The New Abnormal
by The Strokes
  • Record Label: RCA
  • Release Date: Apr 10, 2020
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
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  1. KeefRiffards
    Apr 19, 2020
    10
    The Strokes are back, and this time they have brought along the best album they have put out since the release of Room on Fire. While each member of the Strokes has their own side project or solo act that are all great in their own way, The New Abnormal proves that they are at their very best when their powers are combined. Selfless and Ode to the Mets are two personal favorites. Check outThe Strokes are back, and this time they have brought along the best album they have put out since the release of Room on Fire. While each member of the Strokes has their own side project or solo act that are all great in their own way, The New Abnormal proves that they are at their very best when their powers are combined. Selfless and Ode to the Mets are two personal favorites. Check out this album, you will not be disappointed!… Expand
  2. Kunstbanause
    Apr 10, 2020
    10
    It really does not matter what the critics say. They don’t understand us. They are just like the teachers back in the day, trying to convince us that we are silly and lazy when in reality we just care so much. And that takes time. And it’s just fine!
  3. 37oth
    Apr 10, 2020
    10
    Honestly I’ve been waiting for this album ever since they performed The Adults Are Talking live for the first time back in may. It didn’t disappoint! Al the songs sound so different yet fit together perfectly as a whole. No momentum is lost throughout the album. You can definitely hear some “Voidz” sounds in there but in the end they’re just Strokes trying something new, yet staying trueHonestly I’ve been waiting for this album ever since they performed The Adults Are Talking live for the first time back in may. It didn’t disappoint! Al the songs sound so different yet fit together perfectly as a whole. No momentum is lost throughout the album. You can definitely hear some “Voidz” sounds in there but in the end they’re just Strokes trying something new, yet staying true to themselves. It’s amazing what a band can do even 20 years after they formed. Thank you The Strokes for this, I think we all needed it.… Expand
  4. Bakos
    Apr 12, 2020
    10
    A triumphant return from The Strokes, every song in The New Abnormal has its magic! Fans will be right at home with this LP, the guys deliver with great passion here.
  5. ParticleWave
    Apr 17, 2020
    10
    This is the TRUE third album of The Strokes. I'm glad they finally reeled one in; it's been a long time waiting. 'Selfless' and 'Ode to Mets' are now among the Strokes' best hits. So satisfying to say the least.
  6. Paul_Mokeski
    Apr 10, 2020
    10
    Amazing. Not a single dud on this album. These guys didn't miss a beat after seven years. Just finished my first listen and I already think this might go on to be one of my favorite Strokes albums
  7. Suenu
    Apr 10, 2020
    10
    Their best album in years. Julian Casablancas’ voice never sounded better. Every track flows into the next track. Album production is also top notch.. Thank you The Strokes for this amazing album.
  8. LinusJesus
    Apr 14, 2020
    10
    Amazing, this is what i call a comeback! All the people who can’t see that might be considered **** IMO.
  9. PhillsAcer
    Apr 13, 2020
    10
    Great album. The best album they made, since their debute.
    More mature and better songs than their precedents.
  10. 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 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!
  11. keysor12
    May 29, 2020
    10
    Are you kidding me with a 75 metacritic score? I am begging to believe that music critics must get paid off just like all other critics. Enough complaining just go listen to this album and see for yourself. For me it is already an early contender for album of the year.
  12. Mitchhelada
    Apr 12, 2020
    10
    The strokes, the band that has struggled with all the hype for almost 7 years, has released an album that is a sound delight for the most critical ears, with some eighties touches, vibes to pink floyd, sinatra. It's a rollercoaster of emotions, ode to the mets is a masterpiece.
  13. 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.
  14. Sonypony662
    Apr 11, 2020
    10
    The Strokes new album is truly abnormal but in an entirely good way. The strokes have truly innovated their sound in this album. By incorporating synth and other effects into their sound it shows innovation to their sound. The past is over its time to accept change and innovate like the strokes.
  15. sternbutplayful
    Apr 16, 2020
    10
    Just the absolute best. Heartbreaking, heartfelt, more clever than people seem to give it credit. This is The Strokes at their most comfortable, and the weirdness plays so well together. It's a perfect album for this uncertain time.
  16. 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
  17. JJ678
    Apr 20, 2020
    10
    This is most definitely the best album of 2020 so far, it makes you emotional, excited and happy to just love music. Blissful.
  18. 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 is great and with powerful vocals from Julian it really brings everything together
  19. IgorSiberia
    Apr 18, 2020
    10
    A delightful one-piece album. I do not want to miss any of the songs - a rarity at the present time. Melodious, thoughtful, with a great sound (thanks, Rick Rubin!). The best album of the group after 2001.
  20. dqnillo
    Apr 10, 2020
    10
    Their best album since Room on Fire. Julian Casablancas prints his trademark synthpop mixed with traditional Strokes sound perfectly and ends up on a great album.
  21. 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 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.
  22. cannnU
    Apr 11, 2020
    10
    Freaking awesome album! Great from start to finish, lots of good new stuff but throwbacks to their older work too. Love.
  23. Retur
    Apr 12, 2020
    10
    I love this album. I love this album. I love this album . I love this album. I love this album. I love this album
  24. johm
    Apr 10, 2020
    10
    Incredible consistent, fun album that perfectly mixes the classic sound with something new and exciting. The Strokes’ best album in a decade and a half, with not a bad song on it, but opened and closed with two of their very best songs.
  25. euteachofalsa
    Apr 5, 2021
    10
    It’s utterly disgusting that an album as GREAT as this has a 75 score. Wtf? Its their best album to date. smh
  26. Themeat101
    Apr 17, 2020
    10
    The Strokes are back with more excellent music, throwbacks and new styles together in one fantastic album. I love it.
  27. Laphamd
    Apr 15, 2020
    10
    The best album I have heard in years. And easily The Strokes best since Is This It.
  28. Elicash237
    Apr 11, 2020
    10
    I can't articulate just how much I needed this record at this moment in time. So I'm just gonna say...that muthafuka slaps.
  29. Theedmondxp
    Mar 14, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Simplemente su mejor álbum desde la this It y Room on fire, un álbum entretenido, que da una nueva y renovada imagen a la banda… Expand
  30. Fenderleiria
    Oct 2, 2020
    10
    Pretty good for 2020 probably my favourite album of the year. Gets better on every listening.
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Awards & Rankings

29
#29 Most Discussed Album of 2020

Critic Reviews

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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
  1. Variety
    May 1, 2020
    86
    The band’s bluntest and most contagious — yet experimental — work.
    Read full review
  2. 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.
    Read full review
  3. 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.
    Read full review
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