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).
The End Has No End
The Strokes Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It's not the secrets of the government
That's keeping you dumb
Oh, it's the other way around, wait
What's that sound?
One by one, baby, here they come
He wants it easy, he want it relaxed
Two steps forward, then three steps back, alright
Won't you take a walk outside? Oh, no
Can't you find some other guy? Oh, no
One-nine-six-nine, what's that sound? Oh, no
Keeping down the underground, oh, no
The end has no end, the end has no end
The end has no end, the end has no end
He want it easy, he want it relaxed
Said, "I can do a lot of things, but I can't do that"
Two steps forward then three steps back, it won't be easy
Won't you take a walk outside? Oh, no
Can't you find another guy? Oh, no
One-nine-six-three, what's that sound? Oh, no
Keeping down the underground, oh, no
The end has no end, the end has no end
The end has no end, the end has no end
The end has no end, the end has no end
The end has no end, the end has no end
The lyrics of The Strokes's song "The End Has No End" are quite abstract and cryptic, leaving them open to interpretation. However, one possible interpretation is that the song is a commentary on society's tendency to sabotage itself, even when it knows better. The first verse suggests that ticking "time bombs," or problems, are emerging one by one, but instead of addressing them, people remain ignorant and dumb. It's not the government's secrets that are keeping people in the dark, but their own apathy and indifference. This is reinforced in the second verse, where the singer rejects the idea of doing something challenging, implying that he too is guilty of complacency. The refrain of "the end has no end" suggests a cyclical pattern of destruction and rebirth, where problems never really get resolved, but continue to surface in different forms.
The third verse introduces a few more clues to the song's meaning, with references to the year 1969 and the underground. These could be interpreted as allusions to the counterculture and political movements of the 60s, and the idea that they ultimately failed to bring about lasting change. Keeping "down the underground" could also be a reference to the suppression of dissent and alternative perspectives, which harkens back to the idea of people sabotaging themselves by remaining ignorant.
Overall, "The End Has No End" is a cautionary tale about the danger of complacency and the need to constantly challenge ourselves and our assumptions. It's a call to action to stay vigilant and engaged, to not let problems fester and grow out of control, and to not simply accept things as they are.
Line by Line Meaning
One by one, ticking time bombs won
Each person is like a ticking time bomb waiting to explode.
It's not the secrets of the government That's keeping you dumb
The government's secrets are not responsible for keeping people uninformed.
Oh, it's the other way around, wait What's that sound?
Actually, people are responsible for their own ignorance. The sound may be a wake-up call.
One by one, baby, here they come
One by one, people are starting to realize their own responsibility in staying informed.
He wants it easy, he want it relaxed Said, "I can do a lot of things, but I can't do that" Two steps forward, then three steps back, alright
People want an easy and relaxed life, but they realize that achieving it is not easy. They advance two steps, retreat three, but they are still okay.
Won't you take a walk outside? Oh, no Can't you find some other guy? Oh, no One-nine-six-nine, what's that sound? Oh, no Keeping down the underground, oh, no
The sound is still there, and people are still trying to ignore it. They want someone else to take responsibility for fixing it. The underground is trying to bring attention to the issue.
The end has no end, the end has no end The end has no end, the end has no end
The issue is ongoing and there is no clear resolution in sight.
Two steps forward then three steps back, it won't be easy
Moving forward and making progress will not be easy, as they will face many setbacks.
Won't you take a walk outside? Oh, no Can't you find another guy? Oh, no One-nine-six-three, what's that sound? Oh, no Keeping down the underground, oh, no
The same situation repeats, and people still try to avoid responsibility. The underground still wants attention and action to be taken.
The end has no end, the end has no end The end has no end, the end has no end The end has no end, the end has no end The end has no end, the end has no end
The issue is persistent and unending. It will continue to exist until someone takes action to address it.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Julian Casablancas
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@javonmccovery3081
LYRICS:
One by one, ticking time bombs won
It's not the secrets of the government
That's keeping you dumb
Oh, it's the other way around, wait
What's that sound?
One by one, baby, here they come
He wants it easy, he want it relaxed
Said, "I can do a lot of things, but I can't do that"
Two steps forward, then three steps back, alright
Won't you take a walk outside? Oh, no
Can't you find some other guy? Oh, no
One-nine-six-nine, what's that sound? Oh, no
Keeping down the underground, oh, no
The end has no end, the end has no end
The end has no end, the end has no end
He want it easy, he want it relaxed
Said, "I can do a lot of things, but I can't do that"
Two steps forward then three steps back, it won't be easy
Won't you take a walk outside? Oh, no
Can't you find another guy? Oh, no
One-nine-six-three, what's that sound? Oh, no
Keeping down the underground, oh, no
The end has no end, the end has no end
The end has no end, the end has no end
The end has no end, the end has no end
The end has no end, the end has no end
@jmjmjam
easily the greatest band of the 2000's
@impulseki9896
jmjmjam easily the greatest band ever
@lucakat9262
@@impulseki9896 yeah, they are known as the last great rock n roll band and I can see why.
@laytonn1160
@@lucakat9262 parquet courts last album is pretty nice
@lucakat9262
@@laytonn1160 each to their own. You have the right to your opinion.✌
@Dehothedestroyer
*ever
@eireal6175
00:31 probably one of the most iconic, technical and underrated riff of the 2000
@davidmfass
I guess that's the state of music these days. 1960's-1990's most songs had incredible guitar. But I agree, it's a nice lick. I should learn it.
@yanniscuypers1259
It reminds me a bit of sweet child o mine although the song is overall totally different
@edwickquiles5331
It's about dang time that riff got the cred it deserves(!). Really.