (Indoors) – Pittsburgh, PA
08/15 – Agora Theatre – Cleveland, OH
08/16 – Woodstock 50 – Watkins Glen, NY *
08/17 – The Anthem – Washington, DC
08/18 – The Fillmore Charlotte – Charlotte, NC
08/20 – Township Auditorium – Columbia, SC
08/21 – Tabernacle – Atlanta, GA
08/22 – Tabernacle – Atlanta, GA
08/29 – Ryman Auditorium – Nashville, TN
08/30 – Ryman Auditorium – Nashville, TN
09/03 – Red Hat Amphitheater – Raleigh, NC
09/06 – Hammerstein Ballroom – New York, NY
09/07 – Kings Theatre – Brooklyn, NY
09/09 – House of Blues – Boston, MA
09/12 – Sony Centre for the Performing Arts – Toronto, ON (SOLD OUT)
09/13 – Express Live! Indoor Pavilion – Columbus, OH
10/12 – The Criterion – Oklahoma City, OK
10/13 – Cain’s Ballroom – Tulsa, OK
10/14 – Cain’s Ballroom – Tulsa, OK
10/17 – Arvest Bank Theatre at The Midland – Kansas City, MO
10/18 – The Pageant – St. Louis, MO