Get Behind Me Satan
by The White Stripes
  • Record Label: V2 / XL
  • Release Date: Jun 7, 2005
User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 283 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 242 out of 283
  2. Mixed: 22 out of 283
  3. Negative: 19 out of 283

Review this album

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. ElizaB
    Jun 14, 2005
    10
    This is an infectious collection of songs. The brilliance is in the subtleties and the ability of this album to grow on you more and more with each and every listen. The Stripes have mastered a stunning album. All are highlights, blinding highlights are Forever for Her, Ugly As I Seem, I'm Lonely, My Doorbell and Red Rain.
  2. NeilP
    Jun 14, 2005
    9
    A great new sound for the white stripes. But i do sort of miss the elephant sound.
  3. DeanM
    Jun 13, 2005
    5
    Derivative, needs more work...Sloppy CD overall. Lacks the energy of the other cd's with the exception of a couple tracks. Boo...
  4. PeterT
    Jun 13, 2005
    10
    It took a few listens, but I now think this album is even better than "Elephant". You will be disappointed if you're expecting another "Seven Nation Army" or "Ball and Biscuit", but this album is greater than the sum of its individual tracks. Where Elephant kind of faded out in it's second half, "Satan" continues to surprise and engage your interest until the mighty climax of It took a few listens, but I now think this album is even better than "Elephant". You will be disappointed if you're expecting another "Seven Nation Army" or "Ball and Biscuit", but this album is greater than the sum of its individual tracks. Where Elephant kind of faded out in it's second half, "Satan" continues to surprise and engage your interest until the mighty climax of "I'm Lonely (but I ain't that lonely yet)". In case you didn't already know it, this album proves that Jack White is a f**king genius.… Expand
  5. MaggieC
    Jun 13, 2005
    10
    This album is AWESOME! Very different but listen through a couple times and it will blow your mind, as good as Elephant.
  6. [Anonymous]
    Jun 12, 2005
    10
    This might be the best White Stripes album.
  7. cjmarke
    Jun 12, 2005
    3
    Really like the band, waited patiently for this album, feel let down. It just isn''t as listeneable as the past two records.
  8. DaveF
    Jun 11, 2005
    9
    The best Stripes yet. Their previous work was overrated; if mixed bags like Elephant can get 5 stars from Rolling Stone, Spoon's Kill the Moonlight deserved 7! Far from a half-assed work, most of GBMS is plain-and-simply brilliant. It's hampered (or helped, depending on one's 'indie' pretensions) by the analog equipment. The songs are so strong, it's a shame The best Stripes yet. Their previous work was overrated; if mixed bags like Elephant can get 5 stars from Rolling Stone, Spoon's Kill the Moonlight deserved 7! Far from a half-assed work, most of GBMS is plain-and-simply brilliant. It's hampered (or helped, depending on one's 'indie' pretensions) by the analog equipment. The songs are so strong, it's a shame that the production muffles them rather than bringing them out in full color. The Stripes are stars now… Expand
  9. KellyW
    Jun 11, 2005
    10
    An amazing record that is, quite simply, the best album of the year.
  10. RichardH
    Jun 10, 2005
    9
    The best thing i can say about this album is it isnt Elephant 2. Jack White is smart to know you cant top perfection but you can go around it.
  11. Nikkis
    Jun 10, 2005
    10
    This cd proves that Jack White is honestly a genius, he never fails to please and excite his fans. His lyrics and his wide range of instrument use is completely unexpected and suprisingly brilliant, and Meg has proven to compliment Jack perfectly. Never underestimate the stripes ever!
  12. BernieB
    Jun 10, 2005
    2
    The White Stripes have over-reached well beyond their capacity on this record. They have previously excelled at making simple, pared-down, blues-rock--copping a variety of moves from throughout blues history and running with it. Completely unoriginal, but they made some good records (De Stijl stands out). However, Jack is by no means a genious (a great imitator, at best), and Meg is a The White Stripes have over-reached well beyond their capacity on this record. They have previously excelled at making simple, pared-down, blues-rock--copping a variety of moves from throughout blues history and running with it. Completely unoriginal, but they made some good records (De Stijl stands out). However, Jack is by no means a genious (a great imitator, at best), and Meg is a barely serviceable drummer (even in the Moe Tucker school), and as a result, they released four samey-sounding discs steeped in influences and tradition (albeit fairly decent ones). Now, Jack's ego fueled by acclaim, they reach, reach, reach, but grab nothing. Jacks voice is grating, the arrangements are rushed, songs seem unfinished, and the charming levity that the Stripes previously brought to the table is completely gone. I think a lot of people desperately want to like GBMS and Jack and Meg, but after five records the gimmicks and constraints are old, so we're left with actual content. And this record is just bad.… Expand
  13. LennonM
    Jun 10, 2005
    7
    Definitely a different sound, but anyone who's listened to the White Stripes realizes this, well unles your one of those idiots who thinks the White Stripes are all about Elephant. As usual Jack changed up the sound, just can't say I really was too impressed. None the less, it's a good album. Give it a 7.
  14. LB
    Jun 10, 2005
    8
    Pretty decent album. It will catch you off guard. I didn't think it was that good on first listen and was disappointed by the lack of guitars but, after a few listens, I can tell you that most of the songs are pretty good (Blue Orchid, My Doorbell, Take Take Take, Red Rain and so on). However, some songs are lacking that extra something to put them over the top.
  15. EricG
    Jun 10, 2005
    3
    is this a tribute to ledzepplin?
  16. jasonkk
    Jun 9, 2005
    10
    This album is so goood, i masturbate to the nurse
  17. ChrisJ
    Jun 9, 2005
    2
    This is an overhyped album by a band that can "seem" to do no wrong. Listen closely and you will hear experimentation gone wrong. This album is weak, inconsistent, boring, weird, and annoying. Meg can not sing, Jack needs to get some sun and learn a thing or two about music.
  18. MarkR
    Jun 9, 2005
    10
    Best yet from the White Stripes, and obviously the best CD of 2005 (only dwarfed in the decade by American Idiot)
  19. tibszero
    Jun 9, 2005
    4
    I only gave this album a 4 in the hopes that it will grow on me otherwise it seems more like a 2. I adore the White Stripes but sadly I think this will be just an embarrassing side note in their career.
  20. JayJ
    Jun 9, 2005
    10
    They told me it was Genius, and that was all I needed.
  21. RyanK
    Jun 9, 2005
    9
    Don't believe it when you hear this album sounds incomplete or rushed. This album has great songs and a great sound, making it even better than the monstrous last White Stripes album Elephant.
  22. ross
    Jun 9, 2005
    10
    A great album and definitely the best of a class collection which this band have given us. Not only does it unite fans with the classic sound of the white stripes but also takes another step in evolving as a band. Blows all competition out of the water and even destroys their own previous records. Best stripes album ever (until the next one!!!)
  23. EricaG
    Jun 9, 2005
    8
    I love the White Stripes, and I think there are several great songs on this cd!! There are also a few I can't stand, but I feel the good songs on this cd are better than the good songs on the other cds. So it sort of balances out, I can live with the bad songs because the good ones are so worth it!
  24. ShawnG
    Jun 9, 2005
    8
    Probably more like an 8.5. I have to agree with what was said previously about most people who are thrown by this being people who think "Elephant" was all Jack and Meg's previous repertoire. That's not to say there aren't flaws in the album. Some of the material does seem 'too' rushed. Some of the songs weren't even finished when they went into the studio, Probably more like an 8.5. I have to agree with what was said previously about most people who are thrown by this being people who think "Elephant" was all Jack and Meg's previous repertoire. That's not to say there aren't flaws in the album. Some of the material does seem 'too' rushed. Some of the songs weren't even finished when they went into the studio, and one can sense that in a way that wasn't possible in the previous efforts. That said, a good White Stripes album (and this is) is still better than most bands could 'dream' of making. And I think a lot of the reviews publications are making are the long-expected backlash. The opening four tracks are some of the most dizzying and delightful bits of genre-hopping in rock since, well... De Stijl, which this compares more closely with in their catalog than anything else. Is it their best effort? No. But it's intriguing and enjoyable...a very good effort, by any mortal band's standards.… Expand
  25. JaneC
    Jun 8, 2005
    9
    This one rocks. A nice combo of previous sounds- some De Stijl-type mixes, blues, bluegrass, and piano stompers.
  26. jojon
    Jun 8, 2005
    10
    maybe not what anyone expects, but who wants a predictable artist?
  27. AaronR
    Jun 8, 2005
    10
    The Stripes continue to crush on every other rock band with great songs that range from hard nosed rock to blue grass. Jack is the man and Meg is as wonderful as ever!!!
  28. juliog
    Jun 8, 2005
    9
    hmmm.... i have this sneaking suspicion that the people who are most thrown for a loop by this album are the ones that had only heard 'elephant.' i hear a lot of "i like blue orchid but..." i don't know, everyone's free to like what they want, but it seems akin to saying "i like 'i wanna hold your hand' but what's this sgt. pepper's crap?" people hmmm.... i have this sneaking suspicion that the people who are most thrown for a loop by this album are the ones that had only heard 'elephant.' i hear a lot of "i like blue orchid but..." i don't know, everyone's free to like what they want, but it seems akin to saying "i like 'i wanna hold your hand' but what's this sgt. pepper's crap?" people also keep mentioning hipness and coolness. "it's cool to like this band" and another saying the white stripes have become so overexposed that they are uncool, but he likes them anyway. human beings are messed up man. the cool wars must end now. a big part of this album's appeal for me is that it appears the white stripes don't care what we think is cool, they just want to explore the music they love--like they've been doing from the start.… Expand
  29. briand
    Jun 8, 2005
    9
    At first listen I was like what the f*&( is this garbage. After 4 listens, I think it is going to be a masterpiece. Once the initial shock wears off, people will truly appreciate this work of art. Look it could be like the new Coldplay album that took a thousand years and puts you to sleep after three songs. In your face, pure energy, from Jack's soul; just with a new outlet.
  30. Sauw
    Jun 8, 2005
    10
    There is no denying that this is a much different album than any of the White Stripes' previous releases...and for a good reason. Its difference lies in its introduction of non-conventional rock band instruments (including the marimba and more piano) and acknowledgement of more international influences that have rarely been seen in any of The White Stripes' previous efforts. There is no denying that this is a much different album than any of the White Stripes' previous releases...and for a good reason. Its difference lies in its introduction of non-conventional rock band instruments (including the marimba and more piano) and acknowledgement of more international influences that have rarely been seen in any of The White Stripes' previous efforts. These changes have not taken away from The White Stripes strength as a band, but rather enhanced it. This album is a step in the right direction to the White Stripes being able to show off their versatility to audiences, as well as proving to the world that they are still one of the most consistently successful bands of the 21st century.… Expand
Page:

Awards & Rankings

53
#53 Best Album of 2005
16
#16 Most Discussed Album of 2005
49
#49 Most Shared Album of 2005

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
81

Universal acclaim - based on 38 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 30 out of 38
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 38
  3. Negative: 0 out of 38
  1. The New York Times
    100
    It's an album so strong and so unexpected that it may change the way people hear all its predecessors. And that's just a start. Listen long enough, and this album might change the way you hear lots of other bands, too.
  2. New Musical Express (NME)
    80
    A very strange album, which shreds the old White Stripes rulebook (no bass, just guitar and drums) and pushes into territories way beyond the blues and rock of their previous four records.
    Read full review
  3. Paste Magazine
    50
    A sidestep that’s as easy to admire as it is hard to love.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »