On the 20th anniversary of the album's release, we reflect on what made The White Stripes 'Elephant' such an iconic and enduring piece of art.
On the 1st april 2003 The White Stripes’ released their fourth album, “Elephant”.
If I was to list my top five bands, The White Stripes are would be there, possibly topping that list, and although I would rank their album “De Stijl” as a personal highlight, “Elephant” was my introduction to the band. It marked a pivotal moment in the band’s career, propelling them to mainstream success and cemented their place in rock history.
Now, on the 20th anniversary of the album’s release, it’s worth reflecting on what made “Elephant” such an iconic and enduring piece of art.
Blues Roots
“Elephant” was a departure from the White Stripes’ previous work, which was raw, minimalist, and often experimental. This album was more polished and ambitious, featuring intricate arrangements, diverse instrumentation, and a wider range of influences.
But despite these changes, “Elephant” stayed true to the band’s core values: it was still rooted in blues and garage rock, it was still driven by Jack White’s electrifying guitar and Meg White’s primal drumming, and it was still full of energy, attitude, and raw emotion.
Jack WhiteI dabbled in things like Howlin’ Wolf, Cream and Led Zeppelin, but when i heard Son House and Robert Johnson, it blew my mind. It was something i’d been missing my whole life.
One of the defining characteristics of ‘Elephant’ is the band’s deep roots in blues music. Jack White has repeatedly cited blues artists such as Robert Johnson, Son House, and Lead Belly as major influences on his music.
He has also discussed the influence of Delta blues on the album, which is reflected in its raw, stripped-down sound.
The band are known for covering many definitive blues songs on previous recordings, notably ‘Death Letter’ by Son House and ‘Your Southern Can is Mine’ by Blind Willie McTell.
Certified Banger
The album’s lead single, “Seven Nation Army,” is arguably the most iconic song in the White Stripes’ catalogue. Its simple yet unforgettable riff, chanted chorus, and anthemic feel made it an instant classic, and it has since become a staple at sporting events, political rallies, and rock concerts around the world.
But “Seven Nation Army” is just the tip of the iceberg on “Elephant.”
The album is full of gems, from the hard-hitting opener “Black Math” to the haunting ballad “I Want to Be the Boy to Warm Your Mother’s Heart” to the rollicking “Girl, You Have No Faith in Medicine”.
My favourite track? Well, as you asked, it has to be “Ball and Biscuit”.
A classic example of The White Stripes’ signature blues-rock sound. The song follows the structure of traditional 12-bars blues, with Jack White’s guitar work being a highlight of the track.
Although never released as a single, the song has become a long-standing fan favourite and voted in a Rolling Stone Reader’s Poll to be the greatest Jack White Song by a landslide.
Musical Purist
One of the most striking things about “Elephant” is its production.
Jack White, who produced the album himself, experimented with a wide range of techniques and effects, from the fuzzed-out guitars and distorted vocals on “Black Math” to the stuttering drum beat and eerie feedback on “The Hardest Button to Button.”
During the recording and production process, they completely avoided using computers and used no equipment manufactured after 1963.
Jack WhiteOh, you have all the time in the world, you have all the money in the world, you have all the colors in the palette you want, anything you want,’ I mean, that just kills creativity.
The result is an album that sounds simultaneously modern and timeless, with a sonic palette that is both diverse and cohesive.
Elephants’ Legacy
Ultimately, what makes “Elephant” so special is the way it captures the White Stripes’ unique chemistry and charisma.
Jack and Meg White were always more than just a guitar-and-drum duo; they were a force of nature, a yin-and-yang partnership that created something greater than the sum of its parts.
On “Elephant,” they are at their most dynamic and magnetic, pushing each other to new heights of creativity and intensity.
In the two decades since its release, “Elephant” has only grown in stature and influence.
Critics have hailed it as one of the greatest rock albums of all time, and countless artists who have been inspired by the White Stripes’ raw, unfiltered approach to music-making can hear its impact in their work.
But beyond its critical acclaim and cultural significance, “Elephant” remains a thrilling and captivating listen, a testament to the power of rock and roll to electrify, challenge, and move us.
Author – Matthew Luker