I am a huge White Stripes fan. I own every album from their first to their new release, Get Behind Me Satan. I was attracted by how fresh and engergetic their music was; it was new and it was bold. However, after listening to the duo for the best part of 3 years some of their album tracks were starting to get, well, a bit boring. Elephant presented me with Chord progressions i had heard in previous albums, Jack's lyrical themes started to be recycled and Meg's drumming became tiresome. Repitition aside, Elephant was epic and the best work the Stripes had done but i needed something different. My favourite Stripes song to date was and still is St. James Infermery Blues, this was blues at it's most rawest- piano and drum. when i heard GBMS(sloppy abrieviation i know) was going to have more of this type of song i was optimistic. My optimism was rewarded.
BLUE ORCHID
A somewhat misleading track, made me thought the album was going to be the same old Stripes. Energetic and loud with clever lyrical interplay (your lips taste sour/ but you think that it's just me teasing you) but not my favourite on the album. Feels like it was put there to release as a radio friendly single to advertise the album. 3/5
THE NURSE
While experimental, i think this is the worst track on the album. The stabs of guitar and durms make me feel aggetated and slightly nervous, i dont want my music to make me feel like this. 1/5
MY DOORBELL
Confirmed next single release and the best track to sum up the album. The intro reminds me of Stevie Wonder's superstitiuos and is a surprisingly funky song. The chours is genius with Jack making it sound like a tounge twister and adding to the bluesy feel of the song. Meg's drumming fits with the song and is a return to the likes of St. James Infermery Blues.
4/5
FOREVER FOR HER...
A solid song that even my middle aged mother takes a shine to. Heart felt and drenched in emotion. Reminds me a bit of I wanna be the boy to warm your mothers heart, but is still a good song.3/5
LITTLE GHOST
A country song through and through with layered vocals and a banjo sound and even and slowed section in the middle. The White Stripes are sticking true to their country routes on this song and you can tell that Jack finds these types of songs imensley enjoyable. 3/5
THE DENIAL TWIST
Favourite song of the album. transports you to an old American Blues bar when you hear it. makes me want to buy a piano and play it standing up. shows of Jack's lyrical skills the best and Meg's drumming is a triumph. Great. 4/5
WHITE MOON
Interesting lyrics here, bit of a low after the energy of Denial Twist. Can't explain what it is but i just dont like this song. 2/5
INSTINCTIVE BLUES
A raw and hard hitting song, i think it's great and is oddly reminiscent of Hendrix, keeping with the whole 50's/60's feel of the album. any one think that Jack might of been sexually frustrated when writing this song? 4/5
PASSIVE MANIPULATION
A tougne in cheek song directed toward the media who seem to keep focusing on te link between Jack and Meg. Shows the White Stripes humour but holds no place on the album. 0/5
TAKE TAKE TAKE
A beatles like song that is the Stripes version of Stan. Tells the tale of a fan bugging a famous movie star. The chorus shows how Jack feels about the media's and fan's intrusion into his life with the word Take becoming louder and louder. a good song and one of my favourites. 4/5
AS UGLY AS I SEEM
Meg's drumming here is the best it's been. With a low-fi drum sound and a surprisingly technical drum fill in the middle of the song this song showcases Meg's talents. the lyrics are strong and shows a self loathing side to Jack. 3/5
RED RAIN
I was surprised at the lack of slide guitar by the time i got to this song but Jack's talent with a slide is exploited on this track. a good riff and is mcuh more like the previous work. However, i am not a great fan of the panning in the middle of the song,ruins it a bit for me. 3/5
I'M LONELY.....
A great country ballad that has the trademark Jack White high pitched, emotion-ridden squiel at the end. A great finisher to a great album.
Just as I thought my interest in the White Stripes was dwindling they release this album. A piece of work that is completely different to their previous releases and almost tells me off for even doubting them for a moment.
