The Strokes burst onto the scene in the early 2000s with their debut album, “Is This It” which quickly became a critical and commercial success. Their unique blend of garage rock, new wave, and post-punk revival helped to usher in a new era of rock music and influenced countless other bands in the years that followed.
With five studio albums under their belt and a reputation for putting on unforgettable live shows, The Strokes have firmly cemented their place as one of the most important rock bands of the 21st century.
In this list of the 10 best Strokes songs of all time, we will explore the tracks that best showcase the band’s signature sound and enduring appeal. From their early hits to their most recent releases, these songs represent the very best of The Strokes and the impact they have had on the world of rock music.
1. Last Nite
“Last Nite” is a song by the American rock band The Strokes, released as the second single from their debut album “Is This It” in 2001. The song is characterized by its catchy guitar riff and fast-paced drumbeat, instantly recognizable from the opening notes. The lyrics, sung by lead vocalist Julian Casablancas, describe the excitement and energy of a night out, with references to dancing and alcohol. “Last Nite” became one of The Strokes’ most popular and enduring songs, praised for its raw rock and roll sound and contributing to the band’s critical and commercial success.
2. Hard to Explain
“Hard to Explain” is a hit song by the American rock band The Strokes, released in 2001. The song features catchy guitar riffs and driving rhythms that exemplify the band’s signature sound. Its lyrics, written by lead singer Julian Casablancas, are cryptic and elusive, but their themes of romantic frustration and confusion have resonated with fans for years. The song’s music video, which features the band performing in a darkly lit room, helped to establish The Strokes’ distinctive style and launched them into mainstream success.
3. Someday
“Someday” is a song by the American rock band The Strokes, released in 2001 as the second single from their debut studio album, “Is This It.” The song features catchy guitar riffs, driving basslines, and Julian Casablancas’ distinct vocal style. It’s known for its upbeat and energetic sound, making it a fan favorite and one of the band’s most popular songs. Lyrically, “Someday” touches on themes of youthful rebellion and angst, with lines like “I’m just tryin’ to find / A nice place for you and I / Did I mention I was blind?”
4. Reptilia
“Reptilia” is a fast-paced rock song by the American rock band The Strokes. It was released as the second single from their second album “Room on Fire” in 2004. The song features sharp guitar riffs and dynamic vocals by lead singer Julian Casablancas, as well as a catchy chorus that’s hard to resist singing along to. The lyrics of the song are open to interpretation but are often interpreted as being about the ups and downs of a romantic relationship, with lines like “The room is on fire as she’s fixing her hair” and “The night’s not over, you’re not trying hard enough
5. Under Cover of Darkness
“Under Cover of Darkness” is a song by American rock band The Strokes, released in 2011 as the lead single from their fourth studio album “Angles”. The song features catchy guitar riffs, energetic drums, and lead singer Julian Casablancas’ distinctive vocals. The lyrics, which describe a lover’s plea for forgiveness, are cleverly crafted and delivered with an infectious melody. “Under Cover of Darkness” received critical acclaim for its upbeat, danceable sound and marked a successful return to form for the band after a five-year hiatus.
6. Juicebox
“Juicebox” is a song by the American rock band The Strokes, released as the lead single from their third studio album, “First Impressions of Earth.” The song features the band’s signature upbeat and energetic sound, with a catchy guitar riff that drives the track forward. Lead vocalist Julian Casablancas delivers his lyrics with his trademark swagger and attitude, singing about a tumultuous relationship and the desire for control. The chorus features an infectious melody and sing-along lyrics that make it a crowd favorite at Strokes concerts.
7. The Adults are Talking
“The Adults Are Talking” is a song by American rock band The Strokes, released in 2020 as the lead single from their sixth studio album, “The New Abnormal”. The song features the classic Strokes sound, with punchy guitar riffs, driving drum beats, and Julian Casablancas’ distinctive vocals. The lyrics are introspective, exploring themes of communication breakdown and the struggles of adulthood. The song received critical acclaim upon its release, with many praising it as a return to form for the band. T
8. 12:51
“12:51” is a song by The Strokes, released on their 2013 album “Comedown Machine”. The track features a catchy, upbeat guitar riff and Julian Casablancas’ distinct vocals. The song’s lyrics tell a story of missed opportunities and regret, with Casablancas lamenting over the one that got away. The chorus, with its infectious melody and sing-along “ooh-ooh” refrain, has become a fan favorite and a staple of the band’s live performances. “12:51” showcases the band’s signature sound, blending garage rock and post-punk influences with a modern indie rock sensibility.
9. You Only Live Once
“You Only Live Once” is a single from The Strokes’ third album, “First Impressions of Earth.” Released in 2006, the song features a catchy guitar riff and upbeat tempo that encapsulate the band’s signature sound. Lead singer Julian Casablancas delivers the vocals with his characteristic style of blending nonchalance and energy. The lyrics of the song encourage living life to the fullest, with lines like “Some people think they’re always right / Others are quiet and uptight / Others, they seem so very nice, nice, nice, oh inside they might feel sad and wrong.”
10. Is This It
“Is This It” is the title track and lead single from The Strokes’ debut album of the same name. The song is known for its upbeat and catchy guitar riff, steady drumbeat, and Julian Casablancas’ distinctive vocals. It received critical acclaim and helped launch The Strokes to international fame in the early 2000s. The lyrics explore themes of disillusionment and the search for meaning in life, and the song’s title poses the existential question of whether the current state of things is all there is.
Simon Robinson is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
