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"Last Nite"
Single by The Strokes
from the album Is This It
B-side"When It Started"
ReleasedOctober 23, 2001 (2001-10-23)
RecordedMarch and April 2001
StudioTransporterraum, New York City
Genre
Length3:13
Label
SongwriterJulian Casablancas
ProducerGordon Raphael
The Strokes singles chronology
"Hard to Explain"
(2001) 		"Last Nite"
(2001) 		"Someday"
(2001)
Music video
"Last Nite" on YouTube

"Last Nite" is a song by American rock band the Strokes. It was released on October 23, 2001, as the second single from their debut album, Is This It (2001). Outside of the United States, "Last Nite" peaked within the top 20 of the charts in the United Kingdom.

Background

[edit]

The track was produced by Gordon Raphael and was issued on RCA Records with the song "When It Started" as the B-side.

The song's opening guitar riff and overall structure is based on "American Girl" by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. In a 2006 interview with Rolling Stone, Petty commented, "The Strokes took 'American Girl' [for 'Last Nite'], there was an interview that took place with them where they actually admitted it. That made me laugh out loud. I was like, 'OK, good for you.' It doesn't bother me".[3] The Strokes were invited to be the opening act for several dates on Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers' 2006 tour.[4] The solo for the song was inspired by guitarist Freddie King.

Reception

[edit]

The single was the group's first to enter the American charts, reaching the top five on the U.S. Modern Rock Tracks chart in late 2001. Meanwhile, the single obtained success in the United Kingdom, peaking at number 14 on the UK Singles Chart.[5][6]

In March 2005, Q placed "Last Nite" at number 66 in its list of the 100 Greatest Guitar Tracks. In September 2006, NME placed "Last Nite" at number one on its list of the 50 Greatest Tracks of the Decade. In May 2007, NME magazine placed "Last Nite" at number nine in its list of the 50 Greatest Indie Anthems Ever. It was also placed at number 16 on Rolling Stone's 50 Best Songs of the Decade and number 478 on its list of "The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time". The same publication listed it at number 155 in a revamped version of the list in 2021.[7] In 2011, NME placed it at number four on its list "150 Best Tracks of the Past 15 Years".[8] In 2020, Paste and The Independent ranked the song number two and number one, respectively, on their lists of the 20 greatest Strokes songs.[9][10]

In 2024, Strokes frontman Julian Casablancas told The Guardian that he was no longer able to listen to the song. He said,

"Last Nite" by the Strokes is pretty dead to me. I’m not sure why. There are some others like "Reptilia", "Hard to Explain", "Someday", "Take It or Leave It", "New York City Cops" that are comparable in terms of crowd reaction that I’m not quite as sick of. If I heard it on the radio, I’d probably turn it off.[11]

Music video

[edit]

The band were originally unwilling to appear in a music video.[12] The band eventually agreed and the resulting video was directed by Roman Coppola.[13]

Track listings

[edit]

US/UK

  1. "Last Nite" - 3:15
  2. "When It Started" - 2:59

AUS

  1. "Last Nite" - 3:15
  2. "When It Started" - 2:59
  3. "Last Nite" (Live) - 3:27
  4. "Take It or Leave It" (Live) - 3:29

Personnel

[edit]

Charts

[edit]

Certifications

[edit]
Region Certification Certified units/sales
Australia (ARIA)[25] Platinum 70,000‡
Italy (FIMI)[26] Gold 25,000‡
New Zealand (RMNZ)[27] Platinum 30,000‡
Portugal (AFP)[28] Platinum 40,000‡
Spain (Promusicae)[29] Platinum 60,000‡
United Kingdom (BPI)[30] 2× Platinum 1,200,000‡
United States (RIAA)[31] Platinum 1,000,000‡

‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Release history

[edit]
Region Date Format(s) Label(s) Ref.
United States October 23, 2001 (2001-10-23) Alternative radio RCA [32]
United Kingdom November 5, 2001 (2001-11-05)
  • 7-inch vinyl
  • CD
 Rough Trade [33]
Australia December 3, 2001 (2001-12-03) CD
[34]

Vitamin C version

[edit]
"Last Nite"
Single by Vitamin C
ReleasedJuly 7, 2003 (2003-07-07)[35]
Length3:54
LabelV2
SongwriterJulian Casablancas
Producers
Vitamin C singles chronology
"As Long As You're Loving Me"
(2001) 		"Last Nite"
(2003)

Background

[edit]

American pop singer Vitamin C covered "Last Nite" and released it as a single in July 2003. The song was produced by Dave Derby, Michael Kotch, and Fred Maher.[36] The single features a sample from Blondie's "Heart of Glass".[37] After Elektra Records dropped Vitamin C when her second album, More, did not sell as expected, she signed to V2 Records in the UK, hoping to break into the music scene there. After her third album was recorded, this single was released exclusively in the UK with plans to release the album a month later. The album was never released.

Reception

[edit]

"Last Nite" debuted and peaking at number 70 on the UK Singles Chart and fell down the chart rapidly.[38][39] V2 shelved Vitamin C's album afterwards and dropped her. However, "Last Nite" is Vitamin C's only chart entry on the UK Singles Chart, making it her most successful single there.[39]

Music video

[edit]

The music video for "Last Nite" was shot in New York City. It features Vitamin C, as a blonde, in or around the Hotel Chelsea as well as other New York City night spots. The club CBGB is seen in the video.

Track listings

[edit]

Adapted from European CD Single.[40]

  1. "Last Nite" – 3:54
  2. "Last Nite" (Derby & Kotch Mix) – 3:45
  3. "Last Nite" (I Lick That Mix by Count Caligula) – 5:40
  4. "Last Nite" (Clique Remix) – 6:05

Charts

[edit]
Chart (2003) Peak
position
Romania (Romanian Top 100)[41] 53
Scotland Singles (OCC)[42] 50
UK Singles (OCC)[38] 70
UK Dance (OCC)[43] 33
UK Indie (OCC)[44] 10

Cover versions, samples and parodies

[edit]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Last Nite

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
"Last Nite" is a song by the American rock band , written primarily by lead singer and released as the second single from their debut studio album on 5 November 2001. The track, which first appeared on the band's EP earlier in 2001, features raw influences with driving guitars and lyrics exploring relationship tensions, and it helped propel to prominence during the early garage rock revival. The song achieved commercial success, peaking at number 14 on the UK Singles Chart and number 1 on the UK Independent Singles Chart, while its , directed by , depicted the band performing in a house party, capturing the era's youthful, hedonistic vibe. In the United States, "Last Nite" did not chart on the but became a radio staple and a defining anthem for the and resurgence, influencing subsequent acts like the and Franz Ferdinand. As of November 2025, the track has amassed over 760 million streams on , underscoring its enduring popularity and cultural impact.

Background and recording

Writing and inspiration

Julian Casablancas served as the primary songwriter for "Last Nite," crafting the track's lyrics and structure based on his experiences navigating young relationships amid the vibrant, chaotic nightlife of early 2000s . The song's narrative revolves around a grappling with romantic tension, where a night out leads to emotional disconnect and frustration, as the girlfriend expresses feeling sidelined by the singer's social obligations. The Strokes drew significant inspiration from the raw energy of 1970s New York rock acts, including and the , whose angular guitar work and attitude informed the band's gritty, revivalist sound. Additionally, the opening riff of "Last Nite" bears notable similarities to Tom Petty's 1976 track "," a resemblance acknowledged by both parties; Petty opted not to pursue legal action in 2002, viewing it as a homage rather than infringement. The song took shape during the band's 2000 demo sessions at Transporterraum, a basement studio in New York City's run by producer , where they captured three tracks—including "Last Nite"—in a raw, live format over three days in August. These demos, consisting of "Last Nite," "," and "Barely Legal," were released as the band's debut EP, , in January 2001 and laid the groundwork for the material that would define their debut album, .

Recording sessions

The recording sessions for "Last Nite" occurred at Transporterraum, Gordon Raphael's basement studio in New York City's Lower East Side, during March and April 2001 as part of the broader production of ' debut Is This It. Produced by , who had previously captured early demos of , the sessions emphasized a live, unpolished approach to replicate the group's raw performance energy from their club gigs. The track was among the core songs tracked during this period, following initial rehearsals in a New York apartment. Key personnel included vocalist and rhythm guitarist , lead guitarist , rhythm guitarist Albert Hammond Jr., bassist , and drummer , with handling engineering duties using a modest setup featuring a Soundcraft console, API preamps, and for digital capture. The band relied on vintage gear, such as guitars—Hammond Jr. primarily using a 1985 Japanese reissue model—to contribute to the song's gritty texture, while microphones like the AT4033A captured Casablancas' vocals and MD 421s handled guitar amps. This equipment selection supported a aesthetic with limited production polish, avoiding extensive effects or post-processing to retain an authentic, lo-fi vibe. Recording techniques prioritized spontaneity, with the rhythm section—Fraiture on bass and Moretti on —captured in single live takes to maintain the track's urgent momentum, using just three microphones on the (Shure Beta 58 on , SM57 on snare, and AT4033A for ) to minimize bleed and isolation. Guitars were tracked simultaneously with the band playing together in the small space, employing minimal overdubs for Valensi and Hammond Jr.'s interlocking riffs. Casablancas' vocals were recorded separately but layered with doubles in one pass through the AT4033A mic, enhancing the hazy, intimate feel without heavy compression or reverb. This method, as noted, allowed the sessions to wrap efficiently, often completing basic tracks in a single day to preserve the performances' natural dynamics.

Musical elements

Composition and style

"Last Nite" exemplifies the revival and genres, characterized by its raw energy and stripped-down aesthetic that harkens back to the 1970s New York punk scene at venues like . The song runs for 3 minutes and 13 seconds, set in the key of at a of 104 beats per minute, creating a propulsive yet accessible feel. The composition follows a straightforward verse-chorus form, beginning with an intro that leads into verses built around jangly, angular guitar riffs and a driving , punctuated by a simple, insistent drum pattern that maintains momentum throughout. Instrumentation centers on dual guitars from Albert Hammond Jr. and , which engage in call-and-response patterns to build tension and release, blending sharp, melodic hooks with minimal effects to emphasize authenticity and immediacy. This arrangement echoes influences from acts like , as frontman drew direct inspiration from their sound in crafting the track. The recording process, handled by producer at Transporterraum studios, prioritized capturing the band's live energy with limited overdubs, preserving the song's gritty, unpolished sonic characteristics.

Lyrics and themes

The lyrics of "Last Nite" depict a strained romance marked by emotional disconnect and , as the narrator responds dismissively to his partner's vulnerability. In the opening verse, the expresses her distress with lines such as "Last night, she said / 'Oh, baby, I feel so down / Oh, it turn' me off / When I feel left out,'" prompting the to retort, "Oh, baby, don't care no more," before walking away and reflecting on his isolation. This narrative captures a moment of relational breakdown, where indifference exacerbates the rift, leaving the narrator to question his own apathy amid growing loneliness. Central themes in the song revolve around urban alienation, miscommunication in modern dating, and youthful indifference, portraying the detachment inherent in city life and fleeting connections. The evoke a sense of isolation in a bustling environment, as seen in the bridge: "Ooh, she said / 'Well, I don't know / But I can't decide / If you should live or die, oh my,'" underscoring how personal struggles remain incomprehensible to others in a fast-paced urban setting. This miscommunication highlights the challenges of intimacy in contemporary relationships, where emotional gaps widen due to unspoken assumptions and casual attitudes, reflecting the ennui of young adulthood. The protagonist's blasé response embodies youthful indifference, prioritizing escape over resolution, which amplifies the song's exploration of and emotional unavailability. The song employs a from a detached , whose stream-of-consciousness delivery mirrors the confusion and self-justification of someone navigating personal turmoil. This perspective draws from ' own experiences, as the lyrics on often incorporate autobiographical elements of emotional disconnection in relationships, informed by his observations of New York City's social scene. Poetic devices enhance the lyrics' raw impact, including repetition in the chorus—"Last night, she said / 'Oh, baby, I feel so down'"—which emphasizes the cyclical nature of the conflict and the protagonist's lingering rumination. The use of slangy New York vernacular, such as contractions like "turn' me off" and colloquial phrases like "oh, baby," infuses the text with an authentic, street-level grit, grounding the themes in the band's hometown .

Release and promotion

Track listings and formats

"Last Nite" was released in multiple physical formats as a single in 2001, primarily on CD and vinyl, with variations by region to support the rollout of the band's debut album Is This It. These formats included B-sides featuring non-album tracks and live recordings, tailored for different markets. Promotional copies were also distributed to radio stations and media outlets. In the UK, the single was issued as a two-part CD set by Rough Trade Records. The first CD (RTRADESCD041) contained the album version of "Last Nite" backed with the non-album B-side "When It Started." The second CD (RTRADESCD041X), a limited edition, featured three live tracks recorded at the Village Recorder Studios in Los Angeles on August 5, 2001, hosted by Chris Douridas for KCRW's Ground Zero program. A corresponding 7" vinyl single (RTRADES 041) mirrored the CD1 tracklist.
FormatLabel/CatalogCountryTracks
CD Single (CD1)Rough Trade – RTRADESCD0411. "Last Nite" – 3:13
2. "When It Started" – 2:54
CD Single (CD2, Limited Edition)Rough Trade – RTRADESCD041X1. "Last Nite" (Live) – 3:16
2. "Trying Your Luck" (Live) – 3:27
3. "Take It Or Leave It" (Live) – 3:17
7" Vinyl, 45 RPMRough Trade – RTRADES 041A. "Last Nite" – 3:13
B. "When It Started" – 2:54
For the market, released a limited-edition 7" vinyl single in 2002 on red translucent vinyl, featuring the album version alongside three live recordings from (also from the August 5, 2001, session). A promotional (RDJ 60487-2) was issued for radio play, containing only the album version of "Last Nite." No distinct radio edit version was produced, as the track's 3:13 length suited standard .
FormatLabel/CatalogCountryTracks
7" Vinyl, 33 ⅓ RPM (Limited Edition, Red Translucent)RCA – 07863 60611-7A1. "Last Nite" – 3:12
A2. "Trying Your Luck" (In L.A.) – 3:25
B1. "Last Nite" (In L.A.) – 3:14
B2. "Take It Or Leave It" (In L.A.) – 3:15
CD Single, PromoRCA – RDJ 60487-21. "Last Nite" – 3:13
Regionally, the Australian CD single (RCA / BMG – 74321905152) expanded on the format by including two additional live tracks from the same session, emphasizing the band's growing international buzz. A European CD single (RCA / BMG – 74321 89241 2) offered a similar lineup with live elements. These physical releases predate widespread , though "Last Nite" later became available as a digital download and on streaming platforms following the album's reissue and catalog digitization in the mid-2000s. Japanese promotional CDs (BMG – none) replicated the promo format for local radio. No remixes were included in the original single releases; variations focused on B-sides and live performances.
FormatLabel/CatalogCountryTracks
CD SingleRCA / BMG – 743219051521. "Last Nite" – 3:12
2. "When It Started" – 2:53
3. "Last Nite" (Live) – 3:14
4. "Take It Or Leave It" (Live) – 3:14
RCA / BMG – 74321 89241 21. "Last Nite" – 3:12
2. "Take It Or Leave It" (Live) – 3:14
3. "When It Started" – 2:53
, PromoRCA / BMG – BVCP-290351. "Last Nite" – 3:12
2. "When It Started" – 2:53
3. "Last Nite" (Live) – 3:14
4. "Take It Or Leave It" (Live) – 3:14

Release history

"Last Nite" was released on October 23, 2001, as the second single from ' debut album , following the single "". The single was issued by in the and Europe, with Rough Trade handling the initial distribution. Promotion for the release centered on media exposure and live performances to generate buzz. The song received significant airplay on , including live performances during the band's February 2001 Evening Session at . Extensive UK touring throughout 2001, including headline shows and festival appearances, further amplified hype around the single and album. Following the breakthrough success of Is This It in the United States, RCA Records mounted a broader promotional push for "Last Nite" there in 2002, including a commercial CD and vinyl release. Digital download availability for the single expanded in 2006 as part of wider catalog digitization efforts by the label.

Commercial performance

Weekly charts

"Last Nite" by The Strokes entered several major weekly music charts following its release in late 2001, reflecting its growing popularity in the alternative rock scene. The single's chart trajectory varied by market, with stronger performance in the UK and US alternative radio, while achieving more modest placements elsewhere. In the , "Last Nite" debuted on the Official Singles Chart at number 37 on November 17, 2001, climbing to its peak of number 14 the following week before gradually descending, spending a total of 8 weeks on the chart. On the Billboard Alternative Songs chart, the track entered in late 2001 and reached a peak of number 5 in February 2002, marking the band's first significant airplay success in their home country. In , "Last Nite" entered the Singles Chart at number 47 on December 16, 2001, and spent just one week in the top 100. The song also appeared on charts in other markets, peaking at number 48 during early 2002. In , it peaked at number 7 on the RPM Rock/Alternative chart in 2002.

Year-end charts and certifications

The song has received several certifications reflecting its commercial success. In the , it achieved 2× Platinum status from the BPI for 1,200,000 units as of 2025. By November 2025, "Last Nite" had amassed over 760 million streams on , underscoring its lasting popularity in the digital era.

Critical reception

Contemporary reviews

Upon release in late 2001, "Last Nite" was widely praised by critics as a highlight of ' debut album , noted for its raw, energetic rock sound and immediate appeal that revitalized influences. Pitchfork awarded the album 9.1 out of 10, with reviewer Ryan Schreiber highlighting the single's intensity, writing that "'Last Nite' quakes with growled vocals and bluesy, blustery distortion," while commending its role in the record's driving rhythms and strong hooks. gave Is This It four stars, with Joe Levy praising the album's "pure New York rock & roll" aggression and catchy songcraft on tracks like "Last Nite," though he observed that some riffs echoed influences from bands such as and . NME's John Robinson rated the album a perfect 10 out of 10, hailing it as an "instant classic" and a bold revival of rock's urgent energy through its concise, dynamic tracks. In , described "Last Nite" as the album's "finest moment," an "insanely melodic power-pop" track reminiscent of The Jam's "," and emphasized the band's overall sharp, pared-down style that distilled live-wire adrenaline.

Retrospective assessments

In the 2021 update to its list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time, Rolling Stone ranked "Last Nite" at number 155, praising its raw energy and influence on early-2000s rock as a pivotal track that captured the Strokes' effortless cool. NME has frequently highlighted the song's enduring role in the garage rock revival during the 2000s, placing it at number nine on its 2007 list of the 50 Greatest Indie Anthems Ever and featuring it prominently as the second entry in a 2021 retrospective of 20 indie anthems from 2001 that "still slap," crediting its gritty riffs and urgent delivery with helping reignite interest in lo-fi, post-punk-inflected rock. Building on its initial reception as a breakout hit, these assessments underscore how "Last Nite" symbolized a shift away from nu-metal dominance toward a revival of angular, New York-inspired indie sounds. As of 2025, amid celebrations of ' early catalog approaching its 25th anniversary, the song has appeared in various "best of the " retrospectives, including Australia's coverage of the 250 Greatest Songs of the So Far, where it was lauded for its timeless swagger and placement among era-defining tracks. Some modern critiques acknowledge the track's overexposure through constant radio play and live performances, with frontman expressing fatigue over repeating it onstage, yet it remains affirmed as a generational touchstone for its role in revitalizing rock's raw edge.

Music video

Production details

The music video for "Last Nite" was directed by , son of filmmaker , and released in 2001 alongside the single's promotion from the album . Filming took place on a designed to resemble a 1970s-style , complete with a stage floor and day-bright lighting, emphasizing a retro aesthetic that highlighted the band's roots. The production captured performing the song live, with natural movements such as frontman knocking over a microphone stand. Coppola employed a straightforward approach with simple panning shots from wide angles to close-ups, minimal edits, and to evoke an authentic, unpolished feel, syncing subtle cuts to the track's guitar for rhythmic flow. This DIY-inspired technique aligned with the band's early-2000s New York scene ethos, prioritizing raw energy over elaborate effects.

Content and analysis

The music video for "Last Nite" features performing the song live on a brightly lit stage in a studio setting, capturing the band's raw energy through an unscripted performance. Frontman throws his microphone stand off-stage about one minute in, and later, guitarist accidentally knocks over a microphone onto drummer Fabrizio Moretti's kit, causing overhead mics to fall; these mishaps were retained in the final edit to enhance the authentic feel. Visually, the video employs a gritty, documentary-like style with long panning shots and sparse editing, highlighting the band's unrefined performance amid a small of friends and acquaintances. The footage builds an intimate atmosphere that escalates into chaotic fun during the climax, underscoring the video's spontaneous feel without overproduced effects. Upon release, the video gained heavy rotation on , propelling "Last Nite" into mainstream awareness and solidifying ' breakthrough in 2001. It earned praise for its authentic portrayal of youthful disarray, often lauded as a refreshing antidote to the era's slick pop visuals, with critics noting its role in embodying the band's unpretentious vibe. By November 2025, the official upload on had surpassed 135 million views, reflecting its enduring appeal. Analytically, the video symbolizes the ethos of the early 2000s, contrasting the band's lo-fi, imperfect execution against the polished mainstream productions of the time, and positioning as harbingers of a revival rooted in New York City's underground scene. This raw depiction of performance captured the cultural shift toward valuing genuineness over spectacle, influencing subsequent indie aesthetics and cementing the song's status as a generational anthem.

Vitamin C version

Background and recording

, born Colleen Fitzpatrick, recorded her cover of "Last Nite" in 2003 as a standalone single following the release of her second album More in 2001. After signing with V2 Records in 2001, she developed new material over 2002 and 2003, with this track serving as the lead single from those sessions. The production was led by the duo Derby & Kotch (Dave Derby and Michael Kotch), alongside , who also mixed the song. The version reinterprets ' original track as an electronic number, incorporating a sample from Blondie's "Heart of Glass" for added dance elements. Fitzpatrick's vocals provide a polished, female-voiced delivery of the lyrics, emphasizing an upbeat tempo and crossover appeal while preserving the song's core narrative of romantic frustration.

Release and reception

Vitamin C's cover of "Last Nite" was released as a single in 2003 by V2 Records, serving as the lead track for what was intended to be her third studio album. The album project was ultimately shelved after the single's disappointing commercial performance. The single was promoted primarily in the United Kingdom, with additional radio airplay targeting Vitamin C's established teen pop fanbase in the United States. Despite this, it achieved only modest success, peaking at number 70 on the UK Singles Chart for one week and reaching number 33 on the UK Dance Singles Chart. It failed to enter the US , reflecting limited mainstream appeal. Reception to the release was mixed, as the dance-infused reinterpretation of the original track was seen by some as a creative evolution for the artist, while others viewed it as an ill-fitting departure from her bubblegum pop roots that contributed to its underwhelming chart trajectory. Sales figures were modest, aligning with the single's brief chart presence and lack of broader impact.

Music video

A music video for the Vitamin C version of "Last Nite" was produced and filmed in in 2003, featuring the artist at locations including the and . However, it was not widely released or aired on major music networks like , and no official footage is readily available online as of 2025. Audio uploads of the song on platforms like have garnered modest views, with the most prominent exceeding 123,000.

Track listings

The CD single for Vitamin C's cover of "Last Nite" was released in Europe by V2 Records in 2003, featuring the original version along with several remixes.
No.TitleLength
1."Last Nite"3:54
2."Last Nite" (This Is Radio – Williamsburg Edit)3:45
3."Last Nite" (I Lick That Mix by Count Edit)5:40
4."Last Nite" (Manhattan Clique Edit)6:05

Charts

Vitamin C's "Last Nite" received a limited international release, primarily in the and select European markets. The single achieved modest chart success in the , debuting and peaking at number 70 on the Official Singles Chart for one week in July 2003. It also reached number 33 on the Singles Chart, number 10 on the Independent Singles Chart, and number 50 on the Scottish Singles Chart during the same period. In , the track peaked at number 53. The song did not enter major charts in the or , though its electronic remixes contributed to club airplay.

Legacy and other uses

Cover versions

"Last Nite" has inspired numerous covers since its release, with artists adapting the song's raw energy into diverse genres such as , garage blues, , and arrangements, highlighting its broad influence on indie and alternative scenes. According to the cover song database SecondHandSongs, the track has been recorded over 25 times, spanning studio releases, live performances, and versions. One early notable adaptation came from singer-songwriter Ryan Adams, who delivered an acoustic solo version during live shows in 2002, infusing the song with introspective folk elements shortly after The Strokes' debut gained traction. In 2003, garage rock band The Detroit Cobras reinterpreted it on the tribute compilation Stop Me if You Think You've Heard This One Before, emphasizing ragged vocals and bluesy grit to evoke a retro '60s feel while preserving the original's urgent rhythm. British soul artist Adele offered a powerful, emotive take in 2008 for BBC Radio 1's Live Lounge, transforming the track into a piano-driven ballad that showcased her vocal range and added emotional depth to the lyrics' themes of relational confusion. A cappella group Off the Beat provided a harmonious, vocal-only rendition in 2002 on their album Taste of the Top, stripping the instrumentation to focus on layered harmonies and beatboxing to mimic the guitar riffs. The Vitamin String Quartet's 2010 instrumental cover, featured on The String Quartet Tribute to The Strokes, rendered the song through classical strings, creating a sophisticated, orchestral contrast to its punk roots. In 2020, , featuring vocalist Sweet Megg, released a vintage speakeasy-style version, complete with and swing rhythms, which went viral for its playful retro twist. Rock cover band First to Eleven delivered a high-energy all-female rock rendition in 2022, amplifying the song's garage elements with dynamic drums and guitars for a modern alternative audience. More recently, the song has seen a resurgence through viral TikTok covers in 2024 and 2025, often blending genres like , electronic, and regional styles to engage younger listeners. Examples include EZ Band's Norteño-Spanglish fusion in August 2025, incorporating and bilingual for a Latin-infused party vibe, and Keyside's piano-led acoustic take in February 2025, which garnered significant views for its intimate delivery. These adaptations underscore the track's adaptability in digital spaces, contributing to renewed interest amid ' 2020s revival. Other documented covers include 8 Bit Arcade's version (2015), Boy Jr.'s take (2020), POP ETC's synth-driven electronic rendition (2019), and Rebeldes' punk-infused cover (2012), among instrumental and live versions by artists like The Moon Loungers (acoustic, 2018) and Hans Petter Hammersmark (live jazz, 2012).

Samples and parodies

"Last Nite" has been sampled and interpolated in various tracks across genres. "Weird Al" Yankovic's "Angry White Boy " (2003) samples the vocals and lyrics of "Last Nite" as part of a medley parodying hits of the era. Banda Uó's "Rosa" (2011) interpolates the main riff and melodic structure from the song in its Brazilian pop context. The Regrettes' "I Dare You" (2019) similarly interpolates elements of the melody within its arrangement. The song has inspired parody works, often highlighting its cultural footprint in early 2000s rock. Yankovic's inclusion in "Angry White Boy Polka" serves as a satirical nod to the track's popularity, transforming its garage rock energy into accordion-driven polka. Fan-created parodies in the style of Yankovic have circulated online, mimicking the song's lyrics and delivery for comedic effect on platforms like YouTube. In media, "Last Nite" has appeared in television, underscoring its enduring appeal. It features in season 2, episode 7 of the Prime Video series The Summer I Turned Pretty (2023), where it accompanies a key scene involving the protagonists. The track is also available as downloadable content in the video game Rocksmith (2013), allowing players to learn and play the song on real guitars. By 2025, AI-generated adaptations of "Last Nite" have emerged on digital platforms, including reggae-style reinterpretations that reimagine the song's instrumentation while preserving its core riff.

References

  1. https://www.radiox.co.uk/artists/strokes/top-10-biggest-songs-streams-tracks/
  2. https://genius.com/The-strokes-last-nite-lyrics
  3. https://www.thestudentplaylist.com/the-strokes-is-this-it/
  4. https://www.officialcharts.com/songs/strokes-last-nite/
  5. https://imvdb.com/n/roman-coppola
  6. https://www.gigwise.com/the-strokes-an-influential-journey-through-indie-rock/
  7. https://kworb.net/spotify/artist/0epOFNiUfyON9EYx7Tpr6V_songs.html
  8. https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2015/mar/24/how-we-made-is-this-it-the-strokes
  9. https://www.songfacts.com/facts/the-strokes/last-nite
  10. https://www.nme.com/features/music-features/the-strokes-is-this-it-at-20-years-anniversary-3006402
  11. https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/how-tom-petty-the-strokes-biggest-song/
  12. https://www.soundonsound.com/people/gordon-raphael-producing-strokes
  13. https://mixdownmag.com.au/features/rig-rundown-the-strokes/
  14. https://tapeop.com/interviews/46/gordon-raphael
  15. https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20240202-cbgb-the-scuzzy-1970s-new-york-club-that-ushered-in-a-new-age-of-rock
  16. https://musicstax.com/track/last-nite/3SUusuA9jH1v6PVwtYMbdv
  17. https://www.hooktheory.com/theorytab/view/the-strokes/last-nite
  18. http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2009/nov/26/the-strokes-is-this-it
  19. https://songsense.io/the-strokes/last-nite
  20. https://nbhap.com/sounds/the-strokes-is-this-it-anniversary-review
  21. https://elephant.art/is-this-it/
  22. https://www.discogs.com/master/12378-The-Strokes-Last-Nite
  23. https://www.discogs.com/release/1936965-The-Strokes-Last-Nite
  24. https://www.discogs.com/release/2641560-The-Strokes-Last-Nite
  25. https://www.discogs.com/release/918683-The-Strokes-Last-Nite
  26. https://www.discogs.com/release/756261-The-Strokes-Last-Nite
  27. https://www.discogs.com/release/1580809-The-Strokes-Last-Nite
  28. https://www.discogs.com/release/2759212-The-Strokes-Last-Nite
  29. https://www.discogs.com/release/19096159-The-Strokes-Last-Nite
  30. https://www.shesfixingherhair.co.uk/blog/discography/discography-singles-eps
  31. https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000y61w
  32. https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/pre-fame-the-strokes-last-nite-rare-footage-london/
  33. https://www.billboard.com/pro/the-strokes-first-airplay-chart-no-1/
  34. https://australian-charts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=The+Strokes&titel=Last+Nite&cat=s
  35. https://www.bpi.co.uk/award/14992-2x-platinum/
  36. https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/7537-is-this-it/
  37. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-album-reviews/is-this-it-252334/
  38. https://www.nme.com/blogs/nme-blogs/how-the-strokes-is-this-it-changed-music-for-the-better-768930
  39. https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/reviews/album-the-strokes-5363975.html
  40. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/best-songs-of-all-time-1224767/
  41. https://www.nme.com/news/music/nme-1471-1348653
  42. https://www.nme.com/features/20-indie-anthems-from-2001-that-still-slap-strokes-white-stripes-2857736
  43. https://au.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/-85412/the-strokes-last-nite-3-85651/
  44. https://www.nme.com/news/music/the-strokes-julian-casablancas-on-playing-old-songs-i-couldnt-care-less-about-playing-last-nite-2806576
  45. https://americansongwriter.com/3-garage-rock-bands-that-helped-revive-american-rock-music-in-the-2000s/
  46. https://imvdb.com/video/the-strokes/last-nite
  47. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0331349/
  48. https://grammy.com/news/strokes-is-this-it-20th-album-anniversary-julian-casablancas-video
  49. https://www.alt997.com/videos/throwback-video-of-the-week-the-strokes-last-nite/
  50. https://musicvideo.fandom.com/wiki/Last_Nite_%28The_Strokes%29
  51. https://pitchfork.com/news/49447-watch-five-classic-videos-from-the-strokes/
  52. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TOypSnKFHrE
  53. https://grammy.com/news/the-strokes-20th-anniversary-is-this-it-album-roundtable
  54. https://www.nickiswift.com/61660/ever-happened-vitamin-c/
  55. https://www.discogs.com/release/341392-Vitamin-C-Last-Nite
  56. https://www.whosampled.com/cover/29881/Vitamin-C-Last-Nite-The-Strokes-Last-Nite/
  57. https://www.discogs.com/master/154817-Vitamin-C-Last-Nite
  58. https://www.officialcharts.com/songs/vitamin-c-last-nite/
  59. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7nisfwFEM8I
  60. https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/independent-singles-chart/20030713/130/
  61. https://secondhandsongs.com/performance/110109/all
  62. https://secondhandsongs.com/performance/61894/all
  63. https://www.nme.com/news/music/ryan-adams-171-1383908
  64. https://secondhandsongs.com/performance/61895/all
  65. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MPSqNPRworg
  66. https://genius.com/Scott-bradlees-postmodern-jukebox-last-nite-sample
  67. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=58OfCnSIAZE
  68. https://www.whosampled.com/The-Strokes/Last-Nite/covered/
  69. https://genius.com/The-strokes-last-nite-sample/covers
  70. https://genius.com/The-strokes-last-nite-sample/interpolations
  71. https://www.nme.com/news/tv/the-summer-i-turned-pretty-season-2-soundtrack-every-song-3488256
  72. https://vgost.fandom.com/wiki/The_Strokes
  73. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i9z96SO64Vg
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