In the live recording of "You Only Live Once" performed by The Strokes on Conan O'Brien, the band was promoting their third studio album, "First Impressions of Earth," which was released in January 2006. This period marked a pivotal moment in The Strokes' career as they transitioned from the indie rock revival sound that characterized their earlier works to a more polished and diverse musical style. The performance is notable for showcasing the band's evolving sound and lyrical maturity while still retaining their distinctive garage rock essence. "You Only Live Once," a lead single from the album, reflects this growth and struck a chord with both fans and critics. Additionally, the band's appearance on a major late-night show helped solidify their presence in the mainstream music scene during this transitional phase of their career.