The White Stripes’ sixth and final studio album, Icky Thump, was released on this day June 15th back in 2007 via Warner Bros. & Third Man Records. It was initially released in Germany followed by the rest of Europe on June 18th. The album was released to the rest of the world, including the United States on June 19th. Icky Thump was a commercial success, reaching number two on the Billboard 200 chart. It sold over 500,000 copies in the United States.
Notably, the album was a return to the garage rock sound of the band’s early albums, after their previous album, Get Behind Me Satan, had experimented with a more subdued sound. The album’s title track, “Icky Thump”, was released as the lead single, and became the band’s only Top 40 single on the Billboard Hot 100.
The album was a critical success. Many critics praised its raw energy and White’s songwriting. Rolling Stone gave the album a four-star review, calling it “a triumphant return to form” and “the White Stripes’ best album since Elephant.” T he album won Grammy Awards for Best Alternative Album & Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with a vocal.
The White Stripes were an American rock duo formed in Detroit, Michigan in 1997. The band consisted of Jack White (guitar, vocals) and Meg White (drums, vocals). The White Stripes were one of the most successful rock bands of the 2000s. They are considered to be one of the most influential rock bands of their generation.
Icky Thump was The White Stripes’ final studio album with the band announcing their breakup in February 2011. Jack White has since pursued a successful solo career and released albums with bands The Raconteurs and The Dead Weather, while Meg White has retired from music.
Icky Thump (track listing):
Icky Thump
You Don’t Know What Love Is (You Just Do as You’re Told)
300 M.P.H. Torrential Outpour Blues
Conquest
Bone Broke
Prickly Thorn, but Sweetly Worn
St. Andrew (The Battle is in the Air)
Little Cream Soda
Rag and Bone
I’m Slowly Turning into You
A Martyr for My Love for You
Catch Hell Blues
Effect & Cause
Tune in to my show today at 3pm to hear a spin of “Icky Thump” on ‘MMR!
P.S. – Dear Jack, We love you and your music here in Philadelphia! Next time you hit the road on a solo tour, PLEASE come see us here in Philly, we miss you!
LOS ANGELES, CA – JUNE 20: Meg White (L) and Jack White of The White Stripes perform at the “Icky Thump Record Store” on June 20, 2007 in Los Angeles, California.