Did The Strokes' Career Deserve the Label 'Odd' and 'Disappointing'?

When discussing The Strokes, the debate often arises about whether their career can be classified as 'odd' and 'disappointing' or not. This article explores this discussion in detail, considering their initial hype, subsequent musical output, and their impact on the rock scene.

Initial Hype and Critical Acclaim

The Strokes burst onto the scene in the early 2000s with a song that many, including critics, hailed as a 'future classic'. Their self-titled debut album, released in 2001, received immense critical acclaim and was nominated for a Grammy Award. Their raw energy and retro sound blended perfectly with the tastes of music fans, earning them a dedicated following and international recognition. However, it’s important to note that the product came under the scrutiny of audiophiles and tech-savvy listeners who were quick to adopt file-sharing platforms, thus influencing domestic sales figures.

Continued Success and Commercial Hopes

Following their debut success, The Strokes released their sophomore album, Is This It, in 2003, which further solidified their status as mainstream favorites. Despite the critical and fan appreciation, achieving the high level of commercial success anticipated by music industry professionals proved challenging. The band members, seemingly aware of the challenge, took some time to release the album. This period was marked by a growing gap between their initial success and the mere whisper of it in the industry.

Drifting Apart and New Notions

As the band progressed, members drifted apart, both in spirit and action. Their relationship with new trends began to wane. Releases like soundtracked (movie soundtracks) (2004) and Room on Fire (2006) were met with a lukewarm reception. Instead of securing their legacy as the 'saviors of rock', the band struggled to keep up with the evolving musical landscape, alienating some older fans and failing to attract a substantial new audience. By the time of Is This It (remastered) (2011) and Combs and Khan (2018), their decline in both popularity and critical reputation was observable.

Conclusion: Disappointing or Odd?

While The Strokes' career can be seen as a series of diminishing returns, calling their journey 'disappointing' and 'odd' might be an overgeneralization. The band certainly did not meet the industry's commercial expectations, but the oddity of their journey might be due to their consistent pursuit to be at the forefront of the music scene, yet slowly losing their footing in the process. A multitude of factors contributed to this: the rise of file-sharing, the changing music industry, and the band’s adaptability to trends. Regardless, The Strokes remain an important part of the rock scene, both in their early days and in the myriad tributes and remakes that continue to emerge.