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).
This Life
The Strokes Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Ya
Ya
I'm takin on my way
And somehow I can see your life ripped down
And storefronts rarely change
At least im on my own again instead of travelin with you
And I lost my way again
Oh, this is
This a chance
And I hope you never change
This life is on my side!
And I am your one
Believe me this is a chance ohh
Let's see wut is fo sale
I think we'll really make it if
But I ain't sure
It's simpler with you
I take a breath or two
The signals don't seem right
It last fo just one night and than
I'm sorry that I said
That we would just be friends
Oh, ya
And I lost my way again
This is
This is a chance
And I hope u never change
This life is on my side
And I am your one
Believe me this is a chance, whoa
The lyrics of "This Life" by The Strokes are quite reflective of the themes present in their earlier work, from the themes of self-doubt and uncertainty to the search for an authentic identity. The opening lines speak to a sense of movement and exploration, accompanied by a disorienting feeling of detachment from the world. The singer acknowledges that they have lost their way and are struggling to find their footing. The following verses detail his tumultuous relationship with someone - possibly a friend or a lover - who often gets in the way of his personal growth. Despite this, the singer still sees potential for success, envisioning a life that could be made with this person. However, he acknowledges that he is uncertain about their future together, and the eventual outcome may not be as promising as he initially believed.
The chorus of the song reinforces the idea that everything is uncertain and unpredictable. However, the singer chooses to embrace the ambiguity and finds comfort in the notion that life is on his side. He implores the listener to believe that this is a chance for them, and to never change. The chorus concludes with a repetition of the line "This is a chance," emphasizing the importance of taking risks and seizing opportunities.
Overall, the lyrics of "This Life" seem to depict the chaotic yet thrilling process of self-discovery, and the challenges of finding one's place in the world. The song's optimistic message suggests that it's crucial to keep moving forward, taking chances, and remaining open to an uncertain future.
Line by Line Meaning
Yall ready
Are you prepared for what's to come?
Ya
Yes, I am ready.
I'm takin on my way
I am embarking on my own path towards my goals.
And somehow I can see your life ripped down
I have a feeling that your life will change drastically in the future and it worries me.
And storefronts rarely change
Even though the physical surroundings don't change much, our lives are constantly changing.
At least im on my own again instead of travelin with you
It's better for me to be alone than to continue traveling with you.
I'm sorry to say but sometimes you get in my way
I hate to admit it, but sometimes you hold me back.
And I lost my way again
I am feeling lost once more.
Oh, this is
This moment is significant.
This a chance
I have a golden opportunity in front of me.
And I hope you never change
I hope that you will always stay the same, even in the face of change.
This life is on my side!
Life is working in my favor right now!
And I am your one
I am the only one for you.
Believe me this is a chance ohh
Trust me, this opportunity is huge!
Let's see wut is fo sale
Let's take a look at what we can buy or obtain.
I think we'll really make it if
I believe we can be successful if...
But I ain't sure
But I am not completely confident.
It's simpler with you
Things are easier when you are around.
I take a breath or two
I need a moment to collect myself.
The signals don't seem right
Something doesn't seem to be going according to plan.
It last fo just one night and than
It only lasted for one evening and then it was over.
I'm sorry that I said
I regret saying that.
That we would just be friends
I should not have suggested that we just be friends.
Oh, ya
Oh, yes.
And I lost my way again
I am feeling lost once more.
This is
This moment is significant.
This is a chance
I have a golden opportunity in front of me.
And I hope u never change
I hope that you will always stay the same, even in the face of change.
This life is on my side
Life is working in my favor right now!
And I am your one
I am the only one for you.
Believe me this is a chance, whoa
Trust me, this opportunity is huge!
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JULIAN CASABLANCAS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@CarlosSebastian-iy2ww
Lyrics:
They've stolen all the words
All I have to give
(Was this it?)
Believed in all my lies
Under my good cane (cocaine maybe)
(It's my skin)
Your shepherd there I was
Decided just to give it all
(Instead of)
Days where you don't end
At night we become friends, again
And I lost my way again
(This is, this is a chance)
And I hope you'll never change
This life is on my side
And I am your one
Believe me this is your chance, oh
Surrounded there I was
Decided just to give it all
(For you, girl)
And days like you don't end
At night we become friends, again
And I lost my way again
(This is, this is the chance)
And I hope you'll never change
This life is on my side
'Cause I am your one
(This is, this is for you)
And I lost my way again
@longlivetheh0rror
they've stolen all the words
all i have today
(was this it?)
believed in all my lies
i'm in _________
(it's my skin)
your shepherd there i was
decided just to give it all
(instead of)
days where you dont end
at night we become friends, again
and i lost my way again
(this is, this is a chance)
and i hope you'll never change
this life is on my side
and i am your one
believe me this is your chance, oh
surrounded there i was
decided just to give it all
(for you, girl)
and days like you don't end
at night we become friends, again
and i lost my way again
(this is, this is the chance)
and i hope you'll never change
this life is on my side
cuz i am your one
(this is, this is for you)
and i lost my way again
@Nitrodino7875
They've stolen all the words
All I have to give
(Was this it?)
Believed in all my lies
Under my good cane (cocaine maybe)
(It's my skin)
Your shepherd there I was
Decided just to give it all
(Instead of)
Days where you don't end
At night we become friends, again
And I lost my way again
(This is, this is a chance)
And I hope you'll never change
This life is on my side
And I am your one
Believe me this is your chance, oh
Surrounded there I was
Decided just to give it all
(For you, girl)
And days like you don't end
At night we become friends, again
And I lost my way again
(This is, this is the chance)
And I hope you'll never change
This life is on my side
'Cause I am your one
(This is, this is for you)
And I lost my way again
@thekillers1stfan
the Strokes should definitely make a B-sides record with all of these demos + all of the songs not on the other records
@benjamin-uc9rj
bad news
@kev1257ful
@benjamin what's the bad news?
@jaredsan9994
@benjamin good news.
@gianco_97
Yeees! Like the Kooks did it. I guess
@slbandre2
Good news
@FanDeLionelMessi
with these demo, you can see how perfectionnist they were Julian had one of the best ideas of all time to put this filter/effect on his vocals, event hough he has a great voice
@robertbeckerbecker1354
It was actually their producer's idea. Julian suggested it be toned down to what it turned out to be. Brilliant tho.
@DaveTheUseless
Was totally not expecting this to be an early Trying Your Luck when I first clicked
@Piroblob
Wow, it's crazy to hear how much changed from the demo.