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).
15 Minutes
The Strokes Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Yet I wish it was real
All my pets, they were there, and they smiled
Take a shit, it was fine
Everybody so inviting
They've got it in for me I know
It's not that I don't really love you
The hateful things you think you want to say, yeah
Time will turn them into jokes, yeah
Yes, it was all just a dream, oh no
Was it real? I don't know, I hope so
Here we go, can I play? Can I watch?
I would like one more night in your life
I saw worlds, they don't stop, they're like us
They go fast, like a sun that's been shot
Everybody at the party
Shouldn't worry if I'm there
Everybody at the party
Shouldn't worry what they wear
'Cause today, they'll talk about us
And tomorrow, they won't care
This whole life, is it a dream? I can't tell
I got up, then I waved, then I fell
I recall, you were all there with me
Overjoyed and at peace
First time around
Second took so long
Third time's a charm
Circle of fourths
Five days to rehearse
Six to make it work
Seven notes in a scale
Eight in some countries
Nine in fancy keys
Ten years we've been friends
Eleven seconds to hell
Of course twelve major chords
The song 15 Minutes by The Strokes seems to be a reflection on the fleeting nature of fame and success. The song starts off with the line "It was all just a dream, oh no, yet I wish it was real," suggesting that the singer may have experienced a moment of fame or success that was just a dream. The following lines about the singer's pets being there and taking a shit suggest that this dream was not a glamorous one, but rather a mundane one where even his pets were present.
The pre-chorus "Everybody's so inviting, they've got in it for me I know" suggests that people may be drawn to the singer because of his fame or success. However, the chorus "It's not that I don't really love you, it's just that I don't really know, the hateful things you think you want to say, time will turn them into jokes," suggests that the singer is aware of the superficiality of these relationships based on his fame and that time will eventually make them into jokes.
In the second verse, the line "Here we go, can I play? Can I watch?" suggests that the singer may be referring to a performance or a show, where he is not sure if he is the performer or the audience. The following line "He would like one more night in your life" could be interpreted as someone wanting to be a part of the singer's fame or success. The lines "Everybody at the party shouldn't worry if I'm there, Everybody at the party shouldn't worry what they wear" suggest that the singer is aware of the attention he attracts and that people may be trying too hard to impress him.
Overall, the song seems to be discussing the fleeting nature of fame and success and the superficial relationships that come with it. The singer seems to be reflecting on whether or not this type of success is worth it in the end and whether or not he would trade it for something more genuine.
Line by Line Meaning
It was all just a dream, Oh no
The beginning of the song expresses that everything the singer thought was nice was just an illusion and was not real.
Yet I wish it was real
Even though everything was just an illusion, the singer wanted it to be real.
All my pets they were there and they smiled
In his dream, the singer found all of his pets being alive again and were happy.
Take a shit, it was fine
Even the simplest acts were pleasant in a dream, like having a bowel movement.
Everybody's so inviting
People seem to be welcoming and friendly to the artist in his dream.
They've got in it for me I know
Even though they appear friendly, the singer associates an ulterior motive behind their welcoming attitude.
It's not that I don't really love you
The singer claims that he is capable of loving, but not sure about his current level of love.
It's just that I don't really know
The artist admits to his lack of understanding and uncertainty on the subject of love.
The hateful things you think you want to say
The artist acknowledges that some people harbor negative feelings towards him, and they are thinking of saying hurtful things.
Time will turn them into jokes
The artist holds the belief that in time, the hurtful thoughts of others will turn into jokes.
Yes it was all just a dream, Oh no
The singer admits again that everything he experienced was just a dream.
Was it real? I don't know (I hope so )
Even though the dream may not have been real, the artist would hope that it was real.
If it was you were all there with me
In his dream, the singer found everyone he knew was with him.
Overjoyed and at peace
The singer was in a state of immense happiness and relaxation.
Here we go, can I play?, can I watch?
The singer wants to be involved in some form of entertainment, either as a player or spectator.
He would like one more night in your life
The artist wishes to live one more day, either to experience life or to pursue a desire.
I saw worlds, they don't stop they're like us
The artist thinks that there are many other worlds which also function like the world we live in, and they don't just stop existing.
They go fast like a sun that's been shot
The singer compares these worlds to a sun that implodes rapidly and disappears in no time.
Everybody at the party
This line refers to all the guests at the party the singer attended.
Shouldn't worry if I'm there
The artist indicates that everyone should relax because he is present at the party.
Shouldn't worry what they wear
The artist indicates that people do not have to worry about dressing up properly for the party if he is around.
'Cause today they'll talk about us
The artist feels that everyone present will remember the events of the party the next day.
And tomorrow they won't care
The singer predicts that the memories of the gathering will not matter much in the future.
This whole life is it a dream? I can't tell
The artist confesses he is not sure if his entire life is a dream or if he is living in reality.
I got up, then I waved then I fell
The singer recalls getting up, waving, and then stumbling or falling down.
I recall you were all there with me
The singer already remembers that everyone present in his dream was with him in this specific play stage.
Overjoyed and at peace
The singer felt great happiness and relaxation when he was surrounded by everyone he loved.
First time around
This refers to the first attempt going through something.
Second took so long
The second attempt to do something took an extended time compared to the first one.
Third time's the charm
The third attempt to do something will lead to success.
Circle of fourths
The way to illustrate the relationships between tones quickly by arranging them in a circle consisting of fourth intervals.
Five days to rehearse
The individuals have luxury time and five days to practice for something.
Six to make it work
People have six days to make things happen.
Seven notes in a scale
A collection of musical notes that belong to a specific key and are ascending and descending regularly in pitch.
Eight in some countries
Some countries use an eight-note scale called octatonic scale.
Nine in fancy keys
Some musical keys use nine notes instead of the standard seven.
Ten is you and friend
This line is open to interpretation. The likely meaning is that people are capable of standing together to achieve something.
Eleven seconds to hell
A hypothetical time it takes to experience something terrible.
And of course twelve major chords
An allusion to the 12-tone system - the most common musical scale, each consisting of a different set of 12 tones or pitches.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Julian Casablancas
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind