The Adults Are Talking by The Strokes

By: Ron Powers

In 2020, The Strokes released their sixth studio album, The New Abnormal. Upon its debut, the album was met with widespread acclaim from critics and fans alike, even earning the Grammy Award for Best Rock Album in 2021. One standout track for me is “The Adults Are Talking.” It’s a song that satisfies fans longing for the classic Strokes vibe while introducing fresh elements to their sound. Much of this newness comes from Julian Casablancas’ hushed, soft vocal delivery, a departure from his signature relaxed rasp. This subtle shift blends seamlessly with the music, creating an atmosphere that feels entirely unique. It’s the kind of song that grows on you, revealing its brilliance over repeated listens, and it’s easy to see why it has resonated with so many.

The song begins with a beat crafted on an old drum machine, which manages to sound both futuristic and vintage. Soon after, a simple guitar melody and bassline enter, showcasing the silky, stylish tone The Strokes are known for. Acoustic drums join in, adding a layer of muscle to the sound. As the track transitions into the verse, a palm-muted, single-string guitar line, enhanced with tape echo, casts a subtle enchantment over the music. Casablancas then delivers his serene vocal performance, which lands like a warm summer breeze, completing the song’s captivating introduction.

The first chorus sees The Strokes shifting gears. The rhythm guitar takes a more prominent role, plucking out chords one note at a time and sliding gracefully up the fretboard. Its mellow, rounded tone enriches the midrange frequencies, blending with the other instruments to create a lush sonic texture. Meanwhile, the lead guitar follows the topline melody, reinforcing the song’s hook and establishing a cohesive bond between the vocals and the music. Beneath it all, the drums, bass, and rhythm guitar lay a firm foundation, allowing the lead elements to shine without overpowering the song: a testament to a band that prioritizes serving the music over showcasing flashy individual talent.

After the first chorus, the band breaks into a starburst instrumental, with guitarists Nick Valensi and Albert Hammond Jr. taking center stage. The two trade and intertwine their lead lines, creating an echo-soaked braid of sound that resolves effortlessly into the next verse. During this exchange, bassist Nikolai Fraiture and drummer Fabrizio Moretti anchor the music with rhythmic precision and a solid bottom end. This instrumental section, placed immediately after the first chorus, deviates from conventional song structure but fits perfectly within the unique shape and color of “The Adults Are Talking,” leaving the listener refreshed and eager for more.

Currently, The Strokes are working on their seventh studio album with producer Rick Rubin. They’ve been crafting the album in Costa Rica, recording in a house perched atop a mountain. While there’s no release date yet, fans are eager to see how the Costa Rican peaks influence their sound. In the meantime, “The Adults Are Talking” and the rest of the band’s exceptional catalog are available on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, and most major streaming and retail outlets. To learn more about The Strokes, visit their official website at www.thestrokes.com or follow them on Instagram, Facebook, and X.

Ron Powers