As I mentioned a couple posts ago, Jack White released a video for Freedom at 21, and based on the lack of any sort of reaction, you’d think it never happened. I can’t be the only one who was completely blown to shreds by it… right?? Come on, music world… What gives??

First of all, this song is a rock and roll club banger. It’s got energy and attitude and makes you wanna kick someone in the face and sassy dance with them all at the same time. It feels like after hours at a hip-hop-country-western bar that would most likely fail its health inspection. Ladies, don’t sit on the toilet seat… I’m just saying.

This is all a product of the crazy, strong twangy beat that Jack white raps/sings over in a  tone of voice that’s begging you to try to step to him. Every line of this song could end with a mic drop and Jack throwing the deuces as he slings his guitar on his back and cowboy walks offstage.

In other great news, said beat is delivered by REAL INSTRUMENTS!!! With only a touch of computers… The cool thing about this, for a huge nerd like myself, is thinking about when White Stripes came out and were cutting edge for making music the old fashioned way with minimal technologies involved. On Freedom at 21, Jack seems to only be dipping into the modern age where he needs to, and the product is mind-scrambling-good.  I would argue that this song could get people moving and shaking as much as any Pitbull or Rihanna or LMFAO joint, and it was made by a group of musicians playing things. Am I cool enough to call a song a “joint?” Probably not.

Now onto the video. Things get kind of scandalous!! In another genres collide type move, Jack turned to Hype Williams to direct. There’s fast cars, a hot lady cop, even hotter lady prisoners, and Jack White trumping all of their hotness in a Johnny Depp costume. That said, the most x-rated thing about this video is Jack’s telecaster. It could beat any of the ladies in a wet t-shirt contest, which I wouldn’t recommend cause everyone would get electrocuted in the process. But it really stands out. It’s all about the guitar.

Music videos are one of my favorite modes of artistic expression, and I’m a big fan of experimenting with the genre. I loved the Lego Seven Nation Army clip and when the Black Keys dressed up like deranged stuffed animals for Gold on the Ceiling. That said, I can also appreciate a straightforward narrative that is shot well and fun to look at, which is what Hype Williams delivered. A little pop never hurt anybody.

So for your reconsideration, watch Freedom at 21. Like now please. It’d be fun to have someone to talk with about it. I guarantee you’ll be as jazzed as I am.