Steven Hyden’s new book, *Is This It: The Never-Ending Rise and Fall of the Strokes (and Rock ’n’ Roll)*, offers a detailed cultural examination of the New York rock band the Strokes and their impact over the past 25 years. Published by Da Capo, the 275-page work explores the band’s trajectory from their breakthrough album release to their ongoing influence in the music world.
The Strokes emerged in early 2000s Manhattan with a debut album titled *Is This It*, which featured concise, sharp rock tracks steeped in references to predecessors such as the Velvet Underground, the Cars, and the New York Dolls. The album generated a wave of critical acclaim, with many critics proclaiming the band as saviors of rock music. Despite the initial hype, the Strokes never released another album to match the near-universal praise of their debut, going on to produce six more albums with varying critical and commercial success. This pattern has contributed to the band’s complex status as both iconic and, in some respects, unfulfilled.
Hyden, a longtime fan and music journalist, draws primarily on existing interviews and journalistic accounts rather than original reporting. His contribution lies in framing the Strokes’ story within broader cultural shifts over the past quarter-century. He examines why, at the turn of the millennium, so many observers believed rock music needed rescuing, why the Strokes were regarded as the ideal candidates to lead that revival, and why that revival ultimately failed to materialize in the way anticipated.
The book also tackles larger questions about the evolution of popular music. It considers the decline of bands as the dominant cultural force in favor of solo artists and reflects on changes within both mainstream and underground music scenes. Hyden’s analysis prompts readers to think about how musical preferences and cultural tastes have shifted from the 1990s through the 2000s and beyond.
One notable omission in the book is an in-depth discussion of the Strokes’ contemporary popularity among younger generations, particularly Gen Z fans. Though Hyden has addressed this more recently in his online writing, the book does not fully engage with the band’s current ability to sell out stadiums or the reception of their recent material.
Despite these limitations, the book is engaging and thoughtful. Hyden adopts the role of a “rock friend,” someone who shares music knowledge, unpacks influences, and guides readers through the cultural significance of the Strokes and their milieu. Beyond mere nostalgia, the book investigates rock music’s enduring role as a lens to understand broader social and personal questions.
*Is This It* will likely resonate with established fans of the Strokes due to its depth and affection for the band’s history. At the same time, it offers a broader reflection on music’s evolving place in cultural life, inviting all readers to consider the deeper connections between artists, listeners, and the eras they live through.