White Blood Cells is the third release from this influential alternative rock duo. Having enjoyed their follow up, Elephant, I decided that this one would be a solid choice. The album is a whirlwind trip of 16 tracks in just over forty minutes. As a result, I will be reviewing it in terms of music, lyrics, and concept, rather than track by track. This will allow me to give a better overall impression of the album.
The album begins with a brief pause before crashing into the old school, garage band rock that makes up the foundation for the band’s hallmark sound. As this is their third release, the group is already well versed in this DIY alternative style. Few things are as satisfying as hearing a solid rock group at the top of their game, which is exactly what White Blood Cells is. Unlike other groups in this genre such as The Strokes, I enjoy The White Stripes particular brand of stripped down, bare bones rock. The primary question is whether or not their sound is unique and innovative enough to be considered something distinctly new. This is the chief criterion that separates respectable albums from classic ones. When the album’s age (ten years and counting) and historical context are taken in to account, White Blood Cells falls solidly into the latter category. The White Stripes were pioneers in a garage rock renaissance that swept the rock scene at the turn of the century. Indeed, groups such as Cage The Elephant, Artic Monkeys, and even The Strokes are much indebted to the Stripes in terms of sound and style not to mention attitude. What makes White Blood Cells even better is that it captures The Stripes at their peak. The result is a concise album consisting of fast paced, well written songs that pack one punch after the and refuses to let up. Just as one outstanding track hits you, another excellent number follows it giving no time in between for a breath to be caught. In fact, the pace is so fast, it sometimes becomes difficult to find enough time to digest or reflect on a particular song before the subsequent one takes it’s place. One criticism I would make is that the album does tend to get a bit redundant and repetitive especially into the second half. Also, there are times when it sounds a little too simple to provide substantial interest. These moments and/or songs are few and far between however. Most of the album is a head spinning trip of diversity spanning form the acoustic, elementary play of “We’re Going to be Friends” to the hard rock thrash of “Aluminum”. The level of immense musical variety only makes an already fantastic album that much better!
As solid as the music is on this album, the lyrics stand up on their own accord. Throughout the album they vary from the straightforward to the ambiguous. “I Can Learn” for example is a candid, nostalgic look at the innocence of young love. “The Union Forever” however, contains lyrics that are more open to interpretation. Then there are songs like “This Protector” which sound so esoteric the listener has no clear idea of the subject matter. There is also a contrast in the style/emotion of the lyrics on this album with some songs coming off as dark and sinister and others warmly childlike. In this regard, the White Stripes display a penchant for diversity not only musically but lyrically as well. It should be noted that the album art for this work is admirable as well. Utilizing their by now iconic black, white, and red imagery; the cover portrays the feelings of a group now trapped under the microscope of public and professional scrutiny. The booklet art is solid as well, depicting a variety of different artistic images composed of different media, some more easily discernable than others.
This is a fantastic album from concept to art to lyrics as well as the music itself. Blossoming around the turn of the 21st century, this group was essential to the 60’s garage rock revival that took hold of the music industry and the public eye. Unlike their peers however, The White Stripes have the total package including visuals and conceptual meaning. Even so, they never loose sight of what’s most important. At the heart of their artistic concept is their ability to craft well-written songs. When all is said and done, this is the most important criterion. It is at the heart of what makes any album from Rubber Soul to Rumours so fantastic. And it is exactly what makes this album so outstanding. Above all, White Blood Cells is a collection of solid, admirably crafted songs.
