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).
Red Light
The Strokes Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Two could be complete without the rest of the world
Do it for the people that have died for your sake
An entire generation that has nothing to say
How'd you make your way to me?
Oh, let's say you made a deal with me
And I got your name and your home address
Oh, you're all trashed up with your big red belt
And you almost say that you might need help
I could drop you off at the next red light
If it don't make sense or it don't feel right
All the girls could never make me love them the way I love you
Can't you see the sky is not the limit no more?
I can see the elevator crash through the floor
I can still see yesterday sailing away
Seven billion people who got nothing to say
Are you comin' on to me?
Well, I saw your face, then I heard that song
It was so inviting, it hurt my bones
Well, it looks like you but your eyes are gray
And your hair is gone but your mind's okay
Yes, I like your smile but your forehead's cold
I don't want you to be afraid and go
I would cheat and lie and steal, now I'll stay at home and kneel for you
I was waiting
For my baby to arrive
Right by my side
Oh, please, leave me alone tonight
Forget the past
Two could be complete without the rest of the world
Oh, you know I said it just to get you to laugh
Do it for the people that have died for your sake
An entire generation of entertainers to blame
The light is red, the camera's on
Get yourself a lawyer and a gun
Hate your friend's new friends like everyone
Childhood's end can be so competitive
Oh, the sky's not the limit and you're never gonna guess what is
Oh
The lyrics to The Strokes' song Red Light are full of introspective musings about the nature of relationships, both romantic and societal. The first two lines of the song, "Two could be complete without the rest of the world," suggest that the singer is speaking directly to someone they are in love with, saying that they do not need anything else in the world as long as they have each other. The line "an entire generation that has nothing to say" suggests a disillusionment with the state of the world and the lack of meaningful discourse in society.
The next verse seems to shift gears entirely, with the singer describing a hypothetical situation in which they have made a deal with the person they love and have acquired their name and home address. The singer describes the other person as being "trashed up" and possibly needing help, and proposes dropping them off at the next red light if things don't feel right. This verse can be interpreted as a commentary on the unpredictable nature of relationships, and the need to trust one's instincts even when things seem to be going wrong.
The final verse brings the song full circle, returning to the themes of love, loss, and the uncertain nature of the future. The singer sings about waiting for their baby to arrive and imploring them to forget the past, before reiterating the lines from the beginning of the song about how two people can be complete without the rest of the world. The final lines of the song - "Get yourself a lawyer and a gun, hate your friends whose friends like everyone" - suggest a paranoid, nihilistic outlook on the world, possibly in response to the sense of disillusionment and ennui that the singer has expressed throughout the song.
Line by Line Meaning
Two could be complete with out the rest of the world
A pair can be whole on their own, they don't need anyone else
Do it for the people that have died for your sake
Honor those who died before you, who made your life possible
An entire generation that has nothing to say
Many people are lost and voiceless, without anything meaningful to contribute
How to make your way to me
How can we connect, how can we find a common ground
Oh, let's say you made a deal with me
Imagine we have an agreement, a contract between us
And I got your name and your home address
I know all about you, where you live and who you are
Oh, you're all trashed up with your big red belt
You're a mess, with a flashy accessory that draws attention
And I'd almost say that you might need help
I think you're in trouble, maybe you need assistance
I could drop you off at the next red light
I'm offering you a way out, a chance to get away from danger
If it don't make sense or it don't feel right
If something seems off, trust your instincts
All the girls could never make me love 'em the way I love you
Nobody else can replace you, you are irreplaceable
Can't you see the skies is not the limit no more?
There are new frontiers to explore, the sky is not the end
I can see the elevator crash through the floor
I see a disaster coming, a failure of technology
I can still see yesterday sailing away
The past is gone, fading away into oblivion
And seven billion people who got nothing to say
Most of humanity is silent, passive, with no opinions or insights to share
Are you coming home to to me?
Are we going to be together again, reunited?
Oh, I saw your face then I heard that song
A memory triggered by a familiar tune, a reminder of a person
It was so inviting, it hurt my bones
The attraction was so strong, it was painful
Well it looks like you but your eyes are gray
You seem familiar, but something has changed, maybe you lost your spark
And your hair is gone but your mind's okay
You may have aged, but your mental faculties are intact
Yes I like your smile but your forehead's cold
You seem happy, but something is off, maybe you're hiding something
I don't want you to be afraid and go
Don't be scared, stay with me and let's face our fears together
I would cheat and lie and steal, now I'll stay at home and kneel for you
I used to be selfish and dishonest, but now I'm humbled and devoted to you
I was waiting for my baby to arrive, right by my side
I was eagerly anticipating the arrival of my loved one, always ready
Oh, please leave me alone tonight, forget the past
Give me some space, let me be alone and forget about what happened before
The light is red, the cameras on
We are being watched, scrutinized, observed
Get yourself a lawyer and a gun
Protect yourself, get legal and violent means to defend your interests
Hate your friends whose friends like everyone
Don't trust those who have no loyalty, who are fickle and universal in their affections
Childhood's end can be so competitive
Growing up means encountering difficulties, obstacles, and rivalries
Oh, the sky's not the limit and you're never gonna guess what is, oh
There are no boundaries, no limits to what we can achieve, and the future is unpredictable
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Julian Casablancas
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind