The Strokes release seventh album Reality Awaits

New York rock band The Strokes have issued their seventh studio album, Reality Awaits, produced by Rick Rubin. The record arrives six years after 2020's The New Abnormal and follows a headline‑making Coachella appearance that featured U.S. foreign‑policy graphics on the stage screens.

The album opens with the single “Falling Out of Love” and includes tracks such as “Lonely in the Future” and “Going Shopping”. Critics note a pronounced use of autotune, synth‑driven arrangements and experimental textures, describing the sound as both ambitious and at times muddled. Lyrically, front‑man Julian Casablancas continues to address themes of capitalism, over‑consumption, environmental degradation and the influence of elite classes.

While the band’s signature guitar‑driven style remains recognizable, the heavy production and genre‑blending elements mark a notable shift from their earlier work, prompting mixed reactions among longtime fans and reviewers.