Members
Julian Casablancas (vocals), Nick Valensi (guitar), Albert Hammond Jr. (guitar), Nikolai Fraiture (bass), and Fabrizio Moretti (drums)
Formation
The founding process of The Strokes was a serendipitous convergence of childhood connections and a shared musical vision. Julian Casablancas, Fabrizio Moretti, and Nick Valensi, childhood friends with varying musical experiences, came together in the late '90s. The trio's dynamic was enriched with the addition of guitarist Albert Hammond Jr. and bassist Nikolai Fraiture. Bonded by a mutual love for garage rock, punk, and new wave, the quintet officially formed The Strokes in 1998, embarking on a journey to synthesize their diverse influences into a sound that would later redefine the indie rock landscape. The amalgamation of their individual talents and shared passion for music set the stage for The Strokes' rise to prominence in the early 2000s.
Is This It (2001)
"Is This It" The Strokes" debut album released in 2001 under the reputable record label RCA, is an electrifying sonic manifesto that not only redefined the landscape of indie rock but also garnered widespread critical acclaim. Infused with a raw and unfiltered energy, the album became an instant classic, hailed for its gritty exploration of New York City's underground music scene. Featuring iconic tracks like "Last Nite" and "Someday," Julian Casablancas' charismatic vocals, Nick Valensi and Albert Hammond Jr.'s guitar interplay, and the band's overall swagger made "Is This It" a timeless masterpiece. Its critical acclaim propelled The Strokes to the forefront of the early 2000s indie rock revival, cementing their status as trailblazers in the genre.
Room On Fire (2003)
"Room On Fire" the sophomore album by The Strokes released in 2003, seamlessly follows the success of their groundbreaking debut, "Is This It" The Strokes" (2001). While "Is This It" The Strokes" quickly became a cultural touchstone and achieved widespread acclaim, "Room On Fire" faced the challenge of living up to its predecessor's legacy.
From the rhythmic urgency of "12:51" to the infectious guitar riffs of "Reptilia," each track on "Room On Fire" showcases The Strokes' continued commitment to crafting catchy, yet substantive, rock anthems. While not eclipsing the commercial success of their debut, the album solidified The Strokes' standing as stalwarts of the early 2000s rock revival, demonstrating their artistic growth and ability to sustain their unique sound.
Juicebox and First Impressions Of Earth (2005 - 2006)
"Juicebox" by The Strokes, released as a single on November 14, 2005, ahead of their album "First Impressions of Earth," faced an early online leak, adding to the anticipation. Despite this, the track's bold guitar riffs and Julian Casablancas' charismatic vocals contributed to its positive reception, marking a significant moment in The Strokes' musical journey. They also released a catchy B-side "Hawaii".
"First Impressions Of Earth" The Strokes' third studio album released in January 2006, received a mix of reviews. Critics praised the album's experimental departure from the band's earlier sound, commending Julian Casablancas' introspective lyrics, dynamic guitar work, and rhythmic innovation. Standout tracks like "Juicebox" and "You Only Live Once" showcased The Strokes' ability to evolve while retaining their signature coolness. Despite differing opinions, the album marked a bold exploration of new musical territories and sparked conversations about the band's artistic evolution within the indie rock landscape.
Angles (2011)
"Angles" released by The Strokes in 2011, is a pivotal album in the band's journey, receiving a mix of reviews. Critics lauded its experimentation and collaborative nature, showcasing a departure from their previous works. Standout tracks like "Under Cover of Darkness" and "Machu Picchu" received praise for blending The Strokes' signature sound with fresh influences. While some critics found the album's diversity refreshing, others felt it lacked cohesion. Despite mixed reviews, "Angles" signaled The Strokes' return with a revitalized energy, sparking conversations about their evolving musical direction.
Comedown Machine (2013)
"Comedown Machine" released by The Strokes in 2013, is a unique entry in their discography. The album showcases a departure from their traditional sound, embracing a more synth-driven and experimental approach. Tracks like "One Way Trigger" and "Tap Out" demonstrate The Strokes' willingness to evolve, dividing critics but still affirming their capacity for sonic exploration. "Comedown Machine" adds another layer to The Strokes' musical evolution, inviting listeners into a realm of unexpected sounds and creative divergence. The Strokes adopted a media blackout strategy, refraining from interviews and traditional promotional activities. This intentional approach added an air of mystery to the album's release, sparking curiosity and discussions about the band's creative intentions.
Future Present Past EP (2016)
"Future Present Past" is a 2016 EP by The Strokes, featuring tracks like "Drag Queen", "OBLIVIOUS" and "Threat Of Joy" offering a glimpse into the band's evolving sound during the period between their albums "Comedown Machine" and "The New Abnormal".
The New Abnormal (2020)
Produced by legendary music producer Rick Rubin, "The New Abnormal" is The Strokes' sixth studio album, released in 2020 after a seven-year hiatus. The album represents a return to the spotlight for the band and showcases a blend of their signature rock sound with fresh and contemporary elements. Notable tracks include "The Adults Are Talking" and "Selfless". "The New Abnormal" received critical acclaim for its maturity, experimentation, and the band's ability to evolve while staying true to their distinctive style. The album's release was a highly anticipated moment for fans, marking a successful comeback for The Strokes after their extended hiatus.
Albert Hammond Jr. confirmed, that The Strokes are working on a new album, a follow-up to the succesful "The New Abnormal".
Here are the band members' side projects along with their released albums:
Julian Casablancas:
Julian Casablancas - Phrazes For The Young (2009).The Voidz - Tyranny (2014), Virtue (2018).
Albert Hammond Jr.
Albert Hammond Jr. - Yours To Keep (2006), Como Te Llama? (2008), Momentary Masters (2016), Francis Trouble (2018).
Nick Valensi
CRX - New Skin (2016), Peek (2018).
Fabrizio Moretti
Little Joy - Little Joy (2008).machinegum - Conduit (2019).
Nikolai Fraiture
Nickel Eye - The Time Of The Assassins (2008).SUMMER MOON - With You Tonight (2017), Casino Days (2023).
Juicebox
The Strokes Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Standing in the light field, standing in the light field
Waiting for some action, waiting for some action over
Why won't you come over here?
Why won't you come over here?
We got a city to love
Why won't you come over here?
We got a city to love
Old time grudges
Will die so slowly
I know you miss the
Way I saw you
You're cold
You're so cold
You're so cold
You're so cold
Nobody can see me, everything's too easy
Standing in the light field, standing in the light field
Waiting for some actress, waiting for some actress to say
"Why won't you come over here?"
Why won't you come over here?
We got a city to love
Why won't you come over here?
We got a city to love
Old time love song
Will die so swiftly
You never trust me
For a while, it was nice
But it's time to say bye
I'm cold
You're so cold
You're so cold
You're so cold
No-no-no, cold
You're so cold
You're so cold
You're so cold
Oh, no-no-no-no, cold
You're so cold
You're so cold
You're so cold
No, no, you're so cold
The lyrics to The Strokes's song "Juicebox" paint a picture of a longing for connection with someone else. The first verse sets the scene by describing how everyone can see the singer, but it's not easy to connect with them. They stand in a "light field" waiting for someone to take action and come over to them. The chorus repeats the request for someone to come over - "We got a city to love" - as if to say that there's a whole world of experiences waiting for them if they're willing to take the leap.
The second verse references "old time grudges" and how they die slowly, as well as how the person being sung to misses the way the singer used to see them. But the chorus changes slightly this time around, swapping out "city" for "love song," and hinting that it might be time to move on. The song ends with repetition of the phrase "You're so cold" - possibly a reference to the person the singer is addressing being emotionally distant - and a final plea for connection.
Overall, "Juicebox" is a powerful song about wanting to connect with someone and hoping they'll take the initiative to do so. It's a mixture of excitement for what could be and sadness for what's been lost, and it's carried by the Strokes' signature rocking sound.
Line by Line Meaning
Everybody sees me, but it's not that easy
I may appear visible, but it's not simple to understand me
Standing in the light field, standing in the light field
Being illuminated in the spotlight, being illuminated in the spotlight
Waiting for some action, waiting for some action over
Anticipating some excitement, waiting eagerly for it to happen
Why won't you come over here?
Why are you not close to me?
We got a city to love
We have a town to cherish
Old time grudges
Past resentments
Will die so slowly
Will fade away gradually
I know you miss the way I saw you
I am aware that you long for the way I used to view you
You're cold
You are distant and apathetic
You're so cold
You are incredibly distant and apathetic
Nobody can see me, everything's too easy
No one can see the real me, and everything is superficial
Waiting for some actress, waiting for some actress to say
Expecting an actress to arrive, expecting a female performer to speak up
Old time love song
An old-fashioned romantic tune
Will die so swiftly
Will vanish quickly
You never trust me
You never have faith in me
For a while, it was nice
It was pleasurable for some time
But it's time to say bye
However, it's time to bid farewell
No-no-no, cold
No, no, so distant and apathetic
Oh, no-no-no-no, cold
Oh, no, no, so distant and apathetic
No, no, you're so cold
No, no, you are incredibly distant and apathetic
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Henry Nicola Mancini, Julian Casablancas
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind