Highly anticipated doesn't even begin to describe sentiment towards The Strokes' new album, Room On Fire. This being only their second effort, the hype that surrounds these five New Yorkers has been working harder than a crackhead on speed.
Room On Fire ended up a compilation of songs previously played on tour, and a number of brand new songs that, despite the high expectations, manage to live up to the hype.
For fans and those familiar with the older songs, the album versions may not be so enticing. Sounding better in the more muffled, faster versions that you can download than the slower versions that made it onto the album, they are the less interesting side of Room On Fire. Yet, the album is still solid all the way around. True to the sound that originally made them so popular, while at the same time maintaining an air of freshness and an energy, the band makes this sophomore effort a winner, and establishes them as a force to be reckoned with.
The new songs, complete with catchy guitar work and clapping. not to mention a slew of memorable lyrics penned by lead singer Julian Casablancas, are worth any problems you may find. From the energetic single "12:51" to the more vocally focused and beautifully written "Under Control," this album is like someplace you've never been before -- you don't know how amazing it is until you get there.
So pull out those Chuck Taylors and re-hash that smoking habit, because The Strokes are on fire and ready to kick some rock 'n' roll ass. This one is a must-have.
