Top 10 The Strokes Songs

Somewhat ironically beginning our countdown, "The End Has No End" is in many ways a typical Strokes song. Julian Casablancas leads the way with a sombre vocal, whilst guitarist Nick Valensi’s riff imprints a trademark Strokes sound. This is a track that threatens to crescendo, but never quite manages to do it. A rhythmic, hypnotic effort, it's accompanied by an ultra-stylish video. Eva Mendes and Mila Kunis star, confirming that second album "Room On Fire" is just as slick as "Is This It"!

From the New York band's debut album, here’s a record with a little more raunch! "Take It Or Leave It" might have been a mantra for the five-piece as they brilliantly broke onto our airwaves in 2001. There's a rough, ready and revolutionary feel to the familiar hook – and it's an effect that many have tried to replicate since. The song is a shoulder-shrug to rock 'n' roll, and Albert Hammond, Jr.’s chaotic solo helps it to be an ultimate show-closer.

A more recent track next, and the opening track to the 2011 album Angles. The Casablancas drawl is as signature as ever, but there is a punchy urgency to this Strokes song that might be considered a little atypical. The lyrics are about finding one's way in life, or at least finding something to do - harboring a little more conscience than the band may have shown a decade before. The build up certainly does put our patience to the test, but it’s worth the wait.

Removed from the original North American release of ‘Is This It’ because of its close proximity to 9/11, "New York City Cops" has retained its status as a standout record within the band's back-catalogue. The NYC police force might not be 'too smart', but this track is! The aggressive riff and vocals of the verses burst into the melodic chorus seamlessly, provoking a crowd sing-a-long at every live show. It's anarchy, it's addictive, it's awesome!

So many fish there in the sea, but it’s “Automatic Stop” in our sixth-spot! Casablancas goes toe-to-toe with love - it's highs, lows, and disappointments, and he's penned the simplest of lyrics to lament it. The singer is uncharacteristically clear in his delivery here, as he recounts the 'break' in a relationship inevitably becoming more. When he asks “'Why can't you wait?” he encapsulates the confusion in 4 short words, as he has no interest in being just friends.

"Someday" has something for just about everyone! We've all been young, and we've all grown up – well, to some degree. The facts of life have rarely sounded so good, though! Despite its ridiculously catchy upbeat rhythm, the message is a melancholic one, as Casablancas opens “Someday” stating that he misses the good old days. Times change, people change, we change. Singing along to this song is about getting to grips with that – at least, someday.

The opening track and stand out song of The Strokes' third studio album, "You Only Live Once" is as full-blooded and honest as its title might suggest. Casablancas’ ragged vocals remind listeners not to sweat the small things, as the insignificant can too often overpower the important. Sit down, shut up, and watch as these guys make drowning in dirty water look fashionable!

This track is a testament to how good The Strokes are melodically, as Casablancas’ lyrics take the back seat. The "Hard To Explain" hook is... Well... Exactly that! Drummer Fabrizio Moretti’s down and dirty beat mixes well with the shining guitars, combining the complex with the catchy. Another track that follows the theme of forgetting about smaller problems, it’s easy to understand why “Hard To Explain” is a fan favorite.

An anthem of modern rock in general, this is the first Strokes record to receive regular radio circulation. Lyrically cyclical, it tells the story of a couple. In the first half of the song, the girl feels down and in the second half the boy does, but neither can help the other. It's a destructive relationship, a destructive piece of music, and a contemporary classic! It’s this track that put The Strokes on the map - and to some - saved rock and roll at the turn of the century.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

"Under Cover of Darkness"
Angles (2011)

"12:51"
Room on Fire (2003)

"Juicebox"
First Impressions of Earth (2006)

"Barely Legal"
Is This It (2001)

"What Ever Happened?"
Room on Fire (2003)

The term "Reptilia" relates to our base instincts – and for our top pick, that's exactly what Casablancas lays on the line! A slow build up is met with a crashing, uncontrolled climax that has everyone holding on for dear life. Before you've had a chance to recover, you're dragged through the mill for a second time. The song is an unrelenting, story-telling experience - and Albert Hammond, Jr.’s guitar riff has become the most iconic Strokes sound out there.