Album Review: The Strokes - Angles

In what could easily be the most anticipated album of the year, Angles is finally here. We've waited so long for it, since 2006. It had been post-poned so many times, and, we all thought it would never see the light of day. We were wrong. The Strokes are back, and, Angles proves to us that they never left to begin with.

The first single "Under Cover of Darkness," which was released February 9th, was the first taste of what was to come. Fans were pleased, we were pleased. It had the same style as any Strokes song that we'd come to love over the years. Quirky, lo-fi, and bittersweet, all in one. Angles is a really well crafted album, and, arguably the bands best to date. It features it's many highs and lows, and shows how the band has matured during the 5 year break.

Angles is what happens from waiting 5 years: 10 songs built in basic form, lo-fi, but electrified and braised with an appeal and insightful look to a musical and romantic roller coaster of an album. With its up and down songwriting and music composing, Angles is the best that The Strokes have made since 2001's Is This It, the album that revived garage rock. And we're glad it did.

Angles has a neat vibe to it. It's almost like Benjamin Orr (The Cars) and Lou Reed (Velvet Underground) worked out an album together. The nostalgic feel that any Strokes song gives you is there, and the moment you start to listen, you have to smile. We're glad the guys are back.



Highlights
"Under Cover of Darkness" - It is an instant classic, bringing you back to the day of "Last Night" or "Someday."

"Two Kinds Of Happiness" - Oddly enough, this song kind of reminded me of an early U2 song, with Casablancas' irritated vocals and screams.

"Games" - Sounded like it should have went on Casablancas' solo album Phrazes for the Young , but great none the less.

Make sure to download the album from iTunes, or pick it up at your favorite record store. The boys are back again, and in true form. You won't be disappointed.



Tracklist
1."Machu Picchu"
2."Under Cover of Darkness"
3."Two Kinds of Happiness"
4."You're So Right"
5."Taken for a Fool"
6."Games"
7."Call Me Back"
8."Gratisfaction"
9."Metabolism"
10."Life Is Simple in the Moonlight"
Total length:
34:43