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The New Abnormal
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The New Abnormal Image
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 25 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
9.0

Universal acclaim- based on 492 Ratings

  • Summary: The first new full-length studio release in seven years for the New York rock bad was produced by Rick Rubin.
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 25
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 25
  3. Negative: 0 out of 25
  1. Entertainment Weekly
    Apr 6, 2020
    91
    Abnormal offers something even better, possibly, than reckless youth: rock stars finally old enough to truly miss those good old days — and wise enough now, too, to give us the soundtrack these strange new times deserve.
  2. Variety
    May 1, 2020
    86
    The band’s bluntest and most contagious — yet experimental — work.
  3. Under The Radar
    Apr 9, 2020
    80
    The New Abnormal is the sort of comeback Comedown Machine should have been. The band seems happier and healthier together, while simultaneously pulling together their best set of songs in the past decade. Couple that with Rick Rubin’s cinematic production and you have the high point of the late-career Strokes records.
  4. Uncut
    Apr 6, 2020
    70
    On several songs here Rubin helps peel back the years to reveal an energy and a passion that reminds you just how powerful was the band's initial proposition. [May 2020, p.30]
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  5. Glide Magazine
    Apr 14, 2020
    70
    Although some fans may be disappointed not to hear the same early aughts NYC sound, discerning listeners will find that consistency as well as hopefully appreciate a new direction for a band with much acclaim.
  6. The Observer (UK)
    Apr 13, 2020
    60
    The New Abnormal remains a frustrating listen despite its gleam. Faster tempos would have helped.
  7. PopMatters
    Apr 27, 2020
    50
    Mostly, they passively experiment with synth sounds as they did on Angles and Comedown Machine. At one point, they jack the melody to "Dancing With Myself". Sadly, the most intriguing parts of the record are the numerous times when Casablancas comments on the piss-poor songwriting in realtime.

See all 25 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 120 out of 126
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 126
  3. Negative: 1 out of 126
  1. BCNick22
    Apr 10, 2020
    10
    78 metascore for this album is a disgrace. Majority of music critics are just another arm of the fake news media. Were talking about greatest78 metascore for this album is a disgrace. Majority of music critics are just another arm of the fake news media. Were talking about greatest rock band of the indie era with their best album since Room on Fire and First impressions. Their singles are actually the weakest on the record and are still immensely playable. Best album of 2020 so far by a landslide. Long live the strokes!… Expand
  2. jsteel510
    Apr 10, 2020
    10
    wasn't even the biggest fan of their past work (albeit they have some great work, I just wasn't personally a huge strokes fan). This album is HEAT.
  4. Adpace
    Apr 11, 2020
    10
    Best album since room on fire.
    Julian’s vocals clearer than ever.
    Rick Rubin production is additive. The Adults Are Talking, Selfless,    Best album since room on fire.
    Julian’s vocals clearer than ever.
    Rick Rubin production is additive.
    The Adults Are Talking, Selfless, Brooklyn Bridge to Chorus, Why Are Sunday’s so depressing, not the same anymore. All bangers you can listen to over and over.

    Ode to the Mets and Eternal Summer take more focus and patience but are also phenomenal.

    At the door and bad decisions also great, but listened too many times in the lead up to album to fully appreciate.    … Expand
  5. Skysp3ctre
    Apr 10, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This album is thier best since Room On Fire.
    Souns like Julian tried to make things different this time and it came out amazing. It's new and different from thier other albums. better lyrics so far    … Expand
  6. sab123
    Apr 21, 2020
    9
    That's music!

    Now I have to find words to fill out the 75 character minimum...
  7. frightopia
    Apr 10, 2023
    9
    This has to be the band's best album. I'm extremely torn on whether it should be a 9 or a 10.
  8. Swiftiestaylor
    Mar 21, 2021
    0
    Mostly, they passively experiment with synth sounds as they did on Angles and Comedown Machine. At one point, they jack the melody to "DancingMostly, they passively experiment with synth sounds as they did on Angles and Comedown Machine. At one point, they jack the melody to "Dancing With Myself". Sadly, the most intriguing parts of the record are the numerous times when Casablancas comments on the piss-poor songwriting in realtime.… Expand

See all 126 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

29
#29 Most Discussed Album of 2020

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