The Strokes – The New Abnormal

Released in 2020, “The New Abnormal” marked the sixth studio album by the New York rock band The Strokes. Following a seven-year hiatus, the album saw the band reunite under the production of Rick Rubin, recording in both his Shangri-La Studios in Malibu and various locations across Los Angeles and Hawaii. The iconic artist Jean-Michel Basquiat’s painting “Bird on Money” adorned the album cover.

Musically, “The New Abnormal” experimented with diverse influences, incorporating elements of synth-pop, electronica, and post-punk alongside the band’s signature brand of indie rock and new wave. This exploration resulted in a more expansive and sonically adventurous sound compared to their previous work. While the album retained the effortless cool and catchy melodies The Strokes are known for, it also delved into deeper themes of societal anxieties, introspection, and the passage of time.

Tracks like “The Adults Are Talking” and “Why Are Sundays So Depressing?” grappled with disillusionment and the complexities of adulthood, while “Brooklyn Bridge to Chorus” offered a more hopeful and nostalgic look back on youthful experiences. The album’s lead single, “At the Door,” showcased the band’s ability to blend their signature sound with innovative sonic textures, setting the tone for the diverse musical journey “The New Abnormal” offered.