Under Great White Northern Lights [Live]
by The White Stripes
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 16 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 16
  3. Negative: 0 out of 16
  1. The Guardian
    60
    They're a great loud band, but apart from some bagpipes before Let's Shake Hands, there's little new or particularly interesting here.
  2. No Ripcord
    60
    Ultimately, like many live albums before them and certainly after them, it's just okay. It succeeds in capturing a performance that is an apt representation of the band and is largely an aural pleasure, yet you never really shake the fruitless nature of the album.
  3. Under The Radar
    60
    As part filler, part last-band-standing victory lap. Under Great White Northern Lights is a worthwhile addition to The Stripes' discography. [Spring 2010, p.71]
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  5. Uncut
    60
    The combo of an unadventurous set-list and cutting between several different shows makes Under Great White Northern Lights an oddly detached experience. [Jun 2010, p.111]
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  6. Austin Chronicle
    50
    The sold-separately CD soundtrack reiterates that point, capturing the pair's post-millennium blues, from the scat-rap, tornado groove of "Icky Thump" and electric mandolin haunt "Little Ghost" to the proto-punk, Maximum R&B of "Let's Shake Hands."

User Reviews

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User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 26 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 26
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 26
  3. Negative: 1 out of 26
  1. TheWhiteStripes
    Sep 7, 2011
    10
    Some of the best solos of all time are in this album! Now that I own every one of The White Stripes' albums I will certainly cherish this bandSome of the best solos of all time are in this album! Now that I own every one of The White Stripes' albums I will certainly cherish this band and their arts to the day I die!… Full Review »
  2. CPD
    Feb 12, 2011
    9
    Truly gives great insight into the operations of the band, both before, during, and after shows. It's great to see a band not just do a showTruly gives great insight into the operations of the band, both before, during, and after shows. It's great to see a band not just do a show and then leave, and I promise that you will gain a lot more respect for The White Stripes, whether you love them or you hate them, after watching what they do in this film.… Full Review »
  3. CodyT
    Mar 18, 2010
    6
    BRILLIANT live documentation of the Stripes. However, as a standalone live album this isn't their finest hour. Plenty of other live BRILLIANT live documentation of the Stripes. However, as a standalone live album this isn't their finest hour. Plenty of other live shows of theirs, well known bootlegs among diehard fans, offer more than this mixed bag does. You;re better off downloading the Orpheum 2004 performance or even the Glastonbury 2005 show.… Full Review »
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