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).
12
The Strokes Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You're friend told you 'cause I told her
Friday nights have been lonely
Change your plans and then phone me
We could go and get 40's
Fuck goin' to that party
Oh really, you're folks are away now?
12:51 is the time my voice
Found the words I sought
Is it this stage I want?
The world is shutting out for us
We were tense for sure
But we was confident
Kiss me now that I'm older
I won't try to control you
Friday nights have been lonely
Take it slow but don't warn me
We would go and get 40's
Then wed go to some party
Oh really your folks are away now?
Alright I'm coming
I'll be right there
The Strokes's song "12:51" is a track about taking chances and living in the moment. The song is driven forward by the heavy, bouncy guitar riffs that The Strokes are known for, creating an upbeat and energetic atmosphere. The lyrics tell a story of two people who have a deep connection, but only get together on occasional Friday nights when they call each other up and hang out. The song's chorus of "12:51 is the time my voice found the words I sought/Is it this stage I want?" illustrates the theme of trying to find oneself and express what they truly want in life.
Lead singer Julian Casablancas's voice echoes the frustration and uncertainty of the characters as they navigate their relationship. This is highlighted in the line "Kiss me now that I'm older/I won't try to control you". The song is about taking chances and enjoying life, even if it comes with its own set of challenges. The characters are confident and sure of themselves but also apprehensive about the unknown. The song ends on a soft note with the line "I'll be right there," as if to punctuate the idea of being present in the moment and taking each moment as it comes.
Line by Line Meaning
Talk to me now I'm older
As I've grown older, I'm able to have deeper conversations and would like to reconnect.
You're friend told you 'cause I told her
I confided in a mutual friend and they shared how I feel about you with you.
Friday nights have been lonely
I've been feeling alone on Friday nights and would like to spend time with you.
Change your plans and then phone me
If you're willing to spend Friday night with me, give me a call after changing your plans.
We could go and get 40's
We could pick up some 40oz beers and spend the night together.
Fuck goin' to that party
I don't want to go to that party, I'd rather spend time with you.
Oh really, you're folks are away now?
Your parents aren't home, making it easier for us to have more privacy.
Alright, lets go, you convinced me
Okay, you persuaded me to spend the night with you instead of going to that party.
12:51 is the time my voice
I finally found the courage to express my feelings to you.
Found the words I sought
I finally found the right words to express how I feel about you.
Is it this stage I want?
I'm questioning whether I want to pursue this relationship or not.
The world is shutting out for us
When we're together, nothing else matters, the world feels quiet and calm.
We were tense for sure
At first we were nervous, but as we spend more time together, we become more comfortable.
But we was confident
Despite our nerves, we were still confident in our feelings for each other.
Kiss me now that I'm older
Now that I'm more mature, I'd like to share a meaningful, adult kiss with you.
I won't try to control you
I won't hold you back or try to change who you are.
Take it slow but don't warn me
Let's move at our own pace, but don't feel like you need to warn me if you need to slow down.
Then wed go to some party
After we spend some time together, we could go to a party if we want to.
Alright I'm coming
I'm on my way to spend time with you.
I'll be right there
I'm excited to see you soon and spend time together.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: JULIAN CASABLANCAS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@dzeuqra723
LYRICS
Talk to me now I'm older
You're friend told you 'cause I told her
Friday nights have been lonely
Change your plans and then phone me
We could go and get 40's
Fuck goin' to that party
Oh really, you're folks are away now?
Alright, lets go, you convinced me
12:51 is the time my voice
Found the words I sought
Is it this stage I want?
The world is shutting out for us
We were tense for sure
But we was confident
Kiss me now that I'm older
I won't try to control you
Friday nights have been lonely
Take it slow but don't warn me
We would go and get 40's
Then wed go to some party
Oh really your folks are away now?
Alright I'm coming
I'll be right there
@biassp
Talk to me now I'm older
Your friend told you 'cause I told her
Friday nights have been lonely
Change your plans and then phone me
We could go and get forties
Fuck goin' to that party
Oh, really, your folks are away now?
Alright, let's go, you convinced me
12:51 is the time my voice
Found the words I sought
Is it this stage I want?
The world is shutting out for us
Oh, we were tense for sure
But we was confident
Kiss me now that I'm older
I won't try to control you
Friday nights have been lonely
Take it slow but don't warn me
We'd go out and get forties
Then we'd go to some party
Oh, really, your folks are away now?
Alright, I'm coming
I'll be right there
@bladeeshotgf5500
It’s criminal how short this song is
@emillybiaggio6443
Pois é
@MedalionDS9
Right.. the song title's is false advertising
@emillybiaggio6443
@@MedalionDS9 olá
@Haselfuchs
It more than deserves a 12:51 x-version!
@moto-fl3rd
That's why it's catchy, it leaves you wanting more. Songs used to be short. Lots of elvis hits are around the 3min mark.
@crashingpuppets5935
There's something special about this song... it's hard to explain
@alamp.8271
no, that's their other song. this is "12:51" ;)
@Andyface79
Eh it's kind of both haha. They are both good songs but they do sound kind of similiar.
@Bah-bv1yz
i say the right thing but act the wrong way