Ever since I've first been introduced to the Strokes, it seemed as though they were inherently incapable of producing and writing a song that wasn't catchy. From this album, tracks like, "Reptilia", "What Ever Happened," "12:51," and "Automatic Stop" have a stylistic nonchalance to them that is characteristic of their crisp guitar work. There's a common complaint of this album that there's simply nothing new here, but why hold progression on such a high pedestal over knowing what works?

Firstly, Julian Casablancas has a strict sense of place on Room On Fire. It's great that he avoids the "screams" associated with "What Ever Happened," and "Take it or Leave it." Instead, we hear his his dreamy cough syrupy vocals on "Under Control" as well as "The End has no End." On these tracks, it as though, Casablancas exhibits a much-needed soothing quality to his voice that can only be described as a melodic payphone.

The band's rhythm section, the section that most are quick to write off as their weak spot as a result of the lack of evolution encountered on this album, doesn't seem to be an issue for me. I think at the end of the day, everything works and comes together. In "Reptilia" the bassman, Nick Fraiture gets his shining moment in this perfectly nuanced track.

As of today, the Strokes have become somewhat of an icon for rock music. However, when this album came out, the Strokes were considered an indie rock band focused on being underground without the desire of status or fame. Simply put, their goals were as unpretentious and uncomplicated as they come- to just make some good music, and I think they have.