ARMY OF TWO MAKE MODERN CLASSIC

By: B

The new White Stripes CD, Elephant, is simply impossible to ignore. Go ahead and try it. From the first track, the driving “Seven Nation Army,” this is an album that commands your attention.

The follow-up to 2001's White Blood Cells was recorded in just two weeks in a London studio. What has emerged from the hurried studio time is a track list of 14 raw, gutsy songs that highlight the Stripes' unique sound. The ex-husband-and-wife added many new sounds and instruments to this album, giving it many more layers and depth than their last CDs.

The new album is definitely as raw as their other albums, but the music has moved on from their earlier releases. Jack White's excellent guitar skills are shown off more, especially in track number two, “Black Math.” His vocals are also much more stretched and guttural, which results in a more passionate sound.

The lyrics range from poetical to postmodern. There are a few simple tracks, such as “It's True That We Love One Another” and “I Want To Be the Boy...” with easy riffs and likable, understandable lyrics. These tracks let the listener know that the White Stripes can make quality music in any genre that they want. On the other hand, they may detract from the general raw, angry feel of the album. Either way, they are strong tracks.

“It's True That We Love We Love One Another” is a fun, folksy end to the CD, with Jack singing to another woman, Holly, and Meg White chiming in with her thoughts on Jack. It's a unique end to an already-unique album.

This is by and large a blues album. “Ball and Biscuit” is a wonderful, dark, seven-minute blues track, and “In the Cold, Cold Night,” sung by Meg, sounds like the garage version of Madonna's “Fever,” only a lot better. Besides a few of the acoustic numbers, every track is rooted in the basics of blues rock. Driving beats and pounding guitar licks make up most of the album, which is appealing without using any formulas.

The best part about this album, and the reason it may go down as a modern classic, is the idea that the White Stripes have found their own, original sound. There aren't any of the basic verse one-chorus-verse two-chorus-repeat-fade out, cookie-cutter songs on this album. The songs build on one another and add to the mood. I play “Ball and Biscuit” so loud, I fear for my eardrums. If I were to lose my hearing, however, this would be song to lose it to.

Elephant is not an album for kids, and not an album for first-time, casual music listeners. This is an album for music lovers, people who can appreciate originality and depth. This isn't an album with 14 singles. It's simply one complete CD. However, the riffs are distinct enough to be accessible to a large number of listeners. This is not just a CD for hard rockers; it's for anyone who loves an original sound.

The latest from the White Stripes is a masterpiece, filled with hard riffs, passion, and a dark, raw blues sound that can be found on no other album but this one. They made an album that is much better than their last, and arguably much better than anything else around.

POP RATING: 8.9

CRITICAL RATING: 9.8

B'S RATING: 9.3

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