Jack White unveils previously unheard White Stripes song 'City Lights'

It'll feature on new double album being billed as 'the essential Jack White songwriting collection'

Jack White. Credit: Getty Images. (Getty Images)

Ever since The White Stripes officially disbanded in 2012, fans have been hopeful for some form of reunion refusing to believe that 2007 record Icky Thump was their swansong.

To this day, a reunion remains futile especially considering the successful solo career of band member Jack White.

Fans' dedication has paid off in some small way, though; the musician has unveiled an unheralded never-before-heard White Stripes acoustic ballad called "City Lights."

The track is believed to have been recorded in 2005 - around the time the band released their fifth studio album Get Behind Me Satan which featured the hit "Blue Orchid."

You can listen to it below.

Furthermore, White has announced plans to release an album full of 26 recordings from the years 1998 to 2016 which, for White Stripes fans, is earth-shattering news.

The recordings are "alternate versions, mixes and previously unreleased recordings" from White's oeuvre which also includes band The Raconteurs and his solo material.

Named Jack White: Acoustic Recordings 1998-2016, the compilation is being billed as "the essential Jack White songwriting collection." It'll be released 9 September.