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).
12:51
The Strokes Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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?
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
The Strokes’ “12:51” is a song that reflects the bittersweet nostalgia of the past and the uncertainty of the future. The lyrics are filled with the yearning for something that once was, and that feeling lingers throughout the song. “Talk to me now I’m older, your friend told you ’cause I told her” is an example of a line that implies a shared understanding between two people who were once close but have grown apart. The song speaks of loneliness and the need for a connection that seems to have faded from existence. The chorus “12:51 is the time my voice found the words I sought, Is it this stage I want?” highlights the confusion and hopelessness that comes with trying to figure out one’s place in the world.
The verse “The world is shutting out for us, Oh, we were tense for sure, But we were confident” is a reminder of a time when anything seemed possible. It evokes the nostalgia of youth and the sense of being invincible. The song’s overall tone is one of longing and regret but also acceptance of the present moment. All in all, “12:51” is a song that speaks to the complexities of life, the ups and downs, and the inevitable passage of time.
Line by Line Meaning
Talk to me now I'm older
The singer is more mature and experienced now and wants to communicate
Your friend told you 'cause I told her
The singer confided in someone close to their crush to express their interest
Friday nights have been lonely
The singer is lonely and seeks companionship on special nights
Change your plans and then phone me
The artist wants the crush to prioritize them by adjusting their schedule to spend time together
We could go and get forties
The artist suggests an activity they both enjoy as an alternative to a planned party
Fuck goin' to that party
The singer dismisses the idea of attending a party in favor of spending time with their crush
Oh, really, your folks are away now?
The singer confirms that their crush's parents are out of town, making it easier to spend time together
Alright, let's go, you convinced me
The artist agrees to spend time with their crush since they successfully convinced them to do so
12:51 is the time my voice
The artist reflects on a specific moment in time when they found the words they were searching for
Found the words I sought
The artist finally expressed themselves accurately and effectively
Is it this stage I want?
The singer questions if this is their desired path in life or if they want something else
The world is shutting out for us
The artist feels disconnected from the outside world, prioritizing their relationship above everything else
Oh, we were tense for sure
The singer acknowledges the tension and difficulty of the situation
But we was confident
Despite the tension, the singer and their crush feel secure and self-assured
Kiss me now that I'm older
The singer requests intimacy from their crush now that they are more mature
I won't try to control you
The artist promises to respect their crush's autonomy and not manipulate them
Take it slow but don't warn me
The artist wants to proceed with the relationship at a comfortable pace but does not want to be cautioned against it
Then we'd go to some party
The singer and their crush would attend social events together after getting forties
Alright, I'm coming
The singer confirms that they will join their crush and be there for them
I'll be right there
The artist reassures their crush that they will be present and available
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
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