The Raconteurs - 'Broken Boy Soldiers'

This will be one of THE albums of 2006. Each track is infectious enough to be a hit, and as a whole the debut never feels repetitive. It's good-time rock and roll from an idealised past that will sell bucketloads. The louder moments are the highlights; from opener Steady As She Goes to Store Bought Bones and standout track Broken Boy Soldier - no doubt destined for hourly radio play throughout the summer. Elements of country, blues, rockabilly and the catchy lyrics fit together seamlessly, while the more subdued tracks provide range. It's obvious this record was fun to make for White, Benson and the Greenhornes and as such it's an immensely enjoyable listen, nothing more, nothing less. [Xavier Toby]