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).
LIFE IS SIMPLE IN THE MOONLIGHT SNL
The Strokes Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
About some pain that they once felt
There's no one I disapprove of more or root for more than myself
I wanted to pretend that it was better, better, better on the phone
I didn't wanna tell you I was jealous, jealous, jealous and alone
So we talk about ourselves and how
To forget the love we never felt
You never were so sure, was the moment
Don't try to stop us
Don't try to stop us
Don't try to stop us
Get out of the way
Got to get to climb your tree in the light of the living ghost I see
She sees her father in that old man's eyes while secretly he stares at her thighs
Animals on TV singing about some pain they felt at some point
I didn't wanna tell you I was jealous, jealous, jealous and alone
As I watched the velvet drapes appear
And the door was closed for 40 years
As we hide what we don't want to hear
As we hide our dream, near here
He is coming from a part of hell
Where, like Nanbu, I don't go down well
He can tell that we're oblivious
It's a diction and routine as well
Making fools out of the best of us
Making robots of the rest of us
In that sense, I tell, in America today
There's a crime, just like going out westward
Don't try to stop us
Don't try to stop us
Don't try to stop me
Get out of the way
The lyrics to The Strokes's song “Life is Simple in the Moonlight” touch upon themes of self-reflection, jealousy, and the fear of opening up. The song opens with a reference to animals on TV singing about pain that they once felt, which is a metaphor for musicians singing about their own personal struggles. The lead singer then admits that he disapproves of himself but also roots for himself more than anyone else. He also confesses to being jealous and alone but didn’t want to admit it to anyone else.
The chorus seems to be a call to action, as the singer tells others not to try to stop him or the band. In the next verse, the singer sings about climbing a tree and seeing a living ghost while referencing the older man who is secretly staring at her thighs. This is an interesting contrast as the living ghost could be a metaphor for the past or a fleeting moment. It is also worth noting that the line about the older man could be a reference to the Oedipus complex.
The final verse touches upon the idea of hiding things that we don’t want to hear or accept, such as our dreams. The reference to “Nanbu” could be a nod to the Nanbu clan in Japan, who were known for their strong sense of pride and honor. The verse culminates with a commentary on making fools and robots out of the best and rest of us, with a pointed reference to America in the final line.
Line by Line Meaning
Animals on TV singing
The media broadcasts performers singing about their past struggles.
About some pain that they once felt
The animal performers are singing about their past traumatic experiences.
There's no one I disapprove of more or root for more than myself
The singer has a love-hate relationship with themselves and constantly struggles with self-doubt and self-love.
I wanted to pretend that it was better, better, better on the phone
The singer put up a front and pretended their life was better than it actually was during a phone conversation.
I didn't wanna tell you I was jealous, jealous, jealous and alone
The singer didn't want to admit to feeling envious and lonely to the person they were speaking with.
So we talk about ourselves and how
The conversation shifts to a discussion about the individuals in it and how they view themselves.
To forget the love we never felt
In an attempt to avoid feeling a sense of loss, they try to forget what it means to truly love someone.
All the old jokes that work so well
They use the same old jokes to try and mask their true feelings.
You never were so sure, was the moment
The other person wasn't quite certain at that moment in time.
Don't try to stop us
The individuals are determined to do what they want.
Get out of the way
Anyone who tries to interfere will be dismissed by the individuals.
Got to get to climb your tree in the light of the living ghost I see
They must make the climb to their desire despite the odds against them, living in a world full of ghosts that represent their past.
She sees her father in that old man's eyes while secretly he stares at her thighs
She sees a glimpse of her father in an older man while he has impure thoughts about her.
As I watched the velvet drapes appear
As the curtains close, everything seems to fade away.
And the door was closed for 40 years
The door was shut for a long time, symbolizing a sense of isolation and loneliness.
As we hide what we don't want to hear
We often ignore what makes us uncomfortable or what we don't want to face.
As we hide our dream, near here
In an effort to avoid disappointment, they conceal their hopes and aspirations.
He is coming from a part of hell
He's coming from a dark place where most people wouldn't dare to go.
Where, like Nanbu, I don't go down well
The singer doesn't quite fit into that dark place just like the character in the story of Nanbu.
He can tell that we're oblivious
Others can see past the facade and realize the individuals are clueless and unaware of their true selves.
It's a diction and routine as well
The disconnect between what they say versus what they truly feel has become a routine and habit for them.
Making fools out of the best of us
Even the smartest of individuals can be fooled and manipulated by the world around us.
Making robots of the rest of us
The systems in place often rob us of our humanity and turn us into emotionless robots.
In that sense, I tell, in America today
The singer is making a commentary about the state of the country and the world.
There's a crime, just like going out westward
Just as going out westward led to the settling of the American West, there is a new type of 'crime' that the world is facing.
Don't try to stop me
The individual is determined to do what they want, no matter the risk or who tries to stop them.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: CASABLANCAS, JULIAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
LofiGirl97RAWRXD
Some of their best work. Lyrically and the arrangement. so disappointed they don’t play this more often.
LofiGirl97RAWRXD
@Felipe Ortega thats
Really sad. 😞 Its really such a good song.
Felipe Ortega
@LofiGirl97RAWRXD and there's an interview where Julian says it's his favorite song on the album but he never played it again
LofiGirl97RAWRXD
@Doctor DeepThroat to each their own. I understand they weren’t in a good place. The album was made differently then usual because they were often separated. This track was still solid regardless. I thought the sound worked and the production is solid.
Doctor DeepThroat
Lolz not really their best work but they made it work somehow and they don’t play much from this album cause they don’t remember how to play the songs or forgot about them, this album was a hard time and they almost fell apart and they all had differences and were fighting each other
José Luis Ruiz Velasco Sánchez
Underrated song!!!
Branch
Been listening to the Strokes for about 4 years and this is far and away my favorite song of theirs. Shame that they haven't played this live in 11 years :/
Jules has expressed an interest in playing more of their "deep cuts", so I am just waiting for the day when I see this in a live setlist again. They played Call it Fate for the first time live in 2021, so I have some hope at least.
cash
annoyed how ppl don’t like angles/comedown machine when it was some of their most creative work ever
die
La mejor letra de los strokes
Akash
Man.... This has to be the best live version of this song. Thanks 😃😃