How does it compare to the artist's other releases
Good
Value for Money
Advantages:
great variety of songs
Disadvantages:
not their best
Recommend to potential buyers:
yes
Full review
Despite their reputation as garage rock revivalists, the White Stripes display an impressive range of styles on their second album, De Stijl, which is Dutch for "the style." Perhaps the album's diversity -- which incorporates elements of bubblegum, cabaret, blues, and classic rock -- shouldn't come as a surprise from a band that dedicates its album to bluesman Blind Willie McTell and Dutch artist Gerrit Rietveld. Nevertheless, it's refreshing to hear the band go from the Tommy James-style pop of "You're Pretty Good Looking" to the garagey stomp of "Hello Operator" in a one-two punch. It's even more impressive that the theatrical, piano-driven ballad "Apple Blossom" and a cover of Son House's "Death Letter" go so well together on the same album. Jack White's understated production work and versatile guitar playing and vocals also stand out on the languid, fuzzy "Sister, Do You Know My Name?" as well as insistent rockers like "Little Bird" and "Why Can't You Be Nicer to Me?" As distinctive as it is diverse, De Stijl blends the Stripes' arty leanings with enough rock muscle to back up the band's ambitions.
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How does it rate alongside the competition
Outstanding
Cover / Inlay Design and Content
Satisfactory
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De Stijl -
Don't be mistaken by the modernist cover and obscure title, The White Stripes'De
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Stijlcertainly doesn't deal in the abstract. Primarily interested in the raw, passionate sounds of the blues (cited influences include legendary guitarists Robert Johnson ...
