"Seven Nation Army" is one of The White Stripes' most iconic songs, and it's packed with interesting facts:
Simple Yet Powerful: The main riff in "Seven Nation Army" is arguably one of the most recognizable and enduring in rock music. It's a simple but highly effective guitar line played by Jack White using a semi-acoustic guitar. The song's simplicity is a testament to the band's ability to create powerful music with minimal elements.
Bass-Like Guitar: The iconic riff was played on Jack White's guitar through an octave pedal. This gives the guitar a deep, bass-like quality, which is a significant part of the song's distinctive sound.
No Bass Guitar: Despite the bass-like quality of the riff, there is no bass guitar in the song. The White Stripes were known for their minimalist approach to rock music, often consisting of just guitar, drums, and vocals.
Chart Success: "Seven Nation Army" was a massive commercial success. It reached number one on the Modern Rock Tracks chart and won a Grammy Award for Best Rock Song. The song's success helped catapult The White Stripes to international fame.
Influential Sports Anthem: The song's catchy riff has become a popular chant at sporting events around the world. Fans sing the riff's melody as a way to support their teams, and it's especially associated with soccer (football) fans in Europe.
Covered by Many: "Seven Nation Army" has been covered and adapted by numerous artists from various genres. It's been reimagined as a classical piece, a reggae track, and even a dubstep remix. This speaks to the song's enduring appeal and adaptability.
The Origin of the Title: The title "Seven Nation Army" has often been the subject of speculation and interpretation. Jack White has said that the title was inspired by his mispronunciation of "Salvation Army" as a child. The seven nations might be a metaphor for a powerful, unified force, which aligns with the song's themes of empowerment and strength.
Film and TV Appearances: The song has been featured in numerous films, TV shows, and commercials, further solidifying its place in pop culture. Notable appearances include "The Social Network," "I, Tonya," and the popular TV series "The Sopranos."
Covered by a Real Army: In 2010, a group of Italian soldiers stationed in Herat, Afghanistan, recorded a video of themselves performing "Seven Nation Army." The video went viral, and the band acknowledged it as a creative and unexpected tribute.
Album and Music Video: "Seven Nation Army" is from The White Stripes' fourth album, "Elephant," which was released in 2003. The music video for the song is also notable for its simplicity, featuring just red and white colors, which are the signature colors of the band.
The enduring popularity of "Seven Nation Army" continues to make it a celebrated rock anthem and a staple in the world of music.