• 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. Negative: 0 out of 25
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  1. May 1, 2020
    86
    The band’s bluntest and most contagious — yet experimental — work.
  2. 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.
  3. Apr 13, 2020
    70
    It’s not the early, edgy Strokes, but what they’ve grown up into. Maybe the Strokes won’t make new friends with this album, but old friends can get closer.
  4. Apr 10, 2020
    80
    The New Abnormal proves that when they put their minds to it, that old magic is still well within the Strokes’s grasp.
  5. Apr 10, 2020
    90
    it's potent proof that the Strokes can still surprise. Full of passion, commitment, and creativity, The New Abnormal marks the first time in a while that the Strokes have made truly exciting music.
  6. Apr 10, 2020
    75
    Even with its inevitable blemishes, The New Abnormal is easily the freshest, most interesting album that The Strokes have released in more than a decade. While the band haven’t proven to be the single-handed savior that rock music always seems to be searching for, they have made the case for taking a slow-burn approach to collaboration and creativity.
  7. 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.
  8. Apr 9, 2020
    90
    Insouciant, effortless cool; shimmering, effervescent melodies that cut through the street-smart danger; the ability to sound vitally alive whilst simultaneously not giving a fuck: all the traits that underpin the band’s best songs are present and correct, from ‘Dancing With Myself’-aping recent single ‘Bad Decisions’, to the twinkling, yearning ‘Selfless’.
  9. Apr 9, 2020
    70
    Where Strokes albums since 2006’s First Impressions of Earth have felt grudging and defensive in their theoretical approach to the band’s cultural and career position, this time out the mood is less constricted.
  10. 80
    The New Abnormal – a spookily prophetic title – is stacked with rolling, streetwise grooves, boldly graffitied onto the chipped paintwork of NYC past.
  11. Classic Rock Magazine
    Apr 8, 2020
    80
    The New Abnormal is less new big bang, more engrossing sizzle. [May 2020, p.76]
  12. Mojo
    Apr 6, 2020
    80
    Disillusion and disappointment have become fuel for creation, not self-immolation; second-guessing has been replaced by first-hand emotion. ... For the first time in a while -- that The Strokes shouldn't be gearing up for goodbye. [May 2020, p.86]
  13. 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]
  14. 85
    The New Abnormal cements their continued relevance when many had been written them off, and as ever they don’t seem to care either way.
  15. Like its cover, the Jean-Michel Basquiat artwork ‘Bird On Money’, it’s spiky but quite stunning. This is a cool album, the kind you begrudgingly grow to love, even if it never cared about you.
  16. Apr 6, 2020
    62
    Every time The Strokes tap into their old power, they get distracted by a shiny but fruitless new direction. But not every risk here is a wash. ... Despite The New Abnormal’s surprises, it tends to resonate most when The Strokes don’t try to be something they’re not.
  17. 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.
User Score
9.0

Universal acclaim- based on 492 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Negative: 16 out of 492
  1. 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. 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. 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 »