Elephant

Contrary to popular belief, the White Stripes aren’t here to save rock’n’roll. They’re just here to remind us how fucking powerful it can be when it’s done right. The Detroit duo’s fourth album is a raw celebration of simplicity, charged by brawny guitar riffs, primal drumming, and enough blood and guts to make a butcher blanch. With its stuttering loud-soft dynamic, “There’s No Home for You Here” puts a stoner twist on mid-’60s garage rock, while furious guitar solos rip through “Ball and Biscuit,” making lead singer Jack White sound like Muddy Waters mixed with the Stooges, filtered through a beat-up amp. Pianos and organs pop in from time to time to freshen up their guitar-drums formula, while the acoustic closer, “It’s True That We Love One Another,” flaunts a playful streak. The Stripes don’t wanna reinvent the wheel…they just wanna take it for a joyride.