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).
Razor Blade
The Strokes Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I bet you pick it up and mess around with it
If I put it down
It gets extremely complicated.
Anything to forget everything.
You got to take me out,
At least once a week
Or I'm at your feet.
I know exactly what you're thinking
You won't say it now
But in your heart it's love
Oh, my feelings are more important than yours.
Oh, drop dead, I don't care, I won't worry.
Let it go.
Oh, the razor blade,
Wish it would snap this rope
The world is in your hands
Or it's at your throat
At times it's not that complicated
anything to forget everything.
He would never talk,
But he was not shy
She was a street-smart girl,
But she could not lie
They were perfect for each other
Say it now
'Cause in your heart it's loud
Oh, my feelings are more important than yours
Oh, drop dead, I don't care, I won't worry
Sweetheart,
Your feelings are more important of course
Of course
Everyone you wanted,
Everything that we would take from them
I don't wanna know, I don't wanna know
Tell me, tell me, tell me
Oh, don't, okay.
The Strokes’ song Razorblade is a reflective and contemplative piece on the ups and downs of love, with the metaphor of a razor blade used to depict the complexity and fragility of relationships. The opening line, “Razor blade, that’s what I call love,” sets the tone for the rest of the song, with the singer acknowledging that love can be painful and difficult to navigate. The lyrics go on to suggest that putting the razor blade down, or letting go of love, would only make things more complicated.
The chorus repeats the idea of the singer’s desire to be close to their lover, “Either I’m in your arms, or I’m at your feet.” However, the bridge in the middle of the song features a call-and-response style with different perspectives on the relationship. The male voice states, “My feelings are more important than yours,” before adding “Oh drop dead, I don't care, I won't worry. Let it go.” The female voice responds with “Sweetheart, your feelings are more important, of course, of course” before asking a rhetorical question about everyone they’ve hurt in the process.
Overall, the song is an introspective take on love, with the use of the razor blade metaphor emphasizing the potential danger and pain associated with falling in love. It acknowledges the push-and-pull between two individuals in a relationship and the complications that arise, but ultimately suggests that the emotions and connection are worth the struggle.
Line by Line Meaning
Razor blade, that's what I call love,
Love is like a razor blade, dangerous and painful.
I bet you pick it up and mess around with it
You play around with love, even though it's risky.
If I put it down
If I give up on love,
It gets extremely complicated.
It becomes too hard to deal with.
Anything to forget everything.
I do anything to forget my troubles and pain.
You got to take me out,
You need to show me attention and love.
At least once a week
At the very least, we should spend time together.
Either I'm in your arms,
Either we are physically close,
Or I'm at your feet.
Or I am looking for your approval.
I know exactly what you're thinking
I understand what you're feeling without you saying anything.
You won't say it now
You won't talk about it at the moment.
But in your heart it's love
But deep down, you love me.
Oh, my feelings are more important than yours.
I prioritize my emotions over yours.
Oh, drop dead, I don't care, I won't worry.
I don't care if you disagree or if it causes problems.
Let it go.
I'm not going to dwell on it.
Oh, the razor blade,
Love is still like a razor blade.
Wish it would snap this rope
I wish love would break the ties that bind me.
The world is in your hands
You have control over everything in your life.
Or it's at your throat
Or everything is going wrong.
At times it's not that complicated
Sometimes life is simple and easy.
anything to forget everything.
I'll do anything to escape my problems.
He would never talk,
He was always quiet and reserved.
But he was not shy
But he wasn't afraid to speak his mind.
She was a street-smart girl,
She was wise and street-smart.
But she could not lie
But she couldn't hide the truth.
They were perfect for each other
They were a perfect match.
Say it now
Admit your love now.
'Cause in your heart it's loud
Because your love is strong.
Sweetheart,
My love,
Your feelings are more important of course
I value your feelings as much as my own.
Of course
Obviously!
Everyone you wanted,
Anyone you desired,
Everything that we would take from them
Everything we could gain from them,
I don't wanna know, I don't wanna know
I don't want to hear about it.
Tell me, tell me, tell me
But tell me anyway.
Oh, don't, okay.
Nevermind, forget it.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JULIAN CASABLANCAS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind