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 Rhythm Song
The Strokes Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Surrounded by the souls Iґve grown
Arriving just in time to see the earth destroyed, yeah
I said drag me there, or just take me home
See I don't mud rock
Someday or never
But I just keep rolling, rolling
Protected by the saints in all fifty states
I'm from around here so I should know, yeah, I said yeah
I said drag me home or just, take me home
I said I'm waiting oh just say my darling
Rolling, rolling
I said yeah
(Inaudible)
I'm tired of the lost so left alone
Surrounded by the souls I've thrown
Arriving just in time to see the earth destroyed, yeah
I said drag me there, or just, just take me home
Cause I'm leaving
And I'm rolling, rolling
The lyrics to The Strokes's song The Rhythm Song have a sense of detachment and resignation. The singer is weary and feels alone despite being surrounded by people. The line "I'm tired of the lost so left alone" implies a sense of abandonment or alienation, as if he has lost faith in his surroundings. He is "protected by the saints in all fifty states" but it seems like he doesn't fully believe in their power to save him. The line "American minds destined to be great" suggests that there is a collective optimism in American culture, but the singer doesn't seem to share it. He ends the song with the repeated line "I'm leaving and I'm rolling," which gives a sense that he is ready to move on from his current state of mind, perhaps searching for something more meaningful.
Overall, the song can be interpreted as a commentary on the emptiness of American culture and the disillusionment that can come with it. The singer might feel disconnected from his surroundings and the values that are supposed to guide him. The use of repetitive phrases like "rolling, rolling" and "drag me home" can be seen as a way to express a lack of control or direction in life, as if the singer doesn't know where he is going but he is still trying to find his way.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm tired of the lost so left alone
I'm exhausted from being disconnected and isolated
Surrounded by the souls Iґve grown
The people surrounding me are a product of my influence
Arriving just in time to see the earth destroyed, yeah
I've come back to a world that's crumbling
I said drag me there, or just take me home
I'm ready to face whatever's coming or just be done with it entirely
See I don't mud rock
I'm not interested in that kind of music
Someday or never
Maybe I'll get there, maybe I won't
But I just keep rolling, rolling
Regardless, I keep moving forward
Protected by the saints in all fifty states
I feel like divine forces are watching over me no matter where I go
American minds destined to be great
The potential for greatness is in the very mindset of Americans
I'm from around here so I should know, yeah, I said yeah
As someone from this place, I'm speaking from experience
I said drag me home or just, take me home
My desire to move on or stay put remains
I said I'm waiting oh just say my darling
I'm impatiently waiting, my love
Rolling, rolling
I keep moving forward
I said yeah
I'm affirming myself
(Inaudible)
Unclear lyrics
Cause I'm leaving
I'm departing
And I'm rolling, rolling
Again, I keep moving forward
Contributed by Harper L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Ryan Price
Verse 1]
I'm tired, so lost, so left alone, yeah
Surrounded by the stones I've thrown
Arriving just in time to see the earth destroyed, yeah
I said drag me there, or just take me home
[Chorus]
Oh, reunited, everybody was just here
Oh, I just did this for you, oh
Paramore “Running Out Of Time' Official Lyrics & Meaning | Verified
Paramore “Running Out Of Time' Official Lyrics & Meaning | Verified
[Verse 2]
Protected by the saints in all 50 states
American minds destined to be great
I'm from around here so I should know, yeah
Blame it on the eskimos
[Chorus]
Yeah, do I look ready?
Forget it, I'm ready
Oh, I'm on my way out of here
[Instrumental Break]
[Bridge]
Oh, I'm here, yes
Yeah, come on, you stood on us
Oh, oh, oh
[Verse 3]
I'm tired, I'm lost, so left alone, yeah
Surrounded by the stones I've thrown
Arriving just in time to see the earth destroyed, yeah
Drag me there, or just take me home
[Chorus]
Oh, forget it
I'm ready, I'm ready
Oh baby, oh, meet me on the way
Xu Guerrero López.
Lyrics:
Im Tired of the Lost So Left Alone
Surrounded By the Souls Ive Grown
Arriving Just in Time to See the Earth Destroyed, Yeah
I Said Drag Me There, Or Just Take Me Home
See I Dont Mod Rock
Someday Or Never
But I Just Keep Rolling, Rolling
Protected By the Saints in All 50 States
American Minds Destined to Be Great
I'm From Around Here So I Should Know, Yeah,i Said Yeah
I Said Drag Me Home Or Just, Take Me Home
I Said Im Waiting Oh Just Say My Darling
Rolling, Rolling
I Said Yeah
(Inaudible)
Im Tired of the Lost So Left Alone
Surrounded By the Souls Ive Thrown
Arriving Just in Time to See the Earth Destroyed, Yeah
I Said Drag Me There, Or Just, Just Take Me Home
Cause I'm Leaving
And Im Rolling, Rolling
Drew Smithson
I cannot be the only person that enjoys some of their demos almost more than I enjoy the official songs
rivers
@Dr. Long Schlong I agree
Dr. Long Schlong
I think In Her Prime is up there with the good ones
mini majo
I'm crying at how beautiful this is, the strokes are my second all time favourite band and discovering this lost material brings so much joy to me.
kozhikkaalan
@Enzo 😂 exactly
Enzo
@mini majo that's fine cause arctic monkeys favourite band is the strokes
mini majo
@asdf Arctic Monkeys!
asdf
just out of curiosity who is your fav band?
Peter Uchiha
Cuál es tu primera banda favorita?
brianmolkogirl
Jules makes the most extraordinary sounds, his voice is magical.