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).
Trying Your Luck
The Strokes Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You've seen it all before, I know
They sold you on their way
Oh, honey, that's okay
No harm, he's armed
Settin' off all your alarms
When I find out
And storefronts rarely change
At least I'm on my own again
Instead of anywhere with you
Oh, tell me it's all the same
And I lost my page again
I know this is so rare
But I'll try my luck with you
This life is on my side
Well, I am your one
Believe me, this is a chance, oh, oh
Let's see what is for sale
He's tryin' hard to give his job a chance
Oh, it's never gonna be
It's sad, but I agree
The signals don't seem right
They last for just one night, and then
I'm sorry that I said
That we were just good friends
No harm, he's armed
Setting off all your alarms
They're trapped, I can't
Be there in time, I'll think about that
And I lost my page again
I know this is so rare
But I'll try my luck with you
This life is on my side
Well, I am your one
Believe me, this is a chance, oh, oh
The Strokes' "Trying Your Luck" is a song about impulsive attraction and the dangers that come with it. The song begins with the singer acknowledging that the object of his affection has seen it all before, and he understands that he's not the first or the last person to try and win them over. However, he implies that he's not interested in selling anything since they've already been sold on something else. Instead, he's just trying his luck, hoping that the other person sees something in him worthy of taking a chance.
The chorus serves as a warning of sorts, saying that the other person ought to be careful since the singer is dangerous and might break their heart. He's a trap, setting off all of their alarms, and when they realize what's happening, they'll know that it was the singer who set it. Despite this ominous warning, the singer admits that he's already lost his page again, meaning that he's fallen under the other person's spell and can't help himself from trying to pursue them. In their mind, life favors them, and they're the one for the other person.
He then sings about going out with the other person and seeing what's for sale, implying that he's not effective at his job, and that he's going to try to take his chances with the other person. Although he recognizes that it's unlikely things will work out the way they hope, he's willing to try nonetheless. The song ends with a repetition of the chorus, emphasizing the idea of the singer being dangerous and setting traps for the other person.
Line by Line Meaning
You said you couldn't stay
You mentioned that you cannot remain here
You've seen it all before
You have experienced all of this previously
I know
I understand
They sold you on their way
They convinced you to follow their path
Oh, honey, that's ok
It's alright, don't worry
No harm, he's armed
He won't cause any damage, he is prepared
Setting off all your alarms
Activating all of your warning signals
When I find out
Once I discover
I hope it's you who set this trap
I desire for you to be the one who created this scheme
And storefronts rarely changed
The shops rarely alter their appearance
At least I'm on my own again
But at least I am independent once again
Instead of anywhere with you
Rather than being at any location with you
But, to me, it's all the same
However, it doesn't matter to me since everything is identical
And I lost my page, again
I misplaced my page again
I know this is so rare
I realize that this is exceptionally uncommon
But, I'll try my luck with you
But I will take my chances with you
This life is on my side
The circumstances are in my favor at the moment
Well, I am your one
Well, I am the one for you
"Believe me, this is a chance," oh oh
"Trust me, this is an opportunity," oh oh
Let's see what's for sale
Let's go investigate what is available for purchase
He's trying hard to give his job a chance
He is working hard to give his employment an opportunity
Oh, it's never gonna be
Oh, it shall never be
It's sad, but I agree
It's unfortunate, but I concur
The signals don't seem right
The indicators do not appear correct
They last for just one night, and then
They persist for only a single evening, and subsequently
I'm sorry that I said
I regret saying
"That we were just good friends"
"That we were merely good friends"
They're trapped
They are confined
I can't be there in time
I will not be able to arrive promptly
I'll think about that
I will reflect on that
And I lost my page again
And again, I misplaced my page
I know this is so rare
I recognize that this is particularly uncommon
But, I'll try my luck with you
Regardless, I will take my chances with you
This life is on my side
The circumstances are in my favor at the moment
Well, I am your one
Well, I am the one for you
"Believe me, this is a chance," oh, oh
"Trust me, this is an opportunity," oh, oh
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Julian Casablancas
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind