Comedown Machine
The Strokes · 2013
39 min · 11 tracks · indie rock
A dreamy blend of synth-pop and indie rock that explores emotional landscapes with a retro-futuristic feel.
Top tracks — play these first
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Tap Out Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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One Way Trigger — This track stands out for its striking use of synthesizers and falsetto vocals, representing a clear departure from the band's earlier guitar-driven sound.
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80s Comedown Machine — The title track encapsulates the album's reflective mood, combining melancholic lyrics with an atmospheric arrangement that hints at nostalgia.
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All the Time — With its catchy hooks and upbeat tempo, this song serves as a bridge between The Strokes' classic style and their new explorative direction.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends synth-pop and indie rock effectively but lacks the strong cohesion of earlier works.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks feature upbeat tempos with prominent synth lines, while the fourth track introduces a more subdued, laid-back groove.
- The album closes with two slower tracks that gradually reduce the energy, allowing for a reflective finish.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- nostalgic detachment and warmth
- background for casual gatherings
- melodic hooks for sing-alongs
- easy-going vibe for road trips
Maybe skip if you
- prefer high-energy tracks
- seek instant gratification
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Experimental — Showcases a shift in sound with synth-pop influences, diverging from previous styles.
- Career context
- Released in 2013, Comedown Machine is The Strokes' fifth studio album, coming four years after the critically acclaimed Angles. At this point, the band was navigating a transitional phase, having faced lineup changes and evolving musical influences since their early garage rock days. This album marked a significant shift towards a more experimental sound for the group.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Arctic Monkeys· The Libertines· Franz Ferdinand
Tracklist
- 1 Tap Out Start here 3:42
- 2 All the Time 3:01
- 3 One Way Trigger 4:02
- 4 Welcome to Japan 3:50
- 5 80s Comedown Machine 4:58
- 6 50/50 2:43
- 7 Slow Animals 4:20
- 8 Partners in Crime 3:21
- 9 Chances 3:36
- 10 Happy Ending 2:52
- 11 Call It Fate, Call It Karma 3:24
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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