Feature Photo: Raph_PH, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
The Strokes emerged from the vibrant music scene of New York City in 1998, blending indie rock, garage rock revival, and post-punk revival into a sound that would define a generation. Fronted by Julian Casablancas, with Nick Valensi and Albert Hammond Jr. on guitars, Nikolai Fraiture on bass, and Fabrizio Moretti on drums, the band quickly made their mark with raw, energetic performances and a distinctive style. Their debut EP, The Modern Age (2001), created a major-label bidding war, ultimately leading to a deal with RCA Records. The release of their debut album, Is This It (2001), was a landmark moment, earning critical acclaim and commercial success, with tracks like “Last Nite” and “Someday” becoming iconic hits. The album’s fusion of catchy melodies, gritty guitar work, and Casablancas’ drawling vocals positioned them as leaders of the early-2000s rock resurgence.
Following the breakthrough of Is This It, The Strokes released Room on Fire in 2003, continuing their success with singles like “Reptilia” and “12:51.” Despite the challenges of maintaining their initial momentum, the band retained a loyal fanbase drawn to their unpolished yet infectious sound. In 2005, they released First Impressions of Earth, an ambitious project that saw mixed reviews but featured standout tracks like “Juicebox” and “Heart in a Cage.” After a brief hiatus, they returned with Angles (2011) and Comedown Machine (2013), both of which showcased a more experimental approach while maintaining their signature aesthetic.
In 2020, The Strokes made a triumphant return with The New Abnormal, produced by Rick Rubin, which garnered widespread praise and earned them a Grammy Award for Best Rock Album in 2021. The album’s singles, including “At the Door” and “Bad Decisions,” demonstrated their ability to evolve while staying true to their roots, solidifying their place as enduring figures in modern rock.
Throughout their career, The Strokes have been celebrated for their ability to capture the restless energy of urban life, blending lyrical introspection with a rugged musicality. Their influence can be seen in the rise of numerous indie rock bands in the early 2000s, and they continue to inspire new generations of musicians.
Beyond their musical accomplishments, the band members have also pursued individual projects. Julian Casablancas, for instance, fronts The Voidz, an experimental rock band that explores more avant-garde soundscapes. Albert Hammond Jr. has released several solo albums, blending rock and pop with his distinctive guitar style. These ventures reflect the members’ creative drive and versatility while maintaining their collective identity as The Strokes.
Despite the challenges of evolving in a constantly changing music industry, The Strokes have maintained their relevance through innovation and an unwavering commitment to their craft. Their ability to balance nostalgic rock influences with contemporary sensibilities has cemented their legacy as one of the most influential bands of the 21st century.
The band’s continued success speaks not only to their talent but to their connection with fans who appreciate the raw authenticity that defined their earliest work and continues to shape their musical journey. As they navigate new musical landscapes, The Strokes remain a dynamic force in rock music, proving that their artistic spirit is as resilient as ever.
Complete List Of The Strokes Songs From A to Z
12:51 – Room on Fire – 2003
15 Minutes – First Impressions of Earth – 2005
50/50 – Comedown Machine – 2013
80’s Comedown Machine – Comedown Machine – 2013
All the Time – Comedown Machine – 2013
Alone, Together – Is This It – 2001
Ask Me Anything – First Impressions of Earth – 2005
At the Door – The New Abnormal – 2020
Automatic Stop – Room on Fire – 2003
Bad Decisions – The New Abnormal – 2020
Barely Legal – Is This It – 2001 (Also on The Modern Age EP – 2001)
Between Love & Hate – Room on Fire – 2003
Brooklyn Bridge to Chorus – The New Abnormal – 2020
Call It Fate, Call It Karma – Comedown Machine – 2013
Call Me Back – Angles – 2011
Chances – Comedown Machine – 2013
Drag Queen – Future Present Past EP – 2016
Electricityscape – First Impressions of Earth – 2005
Eternal Summer – The New Abnormal – 2020
Evening Sun – First Impressions of Earth – 2005
Fast Animals – Comedown Machine – 2013 (Japanese bonus track)
Fear of Sleep – First Impressions of Earth – 2005
Games – Angles – 2011
Gratisfaction – Angles – 2011
Happy Ending – Comedown Machine – 2013
Hard to Explain – Is This It – 2001
Heart in a Cage – First Impressions of Earth – 2005
I Can’t Win – Room on Fire – 2003
Is This It – Is This It – 2001
Ize of the World – First Impressions of Earth – 2005
Juicebox – First Impressions of Earth – 2005
Killing Lies – First Impressions of Earth – 2005
Last Nite – Is This It – 2001 (Also on The Modern Age EP – 2001)
Life Is Simple in the Moonlight – Angles – 2011
Machu Picchu – Angles – 2011
Meet Me in the Bathroom – Room on Fire – 2003
Metabolism – Angles – 2011
New York City Cops – Is This It – 2001
Not the Same Anymore – The New Abnormal – 2020
Oblivius – Future Present Past EP – 2016
Oblivius (Moretti Remix) – Future Present Past EP – 2016
Ode to the Mets – The New Abnormal – 2020
On the Other Side – First Impressions of Earth – 2005
One Way Trigger – Comedown Machine – 2013
Partners in Crime – Comedown Machine – 2013
Razorblade – First Impressions of Earth – 2005
Red Light – First Impressions of Earth – 2005
Reptilia – Room on Fire – 2003
Selfless – The New Abnormal – 2020
Slow Animals – Comedown Machine – 2013
Someday – Is This It – 2001
Soma – Is This It – 2001
Take It or Leave It – Is This It – 2001
Taken for a Fool – Angles – 2011
Tap Out – Comedown Machine – 2013
The Adults Are Talking – The New Abnormal – 2020
The End Has No End – Room on Fire – 2003
The Modern Age – Is This It – 2001 (Also on The Modern Age EP – 2001)
The Way It Is – Room on Fire – 2003
Threat of Joy – Future Present Past EP – 2016
Trying Your Luck – Is This It – 2001
Two Kinds of Happiness – Angles – 2011
Under Control – Room on Fire – 2003
Under Cover of Darkness – Angles – 2011
Vision of Division – First Impressions of Earth – 2005
Welcome to Japan – Comedown Machine – 2013
What Ever Happened? – Room on Fire – 2003
Why Are Sundays So Depressing – The New Abnormal – 2020
You Only Live Once – First Impressions of Earth – 2005
You Talk Way Too Much – Room on Fire – 2003
You’re So Right – Angles – 2011
Albums
Is This It (2001): 11 songs
Room on Fire (2003): 11 songs
First Impressions of Earth (2005): 14 songs
Angles (2011): 10 songs
Comedown Machine (2013): 12 songs (including Japanese bonus track)
The New Abnormal (2020): 9 songs
The Modern Age EP (2001): 3 songs (all included on Is This It)
Future Present Past EP (2016): 4 songs
Check out our fantastic and entertaining The Strokes articles, detailing in-depth the band’s albums, songs, band members, and more…all on ClassicRockHistory.com
Brian Kachejian was born in Manhattan and raised in the Bronx. He is the founder and Editor in Chief of ClassicRockHistory.com. He has spent thirty years in the music business often working with many of the people who have appeared on this site. Brian Kachejian also holds B.A. and M.A. degrees from Stony Brook University along with New York State Public School Education Certifications in Music and Social Studies. Brian Kachejian is also an active member of the New York Press.