The New Abnormal
by The Strokes
  • Record Label: RCA
  • Release Date: Apr 10, 2020
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 25 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 25
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 25
  3. Negative: 0 out of 25
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  1. No Ripcord
    Apr 22, 2020
    60
    On their latest album, The New Abnormal, The Strokes have mirrored the career of Beck, offering a mimetic approximation of music they think people want, instead of music generated from their raw, inner demons or whatever fueled them on Is This It.
  2. The Observer (UK)
    Apr 13, 2020
    60
    The New Abnormal remains a frustrating listen despite its gleam. Faster tempos would have helped.
  3. musicOMH.com
    Apr 13, 2020
    60
    The New Abnormal lacks the electronic edge of Angles, it has little of slapdash power pop of their debut, and it certainly doesn’t take as many risks as their third (much underrated) record First Impressions Of Earth. There are shades of the old power on Brooklyn Bridge To Chorus, the best song on the record – but don’t ask yourself how it compares to, say, Car Seat Headrest.
  5. Exclaim
    Apr 10, 2020
    60
    The New Abnormal is not a bad record, but it is a frustrating one, made by a band that feels pulled in a dozen different directions.
  6. The Telegraph (UK)
    Apr 9, 2020
    60
    This is not an album that will make The Strokes new friends, but it might satisfy the faithful. Sometimes it is enough just to sound great.
  7. Q Magazine
    Apr 6, 2020
    60
    Casablancas's lyrics are, as ever, largely and deliberately incomprehensible, but enough phrases slip intermittently into the foreground to convince you that they must mean something. [May 2020, p.98]
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  8. Pitchfork
    Apr 10, 2020
    57
    For all its faults, The New Abnormal might capture how the Strokes are feeling: not ready to fade out, not primed for a comeback. Right now, they’re just way too tired.
  9. 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.

Awards & Rankings

29
#29 Most Discussed Album of 2020

User Reviews

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User Score
9.0

Universal acclaim- based on 492 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 459 out of 492
  2. Mixed: 17 out of 492
  3. Negative: 16 out of 492
  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!… Full Review »
  2. zJake
    Apr 10, 2020
    10
    Incredible return from The Strokes. I was a latecomer to them but grew to love them very fast and this album is an excellent addition to theirIncredible return from The Strokes. I was a latecomer to them but grew to love them very fast and this album is an excellent addition to their discography. I've had it on repeat all day, my favourite tracks at the moment are: Endless Summer, Selfless and Ode to the Mets though there's not one bad track on the record.… Full Review »
  3. MattCosta
    Apr 10, 2020
    10
    Easily one of The Strokes best works to date. This album is superb. Very glad to see that they still know what they're doing. Every track isEasily one of The Strokes best works to date. This album is superb. Very glad to see that they still know what they're doing. Every track is great and with powerful vocals from Julian it really brings everything together… Full Review »
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