Since their debut in the early 2000s, The Strokes have been at the forefront of the garage rock revival and have cemented themselves as one of the most influential rock bands of the past two decades. With their unique blend of raw energy, catchy hooks, and introspective lyrics, The Strokes have produced a string of hits that have captivated audiences around the world. From their breakout debut album “Is This It” to their most recent release “The New Abnormal”, The Strokes have consistently pushed the boundaries of rock music and have established themselves as one of the most important bands of their generation.
In this article, we will explore the top 10 best songs of The Strokes, highlighting the band’s signature sound and unique approach to songwriting. From the iconic “Last Nite” to the introspective “Under Control”, each song on this list represents a different facet of The Strokes’ sound and demonstrates their ability to craft memorable and impactful songs. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual listener, this list is sure to showcase the best of The Strokes and provide a definitive guide to their most essential tracks. So grab your leather jacket, turn up the volume, and let’s dive into the top 10 best songs of The Strokes.
1. Reptilia
“Reptilia” is a high-energy, guitar-driven track from The Strokes’ critically acclaimed album “Room on Fire”. The song’s driving beat and catchy guitar riffs, coupled with Julian Casablancas’ signature vocals, make it one of the band’s most beloved and recognizable tracks. The song’s lyrics are introspective and melancholic, exploring themes of betrayal and isolation. The chorus, with its repetitive refrain of “The room is on fire as she’s fixing her hair,” is a standout moment in the song and has become an iconic part of The Strokes’ discography. “Reptilia” has remained a fan favorite and a staple of the band’s live shows since its release in 2003, solidifying its place as one of the best songs in The Strokes’ catalog.
2. Last Night
“Last Night” is one of The Strokes’ most iconic and recognizable tracks, serving as their breakout hit and a defining moment in early 2000s indie rock. The song’s catchy guitar riff and Julian Casablancas’ distinctive vocals make it an instantly memorable track, while the lyrics depict the hedonistic party lifestyle of youth culture in New York City. The chorus, with its sing-along refrain of “Last night, she said, ‘Oh, baby, don’t feel so down,'” has become a cultural touchstone and a staple of the band’s live shows. “Last Night” set the tone for The Strokes’ debut album “Is This It”, which has since been hailed as one of the best albums of the 21st century. The song’s infectious energy and memorable hooks have helped to cement its status as one of The Strokes’ most beloved and enduring tracks.
3. Juicebox
“Juicebox” is a high-energy rock song by The Strokes that showcases the band’s signature guitar-driven sound. The track features a driving beat, catchy riffs, and Julian Casablancas’ signature vocals, which range from gritty and urgent to smooth and melodic. Lyrically, “Juicebox” is a commentary on the excesses and pitfalls of fame, with lines like “Everybody sees me but it’s not that easy, standing in the light field, standing in the light field.” The song’s music video, directed by Michael Palmieri, features the band performing in a dimly lit room, with rapid-fire editing and kaleidoscopic imagery adding to the song’s frenetic energy. “Juicebox” was the lead single from The Strokes’ third album “First Impressions of Earth”, and was well-received by both fans and critics. The track’s catchy hooks and memorable chorus helped to establish it as one of the band’s most popular songs, and it remains a staple of their live shows to this day.
4. Bad Decision
“Bad Decision” is a groovy, danceable track by The Strokes that incorporates elements of ’80s new wave and synth-pop. The song features Julian Casablancas’ distinct vocals, which are layered over shimmering synths and driving guitar riffs. Lyrically, the track is a rumination on the struggle to move on from a toxic relationship, with Casablancas singing lines like “But you’re not the one, but you’re the only one who can make me feel like this.” The song’s music video, directed by Andrew Donoho, features the band performing in an empty arena, with Casablancas wandering the empty halls and interacting with a series of surreal, dreamlike images. “Bad Decision” was released as the second single from The Strokes’ sixth studio album, “The New Abnormal,” and received positive reviews from critics for its infectious energy and catchy hooks. The song’s upbeat tempo and driving rhythm make it a standout track on the album, and it has become a fan favorite during the band’s live shows.
5. Under The Cover Of Darkness
“Under Cover of Darkness” is a guitar-driven, upbeat track by The Strokes that draws inspiration from classic rock and power pop. The song features bright, jangly guitar riffs and a propulsive rhythm section, with Julian Casablancas’ distinctive vocals delivering lyrics about the struggle to maintain a relationship in the face of personal and external pressures. The chorus, with its soaring vocal harmonies and anthemic guitar hooks, is an instantly recognizable highlight of the song. “Under Cover of Darkness” was the lead single from The Strokes’ fourth studio album, “Angles,” and received critical acclaim for its catchy melodies and upbeat energy. The song’s music video, directed by Warren Fu, features the band performing in a darkened studio while a series of abstract, colorful animations play out around them. “Under Cover of Darkness” is a fan favorite and has become a staple of the band’s live shows, with audiences singing along to the song’s infectious hooks and upbeat lyrics.
6. You Only Live Once
“You Only Live Once” is an energetic and catchy track by The Strokes that combines garage rock with a pop sensibility. The song features a driving bassline and pounding drums, complemented by bright, shimmering guitar riffs and Julian Casablancas’ distinctive vocal delivery. The lyrics, which touch on themes of mortality and living life to the fullest, are delivered with an urgency and sincerity that resonates with listeners. The chorus is an earworm, with its repetition of the title phrase and the soaring harmonies that accompany it. “You Only Live Once” was the lead single from The Strokes’ third album, “First Impressions of Earth,” and has become one of their most popular and beloved tracks. The song’s music video, directed by Samuel Bayer, features the band performing in a surreal, futuristic cityscape while a series of neon-colored, abstract images flash across the screen. “You Only Live Once” showcases The Strokes at their best, combining their trademark sound with catchy melodies and memorable lyrics.
7. The Modern Age
“The Modern Age” is one of The Strokes’ earliest and most beloved songs, featured on their debut album “Is This It”. The track kicks off with a driving bassline and a catchy guitar riff that immediately hooks the listener. The raw and unpolished sound of the song captures the essence of The Strokes’ garage rock sound, with Julian Casablancas’ distinctive vocals adding to the gritty energy of the track. The chorus of “The Modern Age” is particularly memorable, with the band’s signature harmonies coming together to create a sense of urgency and excitement. The song also features an extended guitar solo, adding to the track’s sense of musical spontaneity and creative freedom. Overall, “The Modern Age” is a standout track in The Strokes’ discography, and a testament to their unique blend of classic rock influences and modern sensibilities.
8. Someday
“Someday” is one of the most popular and well-known tracks by The Strokes, released as the second single from their debut album “Is This It”. It’s a catchy and upbeat song, driven by its prominent guitar riffs and steady drum beat. Julian Casablancas’ vocals are filled with attitude and confidence as he sings about a relationship that’s not quite working out. The chorus is particularly infectious, with Casablancas repeating the refrain “I want to be forgotten, and I don’t want to be reminded” over a catchy melody. The song’s lyrics touch on themes of disillusionment and uncertainty, but the overall vibe is still one of optimism and a sense that things will work out in the end. “Someday” is a classic Strokes track that encapsulates the band’s signature sound and style, and it remains a fan favorite to this day.
9. 12:51
“12:51” is a catchy and upbeat song by The Strokes, with a driving rhythm and infectious melody. The song is anchored by a jangly guitar riff that instantly draws the listener in, while the drums and bass provide a steady beat that propels the song forward. The lyrics are romantic and wistful, with lead singer Julian Casablancas crooning about a lost love and the memories that still linger. The chorus is particularly memorable, with Casablancas repeating the title phrase, “12:51,” in a catchy and anthemic way that is sure to get stuck in your head. The song has a bright and energetic feel, with a sense of nostalgia and longing that gives it a bittersweet edge. Overall, “12:51” is a standout track from The Strokes, showcasing their signature sound and songwriting chops in a way that is sure to please fans and newcomers alike.
10. Hard To Explain
“Hard to Explain” is a garage rock-inspired track that quickly became a fan favorite from The Strokes’ debut album, “Is This It.” The song features angular guitar riffs, punchy drums, and Julian Casablancas’ signature slurred vocals. Its catchy chorus and infectious energy make it one of the most recognizable tracks in the band’s discography. The lyrics are cryptic, but hint at themes of youthful rebellion and the frustrations of trying to communicate with others. Overall, “Hard to Explain” captures the essence of The Strokes’ raw and unpolished sound, setting the stage for their success as one of the leading acts of the garage rock revival of the early 2000s.