"Lazaretto" is the first single from Jack White's second solo album of the same name. The live version of the song was recorded, pressed and released on the same day (April 19, 2014). On the B-side was a cover of Elvis Presley's song "Power of My Love".
The studio version of the song was released on April 21 on YouTube, and on April 22 the single was available for purchase digitally and as an instant download with all iTunes Lazaretto album pre-orders.
Background According to White, the musical arrangement to "Lazaretto" was inspired by MC Lyte's 1989 hit single "Cha Cha Cha".
Critical reception In one positive review that emphasized White's guitar prowess, Billboard wrote that the single "is in-and-out, leaving the listener panting and ready to hear more from White's new album."Graff, Gary (May 10, 2014). "JACK WHITE, 'LAZARETTO'". Billboard. 126 (15):43 Giving the single four stars, Chuck Arnold of People said that on the track, White "unleashes one of his funkiest grooves since 'Seven Nation Army'."ARNOLD, CHUCK (May 12, 2014). People. 81 (19):57-58 Madison Vain, with Entertainment Weekly called the song a "dense, manic, and fantastically indulgent display of musicality," and said it "further cement[s] his position as rock & roll's primal keeper of the flame."(December 12, 2014), "THE BEST SINGLES." Vain, Madison. "Entertainment Weekly" (1341):66-67
The song was nominated for two Grammy Awards—Best Rock Song and Best Rock Performance—winning the latter.
Track listing 7" vinyl "Lazaretto" – 3:57 "Power of My Love" – 5:00
Charts
Weekly charts +Weekly chart performance for "Lazaretto" Chart (2014) Peakposition
Year-end charts +Year-end chart performance for "Lazaretto" Chart (2014) Position US Hot Rock Songs (Billboard) 52 US Rock Airplay (Billboard) 35
Personnel Jack White – vocals, electric guitar Daru Jones – drums Dominic Davis – bass Fats Kaplin – fiddle Isaiah "Ikey" Owens – Moog synth Cory Younts – Korg synth
References