72. In The Cold, Cold Night – The White Stripes

If you are anything like me, then you may find it strange that out of all the songs released by The White Stripes in this decade (which, mind you, is where the majority of their music was released), that I picked one of the very few songs in which Jack White does not sing. Yes, I picked one of the few songs in which Meg White is the singer, and frankly, it is something she should do more often.

I have always admired Meg White for a few reasons. Namely the fact that she has been able to make a name for herself as a competent drummer in the music business which, let’s face it, is essentially a man’s world. Then of course, her voice. For one of the shyest and (in my opinion) one of the most attractive musicians out there, she manages to utilise her voice in this song to a level not seen before. Her voice perfectly suits the song and the bridge of the song features her voice reaching an unthought of level of brilliance.

The song itself is utterly simple. Just a couple of chords which repeat before a bridge which is still essentially the same thing, just with Meg White’s drumming. But I chose this song only because of the atmosphere it has. I believe it’s much better and much more ‘rock’ than any of the other White Stripes songs, and frankly I think this song should be more well known.

Close Competitors

Seven Nation Army

I’ll bet that the second you saw that it said ‘The White Stripes’, you instantly assumed I had chosen this song. Well, no. While I do admit it’s an amazing song, it’s become far too cliched now. I know that’s a terrible reason not to include the song, but I do prefer In The Cold, Cold Night anyway. Most people would have discovered The White Stripes thanks to this song, and what a song to come in on! It has THAT riff and Jack White’s signature vocals. This song has it all!

Fell In Love With A Girl

In the second that you press play for the first time, you have no idea what you are about to unleash upon yourself. Jack White’s barking vocals, an atomic blast of a song that is gone within the blink of an eye and the beyond simple 4 chord guitar riff. It’s short, it’s abrupt, but oh my word is it a great song!

We’re Going To Be Friends

Childhood innocence. It’s essentially the inner monologue of a young child going to school and the simplicity of the child’s mind. It’s a short sweet song that shows how emotional Jack White’s guitar playing and lyric writing can be without becoming too saccharine. It’s a pretty song, which unfortunately not well known. But thanks to Conan O’Brien’s friendship with the band and their appearance on his last ‘Late Night with…‘ show, this song has gained new fans.

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