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).
1
The Strokes Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Every stone that's turned
Every lesson learnt
Every moment fixed up always
Can you find what's lost?
Realize the cost?
Undermining the boss just don't pay
Every image flash
Every road that's leading nowhere
It's the line you follow
Cream you swallow
Hate gets hollow always
And you still won't stop
Running till you drop
Thinking you might reach
The sky
(The sky)
So the only question left
To ask is why
Why (x2)
I wish I had a gun
So I could get wasted
Sometimes you win
And sometimes you lose
Sometimes there's nowhere left you can run to
And if I had a gun
I'd want to get wasted
One day it's hard
The next time it's cool
Sometimes there's nowhere left you can run to
Every mourning wake
Every demon shake
Gonna come full circle someday
Every buried past
Every time the last
But it just don't wash up no way
All the shameful waste
For the stone you crave
Every guess you hazard, gone
And the only road you know
Is further on
On (x2)
Yeah
I wish I had a gun
So I could get wasted
Sometimes you win
And sAometimes you lose
Sometimes there's nowhere left you can run to
And if I had a gun
I'd want to get wasted
One day it's hard
The next time it's cool
Sometimes there's nowhere left you can run to
Every powder trip
Every girl you slip
Underneath, it's over one day
For the great white lie
You hide
Then you die
I wish I had a gun
So I could get wasted
(So I could get wasted)
Sometimes you win
And sometimes you lose
Sometimes there's nowhere left you can run to
(Oh, yeah)
And if I had a gun
(Stone free)
I'd want to get wasted
(As free as the wind blows)
One day it's hard
(As free as the rocks glow)
The next time it's cool
(Stone free) (x2)
Sometimes there's nowhere left you can run to
(x8) Yes, this is free
(I wish I had a gun)
Stone free (x8)
The lyrics of The Strokes' song "1" seem to be introspective and self-reflexive, as it questions the value of every moment and the pursuit of success. The opening lines of the song establish this theme, as they suggest that every experience, good or bad, contributes to personal growth, but at a price. The lyric "Can you find what's lost?/ Realize the cost?" implies that any kind of gain could result in a sacrifice, a price that might not always be worth paying, especially if the boss's expectations are unrealistic.
As the song progresses, the lyrics seem to focus on the cyclical nature of life and how it can feel futile, as it leads down the same paths time and time again. The line "Every road that's leading nowhere" suggests a feeling of hopelessness or disappointment, as if there is no end to the journey. However, despite these challenges, the singer still feels the need to push on, running until they drop, hoping to reach the sky.
The theme of the song seems to be both introspective and existential, with the lyrics suggesting that there might not always be the answers or the solutions we desire. Instead, life is a cycle, full of highs and lows, and sometimes, there's nowhere left to run to. The chorus of the song, "I wish I had a gun, so I could get wasted," feels like a desperate plea for an escape in this context, as if the singer is looking for a way out of the endless cycle of life.
Line by Line Meaning
Yeah
An enthusiastic start to the song
Every stone that's turned
Every action or task that you complete
Every lesson learnt
The knowledge or wisdom gained from experiences
Every moment fixed up always
Every instance that is made better with improvement
Can you find what's lost?
Questioning the ability to retrieve something that was misplaced or forgotten
Realize the cost?
Understanding the value or price of something
Undermining the boss just don't pay
Going against authority figures will not pay off in the long term
Every image flash
Every fleeting moment or memory
For the excess cash
Done for the sole purpose of making money, regardless of the cost
Every road that's leading nowhere
Every path that has no clear destination or end goal
It's the line you follow
The direction that you choose to take in life
Cream you swallow
Taking advantage of the best opportunities available
Hate gets hollow always
Feeling of hatred that eventually become empty or meaningless
And you still won't stop
Not being able to give up or quit
Running till you drop
Working tirelessly until you run out of energy or motivation
Thinking you might reach The sky (The sky)
Believing that you can achieve great success or reach your highest potential
So the only question left To ask is why Why (x2)
Questioning the purpose or meaning behind all the efforts and actions
I wish I had a gun So I could get wasted
Expressing a desire to escape through substance use
Sometimes you win And sometimes you lose Sometimes there's nowhere left you can run to
Acknowledging the ups and downs of life and the feeling of being trapped
And if I had a gun I'd want to get wasted
Reiterating the desire to escape through substance use
One day it's hard The next time it's cool Sometimes there's nowhere left you can run to
Life can be unpredictable and challenging, leaving you with no options
Every mourning wake Every demon shake Gonna come full circle someday
All the negative experiences and emotions will eventually come to an end
Every buried past Every time the last But it just don't wash up no way
Past mistakes or secrets will always remain a part of you and can't be erased
All the shameful waste For the stone you crave Every guess you hazard, gone And the only road you know Is further on On (x2)
Regretting the time and effort invested in something that did not pay off
Every powder trip Every girl you slip Underneath, it's over one day For the great white lie You hide Then you die
Indulging in vices or hiding the truth won't last forever and will eventually come to an end
Stone free (x8) Yes, this is free
A repetition of the phrase indicating a desire to be free from constraints and expectations
(I wish I had a gun) Stone free (x8)
The chorus of the song, reiterating the desire to escape through any means necessary
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: JASON KELLY, JOHN BARRY, DON BLACK
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@javonmccovery3081
LYRICS:
One by one, ticking time bombs won
It's not the secrets of the government
That's keeping you dumb
Oh, it's the other way around, wait
What's that sound?
One by one, baby, here they come
He wants it easy, he want it relaxed
Said, "I can do a lot of things, but I can't do that"
Two steps forward, then three steps back, alright
Won't you take a walk outside? Oh, no
Can't you find some other guy? Oh, no
One-nine-six-nine, what's that sound? Oh, no
Keeping down the underground, oh, no
The end has no end, the end has no end
The end has no end, the end has no end
He want it easy, he want it relaxed
Said, "I can do a lot of things, but I can't do that"
Two steps forward then three steps back, it won't be easy
Won't you take a walk outside? Oh, no
Can't you find another guy? Oh, no
One-nine-six-three, what's that sound? Oh, no
Keeping down the underground, oh, no
The end has no end, the end has no end
The end has no end, the end has no end
The end has no end, the end has no end
The end has no end, the end has no end
@jmjmjam
easily the greatest band of the 2000's
@impulseki9896
jmjmjam easily the greatest band ever
@lucakat9262
@@impulseki9896 yeah, they are known as the last great rock n roll band and I can see why.
@laytonn1160
@@lucakat9262 parquet courts last album is pretty nice
@lucakat9262
@@laytonn1160 each to their own. You have the right to your opinion.✌
@Dehothedestroyer
*ever
@eireal6175
00:31 probably one of the most iconic, technical and underrated riff of the 2000
@davidmfass
I guess that's the state of music these days. 1960's-1990's most songs had incredible guitar. But I agree, it's a nice lick. I should learn it.
@yanniscuypers1259
It reminds me a bit of sweet child o mine although the song is overall totally different
@edwickquiles5331
It's about dang time that riff got the cred it deserves(!). Really.