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).
I Can
The Strokes Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
All alone and all surrounded
Walking on the ground you're breaking
Laughing at the life you're wasting
One, two, a jive won't do it
You do it on your left,
and you'll never get through it
Everything you'll have to see
Good try, we don't like it
Good try, we won't take that shit
Oh, I can't win
Things in bars that people do
And no one wants to talk to you
Feeling can be quite a breeze
You told me that these girls were easy
Happy that you said you know me
Felt unlucky when you found me
Some of us come up empy handed
Yes, I'll take it
Wait now, by the sidewalk
Hold on, yes I'll be right back
Oh, I can't win
Yeah, I wait for something
Cool it, we won't take that shit
Good try, we don't like it
Oh, yes I'll be right back
The lyrics of "I Can" by The Strokes may seem confusing at first because of its surreal cryptic tone. However, upon closer inspection, the song seems to talk about the struggle of being alive and constantly trying to find one's place in the world. The opening lines hint at isolation and detachment, with the singer describing someone on the mountain, surrounded by nothingness. The following lines suggest a sense of nihilism, with the person laughing at their wasted life. The chorus, with the lines "good try, we won't take that shit," seems to be an expression of frustration at one's own inability to succeed or belong. The song continues with a description of mundane things that happen in bars, contrasting with the intensity of emotions.
The next verse is interesting because it seems to describe a relationship between two people. The lines "happy that you said you know me, felt unlucky when you found me" convey a sense of irony and vulnerability. The final lines of the song repeat the chorus, with the singer acknowledging that they can't win, and that they will keep waiting for something to happen.
Overall, "I Can" is a reflection on the struggles of finding purpose and connection in the world, despite the mundanity and chaos that surrounds us.
Line by Line Meaning
That was you upon the mountain
You were on top of the world, but all by yourself
All alone and all surrounded
You were surrounded by others, but still felt isolated
Walking on the ground you're breaking
You're making mistakes, even in the most basic things
Laughing at the life you're wasting
You're trying to mask the fact that you're not living up to your potential
One, two, a jive won't do it
You can't just fake your way through life
You do it on your left,
and you'll never get through it
You're trying to take shortcuts, but it's not helping you in the long run
Everything you'll have to see
You'll have to face the consequences of your actions eventually
Dinner isn't just one day
You can't just live for today, you need to plan for the future
Good try, we don't like it
You're trying your best, but it's not up to our standards
Good try, we won't take that shit
We won't accept mediocre effort
Oh, I can't win
I feel like I'm always coming up short
Things in bars that people do
People act a certain way when they're out drinking
And no one wants to talk to you
Even when surrounded by people, you can still feel alone
Feeling can be quite a breeze
It's easy to get caught up in your own emotions
You told me that these girls were easy
You bragged about objectifying women
Happy that you said you know me
You enjoy being associated with me, even if it's just a superficial connection
Felt unlucky when you found me
You don't feel like you're good enough for me
Some of us come up empty handed
Not everyone succeeds in life
Yes, I'll take it
I'll accept what I can get, even if it's not what I really want
Wait now, by the sidewalk
Holding up, taking a minute to reevaluate things
Hold on, yes I'll be right back
I need to step away momentarily, but I'll be back soon
Yeah, I wait for something
I'm waiting for a chance to prove myself
Cool it, we won't take that shit
Calm down and stop acting out, we won't tolerate it
Oh, yes I'll be right back
I need to take a break, but I'll come back and try again
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: JULIAN CASABLANCAS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Jesus Ospino
I was waiting for long years to see this live version of "I Can't Win" with a very good quality. Thank you for give me this happiness.
This is one of my favorites Strokes songs.
Blue387
Damn good song
Adam M
Fabrizio Moretti is underrated, he is writing so good drum parts
Happysoc
julian actually writes everything lmao and I mean EVERYTHING well atleast for the first 2 albums
Brett Burbach
@Happysoc Fab might have deviated a little bit in the studio sure but yeah Jules definitely wrote the first few albums all himself…..the best years
Skeet Boogins
Julian wrote the drum parts
John Paul
@Skeet Boogins julian plays drums?
Pablo_ honeyy._.
@John Paulhe most likely programmed drums for demos
Rockers Malaya
very passionate performance they enjoyed, true artists
Gordon Freeman
Nick just casually demolished that solo. God DAMN!