By Kate Tocke, PR Director 

[Third Man Records; 2003]

Rating: 9/10

Key Tracks: “Seven Nation Army,” “I Just Don’t Know What to Do With Myself,” “The Hardest Button to Button”

ACRN’s lobster review bring notice to albums or films that are historically influential. The reckless record Elephant by The White Stripes, released in 2003, is full of intense, fuzzy guitar riffs that transport you to the sweaty Empress Ballroom in 2004 where the remarkable Under The Blackpool Lights took place but is balanced out by some sweeter, folk inspired tunes such as “You’ve Got Her In Your Pocket.” 

The record kicks off with arguably rock ‘n’ roll’s anthem of the 2000s. What was rock music like before the release of “Seven Nation Army?” Whether you are at a sporting event or walking the streets of your local college town during a weekend, that familiar and simple but inviting guitar riff and drums make your head turn. The chorus’s riff acts like a drug the way it rushes through your body and gives you energy you didn’t know you had in you. This song itself could label the album as iconic but the tracks to follow are just as great. 

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Elephant is like riding a rollercoaster. The pacing of the album contributes to why it is so great. We start off on the louder side with some faster paced songs. The quick drums and crazy riffs replicate an intense heartbeat and the second track “Black Math” is a great example of that intense ride. You have no option but to match that classic crazy Jack White energy. 

Following that intense yet awesome track, the iconic duo keeps the energy up with “There’s No Home For You Here,” which features a catchy chorus and recognizable beat. And, of course, the overuse of the word “girl.” One unwritten rule when it comes to Jack White’s song writing is that he will use the word “girl” like it is his job. The more you listen to his discography the more you will notice that about Jack.

Next up is my personal favorite track off this record. The album reaches that slow, smooth part of the ride as we dive into the fourth track “I Just Don’t Know What to Do With Myself.” This track is a transformative White Stripes track in the way the start is soft and then skyrockets to straight anger in just a minute. It is an iconic track and a major take away from this record.

“In The Cold, Cold Night” keeps up the slower and softer vibes. This song features the drummer, Meg White’s vocals. This is the only song in The White Stripes’ catalog that is sung by Meg. Jack wrote the song with the intention of Meg singing it, as she is not a vocalist. It took plenty of convincing for her to take on the role but her softer vocals suit the song perfectly. This substitutes the drumming that Meg would usually contribute but makes a lovely interlude on the album.

The album continues with its greatness throughout the second half of the album with the notable track “Ball and Biscuit.” Although it has been rumored that the reference in the song is to serious drugs, “Ball and Biscuit” has become an absolute fan favorite with the solos in replace of a chorus and Meg’s simple but effective and addicting drums. It is one of the longer songs on the album; at first listen you question the length, but now you are begging for more. “The Hardest Button to Button,” another great track that must be recognized, is up next. This song is paired with a great music video as well. This is a simple song but still carries heavy rock energy.

The last song I want to touch on is “Girl, You have No Faith In Medicine.” Again, we have Jack White and his overuse of the word “girl.” This is pure Jack White with his recognizable solos. You can’t help but applaud him for being able to incorporate acetaminophen into these lyrics and make it rhyme at that! 

Elephant is a big part of blues rock history from the early 2000s. With the crazy but classic Jack White guitar riffs and the simple but effective Meg White drums, you can’t deny the great energy this record holds. I want to thank Jack White for being outside of the box and creating such odd but awesome music. Without the influence of these two, where would rock music stand? 

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