Comments on: Oak Ridge Boys – “Seven Nation Army”

By: Grace Whorton

Grace Whorton — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 16:26:19 +0000

I am not going to apologize for the fact that I like this song; by the Oak Ridge Boys, not White Stripes. I am 58 and maybe that is the difference. I think you have it all wrong….they are not trying to cater to the younger group of people, maybe they are singing what they know their fans would like to hear?

By: DORFER

DORFER — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 09:32:37 +0000

Just saw the Boys Are Back tour in Oklahoma on Friday and they were fantastic (for being the age they are)….that is until I recognized the Seven Nation Army song! It was done, of course, in Oakridge Boys style, which made it hard to recognize at first (except for the glaring song banner blasting the song name on the back wall of the set).

I love the White Stripes’ original 2003 version b/c of its oddities and cool, laid-over tracks making it sound a little metal, a little punk, and a little rock ‘n roll (and also b/c I just love Jack White!). However, the Oakridge Boys’ version was more like country meets gospel and that was just unnerving for me!! (although I don’t think the mostly geriatric 60-80 yr old crowd even noticed that this was a cover song?) I’m 52 and that just rankled my rock-n-roll sensibilities to hear such a great Stripes’ tune sung like it was a church testimonial. Some concert goers were even speculating if “Seven Nation Army” had some bible/gospel connotation to it?

Don’t get me wrong though, overall the Oakridge Boys put on a hell of a show except for this one faux pas. I’d go see them again, but I might slip them a note to ixnay the Seven Nation Army rendition from their set.

By: Kandi

Kandi — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 00:08:13 +0000

I saw them on Fox and Friends summer Concert on tv and when they started the song I knew the song and it was quite good. I have the orginal to the song and I like both Versions of the song. Even my mom liked the song and she asked me who did the song and I said The White Stripes and the name of the song and she never ever heard of them the white stripes.

By: Juli

Juli — Sat, 30 May 2009 17:56:53 +0000

I’m hardly a music snob or anti-Oak Ridge (that one dude’s warlock beard alone is worthy of commendation), and while I do think that it’s nifty that the ORB are expanding their musical boundaries–I am a fan of their tried and true gospel stuff, but so many of their other recent songs like “It’s Hard to Be Cool in a Minivan” are lame and bad showcases of their vocal talent–this song just isn’t enjoyable once the novelty value of a White Stripes cover wears off.

I think “Seven Nation Army” is a gimmicky cover despite its skilled harmonies, and it’s also one of the weaker tracks on this newest record. Their version of Neil Young’s “Beautiful Bluebird” is a much better cover, and the Ethan Johns/Ray LaMontagne-penned song “Hold You in My Arms” is an excellent listen. (However, their cover of John Lee Hooker’s “Boom Boom” is horrendous and makes “7NA” seem a lot better in comparison).

By: George

George — Sat, 30 May 2009 16:44:21 +0000

If anything the song is proving to be polarizing. I’ve yet to see, “it’s okay” in any review.
I fall on the side of loving it. Much like Johnny Cash’s cover of “Hurt” by Nine Inch Nails, this is a daring departure from what’s expected of the artist.
People need to open their minds a bit. I would venture to guess if you heard the song, and didn’t know who was singing it, you’d think it was a good effort. “Too cool” music reviewers can’t bear to give it a chance because it’s got “Oak Ridge Boys” stamped on it. (How very un-punk rock)
I’ve been an alt rock fan going back to the 80′s, and this is what alternative music is all about: stepping out of comfort zones, and delivering the unexpected. In this case it’s done with creativity, strong musicianship, and even stronger vocals. The reviewer needs to get over herself.

By: Patrick

Patrick — Sat, 23 May 2009 06:12:33 +0000

Gyess I’m gettin old, I like it. Heh, my 15yo son and I saw them at Busch Gardens Williamsburg and the concert was not too bad. Ok, lets face it William Lee Golden is what (70 years old) and had a heart attack 4 years ago. Come on give him a break, he’s a legend and his son is playing the drums for him. He sang his Blue Bird song and it was great. Richard Sterban was so deep he almost blew up the speakers. If anything the new CD does them no justice compared to what they are currently performing live on stage. IMHO – I got the feeling they were thanking God to be able to still bringing it after 30 some years. For some old dudes – it seemed like they were going to perform all night long…. I give them props for that and also for Joe Bonsall’s patriotism. If anything, I wish they would add another guitarist to the band and push the mic on Joe’s Banjo up a notch or 2.

By: Ben Milam

Ben Milam — Mon, 18 May 2009 18:06:29 +0000

there is nothing sadder than seeing someone trying desperately to be something that they are not. its like watching sylvester put on a tweety cosutme.

By: Mayor Jobob

Mayor Jobob — Fri, 15 May 2009 07:23:55 +0000

good lord… It’s only a matter of time before Shenandoah makes a country rendition of “Master of Puppets”

By: Mike M.

Mike M. — Wed, 13 May 2009 22:58:38 +0000

Ouch, guys. The Shea Fisher song and this in back to back days. Are you trying to reach your breaking point? The only thing that could make this worse was if Rascal Flatts had a new single out…oh, wait…http://www.roughstock.com/audio/rascal-flatts-summer-nights.

In all seriousness, while I’m not a big Oak Ridge Boys fan(although I liked a couple of their songs when Steve Sanders was in the group), and while this is a complete disaster of epic proportions, I’ll give them credit for trying something new. They could’ve just continued doing an oldies tour with “Elvira” and “American Made,” but it is kinda cool that they’re trying to cover some material that is a little different from their norm. I just hope the rest of their material off the album is better than this train wreck.

By: Jaime

Jaime — Wed, 13 May 2009 21:15:05 +0000

It’s a rough day for song reviews at the 9513. Yech.