The Strokes' New Song "Falling Out of Love
· music
The Strokes’ Reality Check: A Decade of Soundtrack to America’s Disillusionment
The Strokes have always been a band that wears its influences openly, yet manages to sound distinctly itself. Their latest single, “Falling Out of Love,” is no exception – a frenetic, hook-laden romp recalling the early days of garage rock revivalism while still feeling contemporary.
The use of Auto-Tune in “Falling Out of Love” is a clear nod to the band’s raw, post-punk sound on albums like Is This It. Julian Casablancas’ vocals have a similar whiff of desperation and urgency. However, beneath the surface lies something more complex – a sonic representation of America’s growing disillusionment with its own institutions.
As a band attuned to their surroundings, The Strokes have become increasingly politicized in recent years. Their 2020 album, The New Abnormal, was a direct response to the global pandemic and the rise of nationalism. It served as a clarion call for empathy and solidarity in uncertain times. With producer Rick Rubin at the helm on Reality Awaits, the band’s sound is poised to take a significant departure from their earlier work.
Rubin brings an unflinching commitment to authenticity that has inspired countless bands over the years. His partnership with The Strokes marks a new chapter in their discography, one characterized by more polished production and a focus on crafting anthems that resonate with listeners.
The band’s live performances have also become increasingly politicized, as seen in their Coachella set last year where they projected images of bombings in Gaza and Iran to highlight America’s long history of foreign intervention. This kind of activism is nothing new for The Strokes – they’ve always refused to stay silent on issues close to their hearts.
As Reality Awaits drops on June 26, fans will be eager to see if the band has taken their sound in a more explicitly politicized direction. With their reputation for pushing boundaries and challenging their audience, it’s hard not to see this album as part of a larger conversation – one that spans from garage rock revivalism to global uncertainty.
The impending international tour will give fans a chance to experience this new material live, and judging by last month’s “Going Shopping,” it promises to be an unforgettable ride. With Rick Rubin at the helm, The Strokes are poised to make some serious waves in the music world – and their sound will continue to reflect our own fractured times.
Reality Awaits is not just an album – it’s a sonic snapshot of America’s ongoing struggle for identity. And if anyone can capture that essence, it’s The Strokes – a band that has spent years soundtracking our collective disillusionment with their music.
Editor’s Picks
Curated by our editorial team with AI assistance to spark discussion.
- TSThe Stage Desk · editorial
The Strokes' sonic evolution is a timely reflection of America's shifting landscape. While "Falling Out of Love" pays homage to their garage rock roots, its themes of disillusionment and discontent resonate with a new generation seeking authenticity in an era of heightened polarization. What's striking about The Strokes' recent work is how they're not just reflecting the times, but also confronting the industry itself: with producer Rick Rubin at the helm, their sound is being refined for mass appeal without sacrificing its raw edge – a calculated risk that will be crucial to their continued relevance in an increasingly fragmented music scene.
- IOImani O. · indie musician
The Strokes' latest single "Falling Out of Love" serves as a poignant reminder that even in their most frenetic moments, they're always keeping one eye on the world outside their Brooklyn bubble. What's striking is how effortlessly they've integrated Rick Rubin's signature sonic touch into their sound without sacrificing their raw energy – it's a testament to the band's willingness to evolve and stay relevant. Yet, I worry that with increased polish comes a risk of watering down their post-punk edge, sacrificing some of the gritty urgency that's always made them so compelling.
- KJKris J. · music critic
The Strokes' sonic evolution under producer Rick Rubin's guidance is undeniably a bold move. While Reality Awaits may be touted as the band's most polished effort yet, it remains to be seen whether this refined sound will alienate their loyal fanbase who grew up with the raw energy of Is This It. As The Strokes aim to craft anthems that resonate with listeners on a broader scale, they risk losing some of the very authenticity that made them pioneers of garage rock revivalism in the first place.