The Strokes’ “Hard to Explain” (2001) epitomized early 2000s indie rock with its cool, lo-fi vibe. Julian Casablancas’s muffled vocals glide over urgent drums and edgy guitars, creating a sound that felt retro and fresh at once. While not a huge chart hit, the song was critically acclaimed and helped establish The Strokes as leaders of the garage rock revival, with “Hard to Explain” becoming a fan favorite from their debut album.