Elephant is massive and has long tusks. Thundering through the forest right off the bat with Seven Nation Army, this album has no gaps but does allow room for breathers. In The Cold, Cold Night is a beautifully chilling song that was on bedtime mixtapes I made for my girls when they were little, and You've Got Her In Your Pocket is a heartbreaking love song of insecurity and control that somehow is still tender and sweet. However, the heartrate isn't lowered for much time as Ball & Biscuit, The Hardest Button to Button, Little Acorns, and subsequent followers strike hard like a voltage surge with Meg-n-Jack signature grinding grooves and beats that trigger electric joy. Sometimes when spinning this album, organic dance spasms have been known to induce. Elephant is definitely one of my favorite rock albums of all time and the one that caused me to step back to their prior 3, and never lose sight of what these two were up to moving forward. May we all follow in the footsteps of Janet, who allowed the squirrel to teach her about breaking this sometimes-overwhelming life down into piles and take one acorn at a time! ***I'll never forget Jack's innovative 2014 set at Bonnaroo. Ben and I were jumping like kids for a VERY long time.
One of my all-time favorites, from start to finish. I bet Jack and Meg White looked at Karen and Richard Carpenter and said, "They have to be fucking with us. The Carpenters aren't really brother and sister. They're a twisted married couple! Genius!" If you look at some of the Carpenter's album covers, it's not such a stretch. And that's exactly what Jack and Meg decided to do. They put up a front of being brother and sister, when they were actually husband and wife. Jack would even take Meg's last name (presumably because Jack White sounded way cooler than Jack Gillis). Their marriage apparently ended in divorce 3 years before this release, but that didn't stop these crazy kids from keeping the whole brother/sister act going. Jack would continue to introduce his "big sister" Meg in concerts. Like Karen Carpenter, Meg was the drummer (but rarely sang, although she does have lead vocals here on “In The Cold, Cold Night”). And Jack oversaw all the musical arrangements in a Richard sort of way. But that's where any similarities to the Carpenters (real or pseudo) end. The Stripes slap, and slap in a big way. One can argue there's been no better recent purveyor of the Blues than Jack White. And his "sister" is the secret sauce. No one keeps the beat like Meg. "Elephant" was their big break through, perfectly blending elements of classic rock and the blues, and even taking a Hal David/Burt Bacharach oldie and making it their own. You already know the classic “Seven Nation Army”. And you’re probably familiar with “Ball and Biscuit” even if you haven’t seen "The Social Network". Even the deep cuts are bangers here. I'll take the "Seven Nation Army/Black Math/There's No Home for You Here" opening trifecta over almost any other album's first three songs. The Spotify link here took me to an older version of this classic that didn't have "Hypnotize" for some odd reason. Be sure to listen to the full album. It's on the short list of the best albums of the last 20 years.
This is the album that allowed the band to break through and become the legends they were destined to become. Jack White became the guitar god of a new generation and deserved the status. A hard blues rocking album, but with Jack's twists that gave blues rock a new sound and opened up the ears of the pop-drenched culture. He could be responsible for the vinyl and classic rock resurgence, but also gave hope to many that rock was far from dead.
I came into this review thinking of the White Stripes as a pale imitation of the Rolling Stones. I'd heard them before in passing, but didn't really pay much attention. Listening to Elephant, it's apparent that leader Jack White is very much his own man. Elephant is elemental music, painted in primary colors. There is no shading to speak of. The instrumentation is unadorned aside from a little distortion here, a little reverb or echo there. The song structures and melodies are dead simple, but very hooky. Beyond this music being rock, I really didn't pick up on any of the influences I would have suspected, like the Stones or Marc Bolan. There's no blues until you get to the 8th song. Then, with the cover of Burt Bacharach and Hal David's I Don't Know What To Do With Myself, it becomes clear. On Elephant, The Whites Stripes are making pop music with the attitude and instrumentation of rock. But do they do it well? There's no doubt that The White Stripes perform with conviction. They have something specific to offer, and they put it across cleanly and with a minimum of artifice. But I don't really dig it. First off, I like the blues and rock without it seems kind of besides the point to me, but that's probably just because I'm old. More damaging, Jack White's musicianship is downright primitive. While there's nothing wrong with Jack White's imagination or ears, I prefer my musicians more technically accomplished, and my music more complex, more shaded. One listen in, and you'll have gotten pretty much everything there is to get out of Elephant. There's not much point in listening to it a second time. Still, I wouldn't skip over these songs if they turned up on a playlist. I'll give Elephant credit for being pleasant and for accomplishing what Jack White set out to do. He aims low and hits the target.
Tuttu entuudestaan ja ei todellakaan haitannut kuunnella taas. White Stripes on vaan kova!
Compelling from start to finish. A couple of annoyances that I could nitpick, but it's a great album. Best track: Seven Nation Army
From the iconic opening baseline of “Seven Nation Army” through to the lighthearted closer “Its true that we love one another”, Elephant is an explosive mixture of ferocity and subtlety. Meg’s under appreciated drumming is minimal but integral to the alchemy, constantly and relentlessly driving the record forward. “Black Math” is frenetic from start to finish with its blistering solo leaving you breathless. “You’ve got her in your pocket” is an example of Jack’s great song writing, “Little Acorns” too an example of his inventiveness. His lyrics are clever, at times dark and humorous, standing out in particular against the menacing, rumbling bass on “it’s a cold, cold night”. The electrifying “girl, you’ve got no faith in medicine” is everything a garage rock song should be, punchy and instantly gratifying, whereas on the the blues epic “ball and biscuit” Jack White teases and toys with us, showcasing his guitar playing prowess in the most aggressive fashion imaginable. In the early 2000s You simply couldn’t escape The White Stripes. The question is, why would you have wanted to?
This album punched me right in the mouth from the get go with Seven Nation Army. I was familiar with the bass line to the song because it is played a lot at sporting events. I thought it was played out prior to today, but now I contend its wide spread use is justified by how much this song kicks ass. Holy shit the guitar sound for Ball and Biscuit is sublime (chef’s kiss to the effects and amp set up), and the vocals are a call back to some super sultry Led Zeppelin tracks. Black Math and Hypnotize are punk inspired songs I can get behind. Now let’s go break some stuff. Additionally there are several tracks without the familiar distorted, guitar driven sound that are most excellent like: In the Cold, Cold Night; I Want to Be the Boy; and the last track, Well It’s True That We Love One Another, which is a playful, refreshing end to the album. The drums are never at the forefront on the album, yet they are solid and perfectly support the overall sound. Overall this album is a great reminder that often times less is more. The stripped down nature of both the musical parts, and having only two members, really allows the parts that are present to shine through quite brightly. A revelation…bravo!
4Jack White is an undeniable talent and this album is mostly enjoyable but there are several moments where you can tell ol' Jackie Boy is just being wierd for the sake of weird. That's the thing that's made him the darling of the East Nashville scene but I personally find it annoying. Not so annoying that I can't enjoy the album but annoying nonetheless. The thing that really makes this album interesting to me is also the thing that makes Jack White interesting to me despite his eccentricities: the mixing. It deviates significantly from the established norms of "how to mix an album" and it stands out as very different from its contemoraries. I believe that unorthodox approach to mixing is what has made Third Man Records such a powerhouse in the industry in such a short time. A Jack White joint just ... feels different. It stands out.
The album started of with a famous Darts intro song. I think the cover of 'I Just Don't Know What To Do With Myself' does right to all the other covers of this song. Did not know that that song was first recorded by Chuck Jackson in 1962. I think this Album is alright although I don't know The White Stripes to much. 'In The Cold Cold Night' made me think of the sound of the Doors, 60 70 sound. Very nice. After these songs the album got me. And the use of a slide gitar makes it even better. The loud hardrock passages are not my favourites. I could endure them as I was intreged by this abum.
I was never a big fan. I know they covered up for their lack of bass in the studio with clever EQ and layering of guitars, but their live sound was dismal. I believe Jack White has made much better music post-White Stripes. Giving them three stars because they still had some nice riffs and rocking tunes here and there.
Aparte del Seven Nation Army este disco me gusta pero no me entusiasma. Lo escuché en su época con muchas ganas y me decepcionó. Hoy sigo opinando lo mismo. (el tema 11 Hypnotise o Hypnotize no estaba disponible en Spotify pero si en Youtube y por cierto es otro de los interesantes de este disco)
Seven Nation Army is on the album. Mostly alright though I never cared for Jack White. 5/10.
Off this evidence The White Stripes were more concept than conceptualisers, so aside from a couple of killer tracks (Seven Nation Army, obvs, but also Black Math, in which Jack plays the guitar like a washboard and a cheese grater) these are mostly genial but part-formed blues-rock etudes. In other words, too much jam in this donut.
Can't say I loved it. A little too much talk-singing for my taste. Do enjoy the crunchy sound and some catchy riffs in several songs.
The Sound of garage rock This is how to write ‘stripped back’ rock songs Guitars and drums are rarely flashy but work for the song 100% ‘Deep cuts’ are probably even better than the hits Guitar tones manage to sound classic yet heavy as hell and somehow up to date Ball and Biscuit is a rock classic One of the 2000s best rock albums
Great blues hard rock album, gotta love seven nation army and hardest button to button
This album was foundational for me in high school. It's nice to know it still holds up as a fantastic visceral listen from start to finish.
Never listened to one of their album, no regrets, was really good. I'll dig deeper in it
Hard riffs, stripped back blues. Simple drums that complement the brilliant songwriting. Another classic. Jack white is a legend
Almost missed today. This album is awesome. Got lots of Jack White on my phone. I hope Meg is well. There are at least 2 covers covers for the album. 1 with a black dress and one white with flipped image.
A record for which I am very familiar given the number of singles released. I had never listened to it completely or in running order. Somehow it all works magnificently. Meg's drumming actually accents the sound on this record giving it just enough garage with the simple pounding beat. Like a clock.
Excellent, brash, swaggering, bluesy garage rock. So many great tracks, but have to go with "Seven Nation Army" as a fave!
Used to listen to this a lot! Highlights include ‘I just don’t know what to do with myself’, ‘you’ve got her in you pocket’, ‘the hardest button to button’ and of course the epic ‘7 nation army’. Cracker!
Muito mais que um vício Muito mais que amor Não é o puto do grêmio É o Rolo Compressor
Has aged like a fine wine. Still amazes me the breadth of noise and creativity that Jack and Meg produced. Top of my list of "bands that should reform" alongside Pulp and Pavement
Such a great album that brings backs a lot of mems. There was a good couple of years when these guys were my favourite band and it’s nice to re-listen to it with fresh ears. Still sounds fresh. The sound they created was massively unique. Some classic White Stripe tracks on here. Love it.
Saved Prior: Seven Nation Army Not Saved Tier: 14. You've Got Her In Your Pocket 13. Little Acorns Cutting Edge: 12. Ball and Biscuit Saved: 11. Well It's True That We Love One Another (don't know why there's a minute of silence at the end of this one, would've been higher) 10. Girl, You Have No Faith In Medicine 9. There's No Home For You Here 8. In The Cold, Cold Night 7. I Want To Be The Boy To Warm Your Mother's Heart 6. Black Math 5. The Hardest Button To Button 4. Hypnotize (if only it was longer!) 3. The Air Near My Fingers 2. Seven Nation Army 1. I Just Don't Know What To Do With Myself Overall Notes: I had prior exposure to Seven Nation Army and Hardest Button To Button, so I was expecting this to be an out and out rocker. Was a lot more nuanced and personal than that, and it was better for it. Didn't absolutely adore any of the songs, but this was an incredible album regardless. A low-end five, but 11/14 saved songs speaks for itself.
The only complaint I have about this album is that the White Stripes aren’t still around. Brilliant dirty blues rock n roll - too many great songs to list and barely a foot wrong throughout
Peut être le plus grand album des années 2000 Ball and Biscuit, seven nation army, hardest button to button, black math, i just don't know what to do with myself, girl you have no faith in medicine, there's no home for you here, Little acorns Jack White est un des plus grands artistes de tous les temps
Obviously the best and most known White Stripes album. This deserves an instant 5, as the impact it had on my musical life is immense.
First track an absolute classic banger. Few tracks in and it feels like a 4, I know a few of the tracks already and rate them. Gettin towards the end and I've added loads of tracks to my playlist, I'm torn whether it's a 4 or a 5 just cos I've enjoyed it so much. Prob a 5.
I mean, with the album kicking off with the bassline from "Seven Nation Army," what more could you want? And a clear indication that what would follow would be masterful. An amazing blend of blues and garage rock, by the best 2-person rock group since Local H (and then the Black Keys would come along a few years later!). I could go on and on about every track on this album - its one of the absolute best. Easy 5 stars, no reservations.
One of the best rock albums of the last 20 years. Every riff feels new, original, and powerful. The songwriting is hooky and memorable. I can’t speak highly enough about the album.
Already know it! Spectacular album. Full of rocky and chill Songs! And of course it starts off with Seven Nation Army, what a banger! :D
If there's one thing that I learned by listening to this album it's that half-assing it works well for Jack and Meg. Highlights include Ball and a Biscuit, No Home for you Here, Black Math and Little Acorns. I feel like at a show when I listen to this. So good. So much more to say, but taking a page from their book and half-assing this review.
Seven Nation Army was the biggest rock song of my youth and it still rips! There's no skips, and the pacing is fantastic. Meg killing it on In The Cold, Cold Night is an added bonus. 5 stars!
Where do you begin? An album that to this day still is absolutely fantastic. The white stripes have consistently put out amazing albums and finally got the recognition they deserved with Elephant. Ball and a biscuit *chef kiss*
one of the most iconic guitar riffs of all time, on one of the most revolutionary rock albums of the early 2000s 😘#period #y2k
I was worried that this might just be "other songs released with seven nation army", but actually enjoyed the rest much more than the overplayed first track.
You cant really go round with anything that starts with Seven Nation Army and covers I just dont know what to do with myself....
Classic?/10 Seven nation army may be an overplayed anthem of every jockball game but the song still slaps and the album that follows is consistently great.
Wow, what an album to miss on my vacation. I adore the White Stripes, of course I have this album on vinyl. I don't think it's my favorite from them, but it's undeniable nonetheless. Opens with the legendary Seven Nation Army, one of the all-time great basslines. Something about two-man bands (man and a woman in this case), why do they rock so hard? Jack White is a menace on guitar, and Meg White is a severely underappreciated drummer. Yeah, what she plays may be simple, but it gets the damn job done. Frankly too many bangers on here to give this less than five stars. Hell yeah. Favorite tracks: Ball and Biscuit, Seven Nation Army, Hardest Button to Button, Black Math, Hypnotize, I Want to Be the Boy. Album art: Iconic. Legendary. These two understood color scheme. What's black and white and red all over? Classic album covers. 5/5
Loved this, never really got into the White Stripes, but this surprised me. Will listen to more on theirs!!!
Love this album. Loaned it from the library in high school to burn it for my personal collection. Seven Nation Army was one of my favorite songs. Really like Hardest Button to Button.
After the difficult of rating Shaka Zulu, the random generator has thrown me a bone with the easiest 5* I've given so far. The album kicks off with seven nation army, and it doesn't even peak there - probably the highlight for me is ball and biscuit, but the entire album up to that point and beyond absolutely shreds. It's also surprisingly deep in parts - when I picked this up as a teenager Jack and Meg were still pretending to be siblings, so teenage me missed a lot of the nuances of the fact this is an album made by a recently divorced couple, which really does add a whole new meaning to some of the songs.
Easy 5 stars My dad got me this on the weekend it came out - he happened to be in the UK and thought I'd like it. I think that these days, this is basically my foundational definition of 'what an album ought to be'. As far as I'm concerned, all other music is basically Elephant, with added bells and whistles. There's just so much charisma! It's like Jack and Meg can make a song out of anything. If they had a guitar with one string and a single broken drum, they could make a banging rock and roll track and fill in any gaps with sheer force of personality. His later work, after he left the white stripes, was never as good, and the problem was always something to do with overindulgence. Even the later albums, with their overdubs and weird organs, lack the energy of this one. It's perfect - the height of their career, the high watermark of rock music in the 2000s. Best songs - the air near my fingers, the hardest button to button, ball and biscuit (which is maybe the greatest guitar track of all time) I get nervous when she comes around, when she comes around, when she comes around I get nervous when she comes around, when she comes around, when she comes around
Welcome blast from the past! Gonna rate it a 5 because of the limited nuance 5 star rating system lol Black Math, Ball and Biscuit and The Hardest Button to Button are some of my faves
Enough to heal pent up energy, great to listen loud. That slightly unpolished sound that makes it so good
I was familiar with Jack White and the White Stripes, but had never engaged in listening to them. This is great stuff!
Probably a 4.5 for me but on the higher side. I have lots of love for the White Stripes
Hardest Button to Button, I Don’t Know What to Do With Myself, Little Acorns, Black Math, the list goes on and on. Ball and Biscuit is a classic blues rave-up, Seven Nation Army is a sports stadium staple. The White Stripes at their world conquering rock n roll height. Blistering, thumping, a little sensitive, and a lot weird.
Nugget after nugget of deliciousness. It's varied and raw, with lots of great surprises. Stellar album... even with the squirrel story.
I have cold feet. Because this album rocked my socks off. Every. Single. Sports. Stadium. Plays. Seven. Nation. Army. And to start an album with such a strong thumping bass crescendo is just unfair to all the other songs on the album. The whole thing is sooo... original.
There were a few songs that didn't do anything for me, but I thought I'd like this album pretty well and I did. I've always liked Seven Nation Army- I even backed it up to start it again so I could listen to it louder. I also liked Black Math, the understated In the Cold, Cold Night, You've Got Her in Your Pocket, The Hardest Button to Button, and the inspirational message leading into Little Acorns- I haven't gone over the lyrics to that one yet. 4.5.
Absolutely brilliant album. Brings back lots of memories of Fopp days. Much stronger album tracks than I remembered.
one of the best alums of the 2000s decade. 7 nation army is a rock classic. plenty of genuinely great rock songs with some fun and humour thrown in too.
Starts with Seven Nation Army and finishes with a duet with Holly Golightly, fantastic album
The White Stripes have always had a unique sound. This album showcases that sound and adapts it to several different formats.
A very excellent album. This is a very nostalgic album for me. I specifically remember singing Seven Nation Army on the way back from scouts in my friend's dad's land rover. Also I reckon it was the first song I learnt on bass... The whole album is great, such an excellent sound. I love Ball and a Biscuit, that guitar is PENG!
Jack and Meg had intended to name their band after the candy they loved, The Peppermints, but instead took their last name White and playfully added Stripes as a nod to their favorite treat. Peppermints are beloved by children, bringing sweet joy, which is who/what, I believe, they yearn to be/have, or have been. Alas, the songs on 'Elephant' tell a different story, experiences as children and young adults (their own, perhaps?) that are anything but joyful. The heartache and longing for affection and attention (including self-love and respect) is just palpable on this LP. ‘The Hardest Button to Button,’ offers a heartrending lyric with which any child from a broken home will immediately identify: ‘I had a backyard with nothing in it except a stick and a dog and a box with something in it.’ Few words spoken, much said. The moods The White Stripes capture, both lyrically and in their playing are an integral component to their appeal, and they set them well. Jack White does have a way with lyrics- striking images, unusual cadences (‘There’s No Home for You Here,’ ‘The Air Near My Fingers’)- creativity just pouring from his written word… and then exploding out of his amp. You’ll be hard pressed to find any more authentic 12 bar blues solo (especially from a young white dude) on ‘Ball and Biscuit,’ or the searing guitar solos he plays on ‘Black Math,’ or ‘Girl, You Have No Faith in Medicine.’ While there are no computers used on Elephant, nor any instruments made beyond the early 1960s, the guitar solo on ‘There’s No Home for You Here’ sure sounds computerized. I can't bring to mind a more quirky (in a good way) guitarist then Jack White, in both tone and fingering. And the variety of music on 'Elephant' is pretty terrific too: everything from quick, loud, trashy punk (‘Hypnotize’) to tender acoustic finger picking ala the Laurel Canyon scene, circa 1960s (‘You’ve Got Her in Your Pocket.’) Piano, both acoustic and electric, rounds a few numbers out; and, even an intentionally hokey, but playfully good-natured country/folk number to close the album. The White Stripes make a big sound for only two persons, especially given one of the two is drummer Meg White, all of 5’6”, and mesmerizing in an unexplained way, as if she’s studying, almost willing the beat. She might not be a big powerful gent, like John Bonham, but she can pound the skins and crash the cymbals with the best of the boys; then, just as quickly quiet down to tap the same with great finesse. Yes, another great feature of The White Strips is their use of dynamics. Both her and Jack’s playing on 'Elephant' is nothing if not passionate, and where some bands just ‘phone it in’ the Whites prefer a megaphone! But they also bring to 'Elephant' a sophisticated understanding of dynamics, an almost Taoist philosophy to song arrangement: ‘Thirty spokes share the hub of a wheel; yet it is its center that makes it useful. You can mold clay into a vessel: yet, it is its emptiness that makes it useful. Cut door and windows from the walls of a house; but the ultimate use of the house will depend on that part where nothing exists. Therefore, something is shaped into what is: but its usefulness comes from what is not.’- Tao Te Ching: Chapter 11. The boom of The White Stripes is absolutely dependent upon their effective use of silence. A good example of this may be found on their cover of Burt Bacharach and Hal David’s (yep!) ‘I Just Don’t Know What to Do with Myself,’ when Jack and Meg utterly cease to play just seconds before Jack then sings acapella, ‘Like a summer...’ and then just a hair past, ‘rose,’ a tremendous surge of pure garage band distorted guitar and thunderous drums and cymbals to accompany the next lyrics. The knowledge and ability to insert just little bits like this turn an otherwise good arrangement into a great one. The listener will find plenty of that stuff throughout 'Elephant.' And while Jack’s voice is somewhat of an acquired taste, not unlike escargot, once you get used to its unusual flavor I think you’ll find it deliciously irresistible. And given that escargot is loaded with garlic butter, an after dinner White Striped peppermint seems quite appropriate.
Blusey, crunchy, dirty, and fantastic. One of my favorite albums from the early 2000s.
Some people don't like Jack White, and those people are wrong. Some people don't like Meg White, and those people are *extremely* wrong. This isn't the White Stripes' best album, but it is probably their most famous and enduring if only for Seven Nation Army. Its power is undeniable, and just about every track is great. I am not a huge fan of Little Acorns. The run of You've Got Her in Your Pocket through Ball and Biscuit to The Hardest Button to Button is one of the strongest hat tricks the White "siblings" ever composed.
One lunch in early high school Joel Meersman was humming the riff to Seven Nation Army and tapping on the table and I had to know what it was. The rest as they say..is history
Kicking myself for never giving the White Strips a chance. This album is awesome, a great mix of highs and lows. Opens with a banger in 7 Nation, has some songs that made me soon (I want to be the boy…) I just genuinely loved this album and will be adding it to the rotation.
A long time ago, this was one of my favorite albums, and listening to it after some years brings me some very good memories. However, now I can note that this album does not deserve 5 stars because it's a little bit dated... Who cares...this is a 5 ;-P
Never outright listened to this full album but I know Peppa used to listen to it all the time when we lived together... interested to see if I like it 15 years later haha. I've always kinda had an admiration for their style/weirdness etc, even if I never liked the music much. Ok, way better than I gave it credit for at the time. It's got a cool energy to it. Meg can't sing, but she bashes the drums good. Jack has shit together. Songs are varied and it doesn't seem to drag. 4/5 will probably even listen again someday haha.
I like the increased diversity in the style of the songs on the album. A lot of energetic badass songs, but there is also a lot of subtly in the songs. Closer to a 4.5
A fun, rebellious, heartbroken album. I'm not (currently) heartbroken so maybe it doesn't hit that hard at the moment, but I like the more rowdy and rebellious tracks. Standout Tracks: Seven Nation Army, In The Cold, Cold Night, Ball and Biscuit, Girl, You Have No Faith In Medicine
Reminds me of youth. When Jack White was at the height of his powers - excellent choruses and hooks.
8/10 me recordó la prepa, hay canciones que se oyen muy bien, otras pues son desechables, como paja en el disco.
Really liked this. Heavier and more consistently good than White Blood Cells, which is also on this list. Seven Nation Army an absolute classic - must be song of the decade for the 2000s given the presence of the riff in popular culture and the public consciousness.
Great album. Some songs are a bit whiny tho, maybe a bit cliché and overplayed at this point
Nice to listen to this album again. Still find it bonkers the sort of sound they make with just two of them.
Don't remember ever listening to this album but I know most of the songs. Is really good.
Almost every song is a foot tapper and really good, just not special enough to bump it up to a 5
Big fan of this album. I don’t remember why we do this, but whenever my wife and I would hear Seven Nation Army come on the radio we would say “hey, our song is on”. Just a weird inside joke that neither of us remembers the origin for.
Very good to listen to when in a mad / stressed out mood! Fave tracks In the Cold Cold Night, Well it’s true that we love one another and You’ve got her in her pocket
This album helped cement Jack White as one of the most unique and influential sounds in modern rock. While also proving that the White Stripes could serve as leaders in the genre.
one of the most hype songs ever follow by one of the most raw segments you'll find in music. Very fun, all over the place in terms of hype. Diversity!
Clásico discazo de los White Stripes con su Seven Nations Army. El disco en sí está de puta madre. Para animar a las masas.
One of the most solid blues rock records of the 2000s. Heavy riffs and raw playing contrast with some beautiful songwriting and touching lower energy moments. Top Tracks: There’s No Home for You Here, Ball and Biscuit, Acorns, Hypnotize, Girl, You Have No Faith in Medicine Worst Tracks: Black Math, I Want to be the Boy to Warm Your Mother’s Heart
Actually never really listened to this when it came out. Turns out it’s full of great tunes that I recognise and have endured through the ages. Yep. I’m well into it.
I kind of think Jack White is a boring and uncreative guitarist and think the hate Meg gets for not being a good drummer is misplaced. All of the riffs are basically rip-offs. That said, this album kind of proves that musical virtuosity isn’t needed to sound good, and often gets in the way. These songs sound basic, but in a good way. Favourite track: “Girl, You Have No Faith in Medicine”
Now this album was fun. This is more my kinda rock, jangly guitars and all. Fantastic production and style overall. Get some Bowie and Led Zeppelin vibes here and there, which is awesome. Plus it has Seven Nation Army ‼️‼️‼️ Favorite song: Black Math
overall thoughts: had already heard this 1 before but not fully. enjoyed it overall, even if there were some meh songs I'd skip over (like cold, cold night .. sorry meg). handful of goodies tho, i'd consider this a classic LP from the 2000s indie/garage rock era. the bluesy influence is pretty alright. 3.7/5. fave tracks: 7 nation army, black math, I just don't know what to do w/ myself, hardest button to button, hypnotize, no faith in meds
Def got some classic rock feels in a lot of the songs. Curb my sexism, but preferred male vocalist to female vocalist. Also why is there like a minute of silence at the end of the album? Fav: (besides Seven Nation Army of course) You’ve Got Her in Your Pocket LF: In the Cold, Cold Night
Modern blues rock classic with the signature White Stripes sound pouring out of Jack White's falsetto guitar and Meg's rhythmic drumming
This truly is a great album. Every song goes hard. Variety of rock genres and Jack Whites voice is fire. Top tracks Hardest button to button - Hypnotize - There’s no home for you here - Black Math Iconic Track Status - Seven Nation Army
The most recognizable White Stripes album due to Seven Nation Army. Inclusion of more piano started to show some change for the band. Contains the best Meg song (In the Cold Cold Night) and one of my favourites, Ball and Biscuit.
seven nation army is a good song ruined by being used by every mid-rate sports team around the world. happy for jack though, that big time royalty $$$
I have to say first that I don't like Jack White as a person, it seems to me like he's an arrogant douchebag that thinks too high of himself and his music. And though I find this album just a little bit too long, I have to admit that it is good. Maybe it's my 9 year old self's fault that tried to listen and listen to this until I got convinced that it was cool. But yes, I think that this was important to music and well it has Seven Nation Army which somehow became kind an hymn to 2000s rock.
August 5, 2021 (Aug 11-12) I enjoyed the back half of this album much more than the front half. It's all pretty good but the drums are just distracting to start with.
I don’t think I’d listened to a full White Stripes album before. There was a period where a few songs were very heavy on a certain kind of radio and I got sick of it but listening to this I think I short changed it. Though the style, particularly of the signing, does wear thin.
Drugie stripsy na liscie, tym razem elephant z ktorego pochodzi najbardziej znany trak zespolu czyli seven nation army, jak kawalek o tym jak sie jest wkurwionym na to, ze ktos caly czas opowiada o relacji whitow w bandzie za ich plecami stal sie hymnem pilkarskim i byl chantowany nawet na world cupie 2k18, pewnie ma z tym cos wspolnego budowa traczka, bo jak wszystkie kompozycje pana whita wowodza sie z filozofii mniej to wiecej, tak samo tutaj dwu osobowa banda z pomoca jedynie drumsow walacych w zakresie serduchowym i gitarki, ktora jest puszczona przez pedala digitech whammy, ktory z semi akustyka stworzyl tu cos co brzmi jak bas, najbardziej czuc to podczas chorusa bezlirykowego, ktory jest wizytowka kawalka, na popularnosc numeru mialo wplyw tez pewnie widelo, bo jest to jeden z najbardziej zapadajacych w pamiec teledyskow ery mtviowej, takze obrazowo minimalistyczny z kalejdoskopowymi przejsciami, ktore dodatkowo zmieniaja czas tranzycji w zaleznosci od tego co sie dzieje na beacie, prosty acz tak satysfakcjonujacy zabieg, a to dopiero pierwszy trak z 14 ktore ma do zaoferowania plyta, ktorej laczny czas grania to 50 minut, motywem przewodnim plyty sa love songi z innej perspektywy, bo duet juz wtedy oficjalnie nie byl para, ale na tak dobrych termach sie rozeszli, ze nadal pozostali panstwem whitow, najbardziej oczywistym przykladem tego bedzie zamykajacy well tts true That we love one another, ktory featuruje Holly Golightly, dokladnie jak w sniadaniu u tiffaniego, song oparty na akustyku jacka i tamburynowaniu meg na trzy glosy, ktore prowadza ze soba dialog w ktorych mozna doszukac sie nawiazan do sniadania tiffaniego jak i relacji megowo jackowej, caly song przypomina mi hotel yerobe z blood cellow, nie jest to jedyny kawalek akustykowy, bo znajdzie sie ich conajmniej kilka, przy czym jest nawet traczek calkowicie megowy, jesli chodzi o wokal, czego nie bylo na poprzedniej plycie, troche plejkowych piczkow sie uzbieralo, bo poza seven nation army, ktory juz byl dodam zamykajacego songa na trzy glosy, the air near my fingers, traczek coverowy czyli i just dont know what to do with myslef autorstwa Bacharach i Davida i the hardest button to button, ktory takze ma bardzo orginalny pomysl na swoje video, szotowany przez 3 dni przy wykorzystaniu 32 drumowych kitow i 32 ampow i 16 mikrofonowych stendow, prawdziwy slajdszol, ktory warto obejrzec, jesli poprzedni albumik sprzedal dla mnie bande, tak ten jeszcze bardziej utwierdzil mnie w przekonaniu, ze ten duet potrafi przechodzic od minimalizmu brzmieniowego w maksymalizm, jesli da sie to tak okresic, a przy wykorzystaniu jak najmniejszych zasobow tworzyc roznorodne brzmienia, od folko balladowych bluesowych brzmien po garazowe granie, a to wszystko z pomoca wylacznie drumow, gitarek przesterowanych na roznorakie sposoby i okazjonalnych klawiszy czy tamburinow
Excellent album. Yes Seven Nation Army is overplayed to the point of parody now but the rest of the album has songs running the gambit of fuzzed out blues, heartbreaking acoustic and jangly noisy garage punk. Even Meg sings and I didn't hate it even if it did remind me of The Shaggs at times.
It's a very good album but a notch below White Blood Celks which is a more consistently satisfying listen. An extra 1/2 pojnt for Seven Nation Army; Jack White's most iconic song. 4.5 🌟
A surprise yet contributive member of the garage rock revival movement of the early 2000s. Why do I say that? Unlike The Strokes or AM or who stay true to their formula from start to end, The White Stripes makes gradual shifts in genres from track to track. It starts out with "Seven Nation Army." I know what this song is. You do too. The deaf know it. It's become an international sports anthem. It's simple yet beautiful, and between the lofi technology and raw energy, it's distinctively garage rock while at the same time sounding nothing like the band's peers. After that we get into a song "Black Math" that actually does like the garage rock of their peers. Both of these songs demonstrate Jack's masterful craftmanship of fuzz reminiscent of 60s and 70s artists that serves as the source of garage rock. Next we have a Beatlesesque garage rock track, a power pop fusion track, a minimalist blues track, another power pop fusion, then a folk-rock track. They're all great memorable tracks that sound nothing like each other while still remaining perfectly coherent in the coherency of the album. The first four tracks have recognizable melodies. "In The Cold, Cold Night" is a bit simple, with Meg giving a go at the vocals. And although she's very much a novice, the track is pleasant, smooth, and has its own place. Maybe it's the echoey lofi sound that I can snap to. The second half songs starts with a long blues rock track "Ball and Biscuit" that best demonstrates the fuzzy distortion that reminds us of the likes of Deep Purple and Jimi Hendrix. It's a decently good track, and doesn't feel like it drags on. From there, the rest of the album (except the last) is rooted back to garage rock. I really enjoy most of these tracks, despite not loving any of them besides maybe three of them. I noticed that it feels more like a solo album, with Jack leading on instruments, vocals, and artistic direction, but I love the simplicity in the drums (and some vocals) that Meg offers to the songs, that amplify the lofi effect and carries on the spirit that it really does sound like something from a garage. Of course with such a small team, it relies much on double tracking, which isn't a problem. It makes the album feel more modern and ironically better produced. I really enjoy the direction that the album took with genres. Good track order. It felt refreshing and exciting. I felt like if the second tracks 9-13 were moved near the front, it would feel boring and repetitive. But the end had us rocking after becoming familiar with their personality and tricks. I feel like I'm underrating this. I definitely will rotate this album with the rest, but I'm not in love with the tracks as I'd like to be. Note I never heard any White Stripes songs beyond 2 or 3 of them, so it'll take some time. But for now, it's a fantastic garage rock album with a distinctive sound and more strengths than I could count.
A great album, to be clear, but I feel like it's both overplayed and overrated in the White Stripes' discography off the back of Seven Nation Army. At this point in my life, I'd rather listen to any of their first three albums or Icky Thump (which I feel is extremely underrated in their discography). Not that I'd rank it as fifth overall - it's better than their debut and arguments can be made for how it fares against the others - but (much like OutKast's Stankonia), it drops down in my personal ranking just based on how ubiquitous it's become. There is a certain charm to being an earlier album by a band that exploded in popularity and having just as strong of songwriting but having some grit over polish. De Stijl (and in OutKast's case, since I'm using them as a comparison, Aquemini) are those albums for me. But White Stripes are one of those rare bands with almost no duds - outside of Get Behind Me Satan, I feel like they have a perfect discography. It's a shame Jack White hasn't released a single good album since they disbanded.
Really like the album, the guitar riffs are insanely catchy and groovy. Fav song list seven nation army (love this one) I just don't know what to do with my life (lol I really don't know irl) in the cold cold night you've got her in your pocket ball and biscuit the hardest button to button little acorns the air near my finger
It's the White Stripes at arguably the peak of their game (I'd actually argue that White Blood Cells is better but I digress). The high tempo songs are extremely manic and energetic. The lower tempo songs are very soft and sweet. If I had one issue with it it's that the album sounds like a lot of garage rock. I feel like there's nothing innovative or special about it. Then I think about it and the White Stripes are basically the reason for me feeling that way at all. In short, I think it's a great album. However, I don't think it's the Stripe's very best, and I don't think that it's the best album to do the same sound either.
There is so much sparsity in this stripped-down ripper of an album, and yet it feels completely full. This is a testament to the passion and prowess of Jack White who throws all of himself into every song he performs. Hits aside, the quality of each track on this album from a lyrical, rock-n-roll standpoint is elite - there are no fillers. I defy you to complain when the needle touches down on this record.
Musical dustbins getting thrown downstairs. Great. Best Tracks: Seven Nation Army; Ball and Biscuit; The Hardest Button To Button
Only song I had listened to prior was Seven Nation Army and this album did not disappoint. Much better than White Blood Cells that I got earlier in the week. Probably a 4, but could see this go to a 5 with some more listens.
What an album! Filled with banger after banger on my train journey, and I enjoyed bopping along to it as it played on repeat... And who am I kidding I will be listening to it more on my train journey home.
Elephant is a classic. It starts strong with some big tunes scattered throughout but it does hit in waves. Definitely an album I go back to but not enough to warrant a 5/5.
Great opening song. I thought the album was pretty good, not necessarily my style, but I enjoyed listening to it. I liked "I just don't know what to do with myself," reminded me of a much older song.
If you like The White Stripes you love this album. If you don't like The White Stripes, I spurn you with my toe.
"I got a backyard with nothing in it Except a stick, a dog, and a box with something in it" My car has had something in it since 2015 and it is this CD in it's CD player. This is mostly because I no longer posses many CDs. But it is an awesome album that I will listen through while driving every so often. There's No Home For You Here and The Air Near My Fingers have always been favorites of mine.
Dit was wel een welkome afwisseling van de middelmatige dingen van de afgelopen weken. Nooit een enorme White Stripes fan geweest maar vond dit een prima album!
Elephant is the fourth album by the rock duo the White Stripes. The album was critically acclaimed and commercially successful. It won Best Alternative Music Album at the 46th Grammy Awards in 2004. In recent years, this album has been cited as the White Stripes' best and one of the best albums of the 2000s. Critics have stated this album is one of the few that started a garage rock revival in the 2000's. It has some amazing punk rock style songs with a lot of bass - which I really like personally. This album solidified the White Stripes as a duo that knows what they're doing in this genre's space.
The worst thing about this album is it gave the English something to chant at football matches.
Name the last time divorcees-posing-as-siblings sounded so formidable. I'll immediately shout over you with the "Seven Nation Army" riff until my throat is raw and the earth is scorched beneath my feet. "Elephant" is that kind of album. Hearing it one week after Green Day's pristine, sugar-coated "American Idiot" (from one year later) makes its strength all the more pronounced: approaching early noughties rock from a different side of the same coin, "Elephant" is primal, savage, rough-around-the-edges... and it's brilliant. Nearly 20 years after release, almost every track on here doesn't feel like it has aged much at all. This is testament in part to "Elephant"'s raw, lean format: there are no production effects pigeon-holing it, no fanciful concepts or noodling instrumentation. But the album's true power comes from the sheer musical talent on show- mostly from a guitarist's standpoint. Jack White's exceptional performance is rooted in blues licks and scales, but every note is mined for sonic possibilities, whether using pitch-shift pedals or distinctive tone and expression. Listen to his blistering turn towards the end of "Black Math", the fills in "Girl, You Have No Faith in Medicine", the entirety of "Ball and Biscuit". It's frenzied and chaotic without being over-flashy, precise while still coming over spontaneous... in short, it's uniquely expressive playing. Guitar playing aside, the songs forming the bones of this album are excellent. "There's No Home For You Here"'s stop-start riff and layered vocals scream Led Zeppelin. "I Just Don't Know What to Do With Myself" is an inspired cover that seems to reinvent the original while retaining its essence. "Hypnotize", "The Air Near My Fingers" and "Girl, You Have No Faith in Medicine" form a stunning run of high-octane, catchy songs, driven by their simplicity. The slower acoustic numbers ("You've Got Her In Your Pocket", "Well It's True That We Love One Another") add a nice bit of variation to the album, if being rather lacklustre in isolation. Because it doesn't quite end as emphatically as I'd hoped, and for the occasional dips in pace and impact, I'm being harsh and giving this a 4*- but could easily see it growing in future. To hear "Elephant" is to experience the guitar becoming rough, raw and sexual again.
I want to give this album the praise it deserves but am at a loss for words. This was a really enjoyable and unique listen. Seven Nation Army, while definitely good, is sitting among the greats with these other songs. There's nothing here that I would skip, but might need another run through before I declare it a 5.
Not on the level of White Blood Cells, and I think it comes down to some pretty weak deep cuts. The hits really hit though, and not all the B-Sides are bad, so still worth a listen
I mean, Seven Nation Army will always be a classic. I love the white stripes! Such a unique sound.
I love these American alternative rock bands- no matter how derivative they still sound fresh and lively. I like all the quirky bits inbetween and they really know how to go for it when they do. So much noise generated I have to whack the volume up.
It's deceptively dirty roots rock while being beautifully poppy around the edges. This is the White Stripes at or nearing their peak.
Some bangers but a little all over the place, with the low point being the line, “be like the squirrel, girl.”
Great album with a couple of standout classics. Still not their best effort, with that honour going to De Stijl, which best captures their down-and-dirty take on classic blues.
I well loved listening to this. White Stripes aren't a band I've ever been hugely into, and not for lack of liking them! I just never really pursued it for some reason. But I have to say I enjoyed this more than the last album we had on the list - a really entertaining mix of just fun catchy bangers, heavier stuff and some more gentle songs. Really loved the variety!
Another fab fab White Stripes album. Love their cover of I just don't know what to do with myself, love In the Cold, cold night, Love little acorns. Some really cool unusual stuff going on on this album which is interesting and fun. I hadn't heard all these tracks before. Seven Nation Army is a banger and a classic which reminds me of everyone in school Music lessons trying to learn to play the keyboard hehe.
The White Stripes are so weird, and I love that. This album had a lot of songs that were very fun to listen to, and several that will make it to my playlist. If I weren't listening to so much new music rn I would probably listen to a few other white stripes albums.
This album is a high 4, for sure. Probaby would've gotten a 5 just for how much cultural significance it had, particularly where in Michigan, but boy that last song was so weird LMAO.
I mean, "Seven Nation Army". And I like that it isn't just noise as it was in white Bloodcells. Not bad at all. 4
Actually wound up liking this rather more than I expected to, given I wasn't a big fan of them at the time and "Seven Nation Army" is one of the most overplayed songs of the oughts. But, nearly 20 years later, I've finally heard the album in full, and I actually got into it. Much more fun than I thought it would be.
Estaven en ratxa. Després del formidable 'White Blood Cells', que semblava insuperable, presenten aquest 'Elephant' que comença ni més ni menys que amb un dels himnes incontestables dels 00s, 'Seven Nation Army'. Rock de garatge de primer nivell, amb els dos White en el punt culminant de la seva carrera. Molt a prop de les 5*
Love the garage rock revival that the White Stripes helped to popularize. These guys are phenomenal
This was a really good album. I haven't listened to a lot of White Stripes but really enjoyed the whole feel of this ablum.
Enjoyable, heard many tracks on it before. The other songs outside of the classics are ok but not too memorable.
Interesting album, highly acclaimed but looking at the songs specifically, nothing stands out that warrants a 4 to me
Here's another band that has been commercially popular and objectively great but never really did it for me. This album, though, does have some pretty nice licks and a cool groove overall, despite me not liking Jack White's voice very much. 3 stars.
Some ho-hum B-sides and gratuitous noodling here and there can't detract from the absolute classics on this one. A highlight of early '00s rock for sure.
This has an unfinished sound, which is kind of interesting. I’m also not sure if some of the songs are covers of earlier songs? At any rate, I don’t hate their sound, but I’m not in love with it. And some of the songs toward the end were definitely just too hard for me.
The sound of the 2000s. Its iconic. duh. In the cold cold night is a good one. ball and biscuit has serious hendrix envy
7 nation army komt van dit album. Het heeft verder ook wel een paar goede nummers maar ook nummers die veel lawaai zijn
A handful of really amazing tracks (Seven Nation Army is an all time classic that will be listened to for the rest of time), but equally a handful of slightly unremarkable ones particularly towards the end. I enjoyed the album, but I'm not sure how often I'd actively listen again in its entirety. Awesome duo with great songs and fantastic live, but as an album it's a 7/10
Amazing variety of musical styles. Just Jack & Meg White! Seven Man Army is way over-played (still), but the rest of the album is great too!
Seven Nation Army is an all-time classic, but I didn't feel like many of the other songs complimented it all that well. A little too slow at times for my liking, but still enjoyable Already Saved: Seven Nation Army Saved After Listening: Ball and Biscuit
I purchased this album at release so know it very intimately. There are some great tracks but the others aren’t anything to get overly excited by. Has it stood the test of time?...kinda. 3 Stars!
I love the White Stripes but i wouldn’t say this is my favorite album of theirs... not to say it isn’t good, bordering great... but their other albums just be slappin harder Top songs include: seven nation army of course, ball & biscuit, the air near my fingers and black math.
It was ok - I don’t really get the mega appeal of the White Stripes, but it was listenable.
some of the songs are bangers. fun to listen to, seven nation army slaps obviously. i'm dumb and didn't know anything about the white stripes so i just found out that this is jack white's band. 3/5
This is an album from my youth, I listened to it a lot. However, nowadays I don't enjoy it as much, I need something more neutral. And this album is anything but neutral, it has quite the tasteful punch.
Conoscevo già questo album perché ho iniziato ad ascoltare i The White Stripes dopo essere diventato un fan dei lavori solisti di Jack White. Riascoltarlo mi ha fatto capire che il grande pregio di questo album è anche il suo grande difetto: la semplicità. Lo spirito di Jack White è forte ma è ancora agli albori e, mi dispiace molto dirlo, secondo me Meg White è artisticamente più un piede sul freno che sull'acceleratore. Nonostante io sia un grande sostenitore del poter suonare gli strumenti senza essere necessariamente bravo, il fatto che la batteria faccia sostanzialmente gli stessi due pattern a ripetizione non aiuta. Anche perché sono i pattern che suonano tutti i batteristi in erba a 15 anni. Mi sono soffermato sugli aspetti negativi perché conosco il potenziale del gruppo, comunque c'è quell'energia zozza e scomposta, un rock blues bello spinto ma con spirito punk che ti fa innamorare. Diciamo che questo album mi suona come un side project fatto da persone talentuose un po' per gioco, che non immaginavano certo che uno dei loro riff di chitarra sarebbe diventato un coro da stadio in Italia. Per me è un 3 abbastanza preciso.
A couple of great tracks, but a lot of it is pretty dull. Sparse instrumentation but not enough good ideas to make up for it
Seven Nation Army is a classic. I liked some of the songs but overall it was pretty average in my opinion. I'm not really into punk rock. 3/5 stars.
Surprisingly many bangers. I was surprised since I have only listened to seven nation army before.
Jag tycker bra! Kanske jag skulle bumpa till en fyra med några fler lyssningar, men det är nånting med den som får mig att känna att den är *objektivt* kanon, men jag har av nån anledning ingen jättelust att lyssna på den igen på en stund? Seven nation army är en banger av rang dock
Some highlights, some tracks I didn't like as much. Nice to listen to the whole way through, I have only been exposed to white stripes singles before.
I appreciate the White Stripes, their songs are catchy and their tunes are good. But I'm a blues and metal fan when it comes to rock. It feels like I'm doing this album a disservice and it should probably be a four, but honestly I wouldn't listen to it again.
So, I was excited for this one. I remember being really into this album t one stage but for me it hasn't stood the test of time. A few tracks aside it left me kinda cold.
Yeah ok. A duo trying to be Led Zeppelin. I'm so tired of blues influenced rock & roll.
Some songs that I thought were good but I really didn't like the last song. A lot of the songs just sounded the same.
Yeah I used to love this… it’s lost a bit of its magic through the years. Couple of good numbers, but on the whole it doesn’t get me going!
Seven Nation Army is a great song but is amongst the likes of"Smells Like Teen Spirit" and "Stairway To Heaven" in the songs I like but never really need to hear again due to overexposure category. The rest of the album is fine to pretty good. Jack White isn't the best singer but he plays guitar very well. Meg White always got so much disrespect but her drumming doesn't take away from the songs at all . All in all it's an album that I liked more 20 years ago. It's not a bad listen, but I don't feel compelled to revisit it very often.
Is the definition of a 1-hit wonder with "Seven Nation Army", which is a fantastic song. But to go from that into "Black Math" which is just noise. Hard transition. With the exception of "The Hardest Button to Button", the rest of album really doesn't have anything to offer. "Ball and Biscuit" is OK. Last part (after the talk intro) of "Little Acorns" is fun. But overall, just not impressed. Feeling really generous today due to the 2 songs that have merit: C-
I suppose I should like Led Zepp... erm, I mean the White Stripes. I dig me some 60s garage rock and, although I never got into stuff like the Hives, I love Time Bomb High School and Too Much Guitar by Reigning Sound. In fact, I did actually buy a Zepp... erm, I mean White Stripes album once but I can't remember which one, which tells its own tale. Mojo and Uncut insisted that I should love them and the Guardian assured me that the Strokes were ersatz (they might have had a point there) and that Led Zepp.... erm, I mean the White Stripes were where it's at. Anyway, I did approach this album with the idea that I might actually like it but all good will evaporated pretty quickly. I mean, it's not their fault that 7 Nation Army became so ubiquitous so I'm happy to admit that it has an Instant Classic riff / bass line but then you just get lots of fucking around. Meg is singing right now, doing a Nancy Sinatra impression, valves humming at max volume in the background. They're analogue, you see. We've already had a Queen parody and an absolute annihilation of I Just Don't Know What To Do With Myself (I can think of a few things, Jack). Now we're dipping into turn of the seventies Rod / Stones - which I actually love but there's a time and a place and it was the turn of the seventies. Oh, this one sounds like The White Stri...., erm, I mean Percy and Jimmy. Yes, with their reference points, I suppose I should really like them. But I really, really, really don't. Maybe side two will be better. It won't be though, will it? And give us that cricket bat back, you twat.
The analogue sound makes this album. Even listening via a digital stream you get a sense of old school equipment. A lot of the songs were unfamiliar - odd, seeing as though I played it constantly for a few months after its release. I Just Don't Know What To Do With Myself has an interesting take. I suspect it was something of an in joke between Meg and Jack at the time. Some of the harmonising reminded me of Queen. Oh dear.
I think Jack White knows music history quite well and it shows with this blend of garage, punk, blues and even some country. He's also technically gifted guitarist but he's more of a ventriloquist than a true original. Don't get my wrong I like the sound and it's fun album to listen to but it lacks something, it's not organic and at times seems forced. I actually like his other projects more, esp the Raconteurs.
Didn’t finish this one but have listened to it before. Some bangers but def couldn’t listen cover to cover.
Was alright, not really my cup of tea but I appreciate the style and identity to their sound
This feels like punk rock with a really solid foundation of classic 60s/70s rock and roll. I really enjoyed this album!
Not something Bill would usually listen to but she enjoyed it. (3/5) Reminded Shannah of driving in Oregon. (3.5/5) Perfectly adequate for boring music - Jane. (2.5/5) Some great tunes. Love the fuzziness - (3.7/5) (3.2/5)
I don’t know - maybe I just wasn’t in the mood, but holy crap this record felt like it was about six hours long. I had the band’s album that came out before this one and remember liking it quite a bit at the time. Now I’m wondering if that will still be the case or if we all got collectively seduced by their entire aesthetic in the early 2000s, and were way too forgiving of the actual songs themselves? Because with all that hype in the rear view there’s not much on here that’s doing anything for me in 2021. I’ll just listen to “We’re Going to Be Friends.” If Jack White ever makes a record that’s just variations on that one song, I’ll be on it like white on stripes. Until then…
Zum Kartons und Möbel auspacken nicht geeignet. Klingt weder nach der Rettung des Rocks für mich, noch ist/war Meg White die neue Maureen Tucker. Kurz: hat mich nicht überzeugt.
Damals wie heute lässt mich das ganze Konzept kalt. Damals, weil lieber im Postrock versunken, heut irgendwie drauf gefreut und dann doch recht ausgeblichen vorgefunden. Das Genie Jack Whites erkenne ich leider nicht, aber vielleicht ist er einfach der guitarists‘ guitarist. Beginn krachgeil, Abschluss charmant-quirky. Dazwischen ist mehr Material als erwartet, aber haften bleibt nicht viel. Es ist referenziell, ausgebufft, smart und straight durch den Rock‘n‘Roll Garten gepflügt, aromatisch aber wie Holland Tomaten. Durchwachsene 2.2
Everyone knows seven nation army, but after hundreds of listens I'm tired of the song, and the rest of the songs on this album flop. Shame but I'm not a fan.
This was the album where I started to feel like this White Stripes thing was kind of a one-trick pony. Or at least it was like they covered a corner of the music world that was too specific for me? And so three albums in I was like "Yeah, this is about as much as I need of this." Some good songs on here, to be sure. But the charm started wearing off here for me.
Meh. Nothing offensive here, with a couple of fun tracks. The overall production is surprisingly good for garage rock. I particularly like "In the Cold, Cold Night". The intro to "Little Acorns" is hilarious - I had to look to see if I had accidentally opened a video that was playing in a different browser window. I mostly don't like Jack's voice and the thrashing guitars and hyper-aggressive drums get old after a few tracks. I wouldn't necessarily skip any tracks that popped up and might even like them better in isolation, but whole album of one after another was too much and I wouldn't buy this album for my collection.
just flat out boring, i wanted to fall asleep since track 4. Not the energy i was expecting by starting with seven nation army. First few tracks did not do it for me, just not my vibe. Towards the last part of the album i started to get a little into it but still just not a fan of the white stripes.
Far suonare la batteria a tua sorella sarebbe stata un'idea geniale.. Se fosse stata in grado di suonarla un po' meglio! Secondo me, Jack White, hai delle idee anche molto fighe, ma non vengono valorizzate dal contesto alternativo che hai voluto costruire coinvolgendo tua sorella. Poi probabilmente avrai voluto far colpo su un altro tipo di pubblico.. Musicalmente però non me la sento di premiarti. Se vinciamo pure i mondiali però: "Poppoopoppopooo!"
Oh right, these guys have more songs than Seven Nation Army. I actually liked this one back when it came out and I was 12 or 13. Now I can't really say the same anymore. It's very noisy and dissonant and really just not all that interesting. I do still like Seven Nation Army and I Want To Be The Boy To Warm Your Mother's Heart was a nice one too and Hypnotize was decent too. But in general I found myself hoping this album would end a lot sooner.
Some bangers like the Seven Nation Army. But the other songs just didn't land Rating: 4/10
I don't know if the White Stripes' 2001 album White Blood Cells is on the list, but it should be because it's infinitely better than Elephant. This album is ok, there are some good songs on it, but too much it just dissolves into blues jams (which tbh, seems to be a hallmark of the 1001 albums list...). I also want to add, when "Seven Nation Army" was released every review noted that the iconic bass line was not played on a bass, rather Jack White revved up his guitar. Also, I was in a convenience store in Manchester in 2003 and an Australian couple got into an argument when the guy refused to buy the CD for the girl and he wouldn't agree that "I Want to Be the Boy to Warm Your Mother's Heart" was an adorable song title.
Best Song: Hypnotize. A song that leans forward the whole way. Worst Song: You've Got Her in Your Pocket. No one is here for attempts at a ballad. Really disrupts the punchy, staccato flow. Overall: Not as good as I expected/remembered. For such a raw production style, I expected more passion and intensity in the lyrics and the pacing.
Mja, ik heb deze hype nooit begrepen. Seven Nation Army heeft een coole riff, maar heb ik te vaak gehoord. Overige nummers vind ik soms niet om aan te horen.
Bit of a nostalgia trip in this one. This is one of those albums that does what it does very well. Feels like a dumbed-down Cramps / Pussy Galore / Hasil Adkins, but Jack White clearly managed to capture the zeitgeist of the time with these tunes. As Seven Nation Army’s ubiquity attests. Another on I drifted off from after a few tracks, but catchy in places.
Huh? Didn’t know what to expect. Don’t know what to say. Nothing I liked. Their story is interesting to read but wasn’t inspired by their work.
Otroligt ojämn ljudkvalitet, fruktansvärd separation. Dålig mixning. De snabbare låtarna låter lite som Wolfmother fast om de vore begränsade av undermålig musikaliska och teknisk förmåga. Hade inte varit med på listan utan Seven Nation Army, 100% lightning in a bottle, objektivt en brilliant låt. De lugnare låtarna har ett genuint bra utförande men lider extremt mycket av separationsproblemen. För ett album släppt 2003 så måste musikprodden ha varit ett gymnasiearbete av någons syskon. Kvinnans röst sticker ut med häftig dynamik. Akustiska gitarren låter rätt bra på "You've got her in your pocket" men tyvärr kombinerad med att sången är inspelat på ett Game Boy Color. Alla låtar hittills förutom första låter som "ROCK THE SONG (TM)", de mesta känna oinspererat och "lab-grown" för att spelas på radiostationen: "ROCK STATION". Känns som musik för amerikanska 16åringar som tycker plånbokskedjor är coola. Jag får någon känsla att texterna är skrivna helt frånskilt och separat från musiken och därför måste tvingas in i melodierna genom att höja och sänka sångtempot vilket bidrar till ett ryckigt och amatörmässigt intryck. Kommer inte ihåg en enda refräng utöver första. Har samma kulturella arv som 'frosted tips' va lite cool ett kort tag men är nu mest en meme. Wannabe punkverisionen av Wolfmother/The Hives med ljudkvalitet och mix lika skakig som mitt studieresultat årskurs 1.
eww
Forgot that I liked this album.
Aye