The White Stripes split in early 2011 after being together for 14 years, and devoted fans everywhere were devastated. However, Jack is back with his debut solo album, which is appropriately named Blunderbuss, after a stealthy shotgun.
The album was released on April 24, though a live stream was made available online the previous week. The songs will indeed give listeners a feeling of excitement: tracks like “Missing Pieces” and “Sixteen Saltines,” ring true to his old work, giving off groovy jams on the bass and enthusiastic vocals. A good deal of time was obviously spent on the record.
Rolling Stone Magazine says, “White has the Midwest con-man reserve of Draper, along with the flamboyant-yet-unknowable flash of Jagger,” and has given the album 4.5 out of 5 stars. The singer certainly channels some strong emotions in songs like “Freedom at 21,” singing about “wounds” inflicted by his ex-wife.
Longtime fan of the White Stripes Christopher Bott says, “The album made me so incredibly happy. Listening to Jack again feels nice. It reminds me of the Elephant album by the White Stripes and it brought back a lot of good memories.”
Songs like “On and On and On,” or extra emotional “I’m Weepin” stand out from the rest of the tracks as more soulful. “Hip (Eponymous) Poor Boy” is a playful tune and is a great song to listen to after a breakup. The song “Hypocritical Kiss” gives off a piano pop feel, and caters to all music lovers. White made sure to infuse the songs with some good old Tennessee classics: the fiddle and the mandolin can be heard throughout.
Most of the songs stick to the familiar style to please his old fan base but are just daring enough to attract new listeners. Jack White is one artist who is not afraid to put everything on the line; his lyrics are especially personal and most fans will be able to relate.
Although the album does not contain many of White’s usual jaw-dropping guitar riffs that will shatter your ears, the instrumentals are a nice mix between an old school funk and a 70s classic feel. It’s safe to say that Jack White has definitely earned his ‘solo stripes.’