Icky Thump
by The White Stripes
User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 247 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 221 out of 247
  2. Mixed: 18 out of 247
  3. Negative: 8 out of 247

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  1. Tmz
    Jan 3, 2020
    9
    Sujo, brilhante e ousado
    White Stripes traz mais um álbum incrível, é tão estranho como o álbum é tão sujo e ao mesmo tempo tão polido
  2. Mccusky
    Mar 17, 2018
    10
    I hadn't really listened to The White Stripes for about ten years and I was a fan but didn't think they were particularly good songwriters but this album is on a whole other level to anything I have heard, the ear bleeding guitar is jaw dropping, riffs are ridiculously good! Its a beautiful sound and there are some classic songs, I would say its a classic rock album. Wow
  3. Rooniedoo
    Nov 7, 2015
    8
    Meg sounded like she was bored of drumming during most of this album, rag and bone and conquest were great songs, so was Icky Thump. The album is good, just Meg sounds like she's done with the band (Which, she was)
  4. alecvl08
    Oct 14, 2014
    6
    This album isn't a masterpiece, but it definitely has more character than some other White Stripes albums, so I'm ok with it. I just don't get The White Stripes' style at all. Favorite track: Catch Hell Blues
  5. Ricko
    Jun 28, 2012
    7
    Solid final album from the blues rock duo. It's not got any songs that are complete magic, which is not something you would say about the 3 records previous to this, and that is where it loses out. It's a consistent record, mostly full of bluesy rock, typical ofwhat we've come to expect from Jack and Meg White. Opener and title track Icky Thump is by far the most interesting thing on it -Solid final album from the blues rock duo. It's not got any songs that are complete magic, which is not something you would say about the 3 records previous to this, and that is where it loses out. It's a consistent record, mostly full of bluesy rock, typical ofwhat we've come to expect from Jack and Meg White. Opener and title track Icky Thump is by far the most interesting thing on it - and by White Stripes standards could be classed as experimental. After that they play it safe for the most part. Bone Broke is the other standout track for me. Not the worst record you'll hear but Jack White has put his name to far superior records.… Expand
  6. hydrawithears
    Nov 2, 2011
    8
    Now, this is my favourite album by The White Stripes. It has the harshness of Elephant but is also lovely in its oddness. The cover image showing Jack and Meg as Pearly King and Queen and the title (the correct spelling is â
  7. j30
    Sep 22, 2011
    6
    This might be my least favorite White Stripes album. You get the feeling they're losing their importance in rock music. There some good songs here and there, but nothing compares to their earlier work.
  8. jAbMaN
    Apr 13, 2011
    10
    I love the title of this album's song "Icky Thump". It kicks ass and The White Stripes are an awesome band. Too bad they broke up though.
  9. dude
    Oct 8, 2010
    9
    I think they are getting more danggoures each album....!!! and this one is just weird ,peculiar,brave and also unique & brilliant ......but some times i wish there was some place to settle down...i mean some country tracks or something...but because this is pretty awesome i dont mind...! i mean common this is Rock & Roll...!! what ells do you need...!? and if you dont compare it withI think they are getting more danggoures each album....!!! and this one is just weird ,peculiar,brave and also unique & brilliant ......but some times i wish there was some place to settle down...i mean some country tracks or something...but because this is pretty awesome i dont mind...! i mean common this is Rock & Roll...!! what ells do you need...!? and if you dont compare it with "elephant" you will see that it definitely has it`s own moments that dont let you down.… Expand
  10. KlausV
    May 27, 2008
    9
    Icky Thump may be the only album with any substance that's come out in recent history - beacuse of the songwriting. While most bands substitute good songs for clean musicianship and flashy reverb-filled solos, The White Stripes somehow have managed to be actual rockn'rollers in this absurd modern age of music.
  11. JonathanH
    Feb 15, 2008
    8
    Not their best, but damn it all if this album is not proof that throwing the "here, this is how to make an album" mentality out the window is a spectacular thing. There is no concern or worry whether or not mariachi trumpets and bizarro rock bagpipes will fit in the same album (let alone being seperated by one song). Rag and Bone is pure ballsy rock fun, and who else could title a Not their best, but damn it all if this album is not proof that throwing the "here, this is how to make an album" mentality out the window is a spectacular thing. There is no concern or worry whether or not mariachi trumpets and bizarro rock bagpipes will fit in the same album (let alone being seperated by one song). Rag and Bone is pure ballsy rock fun, and who else could title a Metallica-esque stomp "Little Cream Soda?" Very, very few people… Expand
  12. spencerp
    Feb 6, 2008
    10
    Best of the year...probably. The band's most consistent offering to date and the best guitar work you'll hear this side of LedZep IV. Less favourable reviews in a few places, probably because they've dropped the punk of Elephant in favour of a snarled, mashed up blues that fuses Page/Plant with elements of rap (Icky Thump), Beefhart/Waits(Rag and Bone) and loads more Best of the year...probably. The band's most consistent offering to date and the best guitar work you'll hear this side of LedZep IV. Less favourable reviews in a few places, probably because they've dropped the punk of Elephant in favour of a snarled, mashed up blues that fuses Page/Plant with elements of rap (Icky Thump), Beefhart/Waits(Rag and Bone) and loads more besides. Drop you preconceptions of what the band should be, open your ears, and marvel!… Expand
  13. Tyler
    Nov 19, 2007
    10
    Best album I've heard in 2007. Another great album from a great and original band.
  14. Oligami
    Sep 11, 2007
    6
    It's too much of a slightly above-average thing.
  15. DanielC.
    Aug 26, 2007
    10
    VERY highly recommended.
  16. MarekK
    Aug 24, 2007
    9
    Very good album to me. I'm not a rock fan, like more jazz stuff, but White Stripes' new album is very strong, even after two weeks listening. I also listened their older stuff and maybe I can understand some of negative comments here. This new album is really different sounding (but best album for me), I like how it lives, it rocks (but not in classical way - this is positive Very good album to me. I'm not a rock fan, like more jazz stuff, but White Stripes' new album is very strong, even after two weeks listening. I also listened their older stuff and maybe I can understand some of negative comments here. This new album is really different sounding (but best album for me), I like how it lives, it rocks (but not in classical way - this is positive aspect for me). And ... this simple drumming and clear quitar playing is exactly how it sounds good. Most 4-8 people rock bands just sound too messy, too oversounding, too nonnaturally ... White Stripes is simple, its streightforward ... but its not bad I think. Catch Hell Blues, Martyr For My Love For You and Rag and Bones are highlights, maybe Bone Broke is the weakest song here, also I think Conquest is halfly done - its not bad, but I feel, its weakly done. I listen very many styles and really think that White Stripes is not overrated. Maybe to serious rock fans it does just too different sounds.… Expand
  17. JamesH
    Aug 23, 2007
    9
    My favorite stripes album was De Stijl, mainly because I loved the guitar, songs like "Little Bird" even their cover of Son House's "Death Letter" was pretty crazy. But songs like "Bone Broke", "Catch Hell Blues", and "Little Cream Soda" made me love this album. I have trouble listening to it as a whole, like I could with some other albums, but it was worth my money.
  18. ToddW
    Aug 10, 2007
    9
    It cracks me up to read some of the Minicritic reviews concerning the newest offering from the White Stripes. People who appear to be ambivalent about their new offering still manage to find a way to attempt to write the Great American Record Review in its wake. I ashamedly admit to being one of those who, like a cliche hipster with an unearned yet large dose of self-importance, kept this It cracks me up to read some of the Minicritic reviews concerning the newest offering from the White Stripes. People who appear to be ambivalent about their new offering still manage to find a way to attempt to write the Great American Record Review in its wake. I ashamedly admit to being one of those who, like a cliche hipster with an unearned yet large dose of self-importance, kept this group at arm's length despite two fine albums in White Blood Cells and Elephant. Simply put, Icky Thump is one of the best guitar rock albums of this or any other year. The has-beens in Aeroshit, Immobile Stones, The Who(?), and Van Noiseland need to go to school on these two. Think about it, much of the music on this album is made by just TWO people, and it compares favorably with the best of any guitar rock of any era. If that alone is not enough to give you pause, well, put on your headphones and crank up your so-called classic rock which has been beat beyond dog food on the airwaves of our country. It and you have grown beyond tiresome to the rest of us. Mad props to Meg and Jack for playing anywhere and everywhere in an attempt to get their art before a persnickety public. Elementary classrooms, busses, fishing boats, it doesn't matter; there's not an icky bump in their road. May they keep on rockin'.… Expand
  19. BlakeT
    Aug 6, 2007
    9
    Possibly Their Best Accept it just lacks the variety of get behind me satan
  20. BrendanD
    Jul 31, 2007
    6
    If I have to hear one more person call Jack White a genius, I might have to puke. That being said, Jack White is a genius (barf). One listen to the way he deftly appropriates pesudo-Celtic music on "Prickly Thorn, Yet Sweetly Worn" and "St. Andrew" will leave you breathless, wishing you were surrounded by the Scottish Highlands or the Northern-Irish Giant's Causeway. The title track If I have to hear one more person call Jack White a genius, I might have to puke. That being said, Jack White is a genius (barf). One listen to the way he deftly appropriates pesudo-Celtic music on "Prickly Thorn, Yet Sweetly Worn" and "St. Andrew" will leave you breathless, wishing you were surrounded by the Scottish Highlands or the Northern-Irish Giant's Causeway. The title track is a fun romp through White's typically Zeppelin-meets-Dylan bluesy charade -- nothing new, nothing as deep as "Blue Orchid," but entertaining nonetheless. And "You Don't Know What Love Is" is the best non-freakout song the duo has done since "Hotel Yorba" off their third record. Those four tunes, plus the weird half-song/half-sketch "Rag and Bone," save the album from being a completely rehashed disaster. Seriously. If not for the Celt-inspired tunes in the middle of the record or the two "true" rock tunes that start it off, you'd be reading a very different review. The problem here isn't that the songs aren't any good on their own; they range from decent to brilliant, as I've said. But they don't form a cohesive record. What made "Get Behind Me Satan" work so well was that it committed to the freakout-country mode that Loretta Lynn put Jack into during the recording of "Van Lear Rose." "Elephant" worked because Jack just wanted to do Zeppelin. But on "Icky Thump," he never finds a cohesive message. Listen, for example, to "Conquest," and explain how you get from that to "Prickly Thorn" in a matter of two songs. That might work on the mixtape your little brother made for you before you went away to college because he was just throwing on everything that you might like to listen to on your drive from suburban Seattle to Berkeley; but in the midst of a single record, it seems more jarring for the sake of being jarring, as if Jack's just tossed on a bunch of ideas, rather than molding them into a cohesive work of art, as he's done so deftly before. "Icky Thump" is experimentation for experimentation's sake; and while that's a laudable goal, the end result is, unfortunately, the worst project with which Jack White has ever been associated.… Expand
  21. Sophie
    Jul 31, 2007
    10
    Great record - a lot of fun, some amazing tracks, and not a weak spot on the album. I definitely need to check out more of the White Stripes =)
  22. RyneS
    Jul 31, 2007
    10
    Unbelievable!!! Every song is good. A great guitar album with a bunch of songs capable of single material
  23. MikeD
    Jul 29, 2007
    9
    Terrific record. If it's not quite the stone classic that White Blood Cells or Elephant are, it's damn close. The greatness of this band lies in their complete sincerity and seemingly total lack of pretension in what they do. They're clearly not afraid to explore different styles of music. But more importantly, they understand that ultimately what matters is great songs, Terrific record. If it's not quite the stone classic that White Blood Cells or Elephant are, it's damn close. The greatness of this band lies in their complete sincerity and seemingly total lack of pretension in what they do. They're clearly not afraid to explore different styles of music. But more importantly, they understand that ultimately what matters is great songs, and if that means primarily the garage and blues rock that were used to from them, that's OK, too. Possibly the record of the year, so far.… Expand
  24. seand
    Jul 29, 2007
    8
    pretty damn good, more rockin than get behind me satan and a little weirder too, they have yet to disapoint
  25. ixata
    Jul 27, 2007
    9
    not as good as get me behind me satan but aa great album when it stands on its own
  26. aaronr
    Jul 27, 2007
    8
    Now with what most would consider 6 great albums,ranking lowest white blood cells which says a lot, the white stripes are zeppelin status in my book. (what did they do past physical graffiti of significance when one thinks about it?) thank you jack for keeping my interest in new music.
  27. DecepticonPom
    Jul 26, 2007
    8
    Thoroughly enjoyable, actually!
  28. Jorenv
    Jul 24, 2007
    10
    this is THE best album of the white stripes!! it just kicks ass!! the lyrics of the songs: conquest, about a player who becomes played by a girl, a martyr for my love about a boy who walks away from a girl because he knows he will hurt here! and so one!! all the songs kick ass, except the two Scottish songs. (sorry jack)
  29. JoshuwaeE
    Jul 22, 2007
    10
    Took me 3-4 listens - WOW I am SO hooked. Previous albums had great tracks - but this album is complete and has no 'shallow' spots. This album takes me on a great journey - an homage to emotion-driven rock music. My favorite overall album from the Stripes. My favorite track initially was Rag & Bone - but now everything else has now become my favorite "45 minute track!" Wow!
  30. JosephB.
    Jul 16, 2007
    10
    Great cd. Jack White is a throwback who's ahead of his time.
  31. EthanW.
    Jul 13, 2007
    10
    incredible. epic, experimental. this may be the next turn in music. they've made 5 excellent records, but who saw the next landmark in music history comeing?? best album released in my lifetime
  32. MarcoV.
    Jul 12, 2007
    9
    Anyone who rates this album lower than a 7 just doesn't get it.
  33. NikkiG
    Jul 11, 2007
    10
    What more can I say? Jack White delivers yet again! Though I miss the sounds of the old Stripes, I knew they would never sound the same after the Loretta Lynn album. Enjoyable! But I'm still left with the longing taste of what was the garage rock Stripes... but this will do, this will do.
  34. juans
    Jul 10, 2007
    8
    Although this is not the best album by the white stripes, is good enough to be the best release in the last months. i loved conquest and rag and bone, not to much prickly thorn, but sweetly worn
  35. WestonT.
    Jul 9, 2007
    10
    My wife has stated boldly that The White Stripes are the only band making REAL Rock 'n Roll anymore. While I disagree with that analysis (although I will not drag the other deserving musicians into this forum...) I must say that this album in no way makes me disagree with the fact that Jack and Meg rock, and rock hard. As for the bagpipes, I'm Scotch... it helps (explains how I My wife has stated boldly that The White Stripes are the only band making REAL Rock 'n Roll anymore. While I disagree with that analysis (although I will not drag the other deserving musicians into this forum...) I must say that this album in no way makes me disagree with the fact that Jack and Meg rock, and rock hard. As for the bagpipes, I'm Scotch... it helps (explains how I can listen to a lot of things actually.)… Expand
  36. gregc.
    Jul 9, 2007
    0
    probably the worst thing i have ever listened to. Jack white has one of the worst voices in music. Their is absolutley no flow or rhythm in this whole album. A bunch of crap is what this is
  37. ChrisZ.
    Jul 8, 2007
    9
    It's not 'De Stijl'. It's not 'White Blood Cells'. But its a damn good album nonetheless, and many of the tracks grow on you with time. The only song which to me is a 'throwaway' - take it or leave it- is 'You Don't Know What Love IS'.
  38. JohnR
    Jul 6, 2007
    4
    I'm obsessed all the way through to "Bone Broke," then I tune out for the bagpipe numbers, tune back in for "Rag and Bone," and then I rewind back to the start. "Effect and Cause" is the first Stripes song I truly hate: boring strummy blues and 100 hopelessly clever lines that all say the same thing. They set the bar too high with the last two albums I guess.
  39. IlyaR
    Jul 5, 2007
    9
    Another amazing effort. The fact that some reviews use the bagpipes as evidence of some sort of aimlessness is just evidence that there really is not much to criticize about this exciting, vibrant album.
  40. TyB
    Jul 4, 2007
    9
    Best album since Elephant. The only song I really don't like is "A Martyr for My Love for You". Other than that, great album.
  41. BobR
    Jul 1, 2007
    10
    this does remind me of the old White Stripes... except more polished (yet awesomely spontaneous) and experimental... luv it
  42. TristramC
    Jun 30, 2007
    7
    After chance taking proved ill-fated with GBMS the White Stripes return to what they know. There is an undercurrent of resignation in these songs as if they'd rather be more adventureous but are chained to their proficiency. Although they garish with Mexican flavorings in attempt to be topical Jack is the same boy you've always know and Icky Thump is the same steak and potatoes After chance taking proved ill-fated with GBMS the White Stripes return to what they know. There is an undercurrent of resignation in these songs as if they'd rather be more adventureous but are chained to their proficiency. Although they garish with Mexican flavorings in attempt to be topical Jack is the same boy you've always know and Icky Thump is the same steak and potatoes you've always loved with the parsley switched to guac & beans.… Expand
  43. DavidK.
    Jun 28, 2007
    5
    Honestly, interesting for the ears. Yes, rocking. Yes, weird, but not good weird. Kind of WTF weird. They strike me as a band in love with their sound, not their music. The 70s revival is quaint, but not relevant, and kind of tiring. Stick with something that has soul, like Cold War Kids. At least you know Cold War Kids loves their music and feels something deep that comes out in the Honestly, interesting for the ears. Yes, rocking. Yes, weird, but not good weird. Kind of WTF weird. They strike me as a band in love with their sound, not their music. The 70s revival is quaint, but not relevant, and kind of tiring. Stick with something that has soul, like Cold War Kids. At least you know Cold War Kids loves their music and feels something deep that comes out in the lyrics (try tracks 1,6 on Robbers & Cowards).… Expand
  44. JuliusH.
    Jun 26, 2007
    7
    Fairly uneven. Sounded great live, though.
  45. TimP
    Jun 26, 2007
    8
    A little more bold, a little more political, a little less passive. I loved this album from the word Icky and am happy to see that some bands can keep it together.
  46. CarlosC
    Jun 25, 2007
    10
    Simply put, if you do not like a White Stripes song, give yourself the benefit of the doubt that you are not a mindless fool and just listen to it again...
  47. SK
    Jun 25, 2007
    6
    After reading reviews of this album that said it sounded like the first White Stripes release, I was excited. After listening to this album I was disappointed. I CAN hear the early stuff in there, but unfortunately usually in a way that reminds me of songs that were better.
  48. tomD
    Jun 25, 2007
    4
    he still cant sing, she still cant play the drums beyond a beginner's level. their success seems due more to hype than talent. they were better off sticking to the stripped down sound without getting all progressive. this cd hurts my ears
  49. SeanP.
    Jun 25, 2007
    10
    Crazy and brilliant. Easier to listen to than Get Behind Me Satan, just as great.
  50. brennanf
    Jun 25, 2007
    10
    Probably not their best, but damn does it come close!
  51. JCCaird
    Jun 25, 2007
    0
    A truly diabolical album. No rhythm, no flow, lethargic and inept musicianship. Gone are the days when they could actually carry a tune - now it's just a dreadful mess getting a typically hyperbolic response.
  52. [Anonymous]
    Jun 25, 2007
    10
    Great Album
  53. JasonM
    Jun 24, 2007
    6
    Good, but not great. It seems to be all over the map musically, touching too many genres without really clicking on any of them. Still a generally enjoyable album, though somewhat disappointing.
  54. RyanK
    Jun 24, 2007
    10
    I think the critics are sorely underrating this album. It's the best rock album released this year, by far.
  55. TimaM
    Jun 23, 2007
    9
    This album is so fresh & nostalgic at the same time. Amazing!
  56. J
    Jun 23, 2007
    10
    Bliss.
  57. suetkafa
    Jun 23, 2007
    0
    worst album ever
  58. AaronD
    Jun 22, 2007
    9
    Really love the White Stripes so whatever, but I had some healthy skepticism with this album. Seems like the gig should be up, the act pushed as far as it goes, but here I am unable to look away once again. This band just builds a relationship with the listener, and every album is like falling in love again with someone you think is your type but not instanly familiar. Dont know how they Really love the White Stripes so whatever, but I had some healthy skepticism with this album. Seems like the gig should be up, the act pushed as far as it goes, but here I am unable to look away once again. This band just builds a relationship with the listener, and every album is like falling in love again with someone you think is your type but not instanly familiar. Dont know how they do it, but it works, it works very well.… Expand
  59. BrianL
    Jun 22, 2007
    8
    Bam!
  60. FrankG
    Jun 22, 2007
    10
    Great follow up after Satan and sets them up to do more "Satanish" work on their next album as well. They needed this album to keep the fans of "White Blood Cells" and "Elephant"
  61. MichaelW
    Jun 22, 2007
    10
    Whats with the one reviewer calling it prog rock. Guy has apparently never heard prog rock and prog rock is great anyway. Another great album by this band, maybe the best to date.
  62. JamesMusik
    Jun 22, 2007
    3
    i duno what it is about white stripes, i just cant stand their stuff... i think they are so over rated. i love alot of bands classed as "simular" to white stripes. but for some reason the white stripes fail to do it for me... or anything for that matter.
  63. Davie
    Jun 21, 2007
    9
    tubs of fun & energy.. what's not to like?
  64. Time
    Jun 21, 2007
    10
    Rolling Stone and Spin have become such douchebags. RS only gave them their INFAMOUS 3 and a half stars because they felt the Stripes hype was fading and Spin has needs to grow a pair. They've turned into Rolling Stone's bitch. This is one of the White Stripes very best.
  65. greg
    Jun 21, 2007
    8
    pretty damn good. the village voice review is sort of sad--an airing of the author's own issues rather than anything useful or interesting about the music.
  66. ErikV
    Jun 21, 2007
    8
    Good overall album but not great, probably their 3rd best offering behind Elephant, White Blood Cells, and right there with Get Behind Me Satan. Nice to see the band progress with new and experimental sound elements but it seems to lack the listening simplicity that made their previous albums great. Lyrically not as fulfilling as previous albums.
  67. DeepOne
    Jun 21, 2007
    10
    The album sounds very different from their previous releases. Still, it s the same old White Stripes to enjoy. Now it's not as much low-fi sound which made it an uneasy listen, but now it's more accessible and still raw at the same time. Great work
  68. JacobP
    Jun 21, 2007
    10
    To me this is their best album yet..........he has gone back to his amped up Son House/Blind Willie McTell style blues..........also adding a few surprises which he always does.....this is a solid listen straight through.........no weak spots imo......get you some!
  69. p
    Jun 21, 2007
    0
    YAWN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  70. Yep,Icky
    Jun 20, 2007
    3
    A surprisingly weak album. I've listened to it many times, and it just doesn't match up to previous efforts. Perhaps recommended for the hardest-core fans, but beyond that it's not got much to offer.
  71. JohnB
    Jun 20, 2007
    9
    Icky Thump is the White Stripes' most engaging album yet. "Prickly Thorn" is the most memorable song on the album for me and how could you listen to "Catch Hell Blues" and rate this album anything less than an 7? Everything about Icky Thump was well thought out and while a couple songs definitely seem less inspired than the rest, Jack has returned to reclaim his title as one of the Icky Thump is the White Stripes' most engaging album yet. "Prickly Thorn" is the most memorable song on the album for me and how could you listen to "Catch Hell Blues" and rate this album anything less than an 7? Everything about Icky Thump was well thought out and while a couple songs definitely seem less inspired than the rest, Jack has returned to reclaim his title as one of the great guitarists of today.… Expand
  72. MichaelE
    Jun 20, 2007
    7
    Surprisingly decent. A definite improvement on the last two albums, at least in terms of consistency. It's not as self-consciously wacky as any of the previous records, but that may actually be a bad thing - Icky Thump occasionally strays into normality. No matter what, as somebody once said to me: "The Stripes may be good or they may be bad, but at least they play ROCK AND ROLL." Surprisingly decent. A definite improvement on the last two albums, at least in terms of consistency. It's not as self-consciously wacky as any of the previous records, but that may actually be a bad thing - Icky Thump occasionally strays into normality. No matter what, as somebody once said to me: "The Stripes may be good or they may be bad, but at least they play ROCK AND ROLL." What other currently popular band does that?… Expand
  73. MatB
    Jun 20, 2007
    10
    Their second best record. Unusal, but still catchy, and smarter than it first appears.
  74. MattR
    Jun 20, 2007
    8
    The White Stripes prove again that rock is still alive
  75. JoeJ
    Jun 20, 2007
    9
    Good to hear the Stripes rocking again, they're consistently one of the best bands around.
  76. madsl
    Jun 20, 2007
    5
    the fact that this album has garnered such amounts of critical acclaim is a sheer mystery to me. The first two songs are great but none of the remaining material have something resembling melody..and the selfindulgent noodlings of mr. white is fast becoming rather tiresome!
  77. TylerG
    Jun 20, 2007
    9
    I really enjoy this CD a lot. The beat is really easy to get stuck into and the songs just sound very original. My favorite tracks would have to be Conquest, Rag and Bone and Bone Broke, although Icky Thump and 300 MPH Blues are also great tracks. The only gripe I have with this CD is that there are often softer, bluesy tracks that will for no rhyme or reason break into a squealing guitar I really enjoy this CD a lot. The beat is really easy to get stuck into and the songs just sound very original. My favorite tracks would have to be Conquest, Rag and Bone and Bone Broke, although Icky Thump and 300 MPH Blues are also great tracks. The only gripe I have with this CD is that there are often softer, bluesy tracks that will for no rhyme or reason break into a squealing guitar solo (300 MPH Blues is a good example of this). Also the bagpipes are a little unnecessary, but still okay by me. In fact the only track on this CD that I consider weak and is one I will be skipping over is St. Andrew, and even it isn't horrible. Overall this is just a really great, hard hitting CD from a great band. Definitely will be one of my favorites for the year, and maybe longer.… Expand
  78. fynnm
    Jun 19, 2007
    10
    the best and most diverse album i have heard in a long time. For those who dont think just listen to it a few times, front to back and then write your new review. Rock is alive and well and kicking ass and taking names
  79. BenB
    Jun 19, 2007
    10
    This album is fantastic
  80. JosephA
    Jun 19, 2007
    10
    Holy crap, this album is awesome. Plain and simple.
  81. jefframone
    Jun 19, 2007
    9
    Always sonically interesting, Jack White rarely disappoints. I certainly would not classify "Icky Thump" as a disappointment, but it just slightly misses the mark. But even his slight misses overshadow every crappy rock tune currently on the radio. It's good, but is it great? No. Is it interesting and original? For sure. Will I listen to it over and over again? Most definitely. Will Always sonically interesting, Jack White rarely disappoints. I certainly would not classify "Icky Thump" as a disappointment, but it just slightly misses the mark. But even his slight misses overshadow every crappy rock tune currently on the radio. It's good, but is it great? No. Is it interesting and original? For sure. Will I listen to it over and over again? Most definitely. Will it be as good as "Elephant" or "Get Behind Me Satan"? Nah. But it's still worth listening to.… Expand
  82. craigb
    Jun 19, 2007
    9
    How can a group be this good so long into their career ? Meg and Jack define all that SHOULD be great in music and put all those overproduced chart whoring wannabes to shame.Icky is brilliant ....listen and appreciate .
  83. nofsgrrl
    Jun 19, 2007
    9
    More lyrical than their other albums. This is Jack White's soul put on display for everyone to hear. I don't like the Conquest cover so much, but the other songs more than make up for it.
  84. DaveJ
    Jun 19, 2007
    7
    Listened to the album all week on the MTV website. I was slightly disappointed but the first 4 songs are great.
  85. ArikK
    Jun 19, 2007
    10
    Absolutely incredible. A return to a more bluesy sound while incorporating the eclectic elements of Get Behind Me Satan.
  86. MichaelS
    Jun 19, 2007
    9
    Best White Stripes Album since Distijl!! A huge sigh of relief after Get Behind Me Satan! Would have been a 10, but "Prickly Thorn" and "St. Andrews" didin't quite do it for me.
  87. JohnnyS
    Jun 19, 2007
    5
    Another overrated release from an overrated band.
  88. TomB
    Jun 19, 2007
    9
    Easily their most accomplished and fully realized sounding album to date. As always, the band delivers in spades. Not a single bad album to date...if you still don't respect them then you can eat it.
  89. timp
    Jun 19, 2007
    10
    fun and ferocious
  90. heinzh
    Jun 19, 2007
    10
    A brilliant album, the best white stripes Album even better than De Stijl and Elephant!
  91. Eric
    Jun 19, 2007
    10
    A brilliant album. Jack and Meg have outdone themselves again. Conquest, You Don't Know What Love Is (You Just do as Your Told), Icky Thump and Little Cream Soda are brilliant songs. Unlike most albums this one was worth the wait AND the hype.
  92. TomT
    Jun 19, 2007
    9
    Along with Fountains of Wayne, they are incapable of making bad albums.
  93. JoeB
    Jun 18, 2007
    10
    Simply awesome.
  94. BenJ
    Jun 18, 2007
    5
    not the return to form it's said to be, nor brilliantly fresh either. i was more irritated with the album than anything. the best of the stripes still remain locked in everything up through white blood cells.
  95. timm
    Jun 18, 2007
    10
    just f-in awesome. like always. f-in ridiculous.
  96. RobertK
    Jun 18, 2007
    10
    Jack White's "White Album." Brilliant ramshackle mess.
  97. jonahm.
    Jun 18, 2007
    9
    Very nice, feels like a showcase of all their previous albums. I highly recommend it.
  98. daveg
    Jun 18, 2007
    10
    these guys just keep proving how the best music often comes from not taking oneself too seriously.
  99. DanielA
    Jun 18, 2007
    10
    After 5 albums and still going strong. The stripes never fail to amaze me, I can't stop listening to this album, much like their other albums in the past. Pure White Stripes goodness.
  100. Dan
    Jun 17, 2007
    10
    Wow! What an album!!! My faiourite songs are; 'A Martyr for My Love for You,' 'Effect & Cause,' 'Rag Bone,' 'You don't know what love is,' '300 MPH' and 'I'm slowly turning into you.' The other tracks are gret too...!
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Awards & Rankings

51
#51 Best Album of 2007
18
#18 Most Discussed Album of 2007
47
#47 Most Shared Album of 2007

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 39 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 35 out of 39
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 39
  3. Negative: 1 out of 39
  1. Observer Music Monthly
    80
    This is a heavyweight album in every sense of the word.
    Read full review
  2. Drowned In Sound
    70
    This is by far The White Stripes’ most peculiar record.
    Read full review
  3. Uncut
    80
    A compellingly weird experience. [Jul 2007, p.92]
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