Reviews (page 11 of 14)
7/10
I admit I was a real white stripes hater when it came out and my husband rocked the cd driving around skipping to the popular song's … but here we are 24 years later and I remember some of the lyrics. So theres that. I guess it’s not that bad if you like the Beatles or Nirvana or an amalgamation of garage psych blues best of’s.
It's fine, but not sure I would listen again.
Never been too into Jack White, or blues rock, really. This and Elephant are by far my favourites of his because I feel like they don't fall into all the blues rock tropes that hurt my enjoyment. Love how noisy this is but I especially love the moments when it quiets down. Meg kills it on the drums.
I enjoyed this - I learned the term "Garage rock" with this album. Also didn't know the "I just think we're going to be friends" song was White Stripes
one of the songs was pretty staticy did not fw it. other than that pretty mid
6/10 - The white stripes are kind of boring I have learned. I thought that more of their songs would be like seven nation army but I guess not.
🤘
great album. there's definitely a "white stripes sound." It's always amazing to me though how much energy and "power" they can produce from just 2 people. Jack White is a super talented guitar player and a great writer.
I appreciate how dedicated they are to being a two piece. most bands just add bass in the studio, but none to be found here (even if sometime it’s to their deferment) I like the songs that are a little more pumped up, but even the low-key ones feature some great songwriting. do miss that bass tho :( 7/10
Some good tracks here, pretty nostalgic but not that special.
A grimy fun record. Several tracks feel like fillers, it could have done with 4 songs less
This is an interesting album that I think ultimately is reflective of its time and not much more. The garage/blues boom of the early 2000s was clearly kicked off in part by this, but there are few tracks here that work. Jack White is an incredibly accomplished and talented songwriter, and you can see streaks of that on this album - but it falls short of impressing me in any way. Songs like Fell in Love With A Girl, Dead Leaves and the Dirty Ground, or We're Going to Be Friends are classics surrounded by mundane songs (Aluminum, I Think I Smell a Rat, The Union Forever, The Same Boy, Hotel Yorba, etc.) 5/10
Oh no... this is considered "Classic Rock" now. Moving past that tough pill, "Fell in Love with a Girl" is a fantastic song with a visually striking music video and was my first exposure to the duo. I struggled with rating this album - I listened to it several times throughout the day and really enjoy several of the tracks, but ultimately this would not be the White Stripes I would put on if I was in the mood for their music.
Hmm, it's okay, but not really gripping me.
There are some tracks on this album Hotel Yorba and Fell in love with a girl are fantastic rock and roll songs. 2 minutes each of guitar music and raw energy. Great songs. Favourite song: Hotel Yorba. I have always loved this song. Least favourite: From track 10 onwards there is a lot of filler. I feel this album could easily just be the first 10 songs. I didn’t enjoy I think I smell a rat. Album artwork: Cool cover
OVERALL: I think only 4-5 instruments were used. Very strong opening and ending, but some songs in the middle aren't too memorable. I don't really like Jack's voice on most of the songs, and I find myself preferring the instrumental much more than the vocals or lyrics on basically every song except for Little Room and whatever Aluminum was. Speaking of which, Aluminum is so unbelievably awful that it forbids me from giving this anything higher than a 3. There are some pretty good songs on here, but when this album gets bad it gets really bad. Fell In Love With A Girl, We're Going To Be Friends, and I Can Learn are probably my favorites. SONG AVG: 7.08/10 PERSONAL RATING: 6/10 Dead Leaves And The Dirty Ground: Pretty solid lyrics and guitar riffs, and it can get stuck in your head pretty easily. This is more "noise" than song, but it's still pretty good. 8.25/10 Hotel Yorba: I do not like Jack's voice on this. Other than that, it's very okay overall. Pretty catchy with above average storytelling. The drums are pretty nice. 6.5/10 I'm Finding It Harder To Be a Gentleman: Pretty good instruments and a nice message, everything else is just okay. 7.25/10 Fell In Love With A Girl: This is such a jump in quality. Absolutely a classic, great drums, guitar, and vocals (usually). I don't really like it when the instruments cut out and it's just Jack's singing, but it isn't that bad. Incredible music video. 9.75/10 Expecting: Pretty interesting guitar, but it gets a little repetitive. Not much to say about this, pretty similar to other songs vocally. Some interesting lyrics I guess. 7/10 Little Room: Interlude (I think). It sounds like it was made by a 13 year old. Why is he yodeling? The drums aren't anything special. I think this is supposed to be about how they started? Thank god this is so short. 3.25/10 The Union Forever: Nice guitar. Interesting concept for the lyrics (literally just lines from Citizen Kane), I don't think I like it that much. The lack of an instrumental during verse 3 is very weird. I guess the instruments sound good. 7.25/10 The Same Boy You've Always Known: I actually like Jack White's voice here, and the instruments are very good. Sometimes Jack's voice sounds kinda weird, but that's my only complaint. 9.75/10 We're Going To Be Friends: Is this the "No Surprises" of the album? Sounds very different from basically everything else so far. Really sweet and an above average story, not much wrong with it. I guess it might be boring sometimes? 9.75/10 Offend In Every Way: Nice guitar riffs, also just overall great instrumental. Pretty interesting message that connects with the album cover. 8.5/10 I Think I Smell A Rat: Pretty good intro, but I don't really like Jack's voice here. The guitar can be a little annoying and repetitive, but it's not too bad. 6.75/10 Aluminum: What happened. Very experimental, which I don't mind if done well, but this is actually abhorrent. This plays in every circle of hell. I guess it's kinda interesting, the guitar is sometimes bearable, and the drums aren't horrible. Still, I would never want to listen to this again. 1.9/10 I Can't Wait: Fantastic guitar and drums, also pretty good vocal performance. The only thing is that the lyrics aren't good, but they don't need to be. This just has to sounds good, and it does. 9/10 Now Mary: Very good, overall great performance. Much better vocal performance than before. Why is this less than 2 minutes long. 9.5/10 I Can Learn: Same as Now Mary but longer. Good overall, with pretty good vocal performance, could honestly work as the ending to the album. 9.75/10 This Protector: The only instrument here is piano, and I like piano. Nice little duet and works well as an outro. 9/10
It's ok. I'm not a big White Stripes/Jack White fan. It was catchy.
Fun! I started hating this band because I was young and stupid but now I really like them as background music.
Some cool songs, too orchestrated
Of the three (THREE) white stripes album I've had, I enjoyed this the most. Massively loses momentum towards the end but overall a stronger collection of tracks than the others
Decent listen. Not everything worked but I got into it a little. Not as good as Elephant. Also, might be too many White Stripes albums in the book. Still, it's fine.
Johnny Cash at his iconic best.
Nicht so gut wie das Folgealbum
Har lyssnat rätt mycket på detta album nu men inte riktigt lyckats "bryta" igenom. Har inte lyssnat så mycket på the white stripes, men fått för mig att jag skulle gilla det. Men... Det är inte dåligt, men inte heller svinbra. Det är ok. Tycker inte heller nån låt riktigt sticker ut. Synd. Och onödigt!
Garagesound brukar inte vara min grej men det här var cleanare/bättre än mycket annat och jag tycker att skivan som helhet är hyfsat bra om än lite ojämn. Skulle möjligen växa med fler genomlyssningar men har inte tid med det tyvärr.
Pleasantly surprised. 1st half of the album was much better than the second. Fave: we're going to be friends Least Fave: I think i smell a rat
And enjoyable album, with a couple of really great songs that stick in your head. All in all pleasant to listen to.
I was excited about this when it came out, but it never really held my attention. Nothing bad, really. Just kind of meh. 2.5 stars.
This album just doesn't hit like it once did for me.
Garage Rock from the turn of the millenium. Sounds like it, too. 2.5/5
Not a big fan of
Wasn’t a fan of garage rock or its early revival , but I found white strips pretty fun to listen to … multiple songs stood out in the first side ; I wonder if this is a gateway for me to listen to more of the genre
Wild nothingness
Very White Stripes. You love them or you just don't bother changing the station when they're on.
This didn't move my give AF meter
It’s alright, some songs are better than others.
2.8
solid
Grunge/Garage rock is not my cup of tea
Jack white's singing voice stops this from being a good album. Also a little one-dimensional.
pra mim é o melhor do white stripes, tem uma pegadinha mais indie quebradeira fell in love with a girl é clássico demais AINDA ASSIM, como tudo do white stripes, é mei enjoativo do meio pro final
Quite a good album, although I prefer their follow-up - Elephant - more. An interesting sound though, somewhere between garage and punk.
omg ive heard of one of these songs before, never knew it was sung by this band. i liked the album partially because i already like metal/rock a lot but i thought it was an ok album. i dont rly see myself relistening to it but it wasn't my least fav
A really great album that helped revive a genre
not bad rock. I don't love his singing voice. some parts reminded me of a slightly worse arctic monkeys.
Solid album but nothing spectacular that grabbed my attention.
Pretty much what I expected/remembered
Bueno
A Classic loud and in your face album. Lyrics and singing are great, but the instrumentation can be a bit to barebones at times. "Fell in love with a girl" is a banger.
On the good side of alright
One part of me loves The White Stripes. The other part of me will always despise the fact that Jack White somehow doesn't understand the concept of a guitar tuner.
Familiar with White Stripes but had never really listened to album. Thought I’d like more but maybe it’s their later stuff is based this assumption off of. A solid 3.
white people need to start making music like this again.
I used to really like this album when I was younger. Somewhat disappointed to hear it back & realise it doesnt do anything revolutionary. Still a couple tracks that are bangers
A third white stripes album on this list just seems like overkill, especially with some of the stuff missing
1. dead - 2 2. yorba - 1 3. gentleman - 1 4. girl - 2 5. ezpecting - 1 6. little - 1.5 7. union - 2 8. boy - 1.5 9. friendz - 1.5 10. offend - 2 11. rat - 1.5 12. aluminum - 1 13. uuait - 1.5 14. mary - 1 15. learn - 1 16. protector - 1
something about this style of 2000s rock has never been my favorite, and honestly I feel like I can attribute a lot of that to Jack White. Highly influential and feels like the parents of Arctic Monkeys, but felt bloated even at the 40 minute runtime. 1. the union forever 2. we're going to be friends 3. fell in love with a girl
I was mostly bored, there were 3-4 bops that weren't even that good but I'm feeling generous so I'll increase my rating to 3.
I always found white stripes sound enjoyable. Some songs hit better than others. This album, which I hadn't previously listened to in its entirety, felt the most together
76% Best: Dead Leaves and the Dirty Ground; Fell In Love With a Girl; We're Going to Be Friends; Aluminum; I Can Learn Must-Hear? Not quite
Always been a fan of the White Stripes but mostly through their singles and never really delved deeper in albums. I found myself drifting in and out of this album with the more popular tracks being the songs that pulled me back in. Lyrically interesting and always been a fan of the efficient, driving drums and the spitty, bluesy guitar work and this album is a great example of how those two elements make The White Stripes unique and (sometimes) attention grabbing.
Very varied
Good album
interesting. hit or miss on song to song
Whiny-voiced lead singer, terrible listen. Not a fan but I actually really like We're Going To Be Friends so I begrudgingly give it a third star.
decent garage rock album (with some blues sprinkled throughout) but ultimately nothing compelling
I think I still like Jack’s voice. Nothing too bad or good about it. It lands right in the middle.
guess it's expected to feel like there's a lack of consistency among the tracks. some great ones & then some very meh ones (Aluminum). when they're on, they're great 3.5 stars
its ok
This is one of those "right place at the right time" albums. The sound was shockingly different at the time. Add in the visual red, black and white marketing gimmick and you had something that quickly became a cultural phenomenon. After their next album even the Simpsons had riffed on this band. It hasn't really stood the test of time though. They inspired many other bands that just did it better, leaving the Stripes in the shade.
Grew on me and then grew off me
It's the White Stripes so you know it's good, but it still lacks the magic that later WS albums would grab onto, but a great album by all metrics
good
I have probably heard this album too many times - I listened to it a lot when it came out, and it was a breath of fresh air, not least because it sounded like two people playing live, in a room, having fun making stripped down rock and roll. The songs are not as strong as I remembered them being, but the playing is still vibrant.
Can't say Jack White's ever been my favorite
Good
Hotel Yorba and Fell in Love w a Girl are my favorites. Dead Leaves & Offend in Every Way are pretty good. The other 3/4's of the album is okay. I appreciate that they are doing a very stripped down instrumentation thing but I think all of these songs could've been better with some bass. Pretty sure there are a lot of bass players out there. Are the White Stripes so difficult to work with that they couldn't even get a bass player?
good album. a classic. 6/10
not bad, fun and diverse sound between songs.
почему-то такой знакомый (а знакомый = приятный), но жанр всё-таки не мой
That's not my taste in music. But ok.
This CD, with the faces of Mr. and Mrs. White, would be in the dictionary next to "Garage Rock". They define it, both because they're incredibly stripped down and basic and because they manage to be pretty good while doing that. The "pretty good" part is mostly from Mr. White, who has gone on to have a further career as a musician. Someone needs to inform Mrs. White that there's an "-and-" beat in between the four main beats in each bar. Their template is basically Ramones, it's a bunch of really short 2-3 minute fast rockers with one or two 2-3 minute slow acoustic rockers. But they bring a ton of raw energy to it. My rule of thumb is if you can't be good, at least be fast and fun, and this is a great example of how to execute on that strategy. It's fast and fun! Not virtuosic, not groundbreaking, but fast and fun. There's no backing vocals of any kind and extremely limited instrumental depth (Jack White seems to play a little keys on a couple tracks - I think Meg could've played the piano part on "Union Forever"). And as mentioned there's zero variability in the rhythm. But they've got some cool riffs ("Fell In Love With a Girl" stands out), and JW's not a good singer, but he brings a lot of energy. Solid B. I don't usually like to mention influence, but since I was around when this came out and felt it, will give a quick shout-out. The early 2000s were the peak of corporate music, CD sales peaked right about the year this came out (led by the likes of Britney Speaks and NSYNC). The White Stripes, and this CD in particular (plus "Elephant" and the work of a few other bands) blew that whole thing up, both in terms of what kind of music was made and how it was disseminated. I happen to think the later indie rock bands that had 2-3 extra coats of polish were better. But White Stripes were first.
I was a huge White Stripes fan in middle school and then kinda forgot they existed, so this was a fun throwback for me. It’s not quite as good as I remember - things start to fall off after “Fell in Love With a Girl” - but it’s not bad. Lots of songs kinda sound the same. 7/10
I've always found the White Stripes to be a little too "garage rock" and unpolished for my taste. That said, this is still a rocker of an album with some classics from my high school days that instantly take me back.
I think this may have been the third Jack White centric album I've listened to during this exercise and it may have been the least annoying. Probably won't ever know for sure as I'm never going to listen to the other two again.
I listened and liked some of the vibes but my mind started drowning it out cause it was too much of the same for me
Some solid songs.
Jack White is very talented and I want more of we're going to be friends + this protector and LESS of fell in love with a girl... big strokes or artic monkey vibes. Album has experimental moments which shouldn't be discounted but at the same they are extremely disjointed and ruin the flow so drastically i found it off putting sometimes. It's not bad by any means, the bluesy notes opening Offend in Every Way are such a treat but then you get I think I Smell a Rat which sounds like a wanna be fell in love with a girl or I can't wait which sounds like Red Hot Chilly beta... HARSH yes but this genre deserves more criticism. So much talent without the execution and trying too hard
3.3
I've had three of their albums now and I really don't get the hype? Fell In Love With A Girl is their best song and even that can't save this album. It's not bad as such - just so boring. Something about them just doesn't click for me 3 ⭐️
Jack white kinda has a samey sound to me and this album has its ups and downs but I just cant find myself relistening to the whole thing. The singing voice is a mix of that 2000s punk and showtunes and it just does not sit well. I like songs like I think I smell a rat the instrumentation is what shines here and the iconic songs hold up but its the filler that does not sit with me
In hindsight, I can see how people could see this album being pretty cliche for garage rock, but given that it was a trailblazer of its time, I can really appreciate the tunes. I think this album plays it pretty safe, and doesn’t try to overdo it. Some of these classic albums just try too much, and it kills the replay value, but I think the white stripes hit the nail on the head here. Opening track is really fun, and how could I forget about the seemingly most popular movie track of all time, we’re going to be friends? If we had half stars it’d be 3.5 for me.
I do love listening to the White Spripes best songs in a mix. I really struggle with listening to their early albums including this one. One problem is just how it sounds. They go for the lo-fi indy sound, which is OK, but the lack of bass and mediocre drum playing makes this sound grating to my ears. I really wish Jack had made those early albums feel and sound better.
not for me, though it came out exactly a week after the day of my birth
Ok - first few songs were good. Fell In Love With A Girl is a fun song + nice melody Last half of the album bit boring. Just a lot of plain rhyming, “rat” “at” “bat”; “stay” “way” etc
Been a lot of White Stripes coming up last few weeks. I am constantly struck that despite the talent the end product is less than the sum of the parts. Consistently. Not sure why that is with this group because other Jack iterations not so much.
A classic that I would have loved more back in High School, had I given their whole discography a shot. It's good. Good songs. But I do think they went on to do better things. Jack has put out much more interesting stuff in his solo career. But it's a solid album
Pretty good. I like Elephant a lot more, for nostalgia reasons.
I expected way more...
Not great, not terrible.
The White Stripes have some good singles, but the album overall isn’t something I connect with. Dead Leaves and the Dirty Ground and Fell in love with a Girl, and Expecting are the tracks that hit. 3/5
-Went into this expecting it to be like Seven Nation Army, but I was pleased by some of the variety in these songs. Even some of the shortest ones packed quite a punch, largely due to Jack White’s voice I think. There were quite a few forgettable songs in my opinion though, so I’d give it like a 3.5 -Favorites are Dead Leaves and the Dirty Ground, Fell In Love With a Girl, and We’re Going to Be Friends
Not too bad of an album, there were a couple of pretty okay songs but none that were absolutely amazing. I would say that this particular album was a bit mid, but maybe a bit more towards a 3,5-star rating.
They're a bit formulaic, I'm on to them...
Quite edgy but had some nice tunes in the middle of the album. The guitar pieces throughout some the tunes tied it well, one song about cats or something was weirdly rhythmic and just trapped the snare drum. Overall above average
A very fast and loose album filled with a couple songs that I enjoy and others I just don't really care for. It doesn't blow away, but it didn't bore me either. Overall, not bad.
Yeah good
Low 3 for me
Second half dragged on and some of it is just noise. But enjoyed the first half. Not in a rush to listen again, if I did there would be plenty of skips.
Decent, but a bit too samey without really going anywhere. Enjoyed it though, especially Fell in love with a girl, 3/3.5
norm
I've always thought they sounded like the annoying middle school garage band next door
Not my type
Lovely analogue retro sound…
Loved Hotel Yorba when John Peel played it as a sample from a new unknown band. Some very good songs (Hotel Yorba, Fell in Love with a Girl). Some average songs.
To be young again. Not their best album, but good nonetheless.
Ok
Raw. Good.
Nice sound
The most white stripes of white stripes album. I don't get the rules of minimalism, but I assume Jack black does.
It’s fine, some nice chunky guitar parts and I like her simple drum parts. Overall it’s not my favorite but it is not the worst thing on the list of 1001 albums.
Liked it - wouldn't likely listen again but there are some bangers on there.
Pretty cool - I’m definitely going to listen to this again. I’m a fan of the minimalism
Good, but not for me really
Love the punk aesthetic of the Stripes but I gotta admit… I’m not a fan of Meg’s drumming. I know she started in the band at Jack’s behest and they leaned into making her “style” as a non-drummer a feature not a bug, and that alone speaks to a certain creativity that crackles with the Stripes but in reality… her playing to me is a indeed a bug.
zu spät geboren für richtigen punk .. aber trotzdem eine tolle abwechslung
White Stripes, die Band hinter der Fussballhymne. Spannend mal ein Album zu hören.
3 out of 5. No hate and it's a solid rock album but for some reason I've never been able to get into Jack White or his music even though it feels like I should.
Good record from a good band. Nothing really memorable about this one, but it’s a quality rock record with plenty of variety to keep me engaged.
This was ok. Didn’t enjoy it as much as the other white stripes album I have reviewed so far - Get Behind Me Satan. There are a few good tracks to my ear - Fell in Love with a Girl and We’re Going to be friends to name a couple but there is also a few duffers for me, Aluminium and Expecting… but overall I enjoyed it. 3
Take or leave it
didn't really get into it although I do think he's very good at writing a catchy hook
I’m trying to figure out how I know almost all the songs on this record, but have never owned it, can’t remember ever listening to it and don’t really know anyone who is a big enough White Stripes fan to have played it for me. One explanation is that I’ve heard this a lot at bars over the years. Which would make sense, since its release coincided my bar hopping years. The other possibility is that a lot of White Stripes songs kinda sound the same after a while. Not a dig necessarily: there’s only so much you can do with just a guitar and drums.
Always struggled - Jack Whites solo stuff always resonated with me more - not a terrible album though
Screaming and loud. High and low. Sometimes masterful, sometimes mostly strong volume.
STANDOUTS: Fell In Love With A Girl We're Going To Be Friends OVERALL: 3/5; those two ^ songs sound NOTHING alike, and I kind of dig it.
I am a late convert to the White Stripes and have bought a few of their albums recently but not this one - yet. I was always intrigued how a duo could produce such loud and full sound. Only seen them on TV but i liked to watch Meg White’s nonchalant manner when performing which belied how her drumming drove the overall sound along. So I was interested but never enough to buy their music until I bought a later album to this one cheap at a charity shop. Playing White Stripes music loud on your own hifi really does make a difference to casually catching it on the radio. Listening to this album for the first time in such circumstances does not disappoint. It’s full of compelling and melodic riffs which is what I like. You need to be in the right mood to stick a White Stripes album on but when that mood comes along it’s a fine album to satisfy it. 3/5 22/7/24
Overall good. I like the rawness of this record, and I'm always down for some Jack White guitar. There's some big hitting songs in here, and I like some of the softer songs too like "We're going to be friends". There's a bit of bloat in there, and it doesn't all hit for me.
I don’t love The White Stripes but I very much respect Jack White as a musician. I love his work with The Raconteurs, but for some reason the White Stripes never quite landed for me. Had only previously heard about half of the songs on this album, but the rest was pretty much what I expected. Some great riffs and a unique sound, but doesn’t quite land as a whole for me. Didn’t hate it, but also don’t see myself going back to it often.
Another one with one great song and lots of mediocrity
The album has a few good songs and a few that I don't like.
Perfectly adequate rock from 1964-1977 made in 2001.
The White Stripes would go on to make great records, but did not do so this time out. A lot of the parts that they would later put together to great effect are here and the album has its moments, but overall I think this is skippable. That being said, even not-that-great White Stripes is pretty darn good.
I enjoy the raw electric simplicity of The White Stripes, but unfortunately a lot of their songs sound alike. This was good, but I can't elevate it past 3.5, so it will likely get a 3/5 for me.
Repetitive, boring, whiny vocals..... All the things I just love to death. This is occasionally OK.
There's a lingering aftertaste of immaturity, but it's still a decent album.
# Playlist Track - Fell In Love With a Girl # Notes - I do love The White Stripes, but I don't think this album is great. - Love the fact that they shove 16 tracks in under 40 minutes! There are a lot of things happening, bunch of interesting tries, but just a few stick the landing.
Some really, really iconic songs I've loved my whole life + a bunch of songs no one cares about.
feels a little repetitive after a bit but pretty decent!
3.5
WELL YOU’RE IN YOUR LITTLE ROOM
Not sure what this album or band are doing in a collection of all time greats. I'm sure it was fine at the time and it still is. But a must listen before I die? Laughable.
Dead Leaves And The Dirty Ground // Hotel Yorba // Fell In Love With a Girl // Offend In Every Way // 3.5/5
I love the raw sound, how he contorts his voice, the brutal beats, the feverish lyrics, and their style. That being said, they aren't a go-to for me.
I respect it all. The songs. The process. The sound. The look. The energy. I just can't seem love it. I know the White Stripes. I recall downloading many of these songs from Napster or a similar platform upon its release. Hearing the songs on that ala carte "singles" format enhanced the feeling I get from listening to this album. And why I never loved it. It's not that they play this minimal rock n roll that still manages to sound huge. Its that in various songs they reduce various bands - the Yardbirds Zeppelin, Stones, Black Sabbath, even the already bare bones Kinks - to their bare essence. It's amazing they are able to generate so much sound while capturing the essence. But I respect it more than love it. Happy they exist. The music word is pretty bably better for it. But I just don't connect in a way I feel I should.
Not my favorite of Jack's work, but still good, and Meg drives pretty strongly. Interesting that Jack wanted it to sound rushed, and told the engineer "not to make it sound too good." There's definitely a rawness to it.
Solid. Enjoyed it...but not quite enough for a 4.
fUN
2.5/5
i never listened to this album all the way but jack white is pretty cool. the fact that white stripes are a duo is pretty crazy ngl. so far im liking it, very varied sound, but it still feels like a cohesive project. generally what i expect from the white stripes tho. almost reminds me of green day sometimes wit the percussion and certain riffs. final thoughts- its good i liked it, nothing special but generally enjoyable and clearly influential for garage rock
Great album
A pretty good listen but maybe 3 stars or C+ would be my rating. An album that might seem grow on me with more plays.
A couple good songs, but overall I just don't like The White Stripes. 2.5
I started out vibing to this album. I liked the garage rock-y sounds and was head bangin' along. However, as it went on, I was losing interest and a lot of the songs started sounding the same. Not a bad album, and I think if I were to listen to a couple songs here and there, I'd dig it. But, the cramming of all these songs back to back made for a meh listen.
The vocals started to bother me toward the back half of the album. There are a couple really good tracks on here, but the stinkers brought it down for me.
Proof that you don't need a large group of musicians to make a catchy noise. Every once in awhile an artist comes along and deconstructs the pomposity of the music industry. This is one of those moments. Keep it simple.
A solid album with some real high points. The entire album is quite listenable.
Still overrated.
Ich finde, es ist ein spannendes Album. Es ist keinesfalls langweilig, hält die Spannung hoch. Selbst, wenn ein Song ertönt, das mir gar nicht gefällt, man hört weiter, weil man könnte was wichtiges überhören. Nicht alles ist mein Geschmack. Aber es finden sich grandiose kurze Lieder darauf, die es allein schon wert waren. Nein, ich werde das Album nicht in meine Sammlung aufnehmen, aber einige Songs nehme ich in die Playlist auf.
I actually liked this more than expected
i often feel like i "should" like the white stripes, in the way that you "should" eat your vegetables and floss your teeth. it feels like a good-for-you obligation that everyone just kind of tolerates because it's better for you in the end if not enjoyable in the moment. but hannah, you might say, they're *real* rock in a sea of schlocky pop! their lead singer is a notoriously private genius who eschews the mainstream - not like all those autotune fakers! (/s) this is what real music sounds like!!!!!! well it sounds bad. so. okay, okay, not really - this is aggressively fine. the white stripes are fine. it's just all varying degrees of fine. i just can't help but be irked by jack white's nasally couldn't-be-bothered voice and the crunchy guitars. it's cool they have a female drummer i guess? but this is the most 3/5 music i could imagine existing. also, unrelated, but i just looked up jack white on Wikipedia, and as recently as 2022 he was moaning and groaning about the evils of video games like it was 1999. ("White thumbed his nose at the music games genre last year as well, decrying games as a way to introduce people to music.") dude, shut the fuck up and play some DDR and maybe you'll calm down. sorry, i just irrationally hate his old-soul luddite kids-these-days bullshit when he's one of the most successful and famous musicians of all time and got there in part to inclusion in mainstream culture (gasp!) and, yes, music games. ANYWAY!!!! the big songs are good. I liked Now Mary too. that's all.
not loving the instrumentals but overall enjoying this
Fell in love with a girl is a JAM! I used to vilify this album because I thought it was too popular. I will admit that it is pretty good.
I know there are many White Stripes fans. But they have never really done it for me.
pretty cool, i think the opening track was my fav
2.5
It was good.
Rocking garage sound and some good tunes but not all the way my style
Very much enjoyed fell in love with a girl and a few other tracks, but overall it didn't wow me...
Enjoyed. Would listen again. Hotel Yorba is still a cracker.
Gritty
- Starts strong with "Dead Leaves and the Dirty Ground," but I personally find the rest of the album having a hard time living up to that, with the exception of "I Can't Wait" (my favorite track). - Honestly a bit disappointed because I love "Elephant" so much, but this feels safe in comparison? I do detect much of the kineticism that defines that album.
Mostly didn’t really enjoy except for union forever which was really good
Pretty good. Not amazing, but pretty good.
A nice blast from the past! I haven’t listened to this one since the early 2000s. Good stuff, but I’m probably good for a while.
Perfectly pleasant listening, but nothing that excited me or really seized my attention
Fine
They have a pretty good sound, but don't really do anything interesting.
It was ok. I’ve heard better heard worse. It’s a 3
The bad washed out the good.
- Hab mich sehr über ein White Stripes Album gefreut, frage mich aber mal wieder, warum von allen WS Alben jetzt genau dieses? - Ich war (bei aller rawness, die die WS ja auch ausmacht) ziemlich erstaunt, wie unsauber der Eröffnungstrack eingespielt war. Als ich dann gelesen hab, dass das Album in weniger als einer Woche aufgenommen wurde, habe ich eine Ahnung bekommen… Das hat sich in meiner Wahrnehmung auch ein bisschen durchgezogen. Nicht die technischen Fehler, sondern das Gefühl, dass man mit etwas mehr Zeit mehr hätte rausholen können. - „Fell In Love With A Girl“ ist einfach ein richtig richtig geiler Hit - Auch sonst sind natürlich ein paar geile Tracks drauf - Die 1001 Alben haben ja auch immer etwas mit Erwartungshaltung zu tun und insgesamt muss ich leider sagen, dass ich „Icky Thumb“ und „Elephant“, die ich beide sehr liebe, einfach sehr viel stärker finde. Hier hat mich doch auch vieles kalt gelassen oder manchmal gelangweilt Rating: 3,25-3,5/5
- Wat soll man sagen? White Stripes gehen eigentlich immer - Kannte bewusst glaube ich keinen Song von der Platte, aber gerade in der zweiten Hälfte hat mir Einiges gut gefallen
Not my favourite album of theirs, but definitely some bangers.
Great album if you’re in the very specific mood to listen to White Stripes for a long time. I don’t get how people do it if I’m being honest.
I this wasn't by a band that I am reasonably well acquainted with, I would have no time for some of it. The good here doesn't outweigh the not so good. Middle of the road, bang on 2.5.
Pretty middle of the road album with one outstanding song in each direction. It was fine to listen to, but I have a feeling the more you listen to it the better it gets, so hard to judge just on one run through.
I approached this album with some hesitation and apprehension. Having heard it many times in the past, it evoked memories from a period of my life I'd rather forget. However, upon listening, I found it surprisingly enjoyable. Revisiting the album made me appreciate its quality and relevance during its time.
This isn't the White Stripes best album.
2 people? that sound?
Notes: Jack’s voice and guitar is always a highlight for me, but I’m not exactly vibing with this album.
Honestly never got into The White Stripes or Jack White. I like it just fine, but I don't find it transformational in any way. 3
Some great riffs, interspersed with some nice melodic strumming. Snatches of songs hinted at Small Faces/ Blind Faith late 60s rock. But nothing on here to compare with seven nation army say and quality of songs a bit patchy
#190. Tolerable, but nothing really there that draws you in and makes you want to listen to it a second time 3/5: acceptable
There are a couple of interesting tracks, but the overall sound is too similar and detracts for the musicianship. I was glad the album was over in the end.
We're Going to Be Friends was the redeeming song for this album
Lots of Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath influence, still prefer the musicianship of the former and overall style of the latter.
3.5
I missed this one at the time - I was well into my seventies music phase. Even the singles didn't really appeal to my musical sensibilities, so I had no interest in the album. I was hoping to have my mind changed this time around, but (after admittedly only one full listen) I don't have any desire to go back and revisit the White Stripes. I still think they're mostly about a 'sound' and a look, which is fine but the songs aren't there in my opinion.
Not my type...but they have a place in music history
It is weird to listen to an album with no bass guitar. It’s still quite good though
Enjoyed this more than another one of their albums I listened to on this list. Some familiar songs, and just overall a good album. 3.5/5 Might listen again
Charming, slightly kitschy. Meg Whites drumming is killer, it embodies the spirit of the project as a whole. Interesting if you’re into post 2000’s rock, but doesn’t necessarily reinvent the wheel. “I Think I Smell a Rat” sounds strangely like an MCR demo
I really like the Stripes energy and integrity however I think we should temper this against the passage of time. Will this be considered so highly in 30 years time? I think not. It's this attachment people of a certain age group have with the records they grew up with.
Chunky garage blues
I stated in my last stripe review that I'm not a huge fan of this band. After this album I'm a little more of a fan. I really could feel the singularness of this group, with just the guitars and drums it was pretty cool. It helped reading the apple description talking about how they deconstructed this or that. It's not like I've changed my overall opinion on them, but I think this album shed more light on why they are so great. Also didn't realize they did "We're going to be friends".
Good quality. Not blown away.
Uno de los muchos discos de "garage-rock" revival de comienzos de los 2000s. Aprecio este lanzamiento más que los otros discos del proyecto de Jack y Meg White ya que se escucha más crudo y salvaje. Sin embargo, sigo sin entender por qué son tan apreciados por la crítica musical, habiendo contemporáneos mucho más interesantes en la escena. De todas formas, buen disco.
Totally captured that early 2000s energy.
Simple power chords, chunky riffs. A lot of the same but think he’s creative
If a big fan of duos that may be or may not be married and or brother and sister this is the album for you. Juvenile but catchy songs… the kind that a comedian might use as a theme song for a podcast.
I enjoyed the melody of the songs and the loud stum of the guitars. In general though its too amateurish.
Simplicity with swagger. Avoids the overindulgence that characterizes a lot of Jack White's later work. Great Stripes record, but does drag a bit at times. Favorite Track: Fell In Love With A Girl (still can remember middle school Ricky watching MTV for hours waiting for the LEGO stop motion video)
Really enjoyed hearing some of their older work and never realized they made “We’re Going To Be Friends.”
Pretty good.
In 2 fanno più rumore di una banda. Iconici nella grafica degli album.
Jack White has fifty-fifty odds. Fifty percent chance the song will be passible and fifty percent chance the song will be too innovative, unbearable, and barely passes for music. While "White Blood Cells" does have some killer hit singles, including "Dead Leaves and the Dirty Ground," Fell in Love with a Girl," and "We're Going to Be Friends," other tracks are just abysmal.
The music is simplistic but that seems to be what rose them to such fame. They are really are an aesthetic choice. Never really sought them out but have always known of them. I have more of an appreciation for the band than a likeness for the music. 6/10
This is good, I like more Jack White's solo music
Very cool but something about White's songwriting/ lyrics doesn't win me over fully
This is basically what it would sound like if a high school garage band went into a professional studio — and I think that's the point. Not my cup of tea, but a great for what it is.
Leur 3ème album. Enregistré en moins d'une semaine. 2 chansons très hot, sinon on tourne dans du bon et un peu d'expérimentation à la toute fin. Solide 3, proche du 4.
wasn't into their kind of retro rock thing when they were current. it was obviously more blues influenced and I liked that it was stripped down, but it didn't stand out enough from all the The <...> bands We're Going to Be Friends is very nice. It could've ended up too twee and cutesy but it didn't. Evocative, impressive to make a G C D song that's instantly recognizable. I have seen the music video exactly once, the first time I heard the song, and I still remember that, is how good a simple tune this is. I don't like that much else on here. I think the blues garage sound is kinda dull with the distortion cranked all the time. kinda obnoxious. The guitar on De Stijl sounds way better. music: hated. (⌐■_■)
This was probably the contemporary band that was most formative to my younger tastes. I think I still love them but it’s hard to tell how much of it is the memory of hearing any given album for the first time. Removed from that, this one strikes me as more uneven than I remembered. I think it may be that it’s a transition between the messy garage blues/rock White Stripes of De Stijl, and the more refined and organized White Stripes of Elephant. Those, to me, are the two best albums. This one has glimpses of strengths from both, but also a lot of filler and a lot of Jack White being a bit too preciously bluesy for my sensibilities now. The good stuff is still real good to me.
Der var færre gode sange på den her plade end jeg huskede.. Lyden er ret "tynd", så den bliver lidt kedelig og ensformig.. Er faktisk lidt ked af at jeg ikke kunne lide den bedre som helhed, for fell in love er en objektiv banger
“3” was ringing in my head the whole time. I liked it. Very Dad. Not my dad. But like middle aged man…
It's a solid rock album, with some great riffs and memorable lyrics. But it's a very bare bones sound, with little nuance or surprises
It was fine some were better other less. we’re going to be friends is kind of a banger, dear leaves and the dirty ground also banging
7.5/10. The guitar tone is so sick. Jacks voice is iconic. Points off for the lack of a true "classic". The monologue on Union is dope.
Not bad for a lazy weekend. I like the stripped down feel of this one which seems to share some connection with what may be considered "outsider music". Where this album falters for me would be an issue of track sequencing and having a handful of songs which sound too much like one another or can just be left off the album entirely.
Pretty standard late 90's/early 2000's alternative album. I was surprised that this was their 3rd album, because they still sound a little raw throughout this.
Some of the songs are standouts, but the garage rock thing never seems to carry for a whole album for me.
Was ok
I'm conflicted about White Blood Cells because I both like it and I don't like it. First off to get it out of the way, The White Stripes have never been a particular favourite of mine, and Jack White's voice sort of grates, but they've turned out songs over the years I've enjoyed. This album is a proper hit and miss affair because it tries to be really bluesy and a bit of a 70s throwback in style and doesn't stick the landing there much beyond Offend In Every Way and Now Mary. It does a better job when it ventures into a heavier sound like Dead Leaves and the Dirty Ground and I Can't Wait (and Aluminium except for the ridicuous drone laugh sound over the top of it that ruins it), and it has some utterly crap/forgettable stuff like Little Room and The Union Forever. I don't think it's a very well produced album either but I kinda get the sense that was the point, but not for me. It is at the very least a pretty interesting album, maybe one that can't quite make up its mind what it really wants to be, and probably therefore why I like some bits and dislike others.
Well unlike the last album this one flew by! This album came out while I was still in college. I have not listened to it’s entire length before because to me the White Stripes are known for their singles; Fell In Love With a Girl and We’re Going to Be Friends were memorable.
Some good songs. Never heard this album.
Some cool guitar riffs but overall album was just okay. Nothing stood out.
ave ra ge cannot but notice sometimes the singer is out of tune
I like We are Gonna Be Friends and I kind of like Fell in Love with a Girl
So it might be because the 1001 Generator served it up to me just days before I listened to White Blood Cells, but Elephant still stands out to me as the most superior White Stripes album they ever created. WBC has some undeniable bangers and continued to cement their trademark on the simplistic but impressive blues/garage rock sound that Jack and Meg are known for. The Fell in Love With a Girl video is amazing and probably gets my vote for one of the coolest music videos of the 2000s. (Remember music videos, kids?) Offend in Every Way has an insanely catchy guitar lick that reminds me of a classic Old West showdown. Stuff like Now Mary had some fun moments too, but I did find myself a bit bored by the non-hits on this album. Ended up with a 3-star rating after some consideration, but would give it a 3.5 if I could here. Interesting Wikipedia factoids about White Blood Cells: *The album was dedicated to Loretta Lynn, creating a friendship between Lynn and both Jack and Meg White. *The album attempts to rid the band of a blues rock sound, instead vying for a more simple guitar and drums garage rock sound. Shortly before the release of White Blood Cells, (Jack) White asserted that, "There's no blues on the new record. We're taking a break from that. There's no slide work, bass, guitar solos, or cover songs. It's just me and Meg, guitar, drums, and piano." Standouts: Dead Leaves and the Dirty Ground, Hotel Yorba, Fell In Love With A Girl, The Same Boy You've Always Known, We're Going To Be Friends, Offend In Every Way
Eh
A solid album but no stand out songs.
Front loaded album with a really strong opener. A lot of versatility showed in one piece of work.
It’s early 2000s garage rock revival which is rad but I just really can’t get into the band due to the vocals, doesn’t fit right with my ears
The hits are great but the sound gets boring after a while.
Doesn't seem like their best work, I'm afraid, although a few good songs here and there. I would hope that there's another White Stripes album in this collection, but I suspect there isn't, and that's a shame, as this isn't the album I'd choose to represent them. A bit too nasally (even for Jack White) and monochromatic to earn more than 3 stars, sadly.
Must be an early album because it's not all that great. There are some wonderful moments where you can see what could be--thinking of the language in the first song about the dirty ground and the cute song about being friends (did I hear that in Napoleon Dynamite?) as well as a few other flashes of genius. Outside of those moments, it felt as if they were still trying on genres, riffs, playing with volume, borrowing sounds--none of this bad, just not yet a coherent unique sound. At times the plodding rhymes matched the plodding drums to form a sort of unfortunate march.
It's alright, like most White Stripes stuff. Difficult to see past the ego of the guy, but he can produce the odd total banger. Didn't feel like there was one on here to match some of the others. Generally, their stuff can feel two dimensional and slight
Thought it would be better tbh
It’s ok
Pretty good.
Me agota. Me gusta, pero tras 4 o 5 temas tengo que cambiar a otra cosa. La batería me machaca y me desespera. Eso sí, tiene dos o tres temazos y riffs míticos.
Solid album. Would listen again.
5.5/10 Man, there is way too much bluesy rock music on this list Having said that, I enjoyed this more than most so far, thought the sound was fresh Liked the blending in of other styles like surf rock, the more balladic tracks surprised me Some of the more riffy stuff just washed over me Was surprised to find a real Beatles/McCartney influence, especially in the vocal styles Best: We’re Going to be Friends
Pretty cool, some great songs but seems rushed and unfinished.
Great album
Not quite like iconic Seven Nations Army. But pretty diverse.
Tja, sin eben die White Strpes
Fair
Mediocre. Sloppy guitar work. No disrespect to Jack White. I'm sure it was on purpose but I'm not a fan of this album
Listened to it several times. Good to hear rock and roll evolve. Sometimes a good riff is just a good riff and not meaty enough for a longer piece, so it was a bold choice to keep some selections short. I read the Wikipedia entry on White Blood Cells to confirm my thought that it was sketchy and roughed-out sounding on purpose. While it’s not my era or grabbed me with a singular cut, they were compelling and had a distinct style. And confidence in their work.
Good stuff. Not as good hearing it now as it was when I was a teen hearing it when it was new but I can hear the influence the band had on some later artists.
I didn't know "We're Gonna Be Friends" was by the White Stripes. I just remember how much it stood out in the movie Juno. I like it. "I Think I Smell A Rat" made me laugh, but I wouldn't really want to listen to it but maybe once a year.
favorite song -- we're going to be friends fav song was an easy choice everything else is good but nothing too special
A bit of a mixed bag for me. I’m not normally a fan of the white stripes, but I enjoyed this one more than I expected to
Good Album. Not as strong as some others
Mmmmm naaah
I would give some songs in this album a 4, but overall the album is a 3 for me.
It was nice jack white is obviously very talented. I'll probably not listen to it again.
Liking everything for the most part, but not a fan of hotel super eccentric album, every song has a different feel. almost a little amateurish in some ways.
It's not bad, but it's a bit generic and samey
Good album they have to calm out with the cymbals on some of these songs though
no words needed really, it’s just kind of alright. Grunge teen vibes but some melodies are better than others. Hotel Yorba and Fell in love with a girl are the best songs.
Not a Whote Stripes fan, but did like some of the songs.
Not their best album but it’s ok. Listen again: maybe Purchase for my collection: no Favourite Song: I Can’t Wait (Silverchair opening vibes)
Quite a few lumpen plodders like I can learn. Hotel Yoruba = Dylan goes garage. Best were Dead Leaves and I fell in love with a girl. I struggle listening to a whole album of this.
Really enjoyable and brings something unique to the table. Only reason I’m giving it a 3.5/5 is because it doesn’t feel fully formed. The album fell apart towards the end and left me wanting more.
not bad. better than the White Stripes album I got the day before. Fell in Love With a Girl is great but nothing else on here really comes close to that peak. its fine.
I enjoyed this one more than the White Stripes album I got literally yesterday. However I didn’t enjoy it more than 3 stars. “Fell in love with a girl” is a pretty good song!
Some good songs here
That’s a no for me dog
Nichts besonderes
“Fell In Love With a Girl” is the song I that introduced me to The White Stripes as a kid, and I’m still in love with it to this day. I was excited to listen to this album in its entirety, but I have to be honest that I’m not as much into the rest of this album. The other songs didn’t stand out to me as much. Still an iconic band though, and I enjoy Jack White’s work overall.
Liked it better than the other album which I think is more popular. Enjoyed trying to place a lot of the influences
Surprisingly disappointing. I've always known about the singles from this album, Fell in love with a girl and Dead leaves on the dirty ground. Both solid tunes. I foolishly expected the rest of the album to hold this same quality. I'd never gotten round to checking the entire album out, and now that I have I wish that I hasn't bothered. Essentially the rest of the songs are filler and mediocre at best. It really wasn't worth my time, honestly. Having said that, still appreciate The White Stripes for creating some of the 21st Century's best rock songs up to date - particularly in a century where rock is dying a slow and tragic death - but listening to this album makes me think the white stripes are a dreaded 'singles' band. it's a generous 3/5 from me
Another tough rating…it’s fine, enjoyable enough, inoffensive. I wouldn’t mind listening again, but I wouldn’t seek it out. It’s just not quite interesting enough to warrant that extra star.
you all know what the fucks going on. im gonna fight a moth. dead leaves and the dirty ground- 😁. ummmm. its ok its pretty simple i think it works as an album opener. a 5 from me fellas hotel yorba- 💃 i think a six ummmm sorry im not good at describing things i like im finding it to be harder to be a gentleman- its kinda boring its like a three or something its a slog fell in love with a girl- everyone knows. um its like a 5 ive heard it so many times at this point expecting- boring. three. little room- oh thats it? um three i guess i think it could be removed the union forever- WHY DOES THIS GOT 16 SONGS THEY ALL SOUND THE SAME. um i like the spoken part because it kind of gave the song more of an identity but idk like a four or five the same boy youve always known- snork mimimi. two or three we're going to be friends- this is what we're here for. um i think its like a six or seven ummmm ive heard it a lot but it does serve cain and marcy realness sooooo... plus its just a cute song offend in every way- cringe. i got bored um 3 i think i smell a rat- um its kind of funny. its like the guy from ratatouille. but like a four its not that interesting aluminum- um i like the AAAAHHHH parts but its a three im bored i cant wait- rhcp ass riff. HOW LONG HOW LONGGGG. um its a 4 its ok now mary- this is kinda nice. its kinda pretty. bored though. 4. i can learn- cringe ass. like a 2 im over it. this protector- i breathed a sigh of relief when i realized this was the last song. its an ok album but its starts to wane. this songs nice i like the piano like its a send off. a 4 just because its not something id listen to on my own. id prolly rate this album a three but i already gave the elvis album a 3 but thats before i knew so elvis would get knocked down to 2 and this is a free
I've heard a lot of their singles but never a full album listen thru! hmmmmmm Jack White's voice is a little grating... wow it ended and it didnt even realize, it just rly wasnt doing it for me
Not as good as the last one we listened to.
This was a good album, but having listened to Elephant album first it seemed like something was missing that made Elephant a great album. This one seemed mostly garage rock with nothing to elevate it to something special.