Icky Thump - The White Stripes

Raw and raucous rock for adventurous teens.

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Common Sense rates it
4
Heard the music? Review it
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Music details
  • Artist(s): The White Stripes
  • Genre: Alternative Rock
  • Label: Warner Brothers
  • Parental Advisory: No
  • Edited Version: No
  • Release Date: 06/07/2007

Parents need to know

Parents need to know that there's nothing objectionable here, though the lyrics tend toward the vivid and caustic ("I can't help but wonder if after I'm gone will I still have these 300-mile-per-hour, finger-breaking, no answers makin', battered dirty hands, bee stung and busted up, empty cup torrential outpour blues"). The CD is an eclectic mix of musical styles that can be melodic, melodramatic, and manic -- sometimes all at the same time.

Families can talk about how original and different these songs are from what other popular bands typically produce and why it's good to step outside of the box. Try to name other artists who have pushed the musical envelope and still found fans. Families can also discuss how artists can make powerful albums without iffy content. Does it make it more powerful to skip the sexual references or harsh language? Why or why not?

Message

Social Behavior:

The band's tendency to be musically unique makes it clear that they're comfortable being themselves and don't conform to what others expect.

Consumerism:

Drugs/Alcohol/Tobacco:

One reference to "sittin' drunk on a wagon to Mexico" in title track.

Violence

Sex

One metaphorical reference to pimp and prostitute and one subtle reference to orgasms ("I even love it when you're faking it").

Language

Common Sense says

What's the story?

Reviewed by Conny Coon

As always, The White Stripes steer clear of highly produced albums with their sixth studio album, ICKY THUMP. To an unfamiliar listener, this album may feel like an assault on the ears. But remember, this is Jack White and Meg White -- the Detroit-bred duo who shun the rules of rock and embrace their eclectic-ness. They deliver heaps of raw energy and quirky combinations of sounds. You won't find anything objectionable in the lyrics, and you'll most likely find (and feel) -- a good deal of passion for the music.

Is it any good?

4
Musically, Icky Thump runs the gamut, taking listeners on a stylistic trip through genre after genre, with sounds reminiscent of Led Zeppelin, Elvis Presley, old Irish ballads, and Spanish mariachis. Jack's voice is as much an instrument as his guitars; Meg rocks on the drums and brings out the occasional bagpipes and trumpet. The lyrics move from real and raw to poetic and pure, and even though there isn't always a logical narrative to follow, there's always a clever line or musical surprise just around the corner.

Other choices

White Blood Cells
Get Behind Me, Satan

Broken Boy Soldiers
by the Raconteurs (Jack White's other band)
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Parents and kids say

All Reviews

There are 6 reviews.

3


Posted on 11/26/07 by markscarmeld Kid contributor, age 15

it's not as 'unique' as people claim it is

in this release, the white stripes touch base with a lot of genres without actually innovating anything. shuffle (rag & bone), gospel (i'm slowly turning into you), metal (little cream soda), blues (icky thump), folk (prickly thorn), hard rock (catch hell blues) are displayed, but in reality only show one color of the band; being referential and not unique. the highlights on this album include the warlike 'you don't know what love is', the beatlesque 'effect and cause', and the power ballad 'a martyr for my love for you'. unfortunately, the remainder of the album consists of novelty filler, pointlessness, and odes to queen and led zeppelin. in the end, all the whites stripes have a knack for is simplistic indie-pop and trying to sound like the royal trux, who, a decade before them, were more innovative, passionate, and competent than they could ever dream to be.
5


Posted on 08/14/07 by BethStump Kid contributor, age 12
4


Posted on 08/04/07 by clules_13 Adult contributor

We love it

We love this album. My 6 year old actually carries it around in his Dora CD player and sings into the microphone. And it's perfect for our family band!!! There are two of them and three of us so there's a job for each family member
5


Posted on 07/27/07 by stripesfan Kid contributor, age 11
5

Posted on 07/08/07 by Anonymous Kid contributor, age 12

A must-read book for every 8 year old

great album voice got better and it is pretty good
5

Posted on 07/05/07 by Anonymous Kid contributor, age 17

I love the White Stripes!

If you love The White Stripes then this is perfect...

Adult Reviews

There are 1 reviews.

4


Posted on 08/04/07 by clules_13 Adult contributor

We love it

We love this album. My 6 year old actually carries it around in his Dora CD player and sings into the microphone. And it's perfect for our family band!!! There are two of them and three of us so there's a job for each family member

Kids Reviews

There are 5 reviews.

3


Posted on 11/26/07 by markscarmeld Kid contributor, age 15

it's not as 'unique' as people claim it is

in this release, the white stripes touch base with a lot of genres without actually innovating anything. shuffle (rag & bone), gospel (i'm slowly turning into you), metal (little cream soda), blues (icky thump), folk (prickly thorn), hard rock (catch hell blues) are displayed, but in reality only show one color of the band; being referential and not unique. the highlights on this album include the warlike 'you don't know what love is', the beatlesque 'effect and cause', and the power ballad 'a martyr for my love for you'. unfortunately, the remainder of the album consists of novelty filler, pointlessness, and odes to queen and led zeppelin. in the end, all the whites stripes have a knack for is simplistic indie-pop and trying to sound like the royal trux, who, a decade before them, were more innovative, passionate, and competent than they could ever dream to be.
5


Posted on 08/14/07 by BethStump Kid contributor, age 12
5


Posted on 07/27/07 by stripesfan Kid contributor, age 11
5

Posted on 07/08/07 by Anonymous Kid contributor, age 12

A must-read book for every 8 year old

great album voice got better and it is pretty good
5

Posted on 07/05/07 by Anonymous Kid contributor, age 17

I love the White Stripes!

If you love The White Stripes then this is perfect...

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