Album Review: The White Stripes – ‘Icky Thump’

By Patrick Luce Jun 20, 2007, 17:11 GMT

Bagpipes, a song written as the soundtrack to a Michel Gondry music video, Patti Page\'s musical shadow, and Jack and Meg co-narrating a scavenger\'s rummages: It must be time for Icky Thump, the many-flavored riposte to 2006\'s Get Behind Me Satan. The duo starts big with the title track--Jack\'s fast-tumbling, falsetto-tinged lyrics jagging on hyper keyboard-sounding segues and Meg\'s pounding drums. They rarely shy from an idea, invoking acoustic Bob ...more

The White Stripes’ ‘Icky Thump’ is a guitar thumping album that is sure to please fans of the band, and even win over some new ones. The album is mix of hard guitar riffs, rock and roll attitude, and even some 1970’s bluesy soul.

I will admit up front that I am one of those new fans that ‘Icky Thump’ has won over. I was familiar with the band from hearing their singles on the radio or seeing a video. Their style and the visual look of their videos have always caught my attention, but never enough to make me want to buy one of their albums. ‘Icky Thump’ is not one of those albums.

The album’s mix of style and sound make each song an interesting listen – even if some are more enjoyable than others. Jack White’s vocals seem to match his hard guitar riffs on songs like “Icky Thump,” as easily as they match the smooth guitar sounds of blues sounding tracks like “A Martyr for My Love for You.” Of course, the album never really slows enough to be considered anything but a true to form rock record.

‘Icky Thump’ is a rock album made for rock fans. The duo rarely slows the album’s pace down, and fills it full of heavy guitar and hard drum beats – which is one of the reasons I really enjoyed what I heard. If you are a fan of The White Stripes, ‘Icky Thump’ won’t let you down. If not, the album is still worth giving a try.

'Icky Thump' is now available at Amazon. Visit the music database for more information.