The Strokes ‎– The New Abnormal

The New Abnormal is the sixth studio album by American rock band the Strokes, released on April 10, 2020, through Cult and RCA Records. It was their first full-length album since Comedown Machine (2013), marking the longest gap between studio albums by the band. The album was produced by Rick Rubin and recorded at his Shangri-La studio in Malibu, California, with additional recording taking place at studios in Los Angeles County and Hawaii. The Strokes began performing songs from the album for the first time throughout 2019 before revealing the album’s track list and cover art in early 2020. “At the Door”, “Bad Decisions”, and “Brooklyn Bridge to Chorus” were released as singles prior to the album’s release, with “The Adults Are Talking” being released to radio months later.

The New Abnormal received very positive reviews from critics, many of whom considered it a return to form. Praise was directed particularly towards the maturity of singer Julian Casablancas’ lyrics as well as the band’s improved sense of musical cohesion. The album reached number 1 in Scotland and the top ten in six other countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom. It also won the Grammy Award for Best Rock Album at the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards in 2021, the band’s first nomination and win.