The New Abnormal Album Review #21: Is This The Strokes’ Best Album Yet?

So, is The New Abnormal The Strokes’ best album? For many fans and critics, it stands as one of their favorite releases—thanks to its consistency, atmosphere, and emotional depth.

When The Strokes released The New Abnormal in 2020, it didn’t feel like just another comeback album—it felt like a reset.

After years of uneven releases and side projects, the band returned with something focused, atmospheric, and surprisingly emotional. Produced by Rick Rubin, The New Abnormal strips away excess and leans into space, synth textures, and a more reflective version of the band.

This isn’t the scrappy garage rock of their early days—it’s something more mature, restrained, and in many ways, more lasting.

You can explore more of our Strokes’ discussions, song meanings & reviews here.

Quick Details

Artist: The Strokes
Album: The New Abnormal
Released: 2020
Producer: Rick Rubin
Genre: Indie Rock / Alternative Rock / Synth Rock
Length: 45 minutes
Track Count: 9

Tracklist

The Adults Are Talking
Selfless
Brooklyn Bridge to Chorus
Bad Decisions
Eternal Summer
At the Door
Why Are Sundays So Depressing
Not the Same Anymore
Ode to the Mets

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Track-by-Track Breakdown of The New Abnormal

1. The Adults Are Talking

The album opens with tension—clean guitars, tight rhythms, and a groove that feels restrained but ready to burst.

Julian Casablancas delivers detached, almost sarcastic vocals that contrast with the band’s precision. The falsetto moments hint at where the album is headed: less grit, more atmosphere.

It’s a statement track. The Strokes aren’t trying to recreate the past—they’re evolving.

Explore “The Adults Are Talking” further in our deep dive song review.

The Adults Are Talking by The Strokes Meaning: Power, Youth, and Being Talked Over

2. Selfless

One of the most emotional songs the band has ever recorded.

“Selfless” trades attitude for vulnerability, with shimmering guitars and a soft, almost aching vocal performance. Casablancas sounds distant yet deeply exposed at the same time.

It’s a reminder that beneath the cool exterior, there’s always been something fragile in their music.

Read our deep dive song review of “Selfless” here:

Selfless by The Strokes Meaning: A Vulnerable Love Song About Devotion

3. Brooklyn Bridge to Chorus

This track leans heavily into synth-pop territory, with bright melodies and nostalgic energy.

Lyrically, it feels like a reflection on youth and time passing—fitting for a band now looking back on their early 2000s dominance.

It’s catchy, slightly bittersweet, and one of the album’s most immediate songs.

4. Bad Decisions

Built around a familiar riff (intentionally echoing Billy Idol’s “Dancing with Myself”), this is the most straightforward rock song on the album.

It’s fun, loud, and a clear nod to the band’s roots—but it also feels slightly self-aware.

A necessary moment of release in an otherwise introspective album.

5. Eternal Summer

One of the boldest and most divisive tracks here.

“Eternal Summer” shifts between dreamy verses and explosive choruses, with Casablancas jumping into falsetto and distorted vocal tones.

There’s a clear influence from Pink Floyd, especially in the atmosphere and structure.

It’s ambitious—and shows how far the band is willing to stretch their sound.

Read our deep dive into “Eternal Summer” here:

Eternal Summer Lyrics Meaning: The Strokes’ Dark Take on a Warming World

6. At the Door

The most stripped-down track on the album—and one of the most haunting.

Driven almost entirely by synths, “At the Door” removes the band’s usual guitar backbone. What’s left is a slow, emotional build with one of Casablancas’ most raw vocal performances.

It’s not just a standout—it’s a turning point in the album’s tone.

7. Why Are Sundays So Depressing

This track brings back a looser, more classic Strokes feel—but with a smoother, more polished edge.

The groove is effortless, and the guitar interplay feels natural rather than forced. It’s the kind of song that sneaks up on you.

One of the most replayable tracks on the album.

8. Not the Same Anymore

A slow burn that builds into one of the album’s most powerful emotional peaks.

The lyrics deal with change, regret, and distance—core themes of the album. Musically, it grows gradually, adding layers until it becomes overwhelming.

This is The Strokes at their most reflective.

9. Ode to the Mets

An incredible closing track—and arguably the emotional centerpiece of the album.

Despite the title, this isn’t really about baseball. It’s about endings, disconnection, and acceptance.

The repeated lines feel like someone trying to come to terms with something they can’t fix. It’s quiet, haunting, and deeply human.

A perfect ending.

Read our review for a deeper dive into “Ode to the Mets” by The Strokes.

Ode to the Mets Lyrics Meaning: The Strokes’ Quiet, Heartbreaking Goodbye

Final Thoughts

The New Abnormal isn’t a nostalgia play—it’s a reinvention.

Instead of chasing the sound that made them famous, The Strokes lean into age, distance, and reflection. The production is cleaner, the songwriting is more deliberate, and the emotions feel more exposed.

It’s rare for a band this far into their career to deliver something this cohesive and relevant.

And that’s what makes The New Abnormal one of the strongest comeback albums in modern rock.

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FAQ: The New Abnormal by The Strokes

What is The New Abnormal by The Strokes about?

The New Abnormal is about aging, change, and emotional distance. The album reflects on lost youth, strained relationships, and the feeling of not quite fitting into the present anymore, all wrapped in a more mature and atmospheric sound.

Is The New Abnormal The Strokes’ best album?

Many fans consider The New Abnormal one of The Strokes’ best albums, especially among their later releases. While Is This It remains their most iconic, this album stands out for its consistency, emotional depth, and modern production.

What genre is The New Abnormal?

The album blends indie rock and alternative rock with strong elements of synth rock. Compared to earlier Strokes albums, it leans more into atmospheric textures and slower tempos.

Who produced The New Abnormal?

The album was produced by Rick Rubin, whose minimalist approach helped the band focus on space, clarity, and emotional delivery.

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