The White Stripes apparently have broken up earlier this month, in a very quiet fashion. I guess the quietness surrounding the news of their breakup isn’t much of a shock since they never were that extremely popular a band. More people know OF them, but not many ever truly followed their career when compared to other rock bands in the same era. I however loved the duo, right up to their last album. Jack White is one of the greatest guitarists in the history of music, as he is able to create so much magnificent music with just one guitar and a drummer that has a very minimalist style. He can make White Stripes sound like two full-length bands playing at the same time by will.
White Stripes easily ranks as one of the best rock acts of the new millennium, as there is a major shortage of good rock out there right now. This article is now about them, as I count down their greatest songs throughout their all-too-short career.
Special Mention:
~In the Cold, Cold, Night
~Seven Nation Army
~Icky Thump (Their most successful song)
#7: Blue Orchid
I know the White Stripes prefer things in threes, but there are way too many good songs from them to narrow the list to a mere triplet. The first song on our countdown has a much distorted sound, a very distorted pace, and a heavy garage rock riff. But it flows beautifully thanks to great drumming, amazing guitar work, and an edgy attitude to the entire production.
#6: Dead Leaves and the Dirty Ground
Part of the appeal of White Stripes is their ability to crank out a good song with simple melodies, simple riffs, and simple drum lines. This song is perhaps the best example of their talent in simplicity, as there is nothing outstandingly talented about the tune—its just a wicked fun song to listen to.
#5: Fell in Love With a Girl
The song is less than two minutes long, but the energy streaming from the guitars and drums can last a lifetime. Accompanied by a great music video, this song put the duo on the map thanks to its fast pace, out-of-the-ordinary sound, and heavy aura of garage rock that you just don’t hear enough of nowadays.
#4: I Just Don’t Know What to do With Myself
In perhaps Jack White’s best vocal performance, this song is mighty sad, and mighty short, and mighty good. The song contains multiple slow build-ups, and they are all followed by multiple musical explosions of guitars, drums, and sadness. Makes for a great Valentine’s Day song.
#3: Black Math
Perhaps the least-recognized song on my list, Black Math is purely a guitar song. This incredible display of six-string goes through multiple speeds, multiple sounds, and is bridged together by an excellent breakdown and guitar solo. Oh, and did I mention it kicks more arse than any metal song you can come up with within the last decade?
#2: We are going to be Friends
The ONLY good thing about Napoleon Dynamite was this song. Repeat, ONLY thing. This song is childhood innocence, childhood love, and childhood nostalgia wrapped into one. The guitar this time was tuned down and even simpler than usual—and the toned-down production works like a beautiful charm. Find me a flaw in this song, and I will correct you.
#1: The Hardest Button to Button
Technically perfect. Artistically perfect. Perfect riff. Perfect blending of drums and guitar. This song is very simple, and yet extremely catchy, extremely entertaining, and the very best reason why the White Stripes are one of my favorite artists within the past two decades. I know I won’t have many people agree with me here, but this personally is one of my all-time favorite songs.
White Stripes, you will be missed.
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