Elephant
by The White Stripes
  • Record Label: V2
  • Release Date: Apr 1, 2003
User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 457 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 406 out of 457
  2. Mixed: 19 out of 457
  3. Negative: 32 out of 457

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  1. BenL.
    Jan 15, 2004
    10
    This was an awesome album. Usually you buy a CD and only listen to a few of the songs, and thats what the CD is done for. This album has no fillers and they should all be singles. One of the best albums ever.
  2. PatF.
    Dec 23, 2004
    2
    Uninspired, boring, and a mess: all words to describe Elephant. One of the few albums that I truly feel is immensely overrated. There is a song or two that are decent, but nothing worth writing home about. In fact, it's the only album I own that has not made it to my iPod. Listen to the Fiery Furnaces instead. And they actually are brother and sister.
  3. LeoS
    Jan 29, 2004
    2
    What a piece of crap!
  4. GraceC
    May 22, 2004
    10
    Simple goodness.
  5. JayR.
    Jul 23, 2004
    10
    Best Album of the Millenium. Perfect 10. If you don't own this album, you are ripping yourself off out of one of the best albums ever made. End of Story.
  6. ChrisL
    Jan 11, 2005
    10
    This is one of my favorite albums of all time. I think history will show its brilliance, and the White Stripes will go on to become one of the most imitated bands since Led Zeppelin. Blues, punk and garage rock are sewn together so well you can't see the seams, yet the siblings White have created a style of music distinctly their own. Every song has a purpose on this album, and This is one of my favorite albums of all time. I think history will show its brilliance, and the White Stripes will go on to become one of the most imitated bands since Led Zeppelin. Blues, punk and garage rock are sewn together so well you can't see the seams, yet the siblings White have created a style of music distinctly their own. Every song has a purpose on this album, and nothing is overdone. "Ball and Biscuit", the longest song the Stripes have ever recorded, just leaves you wanting more. And here's the best news: I think they can get still better.… Expand
  7. NickyH
    Oct 27, 2005
    10
    I get a real kick of thinking about how much my metal-head friends must hate the White Stripes. I laugh even harder when I think about the fact that some of them went out and bought Elephant - after several years of Stripes hating - just because it got great reviews. Now, nearly rolling on the floor with laughter, I think about their distaste for the album and how vocal they have to be I get a real kick of thinking about how much my metal-head friends must hate the White Stripes. I laugh even harder when I think about the fact that some of them went out and bought Elephant - after several years of Stripes hating - just because it got great reviews. Now, nearly rolling on the floor with laughter, I think about their distaste for the album and how vocal they have to be about it. And I still laugh to this day when I give my metal-head friends rides. Their reactions when I put this CD in are priceless. Oh, the humor there is to be found in a group of people who find bluesy-rock "ghey". Ah, enough rambling. This album is one of the few albums in the past years that can be called a "masterpiece". There's to damn few albums like this anymore - and that's a shame. Classic.… Expand
  8. JimB
    Mar 27, 2005
    7
    Some critics have been tripping over one another extolling this record with unbridled enthusiasm. Yes,it's a good record,but hardly akin to the "second coming".
  9. Jake
    Apr 14, 2005
    10
    Absolutely sensational
  10. WSFan
    Jan 28, 2006
    10
    Black Math, The Hardest Button To Button and Seven Nation Army are the best songs ever created by anyone on the universe in the history of music. EVER. This album has so many good rock pieces to it that I had to take my socks off. Because it seriously rocked my socks off big time. You can listen to this album about a million times and you will never EVER EVER get bored of it. About 20,000 Black Math, The Hardest Button To Button and Seven Nation Army are the best songs ever created by anyone on the universe in the history of music. EVER. This album has so many good rock pieces to it that I had to take my socks off. Because it seriously rocked my socks off big time. You can listen to this album about a million times and you will never EVER EVER get bored of it. About 20,000 times better than any other pop right now. All other rock is dead. Thus, Long live the White Stripes. (By the way, even though GBMS is totally different from Elephant, it still is really good. Get both right now, if you don't already have them.)… Expand
  11. SaneH.
    Jul 16, 2006
    0
    Are you kidding me? Why not give a good rating to a band with talent? This band makes me sick. The drummer is worthless. Please, please, please listen to something else.
  12. DanH
    Jul 31, 2006
    10
    A perfect album. A "bad" drummer does not make a bad band. Meg's drumming style fits perfectly with the music, with any other drummer it would just sound a little off. All of the songs on this album are great, ALL of them.
  13. Camille
    Aug 18, 2006
    10
    There is so much more to discover on this album than Seven Nation Army. One song after the other is a complete surprise in both style and lyrics. It would be absolutely impossible to attach a single style to this disk. A masterpiece!
  14. ZachS.
    Sep 21, 2006
    10
    This album is a fresh, clean break from the hollow, lyrical rubbish that is so abundant in today's music. The rhetorical masterpieces painted in each song with no more than a few chords for support are nothing short of brilliant. Listen through this CD and see if you don't have it playing in your head for the next week.
  15. FrancescoB
    Apr 25, 2007
    0
    Pessimo!
  16. AndrewR
    Nov 21, 2003
    8
    More of the same from Jack and Meg, with a little more, like a 7-minute-long blues jam and a few instances of actual bass. One of the more eclectic, invigorating releases of the year to these ears, and a BLAST to listen to-- and if "Seven Nation Army" isn't the most exciting song EVER, I don't think you're listening hard enough.
  17. holycrap
    Dec 23, 2003
    10
    Go buy this CD now. stop reading and go buy it. if you already have it, listen to it. This is the best album of the year along with QOTSA (Songs for the Deaf) and the streets (Original Pirate Material) Awesome, definetly worth buying.
  18. holycrap
    Dec 23, 2003
    10
    Go buy this CD now. stop reading and go buy it. if you already have it, listen to it. This is the best album of the year along with QOTSA (Songs for the Deaf) and the streets (Original Pirate Material) Awesome, definetly worth buying.
  19. Nick
    Nov 25, 2004
    8
    Good, but not as consistent as the amazing De Stijl or even its predecessor White Blood Cells. "Ball and a Biscuit" is a smooth extended jam and "Hypnotize" steams ahead with enormous energy, but tracks like "Little Acorns" and "It's True That We Love One Another" just aren't very good. Most of the other tracks are quite solid, just not quite up to par with previous outputs.
  20. KrystiG
    Dec 26, 2004
    7
    Ths CD's really cool It's different lol. The White Stripes are very creative. I like most of the songs except for 'Well it's true that we love one another' that song sux!
  21. MichaelA
    Nov 13, 2006
    10
    Best album of the 2000s, Raw, Raunchy, Sexy, Innocent, and extremely cool.
  22. Kernzzi
    Oct 19, 2010
    10
    Easily one of the best albums of all time. This album is absolutely exceptional. it's like finding an island amongst a sea of **** 21'st century music. would recommend to anyone with a decent taste in music.
  23. muzziklover
    May 5, 2011
    10
    Whenever The White Stripes come into the scene, the word and description of "Simplicity" into their music is what makes them such a formidable band. Elephant is probably their greatest work and a huge step up from White Blood Cells with a darker take on their music. The album still has the simplistic yet compelling composition The White Stripes is known for and you will expect the bestWhenever The White Stripes come into the scene, the word and description of "Simplicity" into their music is what makes them such a formidable band. Elephant is probably their greatest work and a huge step up from White Blood Cells with a darker take on their music. The album still has the simplistic yet compelling composition The White Stripes is known for and you will expect the best from them; heavy guitar riffs, smartly crafted lyrics and a sense of fun.… Expand
  24. AndrewUltimate
    Dec 27, 2010
    10
    Notice how all the negative ratings show no reasoning behind them, or show why it's so bad. They all just say "Worst album ever" or "Piece of crap", but nothing else. This album is a simple masterpiece. With the epic "Seven Nation Army", this simplistic group has created a great hummer. Jack & Meg White's amazing skill of talk-singing, drums, & guitar makes simple perfection, as this groupNotice how all the negative ratings show no reasoning behind them, or show why it's so bad. They all just say "Worst album ever" or "Piece of crap", but nothing else. This album is a simple masterpiece. With the epic "Seven Nation Army", this simplistic group has created a great hummer. Jack & Meg White's amazing skill of talk-singing, drums, & guitar makes simple perfection, as this group is known for being simple. Everything flows together effortlessly, with unforgettable & impeccable guitar riffs, & eccentric, but funny & sense-making usually. Amazing effort from an amazing band.… Expand
  25. Frostbite
    Oct 13, 2010
    10
    Wow. With another album The White Stripes again fail to disappoint. This isn't another one of your plain albums you find suffocating each other on store shelves; this one shows different music that you will no doubt enjoy.
  26. Vampire25
    Dec 23, 2010
    10
    Elephant shows that The White Stripes are simply one of the best bands on this planet. Opens with "Seven Nation Army", which is like one of the greatest rock songs ever. It has one of the best riffs I've ever heard. "The Hardest Button To Button" is another amazing track. Basically, every song sounds like a single. This album is tied with White Blood Cells. Both are just too good toElephant shows that The White Stripes are simply one of the best bands on this planet. Opens with "Seven Nation Army", which is like one of the greatest rock songs ever. It has one of the best riffs I've ever heard. "The Hardest Button To Button" is another amazing track. Basically, every song sounds like a single. This album is tied with White Blood Cells. Both are just too good to consider one better than the other. A… Expand
  27. j30
    Sep 22, 2011
    10
    Great album. Nothing groundbreaking, but just a great rock album. This is one of those records you can listen to all the way through repeatedly. It's the 'Nevermind' for a new generation of music. You listen to it and it makes you want to start your own garage band.
  28. JawsPapi87
    Oct 19, 2011
    10
    This album is ridiculous. I'm surprised it didn't start a music revolution like that of Is This It. Jack White is an absolute genius. Unfair album overall. All tracks are PERFECT
  29. GoodDevilTr
    Jun 13, 2012
    10
    Jack White can do no wrong. THAT'S A FACT. You can understand that from this album. Each and every album of his is absolute PERFECT. And he keeps doing good music.
  30. TheWhiteStripes
    Sep 17, 2011
    10
    Extremely underrated band from the 00's! Why could anyone hate this band? The music is a mix of blues, rock, and alt. rock. There are still people today, who have not yet heard of this band. The White Stripes are missed greatly! Rock on!
  31. hydrawithears
    Oct 27, 2011
    6
    Elephant by the now-much-missed The White Stripes is a game-changing album that brought millions of youngsters into blues, accelerated the bandâ
  32. Ricko
    Oct 17, 2017
    9
    Close enough to the perfect rock album. It's easy to see why this was their most commercially successful record. Anyone who was into alternative rock in the early 00's will be familiar with most of the songs off of this. "Seven Nation Army" was always going to stand the test of time and the air of this tune is now regularly heard in football stadiums across the world, proving to be asClose enough to the perfect rock album. It's easy to see why this was their most commercially successful record. Anyone who was into alternative rock in the early 00's will be familiar with most of the songs off of this. "Seven Nation Army" was always going to stand the test of time and the air of this tune is now regularly heard in football stadiums across the world, proving to be as catchy as ever. At 14 tracks long, the quality of the material is surprisingly high throughout. The songs on "Elephant" are not groundbreaking but they use what's gone before and bring them to a new plane. This album contains 7 or 8 tracks that could make it onto any indie rock record. The riffs sound timeless and as I mentioned already, this is more than partly down to the fact that Jack White has borrowed from and been inspired by past blues rock masters. "Where have I heard that before?" is the question you'll find yourself asking as you listen to "Elephant". Although not the bands strong point, lyrically this is probably their best as well. One of the album's of the 00's. Highly recommended.… Expand
  33. AnikM
    Apr 21, 2012
    9
    One of the best rock sounds in rock history, the White Stripes cemented their place in rock with this album. Seven Nation Army is a classic with a simple riff but Jack White shows off his immense guitar skill in songs like Ball and Biscuit and his amazing vocals in Girl, You Have No Medicine and There's No Home For You Girl. Easily one of the best rock albums I've heard.
  34. Andremax
    Aug 9, 2018
    10
    Forgetting about amateur rhythmic session - about drums to be exact - Jack White is a composer so incredible that can carry the album's compositions on his back, gifting us compositions with a lot of best blues moments, garage rock, a bit of Beatles' baroque pop and guesting woman's voices to adding a lot of graceful. Despite sophisticated and graceful, Elephant still sounding as anForgetting about amateur rhythmic session - about drums to be exact - Jack White is a composer so incredible that can carry the album's compositions on his back, gifting us compositions with a lot of best blues moments, garage rock, a bit of Beatles' baroque pop and guesting woman's voices to adding a lot of graceful. Despite sophisticated and graceful, Elephant still sounding as an alternative/indie album.… Expand
  35. alecvl08
    Oct 14, 2014
    6
    It's ok. It's not great because it has no theme or underlying message, the instrumentals are a little sloppy and get boring occasionally, and I don't care for Jack White's lyrics. Seriously, Ball and Biscuit is a pretty good song, but did it have to be seven minutes long? Maybe I've missed the boat on the White Stripes, but I just can't get into them.
  36. Siza
    Aug 29, 2023
    10
    I know I'm a bit late for this one. But that's what timeless records do for you, right?
  37. hellohere858
    Sep 22, 2021
    6
    These guys had a pretty amazing and unique sound, but the songwriting isn't great, pretty middle of the road.
  38. Tmz
    Jan 3, 2020
    10
    A obra prima de The Wihte Stripes
    Elephant é coeso, ousado, experimental e ainda assim traz tudo o que já tinha dado certo antes em um álbum realmente delicioso e acessível.
    O melhor álbum deles sem duvidas
  39. Junkiest
    May 17, 2021
    10
    All I can say is that I want a seven nation army blasting this album at my funeral.
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Awards & Rankings

1
#1 Best Album of 2003
7
#7 Most Discussed Album of 2003
6
#6 Most Shared Album of 2003

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
92

Universal acclaim - based on 28 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 27 out of 28
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 28
  3. Negative: 0 out of 28
  1. Blender
    80
    They break their own rules, even adding expansive guitar solos, to keep themselves interested and fans off-balance. [May 2003, p.123]
  2. Pitchfork
    69
    Therein lies the contradiction of The White Stripes. How do you combine the shit-hot with the "twee?" Elephant's shortcomings suggests the enterprise is futile.
    Read full review
  3. Rolling Stone
    100
    It is a glorious thing to hear. It will be one of the best things you hear all year.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »