The Strokes “Last Nite” charted

Last Nite The Strokes

Writer(s): Julian Casablancas (see lyrics here) Released: October 23, 2001 First Charted: November 1, 2001 Peak: 5 MR, 14 UK, 47 AU, 8 DF (Click for codes to charts.) Sales (in millions): 1.0 US, 0.6 UK, 1.74 world (includes US + UK) Airplay/Streaming (in millions): -- radio, 121.3 video, 381.28 streaming

Awards: Click on award for more details.

About the Song: The Strokes formed in New York City in 1998. The quintet was comprised of singer/songwriter Julian Casablancas, guitarists Albert Hammond Jr. and Nick Valensi, bassist Nikolai Fraiture, and drummer Fabrizio Moretti. Rolling Stone described their music as “youthful angst on the Lower East Side: Lou Reed vocals and cool confusion.” RS500 The release of their EP The Modern Age and subsequent album Is This It, both in 2001, were pivotal releases in the launch of the garage rock revival of the early 21st century. That retro-sound was apparently the goal for Casablancas who said he wanted “Last Nite” to sound “like a band from the past that took a time-trip into the future.” SF It resonated with modern audiences, though. It became the first song for the Strokes to reach the Billboard charts in the United States, peaking at #5 on the alternative rock chart. British radio station XFM called this their “definitive song” XFM saying it “encapsulated the band’s talent for catchy guitar hooks and Julian Casablancas’ ability as a songwriter.” XFM Lyrically, “Last Nite” tells the story of someone leaving his girlfriend when she says she’s upset that he doesn’t care about her. He becomes depressed, questioning his choices. SF The song supposedly nicks the opening riff of “American Girl” by Tom Petty. He said, “I saw an interview with them where they admitted it. I was like, ‘OK, good for you.’ It doesn’t bother me.’” RS500 Q magazine ranked “Last Nite” one of the 100 greatest guitar tracks in March 2005. WK In May 2007, NME magazine ranked it the ninth greatest indie anthem ever. WK Resources: RS500 Rolling Stone (2017). “The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time” SF Songfacts XFM Mike Walsh (editor) (2010). The XFM Top 1000 Songs of All Time. Elliott & Thompson Limited: London, England. Page 413. WK Wikipedia Related Links: First posted 9/28/2023.