Top 10 Best The Strokes Songs

The Strokes have been one of the most iconic bands in indie rock since their breakthrough in the early 2000s. Bursting onto the scene with their debut album Is This It in 2001, they quickly became the face of a new rock revival, blending the raw energy of garage rock with catchy, sophisticated songwriting. Their music was a refreshing contrast to the polished pop and nu-metal dominating the airwaves at the time, and fans immediately connected with their stripped-down sound, cool attitude, and that unmistakable voice of frontman Julian Casablancas.

Over the years, The Strokes have built a legacy of songs that range from upbeat, guitar-driven anthems to moody, introspective tracks. Each album they've released has shown different sides of their evolving sound, from the gritty simplicity of their early work to more experimental ventures as their career progressed. With a catalog like theirs, it's no wonder that fans have passionate opinions about which songs rank as the best.
The Top Ten
Reptilia

Best band. Best song. In all seriousness, the only problem with it is that it doesn't go for 6 minutes. Few songs have this level of genius in them.

For an indie song, this definitely has one of the greatest guitar riffs. I'd even put it up there with Seven Nation Army and Smoke on the Water.

Great song, incredible riff. Makes me want to jump and scream. One of the best bands in the world.

Hard to Explain

By far the greatest song ever made by the band, absolutely a masterpiece. With its hip-hop-ish sounding drums in the beginning, a mellow guitar, and a deep bass sound to it, the chorus mixing together just sounds aesthetically pleasing. It shifts towards the end of the song to a maximal climax. Absolutely one of the best songs of the 21st century.

It's very hard to compare all of their songs. It's a fact. I'm very torn between all of their hits, but I've got to say, this song is very beautiful. The intro to this song is unimaginable and unpredictable. When Julian starts singing, this song just explodes with the possibility of becoming even better. THE STROKES 4 LYF!

You Only Live Once

Not only is this song upbeat and addicting, but the lyrics are meaningful and deep! Hearing this song for the first time a long time ago, I wasn't expecting this. You Only Live Once has awesome guitar riffs and speaks the truth. The Strokes, keep up the good work!

You Only Live Once is a classic. I don't understand how this song is second. Everything in this song is special: Julian's voice, Nick's guitar, and the melody. The lyrics are beautiful!

It has the best guitar riffs of their many songs. I never get tired of listening to it. Right up there with all the great songs off the previous two albums.

Last Nite

Very catchy song, one of the best I've heard from The Strokes. I can't stop listening to it! It also has a great beat and rhythm. Julian does a good job on the vocals. The rest of the band does fantastic too!

Incredible, awesome, wonderful, amazing, brilliant. I don't know why it won't let me post this right now.

After hearing this song for the first time, I knew I couldn't let The Strokes go.

Automatic Stop

Wow! I think this song should be way higher! Top 10 at least! It has an amazing guitar riff. Great vocals from Julian as usual. But the guitar riff is amazing! Definitely one of their most underrated songs.

This is my favorite song! Its guitar riff is simply awesome. I always cry with joy when listening to this song. I love it, I love The Strokes.

The guitar riff is so good! Oh my goodness. Why are The Strokes amazing? For sure, one of the most underrated songs.

Someday

Last Nite is critically regarded as their best song, and honestly, I can see why. It embodies the super cool apathy atmosphere the Strokes are all about. That sort of attitude is what makes the Strokes my favorite band of the century. They are the coolest band around today, hands down.

But the song that got me into the Strokes is Someday. I have pleasant memories attached to this song and its feel-good vibes. That's why it gets my vote.

Their best song in my opinion, with great lyrics, amazing tune, and melody. It's pretty much the type of song that every Strokes fan hopes for when an album is released. I just think it's really great how this is the type of song that gets stuck in my head all day, yet it doesn't get annoying. Amazing song, end of story.

Under Cover of Darkness

Probably the tightest track they've recorded. The instruments all blend together extremely well, and there's plenty of tasteful guitar work. It is an interesting song since it has an upbeat and high-energy groove that you can easily dance to. Yet it also has a melancholy feel to it lurking below the surface, especially in the way that Casablancas delivers the memorable vocal melody.

I never paid too much attention to it, considering it "too new," but THAT's the perfect Strokes sound to me. The rough old guitar, the rough old Julian, so much passion and still a new sound. LOVE it! Best song for driving your car on an empty highway!

New York City Cops

This is by far the hardest and edgiest Strokes song. It's unfair that it wasn't on the U.S. version of Is This It.

Take It or Leave It

The weird thing about the Strokes is that their lyrics are so simple, and Julian's vocals are absolutely trash. But it still is somehow so good at the same time. This song and album perfectly show how you don't need to be like the band "Yes" or anything, but if you can write lyrics, can at least stay in key, and have good instrumentals, you have a good band.

When I first listened to it, the song blew me away and became one of my favorite songs of all time. A powerhouse song with so much passion. My favorite Strokes song. So good.

The End Has No End

This song is pure beauty from start to end. But the vocal melody, man, this has to be the greatest vocal melody ever: "He wants it easy, he wants it relaxed!" Catchy as hell. Lyrics fit ridiculously well with the vocal harmony. If you're a vocalist in a rock band, you WILL want to sing this song live. It's just... damn, it's too perfect!

How is this not in the top 10? Not even sure it's my favorite. There are too many great Strokes songs. But number 16?! This would definitely be in my top 3. Pure class from start to finish. Just my opinion, but seriously, I can't believe this is so low on the list.

The Newcomers

? Call It Fate, Call It Karma

This song has one of the best and unique moments in music. Yeah... if you heard it then you know which part... And don't get me wrong, rest of the song is good too. But it deserves to be in top 10 just for that part alone!

Um is it fate or is it karma that this song is so low on the list?

It is so sweet! So soft, it really stands out from the rest.

? Barely Legal

Yet another list where Barely Legal either gets no respect or not enough anyway. This would be in my Top 2. It was my favorite song from Is This It? I felt that way in 2001 and still do in 2016. I still don't get it!

Beautifully composed by The Strokes! Come on, guys, this should be in the top 10!

One of the catchiest songs, and Julian's vocals just make this my favorite The Strokes song.

The Contenders
Heart in a Cage

Probably my favorite song ever. True rock and roll, the drunk Julian wrote it, with all the parts and this amazing solo guitar work. Real talent.

Dude, this song is absolutely amazing. Nice transition, nice clip, and nice Julian's voice, as always.

Amazing song, so meaningful and passionate! Love it.

12:51

Hooked from the first listen when my brother turned it on, and we were flying down the road in the car. I kept going back to the same track over and over.

I was going to vote for Reptilia, but this was too low. It's just an awesome song. Everything about it is just awesome, especially the unique guitar sound.

Man! This is so awesome. Right from the first time, I realized that The Strokes are the best. It should be ranked 2, after Partners in Crime. That song is just so good.

Juicebox

This song always gets me hyped up and feeling ready to take on the world! This is my favorite Strokes song of all time. I think it should be in the top 5 at least! I really don't know what else to say about it other than it's the most amazing song ever.

I really recommend this to any rock lovers and anyone who wants a thrill. Definitely a great song. GREAT.

The most energetic Strokes song ever: Casablancas screams his head off. What a blast!

Why don't you come over here? This song is awesome.

What Ever Happened?

One of the BEST songs, not only on Room on Fire but of all the Strokes songs. It's so underrated, but it is seriously one of the best. The chorus gives me chills! The Strokes are the best band of the 21st century.

This song gives me chills! The riff, the chorus, and the drums - everything is amazing. It really is one of the best songs by The Strokes. Too bad it's so underrated.

Should rank higher. Love this song. There is a reason why The Strokes decided to start their album with this track.

Chances

One of the best songs by The Strokes. It definitely deserves a spot in the top 10.

Most meaningful song of the new album. There's so much heart and passion in the lyrics and melodies.

Machu Picchu

I absolutely love this! Best song on Angles by far. It never fails to excite me. Also, the lyrics are really good.

It has some sort of psychedelic feel that I just absolutely love! Great riffs, great chorus, melody, and beat.

And here I thought I was going to have to add this gem to the list. Way to go, other listeners!

Taken for a Fool

I don't know if it's the best, but it's the most catchy of the Strokes, just after Last Nite. For that, it deserves to be in the top 5: Reptilia, YOLO, Someday, Last Nite, Machu Picchu, and (oops, they just have so many great songs) Taken for a Fool. The Strokes are the best band on planet Earth.

What's wrong with this messed-up list?! Machu Picchu, Taken For A Fool, Take It or Leave It, Trying Your Luck... All these songs should be in the top ten! I love this song, by the way.

For me, this is one of the best from this amazing group.

The lead guitar is so catchy!

Ize of the World

Despite it not being instantly catchy as their more pop-friendly songs, this one grows on you. Really nice guitars and dynamic drums. The chorus makes this song peak. The contrast between the powerful and loud instrumentation, Julian's sad and hopeless singing, and then a powerful scream like he burst into a tantrum. Brilliant.

Disclaimer: The Strokes are my favorite. I love music in general, though, and have been to at least 25 concerts in my life. That being said, this song blew me away more live than any song I've ever heard live, period. Absolutely killer buildup to the very end (which blew up part of my left lobe) only to end abruptly. Amazing.

Life is Simple in the Moonlight

In no way is this my favorite Strokes song, but at the same time, there is no reason for this song to be listed after 20!

Great lyrics, and I love the guitar solo part too. It's amazing! This song must be in the top 10. My fave song on Angles.

Ode to the Mets

Amazing song off their newest album. The song gives off the most incredible feeling of nostalgia, as if you're closing a chapter of your life or something.

Also, a perfect end to the album.

In my opinion, it is by far the best song by this band. It gives me a feeling that I could not explain.

Listen to it, please, and let the music take you away!

The Modern Age

Wow, this should be a lot higher. One of their top 2-3 classics. Best appreciated live, with great guitar work, a sweet solo, great lyrics, and singing with a great melody.

This song should be in the top three! #17? Really!?!? This is possibly the best song on Is This It. The chorus is beautiful, and the solo is spectacular! Let me go!

This is the song that brought them to the public eye. The verses and the chorus are both brilliant. It's a great "feel good" song, too. Simply perfect.

Is This It

"I'm just way too tired." I think this is The Strokes' best song. If I had to choose one song to represent my life, this would be it. Everyone can relate to the weariness and frustration expressed in this song.

My favorite for I don't know what reason, knowing there are some landmark songs in this landmark album.

Are you kidding me? This song should be in the top 3! The meaning is just amazing and can be relatable to any moment.

Vision of Division

How is this song not rated higher up the list? The guitar solo in it is totally awesome. It's one of the best songs on First Impressions of Earth, which, in my opinion, is The Strokes' most underrated album.

This is the greatest song ever. It is wonderful during live performances. I love everything about this song, Sebu Vida.

With great lyrics and a riff, comes a great song.

Soma

This one is addicting. It should at least be ranked among the top five best songs.

There's just something about this song that's upbeat and sounds fantastic!

I love the part when he yells. This and The Modern Age were my favorite parts of the album.

Welcome to Japan

One of the best songs from Comedown Machine!

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