What makes Bad Decisions by The Strokes notable?

The song gained significant attention for its catchy hook and nostalgic sound, drawing comparisons to the early new wave era. It reflects The Strokes' ability to evolve while still resonating with their original fanbase, leading to a successful return on various music charts and critical acclaim across platforms like Pitchfork and Rolling Stone. At the time of its release in February 2020, The Strokes were coming off a lengthy hiatus since their last album, 'Comedown Machine' in 2013. 'Bad Decisions' marks their first single from 'The New Abnormal', which would eventually win a Grammy for Best Rock Album, signaling a resurgence in their creative output and relevance in the indie rock scene.

How many songs are on Bad Decisions?

Bad Decisions has 1 track, running approximately 4 minutes.

Bad Decisions

The Strokes · 2020

4 min · 1 track · indie rock

A blend of infectious melodies and retro synths that channels both nostalgia and modernity with a brisk, upbeat energy.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Bad Decisions — This track captures the essence of the album with its driving rhythm and playful lyrics that touch on themes of regret and longing, making it both relatable and danceable.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

50 /100

Foothills

Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The track combines nostalgic elements with modern indie rock, showcasing strong hooks and engaging production.

What we noticed

The track features a consistent mid-tempo beat with layered guitars and synths that create a rich, textured sound.
The song employs a verse-chorus structure, with the verses building tension before releasing into the energetic chorus.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 3/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.