The 10 Best The Strokes Songs of All-Time
For the last 21 years, The Strokes band has kept us smiling with its classic and indie rock music. They are attributed to having led a revival of 1960s-style garage rock in the early 21st century. The band was formed in 1998 and released its debut EP, The Modern Age, in 2001, which helped the band secure a recording contract with RCA Records. Later the same year, The Strokes released an album, Is This It. The album generated widespread attention and was ranked as one of the best albums of the 2000s. The Strokes released its second album, Room On Fire, in 2003, which didn’t match the first album’s success. The band has released five other albums, which have produced great singles. Here are the best The Strokes songs of all time ranked in descending order.
10. Bad Decision
We are opening our top ten The Strokes songs with the song “Bad Decision”, released in February 2020 from The Strokes sixth album, The New Abnormal. The song includes elements and melodies, “Dancing With Myself” by Billy Idol. In the song’s context, “Bad Decision” implies The Strokes’ decision to divert from the sound that fans enjoy. Fans vie for the band’s old sound. Great lyrics and guitar riffs make this song spectacular.
9. Trying Your Luck
“Trying Your Luck” was released from The Strokes’ album, Is This It. The song is for those who take risks. The intro from the guitar to Julian Casablancas’ voice fits in just about everything about The Strokes. Lyrically, the single is about romantic ventures; the man is seen in love and willing to leave it all for her, but the woman is giving mixed signals. The man is going to take chances with her. It’s a beautiful song that anyone would resonate with.
8. 12.51
The song “12.51” clearly shows The Strokes pop sensibilities and redefined indie music forever. The title reflects a typical time clock. The song is about an older guy dating a younger girl who wonders whether to pursue the relationship and take things further. The song is so infectious with its whistling, handclaps and synth-like guitars. The single received positive reviews from critics and led to it being charted number seven on the UK Singles Chart.
7. Modern Age
“Modern Age” was the first song The Strokes recorded and released on their debut EP Modern Age. It was later re-recorded with different lyrics and song structure and released on the album, Is This It. The song has beautiful melodies and rhythms, and one gets goosebumps while listening to it. This single was one of the tracks that sparked an intense record label bidding war.
6. Someday
This masterpiece sounds nostalgic, and it’s about childhood realization of how great things were with your friends, and now you are all older, you’ve grown apart from each other. The music video featured legendary indie rock band Guided by Voices members. “Someday” was a hit and nominated number fifty-three on Pitchfork Magazine’s 200 Best Songs of the 2000s.
5. You Only Live Once
“You Only Live Once” was released in September 2006 from The Strokes’ album, First Impression of Earth. The Strokes launched the initiative You Only Live Once (YOLO) to market the song, where they encouraged their audience to call and request the single on radio stations. The song successfully caught mainstream attention and garnered number thirty-five on Billboard Alternative Songs chart and number sixteen on Rolling Stone’s list of the 100 Best Songs of 2006. This single is about the different personalities, attributes, and flaws that we possess.
4. Juicebox
“Juicebox” generated instant attention making it the highest-charting single of The Strokes and emerged as the only single to be charted on US Billboard at number ninety-nine. The Strokes lead singer Julian Casablancas sings energetically, and audiences enjoy his vocal range. The song is about the burdens and shallow relations that come with being a celebrity. This hit was released in October 2005 from The Strokes third album, First Impression of Earth.
3. Reptilia
The powerful bass line, good guitar riff and Julian Casablancas vocals make the song incredible. “Reptilia” was released in February 2004 from The Strokes’ album, Room On Fire. The song title refers to the central part of the brain that handles emotions. Lyrically, the song is about a broken relationship, where a guy likes a girl, but the girl doesn’t want a meaningful relationship. The good rhythm made the song positively received by critics making it certified gold by the British Phonographic Industry. Also, it peaked at number seventeenth on the UK Singles Chart.
2. Last Nite
The opening guitar riff sound makes this song so catchy, and the song’s structure was inspired by a rock song, “American Girl” by Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers. “Last Nite” was a massive success as it was the first The Strokes’ song to be charted. It peaked number five on the US Modern Rock Track chart, and the Q ranked it at number sixty-six in the list of the 100 Greatest Guitar Tracks. This single is such a great rock and roll song that The Strokes’ audience fall head over heels for them.
1. Hard To Explain
This top song on our countdown of the top ten The Strokes songs is a catchy song that is indeed a masterpiece. “Hard To Explain” was released in June 2001 as the lead single from The Strokes’ album, Is This It. The song was a success and prompted it to be voted number three on NME top 100 songs of the decade. Additionally, Rolling Stone ranked the song number 59 on the “100 Best Songs of the 2000s. The music video is great as it consists of random stock footage intermixed with images of the band members performing.
