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Giselle Morales

Review: "American Dream" - The Strike


The Strike, "American Dream," Cover Art

The Strike’s song “American Dream,” which is the title track of their newly released album, is about being present and appreciating those magical, euphoric moments of life. The band themselves reflect on some of those inimitable memories that they’ve made playing gigs, where certain moments felt like they were out of a movie. Lead singer Chris Crabb says, “I wanted to write a song that would capture a little bit of magic. ‘American Dream’ is my attempt to do so,” It’s a song that I could easily hear playing at the end of an 80s romcom. The lyrics, “Give me your word that you’ll remember this night // Looking up at the sky // With all our friends standing by // Frozen in the spotlight,” really encapsulate those feelings of bliss and gratitude that one feels in those special life highlights.



“American Dream” is a trip down 80s lane. The song opens up with synth keyboards, providing listeners with a nostalgic sound and vibe from the very beginning. Crabb’s voice, along with the fast-paced drum beat that also carries throughout, sonically draw some comparisons to some other fellow iconic bands like Journey, The 1975, and hints of Blink-182. What I really love about the song is that it maintained the same tempo throughout for the most part. It never really dipped in intensity, providing listeners with a fun, upbeat track to let loose to. Overall, “American Dream” is a song you really can’t go wrong with. It's a versatile song that you can both rock out to and also reminisce about the good ‘ole days.


The Strike is a three-member alternative rock band that has certainly not struck out on making a name for themselves in the music industry. The Los Angeles-based trio composed of members Chris Crabb (frontman), Jay Tibbits (drums), and David Maemone (keys/ guitar), released their debut single “Eye for an Eye” in 2016. However, it was their 2017 debut album Faint of the Heart that really began to turn heads in the band's direction. For starters, Grammy award winning artist and producer Quincy Jones, tapped The Strike to perform a three month residency in Dubai. The band’s song “Human Right” also received a sync placement in the 2018 hit Netflix film, To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before. Shortly after, The Strike went on tour, traveling to China, Australia, and across the U.S. with big name artists such as Kelly Clarkson, Journey, Carly Rae Jepsen, and more. Their use of classic 1980’s synth keyboard sounds, electrifying guitar riffs, and impassioned lyrics have helped them create their own lane, while also nodding to the nostalgic sounds of a truly epic musical decade. The Strike’s new album, American Dream, is now available on all music streaming platforms.


Written By Giselle Morales


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