Gordon Raphael names his favorite The Strokes songs of all time. Gordon Raphael is a producer and engineer who makes famous many musicians and bands like The Strokes. Raphael founded his producer brand Gordon Raphael and Zero Hours Records and was a former co-president of Columbia Records. In this article, we will list the 10 The Strokes songs Gordon Raphael named as his favorite.
Gordon Raphael is a well-known musician and music producer who has contributed essential contributions to the indie and alternative music communities. He grew to reputation as the producer of The Strokes‘ debut album, “Is This It,” released in 2001, instrumental in rejuvenating rock music in the early 2000s.
Raphael’s production style is generally defined by its raw and minimalist approach, which fits well with the early 2000s garage rock and post-punk revival movements. His work on “Is This It” contributed to The Strokes’ particular sound, distinguished by snappy guitar hooks, Julian Casablancas‘ unique vocals, and a lo-fi aesthetic.
Gordon Raphael has produced and collaborated with various artists and bands, including Regina Spektor, The Libertines, and Cults, among others, in addition to his work with The Strokes.
Raphael is a musician in his own right, having recorded solo albums and contributing to different musical projects in addition to his production work. He is still a well-known name in the music industry, and he is connected with the critical wave of indie and alternative music that arose in the early 2000s.
Gordon Raphael is a musician and music producer known for his work with The Strokes and his contributions to the indie and alternative music communities. His straightforward recording approach and ability to capture the soul of young musicians have made him an important figure in the world of rock and indie music production.
Gordon Raphael’s Favorite The Strokes Songs of All Time
The famous music producer Gordon Raphael has shared his respect for other legendary musicians. And Raphael picks his favorite songs of all time. Regardless, he loves to listen to different genres but also loves alternative rock, indie rock, classical rock, punk rock, and pop-rock musicians, specifically those who influence him.
Gordon Raphael’s thoughts on The Strokes band:
“I have lived for over 20 years with the music of The Strokes rattling around in my brain in the most delightful way.”
Which The Strokes songs does Gordon Raphael listen to?
- Last Nite
- Take It or Leave It
- The Modern Age
- New York City Cops
- Under Control
- Reptilia
- Soma
- Electricityscape
- Hard to Explain
- Trying Your Luck
1. Last Nite
The Strokes‘ “Last Nite” is a describing single that influenced the early 21st-century rock music renaissance. The song, released as a single in 2001 and included on the band’s debut album, “Is This It,” became an immediate indie rock anthem and propelled The Strokes to international recognition.
The song is recognized for its raw, garage rock style, which features jangly guitars, an intense rhythm section, and Julian Casablancas’ unique careless vocals.
What distinguished “Last Nite” from other late-’90s songs was its deviation from popular music trends. The Strokes brought a stripped-down, guitar-driven sound that harkened back to the raw realism of early rock ‘n’ roll and punk in an age dominated by nu-metal and boy bands.
The song’s influence surpassed the alternative and indie music communities. “Last Nite” was widely praised by critics and established The Strokes as a strong force in modern rock music. It’s frequently considered one of the early 2000s highlight tunes and included on multiple “best of” and “most influential” music lists.
Gordon Raphael reveals why he likes Last Nite as one of his favorite The Strokes songs of all time:
“For a long time, this wasn’t my favorite song because it is so popular. I still hear it many times out in public. I already knew it had a sound of ‘this is going to be really popular’ when we were recording it the first time, so I avoided liking it too much because of my quirky musical reality.
However, if I’m honest with myself, when I heard, ‘girlfriends, they won’t understand, grandsons, they won’t understand, and spaceships, they won’t understand’ in the lyrics, my inner poet and book reader fell madly in love with this song.”
2. Take It or Leave It
The Strokes‘ “Take It or Leave It” is the last song of the band’s critically praised debut album, “Is This It,” released in 2001.
The song starts with a basic yet addictive guitar riff, a trademark of The Strokes’ sound. Julian Casablancas’ vocals, distinguished by their characteristic crooning and laid-back delivery, fit effortlessly with the music. “Take It or Leave It” tackles love, relationships, and the intricacies of human connections in its lyrics. Julian Casablancas speaks about the ambiguity that frequently surrounds issues of the heart, realizing that in love, one must sometimes make decisions with insufficient knowledge.
“Take It or Leave It” reflects this mentality, with its simple structure and live, uncensored atmosphere.
“Take It or Leave It” demonstrates the core of The Strokes’ early career in many ways. The band’s music, which included catchy guitar riffs, simple lyrics, and compelling vocals by Julian Casablancas, helped revive the garage rock and post-punk genres in the early 2000s.
“Is This It” and its concluding tune, “Take It or Leave It,” were instrumental in bringing guitar-driven rock to a new generation of music fans.
3. The Modern Age
The Modern Age is the debut EP of The Strokes, an American rock band. It was released on January 29, 2001, by indie label Rough Trade Records in the United Kingdom and on May 22, 2001, by Columbia Records in the United States, prompting the greatest bidding war for a rock band in years.
All the songs were re-recorded with slightly modified lyrics and structures for their debut album, Is This It. “The Modern Age” defines The Strokes’ style, with powerful guitar riffs, vocals from Julian Casablancas, and a tight rhythm section. The song reflects a sense of protest and disregard that appealed to a generation looking for an alternative to the polished pop and boy bands of the late ’90s and early ’00s.
The stripped-down and basic approach to rock music that marked “The Modern Age” apart. The Strokes took inspiration from garage rock pioneers, post-punk bands, and classic rock musicians to create a timeless and modern sound.
The influence of “The Modern Age” lasted much after its first release. It helped establish The Strokes as garage rock revival leaders. It prepared the way for the success of their first album, “Is This It,” which is widely regarded as one of the most influential recordings of the early twenty-first century.
Gordon Raphael says why he likes The Modern Age as one of his favorite The Strokes songs of all time:
“When these young musicians first came to my studio, they started recording this song. I immediately loved the feeling of the music, the attack of the guitars, and the cool-ass beat. The moment Julian Casablancas added his vocals, that sealed the deal for me!
He sounded like an old-timer, recounting misadventures down in the streets of New York City in say, 1965! Julian’s words seemed full of problematic relationships and intense philosophy. halfway through the song, Nick Valensi starts his guitar solo. when I first heard that, I thought it was out of this world, and instantly gained a lot of respect for his musicianship!”
4. New York City Cops
The Strokes‘ “New York City Cops” is a raw and aggressive single from the band’s debut EP, “The Modern Age,” published in 2001. However, because to worries over the song’s contentious lyrics and topics, it was not included on their first album, “Is This It,” when it was released in the United States.
On a musical level “New York City Cops” portrays the garage rock sound with which The Strokes gained fame in their early years.
The song’s controversial nature, particularly in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks in New York City, resulted in its omission from the “Is This It?” U.S. release. The decision was taken due to sensitivity to the events and worries that the song’s words may be interpreted as disrespectful or provocative during national sorrow.
Despite the controversy, “New York City Cops” remains an essential and frequently discussed component of The Strokes’ early discography. The track’s presence on the international version of “Is This It” and subsequent appearances in live performances have maintained it in the public mind. While the song did not gain as much attention as some of The Strokes’ other songs, its punk-inspired intensity and controversial lyrics make it an essential part of the band’s history.
5. Under Control
Under Control is a song from The Strokes‘ second studio album, Room on Fire, released by RCA Records on October 28, 2003. It gets its name from a line in the song “Reptilia.”
Room on Fire debuted at number four on the US Billboard 200 (which sold 597,000 units by October 2006 and was certified gold) and number two on the UK Albums Chart. The album’s three singles were “12:51”, “Reptilia,” and “The End Has No End”.
The song’s musical elements include a clear and crisp guitar melody, a critical yet powerful rhythm section, and Julian Casablancas’ vocals, delivered with vulnerability and honesty.
The song’s emotional depth is one of its most notable features. The Strokes, known for their cold and distant behavior, show a more intimate and sensitive side in “Under Control.” Casablancas’ voice is sincere, and the words speak to anybody who has had the bittersweet emotion of reflecting on an old relationship. “Under Control” also demonstrates The Strokes’ capacity to innovate and grow with their sound.
6. Reptilia
The Strokes‘ “Reptilia” is a standout song from their second album, “Room on Fire,” released in 2003. It’s one of the band’s most recognizable tracks and showcases their characteristic garage rock genre.
In terms of music, “Reptilia” is a high-energy rocker that captures The Strokes’ soul. The song begins with a characteristic, catchy guitar riff played by Nick Valensi that instantly grabs the listener’s attention. Julian Casablancas’ vocals are delivered with energy, contributing to the edgy feel of the music.
The tight and rhythmic orchestration of “Reptilia” is one of its distinctive elements. The interaction between the guitars, bass, and percussion is fluid, resulting in a driving rhythm that propels the song forward. The Strokes’ talent for creating catchy melodies and memorable hooks is displayed here, making “Reptilia” an immediate indie rock classic.
“Reptilia” gained great critical praise and helped cement The Strokes’ position as one of the leading bands of the early 2000s garage rock comeback. Its unique melodies and catchy riff have made it an enduring rock anthem and it remains a favorite track in the band’s career.
Julian Casablancas wrote the song, which Gordon Raphael produced. It reached number 19 on the Modern Rock Tracks chart in the United States. It did better in the United Kingdom, peaked at No. 17 on the UK Singles Chart, and was certified gold by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) — the cover of the single features an alien from the computer game Centipede.
“Reptilia” was also ranked 129th on NME’s list of the “150 Best Tracks of the Past 15 Years” in October 2011.
The song features Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock, Guitar Hero Live, and Rock Band.
Gordon Raphael shares why he likes Reptilia as one of his favorite The Strokes songs of all time:
“I love this song for the incredible craft in the composition and the breathtaking way the musicians play their parts with the vocals exploding over the top. The video for this is also one of the absolute best, showing artistically yet with crystal clarity how each person is playing their role in the song.”
7. Soma
The Strokes‘ “Soma” is an intriguing piece from their debut album, “Is This It,” released in 2001. The song illustrates The Strokes’ combination of garage rock, post-punk, and new wave elements, as do many others in their early discography.
The mesmerizing and slightly melancholy guitar riff that acts as the song’s central motif distinguishes “Soma” musically. Nick Valensi and Albert Hammond Jr.’s guitars provide a dreamy and atmospheric backdrop, while Julian Casablancas’ vocals emanate a feeling of detachment and desire. The rhythm section, which includes Fabrizio Moretti on drums and Nikolai Fraiture on bass, offers a solid and driving basis.
Lyrically, “Soma” explores escapism, disillusionment, and the search for meaning in an alienating society. The term “soma” comes from Aldous Huxley’s dystopian novel “Brave New World,” which refers to a mind-altering medication used to dominate society. Casablancas’ words in the song imply a desire to escape the commonplace and find peace or transcendence in different ways, whether through narcotics or other escapism. Despite its slightly contemplative and melancholy tone, “Soma” remains a fan favorite and critical highlight in The Strokes’ early repertoire. It shows the band’s ability to write musically and lyrically appealing songs.
8. Electricityscape
The Strokes‘ “Electricityscape” is a fascinating and somewhat meditative piece from their third studio album, “First Impressions of Earth,” released in 2006. The song breaks from the band’s previous garage rock style, adding more complicated musical arrangements and displaying a slightly different side of their composition.
In addition, “Electricityscape” has a dreamy guitar riff that creates the tone for the song. The instrumentation is layered and nuanced, with minor synthesizer sounds complementing Nick Valensi’s guitar work to create a gorgeous sound world. Julian Casablancas’ vocals are delivered with desire and melancholy, and the song as a whole has a wistfulness to it.
The song’s musical progression is one of its unique characteristics. Compared to some of their earlier, simpler rock tunes, the band experiments with a more layered and subtle sound. “Electricityscape” shows The Strokes’ desire to expand and venture into new musical territory while maintaining their unique sound.
While “Electricityscape” may not be as well-known as some of The Strokes’ previous singles, it shows the band’s growth and evolution as musicians and composers.
Gordon Raphael describes why he likes Electricityscape as one of his favorite The Strokes songs of all time:
“It’s a slightly tender topic with me. As I was no longer employed as a producer for The Strokes. However, I remember developing in the demo phase and being present for the first few days of the recording of this version. It’s a monumental vision of music – so original. Years later, I felt a pinch of melodic similarity in the guitar solo of Blue Oyster Cult’s Don’t Fear The Reaper, which I also love.”
9. Hard to Explain
“Hard to Explain” is a song by The Strokes, an American rock band. It was released on June 25, 2001, as the lead single from their debut studio album, Is This It (2001). It reached number 10 in Ireland and number sixteen in the United Kingdom.
Producer Gordon Raphael explained in a 2023 interview that frontman Julian Casablancas originally wrote the song with his drum machine. He wanted the sound of it to be expressed in the final recording, but he didn’t wish drummer Fabrizio Moretti to feel left out in the album’s recording.
Therefore, Raphael had Moretti record the drums as far away from each other as they could be and used “a combination of gates and EQ in post-production.”
The track was ranked third on the NME Top 100 Songs of the Decade list. NME ranked it 36th on their “150 Best Tracks of the Past 15 Years” list in October 2011. The song was ranked 59th on Rolling Stone’s list of the “100 Best Songs of the 2000s.”
In 2020, The Independent and Paste placed the song second and first on their lists of the 20 best Strokes songs, respectively.
10. Trying Your Luck
The Strokes‘ “Trying Your Luck” is a dark and meditative song from their debut album, “Is This It,” released in 2001. The song is notable for its melancholy tone and sad lyrical topics, displaying a distinct side of The Strokes’ songwriting.
“Trying Your Luck” has a slow and methodical tempo contrasting with the band’s more peppy and dynamic compositions. The song is distinguished by Nick Valensi’s sorrowful guitar melody, which provides emotional depth. Julian Casablancas’ vocals are delivered with regret and fragility, contributing to the song’s melancholy tone. The rhythm section, which consists of Fabrizio Moretti on drums and Nikolai Fraiture on bass, keeps a steady and solemn beat.
The emotional depth and sense of vulnerability in “Trying Your Luck” is one of its defining features. It differs from other of The Strokes’ more lighthearted and enthusiastic tracks, showing their ability to express complicated emotions through music.
While “Trying Your Luck” was neither a financial success nor got as much attention as other of The Strokes’ more well-known songs, it remains a fan favorite and shows the band’s diversity as composer. It’s a song that encourages contemplation and will speak to everyone who has gone through the ups and downs of love and relationships.
Gordon Raphael tells why he likes Trying Your Luck as one of his favorite The Strokes songs of all time:
“This one is actually my current favorite of The Strokes’ songs. The rhythmic transition at 33 seconds, when Julian sings, “No harm, he’s armed /Settin’ off all your alarms. It’s just so subtle and smooth yet powerful as hell. It gets me every time. Unlike some of my choices, this one isn’t rough, aggressive or full of swagger. It’s absolutely sweet and nostalgic, moving along at a breezy, comfortable pace like riding in a car with the top down on the Pacific Coast Highway.”
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