After reading that Julian Casablancas was going to be releasing a solo album, I have to admit that I was a bit skeptical. The Strokes have been dormant for a while now, and with their last album, it seemed like they were kind of stuck on the tracks. Well after hearing “11th Dimension”, I pushed all skepticism aside, and welcomed Julian back in to my heart. What an amazing track, and with the intense countdown on his website, I bought into the buzz surrounding this album. Well now, the album has been released (though at 8 tracks, it’s a skimpy one) and I have digested my thoughts about it. Phrazes for the Young seems to be an experiment with some refreshing successes, and only the slightest of missteps. This album is a ball of neatly written rock songs, with borders touching electronica and country at the same time. On tracks like “Ludlow St.” I can buy the country twinge with only the slightest question, but on “4 Chords of the Apocalypse” it seems a bit like he’s trying too hard (or not hard enough). That being said, the rest of the album is truly a delight, and will have you bopping your head along, and at times even dancing. Some of the lyrics come out a little awkwardly, but these can be overlooked in favor of the compulsively catchy melodies. For the avid Strokes fan, this album will be like coming home, but finding a few new pieces of furniture there. This is an excellent first step towards what will hopefully blossom into a noteworthy solo career.

Julian Casablancas – Left & Right In The Dark
Julian Casablancas – Tourist