Review Summary: The Strokes best work.
For reasons unbeknownst to me, I’ve only now started to take an interest in the Strokes. When I was first taking a more in-depth interest in music, I of course was immediately made cognizant of their existence.
Is This It was on nearly every end of decade list. and though I liked what I heard, as it was undeniably catchy, I never felt compelled to listen to any of their other material. But, now shamelessly finding a new obsession,
Room on Fire might just be the band’s finest work, as I'd argue it encapsulates everything great about the band: catchy tunes and memorable guitar riffs mixed with a powerful, unique voice. When listening to their debut, it’s hard not to notice how often the vocals are obscured, thus placing more of an importance on the sound than the lyrics. This is a good thing. Because even though I don’t think Casablancas is bad lyricist, his selling point as a front man is his voice, not his words. Fast forward two albums later, and
First Impressions on Earth finds that once hazy, addictive voice now crystal clear, front and center, thus leaving any weakness in the lyrics vulnerable. With
Room on Fire, the Strokes found a balance that kept their sound both appealing and rewarding
This leads me to my original point:
Room on Fire is the Strokes best work. i find the songs to be much more memorable than on the debut, and I think there’s a successful mix of being able to articulate what Casablancas is singing about with the guitar riffs that should be, and often are, pushed to the forefront. Therefore, whether one likes the band’s earliest material, or their more commercial efforts, it’s here. I mean, “Reptilia” is arguably the band’s most well-know song, and it’s the epitome of my point. The guitar line is excellent, it’s catchy, and the vocals oscillate between indistinguishable and clear, with the lines “I know you’re not boring” and “I’m not drowning fast enough” being instantly memorable. It’s not even close to good poetry, but Casablancas sells it with his charismatic vocal performance.
What truly makes
Room on Fire the band’s finest work, however, is its consistency. Now, the biggest complaint i’ve seen leveled against this sophomore work is that it’s a case of deja vu, but to these ears “What Ever Happened?” is a much better opener than “Is This It,” and this is in large part, again, because of the guitar work. It’s infectious and sets the tone and rhythm for what follows. Yes, the band’s sound from their previous effort has carried over, but even though that’s true, it sounds much more developed and nostalgic. I’ll take 12:51’s guitar line over nearly anything on
Is This It. It’s a simple riff, but it’s dripping with nostalgia and because of its ability to evoke emotion it’s the album’s best. And the same goes for “Automatic Stop.” The guitar work when Casablancas is singing “wait, i’m gonna give it a break” is pure perfection and one of the band’s finest moments.
If there’s any fault with the
Room on Fire it's that nothing quite matches the first four songs. “Meet Me in the Bathroom” is the worst offender, but “You Talk Way Too Much” and “Under Control” find the Strokes establishing the album’s style while demonstrating their ability to be consistently catchy.
Is This It will always hold the title as the Strokes magnum opus, as its importance cannot be understated, but
Room on Fire is where the Strokes peaked. The vocal prowess, the guitar lines, the unparalleled energy, it’s all present, and refined in such a way that I seldom need any of their other material.
