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't Win
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 empty 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 Strokes's song "I Can't Win" presents a portrait of a person who seems to be descending into a state of disillusionment and apathy. The lyrics describe an individual walking on a mountain, seemingly alone and surrounded by the beauty of nature, yet still feeling empty and unfulfilled. The line "laughing at the life you're wasting" suggests that the person is keenly aware of their own feelings of inadequacy and may even be attempting to rationalize or make light of them.
The rest of the song contains a series of disconnected images and thoughts that seem to reflect the singer's internal struggles. Lines such as "things in bars that people do and no one wants to talk to you" and "you told me that these girls were easy" suggest feelings of alienation and social isolation. At the same time, the line "wait now, by the sidewalk" seems to imply a sense of urgency or restlessness, perhaps indicating that the character is looking for a way out of their situation.
Overall, "I Can't Win" presents a bleak and somewhat cryptic look at the emotional struggles of an individual who is feeling lost and disconnected from those around them.
Line by Line Meaning
That was you upon the mountain
You were standing alone on the peak of a mountain
All alone and all surrounded
Although you were alone, but yet surrounded by the beauty of nature
Walking on the ground you're breaking
Your actions are leading to irreversible consequences
Laughing at the life you're wasting
You are unaware of how precious life is and wasting it in vain pursuits
One, two, a jive won't do it
Dancing and fooling around won't solve your problems
You do it on your left
You are doing it all wrong
And you'll never get through it
You won't succeed in achieving your aim
Everything you'll have to see
You will be presented with many obstacles in life
Dinner isn't just one day
Success cannot be achieved in one day, it requires constant effort and hard work
Good try, we don't like it
Although you tried your best, your effort is not appreciated
Good try, we won't take that shit
We are not going to accept the excuses that you are making
Oh, I can't win
I am feeling defeated
Things in bars that people do
Bars are places where people indulge in activities that are not socially acceptable
And no one wants to talk to you
You are feeling lonely and left out
Feeling can be quite a breeze
Emotions can be fleeting and changing
You told me that these girls were easy
You misled me into thinking that these women are not to be taken seriously
Happy that you said you know me
You were pleased that someone recognized you
Felt unlucky when you found me
You felt like a burden when someone found you in a difficult situation
Some of us come up empty handed
Some people fail to achieve their goals even after putting in their best effort
Yes, I'll take it
You have resigned yourself to accept the situation
Wait now, by the sidewalk
Pause for a moment on the sidewalk
Hold on, yes I'll be right back
Wait for a minute, I will return shortly
Oh, I can't win
I am feeling defeated
Yeah, I wait for something
I am waiting for something to happen
Cool it, we won't take that shit
Stop complaining, we are not going to listen to it
Good try, we don't like it
Although you tried your best, we are not impressed
Oh, yes I'll be right back
I have to leave for a moment, but I will come back soon
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Julian Casablancas
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind