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).
Hard To Explain
The Strokes Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Asked me for the phone
Tried to take control
Oh, I don't see it that way
I don't see it that way
We shared some ideas
All obsessed with fame
Says we're all the same
I don't see it that way
Raised in Carolina
I'm not like that
Tryin' to remind her
When we go back
I missed the last bus, I'll take the next train
I'll try but you see, it's hard to explain
I say the right thing, but act the wrong way
I like it right here, but I cannot stay
I watch the TV, forget what I'm told
Well, I am too young, and they are too old
The joke is on you, this place is a zoo
You're right it's true
He says he can't decide
I shake my head to say
Everything's just great
Oh, I just can't remember
I just can't remember
Raised in Carolina
She says, "I'm not like that"
Tryin' to remind her
When we go back
I say the right thing, but act the wrong way
I like it right here, but I cannot stay
I watch the TV, forget what I'm told
Well, I am too young, and they are too old
Oh man, can't you see I'm nervous? So please
Pretend to be nice, so I can be mean
I missed the last bus, we'll take the next train
I'll try but you see, it's hard to explain
The Strokes's song Hard to Explain is a complex track that explores themes of identity, confusion, and frustration. The song's narrator is struggling to make sense of the world around him, and is constantly torn between his desire to fit in and his innate sense of individuality. The first verse sets the scene, with a man asking for the phone and trying to take control. The singer then rebuffs his advances, suggesting that he doesn't see the situation in the same way.
The second verse delves into the singer's own sense of identity, highlighting the fact that he was raised in Carolina and that he is not like other people. This sets up the central tension of the song - the struggle between fitting in and staying true to oneself. The chorus then provides a summation of the singer's predicament, with him admitting that he often says the right thing but acts the wrong way, and that he is too young to understand the world around him.
As the song progresses, the singer becomes increasingly frustrated, and by the end of the track he is pleading with others to pretend to be nice so that he can be mean. Overall, Hard to Explain is a powerful meditation on the challenges of fitting in, staying true to oneself, and navigating the complexities of identity in a changing world.
Line by Line Meaning
Was an honest man
Referring to someone who was truthful, straightforward or sincere
Asked me for the phone
Requested for permission to use the phone
Tried to take control
Attempted to dominate or manipulate the situation
Oh, I don't see it that way
Indicating a disagreement or difference of opinion
I don't see it that way
Reinforcing the previous statement to highlight the contrast
We shared some ideas
Exchanged thoughts or concepts with each other
All obsessed with fame
Everyone was fixated or consumed with the desire for fame
Says we're all the same
Conveys the idea that there is nothing unique or distinct about anyone
Raised in Carolina
Grew up in Carolina
I'm not like that
Asserting that they are different from the previous idea or situation mentioned
Tryin' to remind her
Making an effort to jog her memory or recollect something
When we go back
Referring to a return to a previous place or time
I missed the last bus, I'll take the next train
Acknowledging a delay or setback while making plans to continue
I'll try but you see, it's hard to explain
Attempting to express something but acknowledging its complexity or difficulty to articulate
I say the right thing, but act the wrong way
Expressing a disconnect between intentions and actions
I like it right here, but I cannot stay
Enjoying the present situation but recognizing its impermanence
I watch the TV, forget what I'm told
Viewing televised content and experiencing difficulty retaining the information heard
Well, I am too young, and they are too old
Acknowledging a generational or age gap
The joke is on you, this place is a zoo
Highlighting the absurdity or chaos of the current situation
You're right it's true
Admitting agreement with the previous statement made by another person
He says he can't decide
Referring to someone who is unable to make a choice or come to a conclusion
I shake my head to say
Using nonverbal communication to indicate a negative response or disagreement
Everything's just great
Implying that everything is going well or is satisfactory
Oh, I just can't remember
Expressing difficulty recalling something
I just can't remember
Reinforcing the previous statement to emphasize inability to remember
Oh man, can't you see I'm nervous? So please
Asking for understanding or empathy as a result of feeling anxious or worried
Pretend to be nice, so I can be mean
Asking for others to be friendly or positive so that the singer can feel comfortable exhibiting negative behavior
I missed the last bus, we'll take the next train
Acknowledging a delay or setback while making plans to continue
I'll try but you see, it's hard to explain
Attempting to express something but acknowledging its complexity or difficulty to articulate
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Julian Casablancas
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Kai-qq1eu
Was an honest man
Asked me for the phone
Tried to take control
Oh, I don't see it that way
I don't see it that way
We shared some ideas
All obsessed with fame
Says we're all the same
Oh, I don't see it that way
I don't see it that way
Raised in Carolina
I'm not like that
Tryin' to remind her
When we go back
I missed the last bus, I'll take the next train
I'll try but you see, it's hard to explain
I say the right thing, but act the wrong way
I like it right here, but I cannot stay
I watch the TV, forget what I'm told
Well, I am too young, and they are too old
The joke is on you, this place is a zoo
You're right it's true
He says he can't decide
I shake my head to say
Everything's just great
Oh, I just can't remember
I just can't remember
Raised in Carolina
She says, "I'm not like that"
Tryin' to remind her
When we go back
I say the right thing, but act the wrong way
I like it right here, but I cannot stay
I watch the TV, forget what I'm told
Well, I am too young, and they are too old
Oh man, can't you see I'm nervous? So please
Pretend to be nice, so I can be mean
I missed the last bus, we'll take the next train
I'll try but you see, it's hard to explain
@XMD5a8000
Probably the best 3:50 of content on this whole site.
My favourite part of this song:
-The no-nonsense mechanical beat
-The super catchy bassline
-The amazingly textured rhythm guitar
-The hypnotic lead guitar
-The passionately delivered vocals
-The simple-yet-evocative lyrics
-The gorgeous pseudo-lofi production
-The awesome Koyaanisqatsi-esque video
Whoops, I just described the whole damn thing!
@maryamchaudhary1577
Was an honest man
Asked me for the phone
Tried to take control
Oh, I don't see it that way
I don't see it that way
Oh, we shared some ideas
All obsessed with fame
Says we're all the same
Oh, I don't see it that way
I don't see it that way
Raised in Carolina
"I'm not like that"
Trying to remind her
When we go back
I missed the last bus, I'll take the next train
I try but you see, it's hard to explain
I say the right things, but act the wrong way
I like it right here, but I cannot stay
I watch the TV; forget what I'm told
Well, I am too young, and they are too old
The joke is on you, this place is a zoo
"You're right it's true"
Says he can't decide
I shake my head to say
Everything's just great
Oh, I just can't remember
I just can't remember
Raised in Carolina, she says:
" I'm not like that"
Trying to remind her
When we go back
I say the right things but act the wrong way
I like it right here but I cannot stay
I watch the TV; forget what I'm told
Well, I am too young, and they are too old
Oh, man, can't you see I'm nervous, so please
Pretend to be nice, so I can be mean
I miss the last bus, we take the next train
I try but you see, it's hard to explain
@syemisuhaimi
LYRICS
Was an honest man
Asked me for the phone
Tried to take control
Oh, I don't see it that way
I don't see it that way
We shared some ideas
All obsessed with fame
Says we're all the same
Oh, I don't see it that way
I don't see it that way
Raised in Carolina
I'm not like that
Tryin' to remind her
When we go back
I missed the last bus, I'll take the next train
I'll try but you see, it's hard to explain
I say the right thing, but act the wrong way
I like it right here, but I cannot stay
I watch the TV, forget what I'm told
Well, I am too young, and they are too old
The joke is on you, this place is a zoo
You're right it's true
He says he can't decide
I shake my head to say
Everything's just great
Oh, I just can't remember
I just can't remember
Raised in Carolina
She says, "I'm not like that"
Tryin' to remind her
When we go back
I say the right thing, but act the wrong way
I like it right here, but I cannot stay
I watch the TV, forget what I'm told
Well, I am too young, and they are too old
Oh man, can't you see I'm nervous? So please
Pretend to be nice, so I can be mean
I missed the last bus, we'll take the next train
I'll try but you see, it's hard to explain
@henriquecouto1630
The Strokes are that kind of band that people dont like them quickly, but once go through their music, is the most amazing thing. It's hard to explain
@pugsforever5837
Stfu, trying so hard to come up with a clever and witty comment with the song title. Quit trying to copy people and come up with your own.
@henriquecouto1630
@@pugsforever5837 ?
@fabiolacerrato5383
I know!!
@olipimcs
You're wrong. I liked them quickly!
@NowhereMan7
They are an incredibly easy band to like. Their songs are short and catchy and distinct, completely lacking in pretentiousness. Just straight forward great bangers, one after the other played by good looking guys who dress cool. If I had to come up with some bands who were great but hard to get into at first the Strokes would be about as far away from making that list as possible. What part of their sound, or image do you think turns people off at first?
@limbo2587
Is This It is still one of the best rock albums that comes out during the 21st century.
@dan_noo
i forgot whats the first one is.... but i know its something new when i see the new one is a zoom in Moretti
@NightMythHunter
Yeah i see fabs face too, what was the old one?
@GageTheSpartan
laughs in remembering the old thumbnail