Is This It

Hard to beat “Last Night” and “Someday” as classics in the jangle punk genre. When I think ‘I do like the Strokes’, I now believe myself to be saying hat I like those songs. The rest of the album, to quote Osama, let me drift off, disinterested. But in the rock world, 2 out of 11 will get you 3 out of 5

Classic early 2000s New York album. You can almost trace a direct line back 30 years to the stooges. At times sounded a bit like vampire weekend to me as well. Don’t listen to this often but when it’s on I enjoy it.

Not particularly familiar with The Strokes, but definitely recognise the album art, that shit is iconic. Honestly though, I had high hopes for this one, especially since it's so critically acclaimed; but it wasn't all that grand. It was good, don't get me wrong, but it felt pretty flavourless and lacking in depth. I'm sure there's some British Indie freak out there who thinks this is the best thing since sliced bread, but honestly this really doesn't do that for me and I can't see myself coming back to any of the songs on this record in a massive hurry.

The peak of “songs I’ve heard before somewhere else but don’t know the name”. An album of very groovy, poppy rock music. I like it, but there’s not many I’d be tearing to go back to. Famous for having an album cover you could have a pull to, except in the US where it was decided the general populace were too scared of pussy.

Look indie-rock ain't my thing but I can see why this album is on this list. The sound this album produces is something i feel like a lot artist would try to make themselves on their own albums and songs. I liked it but I wouldn't go out of my way for this again. 3/5.

All the songs blended together into a just okay smoothie, although there was still some small chunks of unique sounding songs in that smoothie that were pretty good.

If I had to judge an album by it's cover, the first thing I thought of was Spinal Taps, "Smell the Glove" That being said, the album itself was pretty good. The vocalist definitely feels like the weakest link, but it does work great on certain songs. (Last Nite) for example. I don't know that I will return to the album, but I definitely wouldn't mind if someone else put it on, so I think that leaves me with a 3

This is an album that brought back memories of college for me. It was played a lot back then in dorms and apartments. I think it is a solid album. I would give it a 3.5 out of 5. I don’t give it a higher score just because there are some songs on the album in my opinion that are just okay and not super amazing. The two biggest hits do help my overall score to be higher than say 3. It’s a great album if you are in the mood for its 60’s type rock sound.

None of the tracks really caught my attention. The music for what it is was fine, but in no way fantastic. I feel like I hear this sound but more refined in other later bands, so in that sense it's probably an important album - just not a great one for me. I can't sing a line from a single track on here today 1 day later, and in a few days you could probably play one of the tracks for me and ask me if I know it and I'd say I'd never heard it before. Standouts - 3/5

Good album, just don’t tell Spotify cos it will never stop suggesting Strokes songs to me. 3.5

Somebody get him a new microphone. Nice cover art tho

Wel aardig opzich.

Heard of but never listened to The Strokes. Decent album that I really enjoyed.

Is This It gets an "it's fine" from me. Don't mind listening to it but there wasn't anything special that'd make me want to return to it. Recognized a couple of songs.

Sounds good, but a bit too much of the same

Good album when it’s good, lame when it’s lame.

Yes, it is, and it was okay. It could have been so much better. Favorite Song: "Is This It".

I’ll have to give this one another chance. I love indie rock, and the Strokes have been doing it for a long time, but something about the singer’s mechanized/auto-tuned voice just bothered me. I wonder how they sound live.

this album was pretty good but it felt kind of samey. none of the songs really stood out at all and the album left no impression on me

ok.. but nothing too standout for me.. just a bit... samey

I remember I used to love this album, time has definitely changed that. Several songs have the same tempo and its easy to feel like they kinda melt together. Or some songs have a great verse, but then a weird bridge kicks in. Modern Age is still great! But I'm happy to move on from this one.

Classic

El álbum fue bastante bueno 👍

it’s got hooks and charm but it’s so sick and degenerate it’s kind of a drag

Best song on the album was Last Nite. Never listen to The Strokes before, I have heard of them. The album was okay, a bit meh but a couple of tracks I may listen to again.

Ok

The first half of the album didn't work for me, but as the soundscape expanded into the second half i enjoyed the music substantially more. The distorted, band passed vocal, (possibly a broken speaker cone?) was quite grating early on. But as the music became more harmonic and the rhythms more interesting I think it was able to fit the balance a little more nicely.

Memorable album cover but somehow I don’t think I have ever listened to any of their stuff before. I am a fan of some of the artists who have been inspired by this jaunty, narrative style of indie rock. After a listen to a few more tracks by The Strokes I did a bit of a revisit of some of my favourite Arctic Monkeys albums. There’s something about a UK take on this sound that I prefer but that being said there are tracks on this album I will come back to.

not the biggest fan of indie rock but it was cute

Is this it? It was already I guess...

3/5

When this album hits it really hits. Doing the early aughts proud. The deep cuts aren't amazing, though. I didn't find the full album particularly revelatory.

This is a good listen. They clearly have skills and know what they're doing putting together hit songs that aren't just earworms. I don't think I'd hunt it out myself but I wouldn't hate it if I was somewhere and this was playing.

It has a decent energy, but it all sounds kind of the same. The singles are catchy. Not a fan of the vocal mixing choice. This is a 2.5.

Can’t complain, album was actually pretty good. Good vibes. Ended up liking quite a few and can see myself coming back.

3.5

Solid. Has a couple really catch tunes but also a bit of filler. Like it don’t love it.

I don't understand why people like the Strokes so much. Seen them live and didn't dig it then either.

These 2000s fuzzy indie rock bands are just so boring to me...

# 296 : They've done a pretty decent job. I think Its OK, I could listen to it, The Strokes know how to keep it simple and just write good songs. Fave Track : Last Nite

Find the strokes voice a bit annoying but not a bad album 5/10

The Strokes helped shape the sound of the early 2000's with this debut and it will always bring me right back to that time. It feels a little young now but it holds up well enough. They have a simple formula but it works, pretty solid track list, slightly vintage feel on the distortion. They were in the right place at the right time with this one.

Medio aburrido y repetitivo. No me encantó.

:/ not as bad as i thought but i wont forgive this band

The Strokes are quite an understated band. I like their stuff.

turn of the century riffs, not a fan of the vocals

I missed this album at the time - I think there must have been other stuff going on in September of 2001. First impressions are of a Britpop band trying to sound American. Second impressions came during the track New York City cops (understandably dropped from later re-releases) when it turned out to be an American band doing Britpop about five years late. Not bad though, with some Stooges style vibes. Minus points for a truly awful album cover though.

I often say that I feel like the 60s through the 90s have signature sounds, but the 2000s and 2010s are just kind of mush, but this album has proven me wrong. The mid 2000s absolutely have a sound, and it’s this. There are about a dozen bands that sound just like this, but I guess you’d say the strokes were the torch-bearers. I don’t know what you call the sound, or if they were the best at it, but they, and this album, are a time capsule to the mid-2000s.

i've always thought i don't like the strokes... and now i can see that that's unfortunately true. they just don't work for me sadly even though there's nothing i theoretically object to i just don't like it. someday is my fave song i think. 3

I'd have given this a much lower rating 10 years ago.

Listened to it sat at a tram stop and barely noticed it even though the tram was 20 minutes late.

The fact that this was one of the best albums of the early 2000's says a lot more about that decade for music than it does about this album!!! It was fine though, I enjoyed it enough.

Fairly repetitive, nothing stands out. Still nice to listen to

i love the punk rock vibes

Reminds me of Barfly circa 2002. It's a good album but it does lack variety and I can't say I'm particularly inspired to play it again.

Yeah, umm, Not bad.

Last Nite is the obvious highlight, the rest of the album is a bit samey but in a good way.

Highlights: Someday, Last Night, Alone Together, New York City Cops. In a nutshell: a band who revived garage rock in the 2000’s. The Strokes have an indescribable pull to them. They borrow from Iggy and the Stooges, Ramones, etc. There are some recycled riffs. I still prefer Franz Ferdinand but no love is lost for the band who crafted the sound first. Overall: 6/10

Too many of this music I‘ve listen… yes, not bad but nothing incredible… 5/10

Decent, but listening to the album a lot of it sounds very samey and seemed to blend into each other.

Definitely a quintessential garage rock album from the early 2000s

Even The Strokes being the #1 band of skinny boys wearing skinny pants and suits, I listened to so many better indie rock bands (like Muse) that I can't stand their washed-out/drink-for songs. "Last Nite" is a fun song; no one can deny it, but it's just fun. Or I am black and can't stand this epitome of whiteness.

Independent rock schön für die doko runde

They have their hits, the album from A-Z is a bit boring though

It’s very good, smooth, clear, cool rock ‘n’ roll…but it’s just a little bit dull. Evan with multiple listens, nothing to complain about, quite enjoyable, and the best tracks are pretty fun, but nothing stands out as particularly memorable.

i feel like i should love this album, but it just doesn’t hit for me ☹️ i’ve listened to it probably three or so times over the years, but i always feel like there’s something missing… Someday is a fantastic song though.

Mukavaa rallattelua. Joskin laulajan laiska tyyli käy pidemmän päälle raskaaks. Last Niten laulun kaltaista olis pitäny olla enemmän

Alright. Pretty meh besides like 2 songs

It's okay. Good music but it doesn't catch me. Most likely because I've heard songs like it already. Maybe those songs were influenced by this album but I heard those first.

Não é o meu tipo

I liked it, but in a “middle of the road” sorta way. Nothing stood out and blew me away, considering its indie cred status. The original UK album cover, too risqué for us pearl-clutching Americans, was absolute genius.

It's a decent album. The two of the better known songs "Someday" and "Last Nite" are the best imo 3.5/4

Like this album. Nice guitar sound

A solid presentation letter. 7/10

This album came out my senior year of high school when I was also working in a major chain record store, so I heard a ton of it and it really takes me to a specific time and place. The album holds up pretty well, aside from the decision to put the same distortion on the vocals on every single track. It serves a purpose on some songs, but on others it just has the effect of making the entire album very same sounding.

Listened Before? N Surprisingly good. I believe this album contributed to some of the lo fi trend of the early 2000s. Last Nite is a bit overplayed, but I enjoyed the record overall, and it doesn't drag on forever so I may revisit it. Added to Library? N Songs added to playlist: Hard to Explain

It's a fine alternative album, although I think the blown out, distorted vocals are super overdone. I knew it was really hyped up coming in, so the album title is basically how I felt after listening

It's a 3 bordering to a 4 for me. I think it needs time to settle with me before I say I might like it.

Solid rock album. Someday and Last Nite are the sure standouts. I remember Last Nite being in my repertoire of printed guitar tabs, it takes me back to my teen years to hear this again.

That was nothing next please.

They have a very distinct style and thankfully it didn’t get too tired by the end. My favorite was “Last Nite.”

It was fine. Nothing really stood out to me.

Wish I enjoyed this sort of music more. It's good, I know it's good, but it hasn't won me over just yet.

Fine, good tracks, but samey, might grow on me

It was good, but I didn’t like the singer guys voice at all.

05/12/2024 D̶a̶t̶ ̶a̶s̶s̶ I've only heard their top hits, but after hearing the album, I'm genuinely disappointment at how "hyped-up" The Strokes are. Don't get me wrong, "Is This It" has got some good Brit pop. Some songs are warm and catchy, and "Last Nite" is especially awesome. My complaint though is that majority of "Is This It," excluding the 'famous' songs, follow the same arrangements. The album ends up being monotonous with little diversity.

The highs were as high as I remember, but I didn't really like the album front-to-back.

Like a few songs but listening all at once was too much of the same thing over and over

Best song: Last Nite Vibe: high energy loneliness themes: listless frustrated yearning

Not bad

Good listen. 3/5

Fine. 3-stars.

It's good but not anywhere near as good as people say. It feels like it's always about to go into another gear but never quite does. High 3 seems fair?

I know there are people in my demographic who LIVE for this album. But I wasn’t mindful of, or paying attention to this group when it came out. I had my head stuck firmly in the neon hair rocking 80s instead. There’s stuff here I like for sure, but it doesn’t have the small nostalgic chokehold on me that it does for my peers. The raspy punky pleading vocals are good. The music starts to feel a bit samey the longer it goes on. But it’s a short record and there’s merit here. I enjoyed this one. Better late than never I suppose?

I have liked this record for a long time. I initially got into it a few years after it was released, thanks to my sister who had a copy laying around that became stapled to my discman (these were the days). To me it's music that is really evocative of a specific time and place - the early 2000 and the whole rock revival after grunge petered out into endless not so great things and after nu-metal took over (in the US) and brit pop started to fade. It seemed that at that time there was much to listen to that had this kind of grit and amateurishness that band like the Strokes, the Libertines or the White Stripes brought over. That was a breath of fresh air for the fan that I was at the time. This is not particularly original, but it works. It is, in some ways, manufactured too: there is an affected boredom and laziness to Casablancas's vocals and the whole thing seems very intentionally produced to sound somewhat sloppy. But it works. It's got a pretty great bouncy energy about it. I love the bouncy bass, the guitars are pretty sharp (as in cutting and edgy). It manages to sound quite primitive and simple while staying sophisticated. There is also a sense of looming disenchantment and melancholy that is never quite far, like in Alone, Together, or Last Nite that will become more prevalent in their later records and make them, in my view, more interesting. This record also got me back to listen to the sources of this sound, back to being fascinated by the mix of grit and artsy of 70s NY punk-rock. Come to think of it, this was kind of a bridge towards these ancestors. And it brings quite a lot of charm to this process even as you suspect how manufactured the tears in these tight fitting jeans are.

I feel like ive heard this album before on this list. I get that a lot of people like it, but it is just so... bland. Like so many rock albums, it is loud, abrasive and at times politically engaged. There's nothing unique and exciting about it. I'm not saying I hated it (and it was mercifully short), it's just that this scene completely passed me by in 2001 and I do not have the fuzzy nostalgic feelings that could make it a classic in my eyes.

reminds me of college

A good album. They're not my favourite band, owing to a couple of my personal dislikes around the musical style. But it's good.

So so

A pretty solid album of 2000s era guitar rock.

I loved this album when I was younger. Doesn't do it for me anymore. 2.5/5

Loved this album when i first discovered it Felt it had a great mix of rock licks and a punk style on a slower tempo I don’t find that it aged as well, but still nostalgic to hear 3,5

okay album not reat, but not bad either

Fun, but wouldn’t own it.

It was okay, I guess.

A lot of nostalgia for me in this one. Just narrowly misses a 4.

Strong lyrics, solid bass and guitar riffs. Only knock is a lot of the songs sound the same. Solid album. Will download and listen some more.

This may not be life changing, but it’s catchy as hell. That said, it’s less than 40 minutes long and by the last quarter it was all starting to sound the same and I was tired of it. Can you tell I wrote this review while listening? The importance of listening all the way until the end.

Enjoyable, easy to listen to, and a couple of catchy tunes, but nothing that blows me away. 3.5 stars.

I used to listen to this a lot, but it doesn't seem as good as i remember as a full album. There's 4 really, really great singles and the rest is a bit forgettable.

I enjoyed this more than I thought I would. Pretty basic and simple rock music, four beats to the bar, banging away most of the time. Not.something you call sophisticated but it has energy and swagger.

A provocative cover which promises so much yet the music delivers so little.

Great singles on this album. All sounds the same!

Groove rock, rythym guitar keeps the beat and the bass feels more lead/solo, I can see how it was a hit as contrast to typical rock sound

Gave it a second listen to decide of its a 3 or 4. It's a 3

This was interesting. Didn't love it, didn't dislike it, won't remember it next month.

They don’t jive with me. Boring vocals and voice

Not my cup of tea.

I don’t get all of the hype around this band. This is a fine album and I thought some of the guitar parts were really, really good but that’s about it. Maybe they’ve had a lot of influence on bands who came a little later? Not good enough to make me want to hear it again.

pleasant songs

Pretty solid. Sad they changed the album cover.

Too definitive of the early 2000s and the album was more pop-py than I remember.

Yea, it was fun

Sounds like any other indie rock album nowadays, even though it has a vibe

Serious bangers on their. I feel like The Strokes gained too much of their style from their lo-fi mic sound they use on every single song though.

Definitely has a throwback sound to it. Good guitar play but the vocals are not my cup of tea with the "vintage mono" filter on his voice. I've given it a few listens but it never quite hold my attention or makes me want to dig further. 3/5 for being sonically interesting.

I like this album, familiar with a few songs. The Strokes are indie before indie was big. Will listen to this again.

A lot better than I expected! Cool guitar riffs and an expressive vokal performance, but a bit too monotonous.

Never really got into this one. Sure, songs like Someday and Last Nite are solid. But the rest sound so generic -- like golden-age Interpol without the gothic sadness and great breakdowns, or jangle-rock like the Wedding Present without the bittersweet lyrics and vocal delivery, or wall of stacked guitar riffs. This is bare bones and there's not enough meat to bite into

A frequent flyer on the radio station I listened to in high school - pretty formative for expanding my music taste

If I was more depressed and like spoken word, would like it more but its fine

I liked it, it was new to me

Not really it for me. Different Strokes for different folks, I guess.

It's fine

obviously seems to be regarded as a seminal rock record, but to me it feels a bit uninteresting. there are some incredible lyrics and eardrilling melodies that worm their way into your brain (“Someday” and “Hard to Explain” being particular standouts), but as a whole Is This It doesn’t seem to completely earn the regard it’s been afforded.

Strokin' it I was not. Spent the whole album waiting for last night. The songs M All sound the same.

I don't get it. Mediocre riffs, average vocals, run-of-the-mill lyrics. Painfully mid. Sole highlight is them kinda clowning on the NYPD.

An alright listen, but nothing quite outstanding to me. Decent middle of the pack

I liked it better than I thought I would. Catchy, bouncy, and infinitely listenable.

Perfectly listenable to but a bit repetitive maybe. For me it's a good job it’s a short album. The guitars are solid enough, although I might want a bit more funk in the baseline perhaps. The vocals seem a bit lost in the guitar which isn't my preference. Glad I listened to it though, and reading about it the album's clearly influential. It had already occurred to me that it's similar to early Arctic Monkeys, so the influence it had on that sort of sound is a good enough reason for it to be on this list. It just lacks the wit and style to go with it. It's all fine. I enjoyed it enough but I doubt I'll listen to it again, certainly not regularly. A solid 3.5 though.

Ruppig, der Song „Take it or leave it“ erinnert an Nirvana

Listening to this after work with my windows down made me feel like the main character. The strokes are good but I didn’t love all their songs. It kind of gives me “Nirvana” vibes like “they’re just not like other artists” or it’s cool to like them. I do like them though! Last Nite is such a classic.

very good

I couldn't move the left side of my body after listening to this album, but it was catchy and had a feel good beat the kids are sure to love.

I adored this album and what the band could have been, but they fell short. It’s an overproduced album by a group of entitled rich kids led by a control freak who is ruled by substance abuse. Is This It was what we needed to jumpstart the change in radio at the end of a decade of dad rock. Its a shame Julian wasn’t held accountable 25 years ago (or ever). This album influenced a lot of experimental garage pop bands on the scene to up their game, that is the contribution of The Strokes.

wish this had been as edgy and cool as the album cover made it seem

they have their signature sound, and it's already in full throttle in their debut album. it's a perfect music for a bar

I was pleased to be able to give this a good listen as it's a highly rated album that hadn't done it for me. Having listened I can see what the fuss is about. It is very good, but it still doesn't do enough for me to push it to a four.

I had always heard of this album, but never got around to listening to it. Pretty much got what I expected based on reviews I had seen. Great riffs and drumming and good singing, but ultimately nothing out of the ordinary for a 2000's alternative album. Just solid front to back.

Includes one of my favorite songs of all time but it doesn’t hold up on a full listen

Very solid album

First time hearing these guys. I like it

Haven't really listened to this since it came out when I was in high school. It's good blues, rock but very derivative of what comes before it.

No. 94/1001 Is This It 3/5 The Modern Age 3/5 Soma 4/5 Barely Legal 3/5 Someday 4/5 Alone, Together 3/5 Last Nite 3/5 Hard To Explain 3/5 New York City Cops 4/5 Trying Your Luck 3/5 Take It Or Leave It 3/5 Average: 3,27 Didn't like the distorted voice. Aside from that a fun rock album.

Highs: Is this it?, Last Nite, Take it or Leave it Lows: basically everything else

Good shit but gotta be in the mood for it

Adequate 2 or 3 good tracks. Rest is blah.

Someday and Last Nite are good, the others are all varying degrees of ok

Not something I would have picked to listen to on my own, but some of the songs were enjoyable.

Strokes interessant, aber viele langweilige lieder

I've learned, this is a kind of garage rock. It sounds a little bit flat to me. This will not be one of my favorite albums.

Decent album. It didn't hit for me when it was originally released and a refreshed listen didn't change my opinion.

Alles schnell - durchaus gut, aber sehr einheitlich

Great album, im a semi fan of the strokes, but i would give this album a 3/5

Good rock n roll

Rumpelig, auf Dauer bissi anstrengend

good stuff gotta give it another listen

I remember the hype when this came out and I remember liking this, but not being blown away. I hadn’t listened in maybe 20 years. It’s good, but all sounds the same to me and Julian refuses to do anything interesting vocally.

Очень сильно напоминает инди-рок 10-ых, но удивлён тому, когда он был выпущен. К сожалению, кроме одной композиции, альбом совсем не зацепил.

Quite liked it, felt like I’d heard similar stuff before though. I knew …Sometime and Last Nite which I liked. Good music, would happily put on at a party.

Liked it, didn’t love it

Good but kinda forgettable

It's fine.

What a fucking awesome album! I forgot how much I like the strokes

3.5

Good choice of instruments but nothing overly exciting.

Meh.

A total classic, even though I didn't heard them so much

I prefer Room on Fire

Pas fan de la voix sourde

This album is very popular and influential, but personally I have always thought it was just ok. Definitely dont hate it tho.

last nite song Can appreciate the music and guitar - a little early 2000s angsty

good album

Debut album from one of the quintessential garage-rock revivalist bands that bombarded MTV and alternative rock radio stations during the early '00s. This record means more for what it signifies as opposed to how the songs work (the lone exception being "Last Night"). I suspect this record receives a disproportionate amount of praise because it's their first one. But whenever I want to listen to a Strokes record, I play their much better follow-up, "Room on Fire."

Lite kul men kanske inte det bästa man hört. Inte alls dåligt, men inget som sticker ut.

Lots of fun in here, but also lots of filler. (It's like they had different versions of the same idea rather than just letting one song have the glory.)

Definitive strokes sound, but starts to get tiring. The songs that stand out do stand out, but the album as a whole lacks diversity in both song writing and style. I don’t feel the urge to get lost inside the album.

It’s alright

Pretty good. So interchangeable with Arctic Monkeys, though.

Very nostalgic as I listened to this and other albums by the strokes during high school. Hard to explain is a particularly stand out track and honestly better than anything else on the album. Sounds quite different to the other stuff.

This record starts strong, and ends even stronger. An opening act titled 'Is This It?' gives way to a beep bop of iconic distorted vocals, 90/00's rhythms, and melodic goodness. When I listen to this album I am taken to the basement of Manhattans grungiest; where Casablancas' has repeatedly stated was the local of their best days performing live. I saw The Strokes live in 2022 at Barclays, from the corner of the third level - and could barely hear them. It was fine. We left those seats after two songs and bargained for floor tickets from one of the security guys. We smoked some of the joint kindly offered from the men in front of us (actually, I think I asked them for it) and I'm pretty sure it was laced with something (good) - it was either that or the undeniable euphoria of nostalgia that got me, but I was got. Dancing among brooklynites with a good friend, high off something, and listening to the chord progressions that defined so many moments of my childhood. It was a special night. This is a special album.

Nice afternoon listen.

the stronks 🗣️

Never quite "got" the Strokes, I see why people do but it just doesn't do it for me for some reason. Never bought the CD or put their songs on playlists, but don't mind listening, just don't seek it out.

The album that killed Nu-Metal. I’ve never listened to the whole album before but the album as a whole is prettty good. The single’s definitely stand out though.

Good album

It's the Strokes. Always funny to see an album I don't recognize for it to turn out to be something I know quite well. I find it funny that a NY based band got their album approved and released around the world, but were forced to delay for FCC related reasons. Some Day and Last Nite are obvious eternal indie garage songs. They really did bring a whole energy back into that kind of music that helped inspire a cavalcade of bands into the Aughts and beyond

So I've listened to tis album a few times now and I'm still torn on how to rate. I did enjoy my listens, but I did think quite a few songs sounded very similar. Not that it's a bad thing. I love Bon Scott (real AC DC) and some folks seem to think a lot of their songs sound like each other. Anyway, the band brought energy and a lot of upbeat tunes. I would call this a fun album, but nothing stood out as a mind blower. I have heard Last Night before this list, but I would not have been able to you the name of the band. My first listen was at the gym and brought some good energy so I think I may dive into some of their other music. There was one line that seemed to stand out to me. In Barely Legal, he says "I want it all, but I jut can't figure out." Me neither, brother. I had fun. I enjoyed. I did not download anything, but I'm going to check out more. 3.5 but scoreboard will show a 3

Maybe I'm in the minority but I like the US cover more than the original. Idk I think it represents the sound of the album better. Captures my imagination more. Anyway this sounded more like Weezer than I expected. Really good basslines on this album. Very impressive. Last Nite is still my favorite song on here. So Iconic. By the end I liked more than I thought I would. Would probably listen again. 3

Leukie, staan echt wel een paar bangers op, wpuld listen again

The Strokes are the epitome of "just fine" to me. I like their music, but I'm not excited by it. 3/5

Pretty good but I find the structures a bit repetitive and unexciting (as with back in the day). It's not something I'd ever want to listen to more than twice.

Revisiting after years, Is This It feels like cool shades at the beach. This catchy, sometimes driving album, despite many clones, still sounds unique in its genre, and like a Beatles record in the way each song could be a radio hit. For me these tracks are not about musicianship, but about the feels.

I missed the awesomeness, was pretty good though.

Rock. Not very interesting. Do not understand the hype of the band.

Little flat for me, but still decent.

Yeah okay

im so sad this is a good album mostly or something i still hate it and i hate you

The international cover is here to clear up any ambiguity around the name of this band. Step aside life altering medical events, this is band is focused on the phallus. The US cover, given our puritanical roots, leaves things more open to interpretation. You might even say that the US cover is semantically flexible enough that the listener is invited into the lyrics and music of the album in order to make their own interpretation as to what this band is about. It doesn't take long, of course, to come to understand the themes of the band, but in that brief moment between the one and the other a listener can experience the levity and light of a record that holds the promise of more. And yet, at a brisk 36 minutes running time, the listener might finish and ask "Is this it?"

Pleasant enough, very repetitive. I used to like a lot of these songs when I was younger Saved tracks: Barely Legal, Someday, Last Night

Pretty boring

Une valeur sûre, équilibre entre attitude rebelle et simple plaisir de la musique et du rythme.

Couple of good tracks, Someday, Last Note and liked the guitar on Modern Age. Def another early aughts sound reminiscent of Franz Ferdinand, etc

I'm not a huge fan, but it has catchy tunes

A very solid punk record. Lots of replay value with some songs, though I wish the other tracks stood out a bit more

Heard it before?: Yes Enjoy it?: I love this one, not their best but still solid Favourite Song: Track 6 - Alone, Together

Iha jees.

Heard so many good things about this album, after listening to it I had to think, Is This It? 3/5

There are a few strong tracks here, but I don’t generally like the whole distorted voice rock genre, so it’s a bit of a mixed bag for me.

Got better as it went on tbh, last 4 songs or so are really good I enjoyed it

decent i suppose

It's not bad, but is very samey

It's OK, but very much of the same. The Brits did it better. Favorite song: hard to explain

This has held up pretty well overall. It's kinda faded for me since the mid 00s, but it's fun enough. 3.5

Solid album.

oh excellent... good songs, good play, good good good Feels like I've heard these songs before even though I haven't. Either got better towards the middle or got me in the mood

i like the mastering they do on their vocals on this album. beyond their popular songs on this album, the rest doesnt stand out much

I'm not a huge fan of 2000's music, but this album is very well put together.

Wasn’t a huge fan of the sound, but still a decent album.

I was totally obsessed with Last Nite and listened to this album a lot. Last Nite remains the stand out track. After that, tracks sound more distinct, but before all merged into one, odd considering I listened to it a lot. I guess not my jam anymore!

This is a fine album with a lot of recognizable songs from when I was a kid: Last Night, Someday, Hard To Explain. I feel like they make decent music, but its not anything that gets me very excited. I didn't mind it being on, but wouldn't really seek it out except for if I wanted to take a trip down memory lane. This is a strong 3 / 5 for me.

Good power pop. Good bass playing. I've wondered why this singer sounds like he's singing through a land line phone.

there are some truly amazing songs on here. but still feels like an incel in a leather jacket to me a little idk what to say maybe i'll like their other albums more

The Strokes are solid, but the singer (Mr. Stroke) doesn't have much inflection to his voice which makes so many of the songs sound the same, despite some of the guitar and bass parts being really cool. Decent album, but not too exciting. Not getting out of bed for this one.

Sometimes a mood.

I prefwr the arctic monkeys

The Strokes, for me, brought about the death of guitar music. Everyone knew the derivative quality of their music, but the independent music press were about to undergo a period of self-induced amnesia which refused to look at these bands for what they were and say, “the emperor really isn’t wearing a stale-fag smelling Harrington jacket”. In fact, Julian Casablancas looks exactly like the kind of guy who just gives off “I’m in a band” energy - a kind of performative rebellion that only the middle class can appropriate (without a shred of self-aware irony as well). There’s a depthlessness to The Strokes as a band that is quintessentially postmodern, and for that reason they are, in my opinion, disposable - they let the labels remove “New York City Cops” due to the sensitive atmosphere post-9/11, some punks eh? That being said, this record is actually pretty good. It doesn’t reinvent the wheel, and wasn’t the revolution people convinced themselves it was, but these guys wrote some great songs. Especially the singles. Albert Hammond Jr. (nepo baby, of course) plays simple but catchy riffs, and though it’s all pretty po-faced, Casablancas’ voice is produced well on this album. The movement they purportedly started spawned some complete turds that no amount of effusive press releases can polish. But The Strokes’ debut is still a cut above their acolytes. Don’t know why, but it is.

Not a huge fan of indie

I only knew of their song "Reptilia" going in. Some decent stuff here. The main issue for me is the vocal distortion used on every song. It just gets old after a while and becomes abrasive. Made me want to turn on some Marvin Gaye afterwards.

A couple of keepers

Strong indie vibes / Dusty pop punk is this it- Calm but catchy opener The modern age- has a similar sound to hockey dad easy listening

6/10. It's listenable and the singles are memorable, but I was never much into them the first time around.

I remember when this album came out and everybody around me loved it, bought it, played it to death, went to all the gigs. I can understand why people love these songs; they are dynamic and driving and in some ways just good tunes. I can remember at the time though, being put off by the fact that they were arrogant tosspots. It stopped me from really ever getting into them. So, much as I think they are a talented bunch who turned a musical tide, I am always loath to fully engage.

I listened to The Strokes just the other day with Adler. He's a fan. I guess it boils down to "I like this band but don't love them." There are many musical moments to delight in — catchy guitars and lilty vocals and that English ennui. Cool vibe. And I bet with more listens and familiarity I'd grow to like the songs and probably rate this higher, but for a one-time run-through, it's a 3 but I'm open to more.

I don't know why The Strokes don't thrill me like I think they should. They have a lot of characteristics I like but something about them just lands flat with me. Sometimes I give 3s and I really like an album. Sometimes I give 3s because the album is just meh. This is straight down the middle...neither like nor dislike.

Didn’t really like the strokes in the early 2000s, and I still not a fan. It’s good, but not for me.

Good album. Some absolute classics. Very short!

Cute pero me aburre.

The more I hear, the more I like it. That should be positiv, right?

I wish I liked this one more, it's not bad or anything but I find The Strokes have way higher highs than their debut

nothing too special but fun and tasteful

Enjoyable

I respect this album. It’s just too “noisy” for me. However, I commend the shift in rock music that happened as a result of this album and appreciate that which came after it. Enjoy the opener Is This It and Last Nite but nothing else really stands out to me.

I think i enjoyed this - I may listen again and update my review

overrated

Solid album, but overall on the dull side

A great album for its time, but the sound gets tiresome fast and never evolved.

Good

The hits are incredible, and the ones that aren’t are just okay to me. Can’t deny that iconic guitar tone and voice though.

Buen estilo de rock definido, con canciones elaboradas bajo un mismo patrón. Tiene ritmo y son un tanto guitarreras

Already have this. Can find the production a little shrieky but like the songs.

"hey what do you think of this chords?" *Plays it for 3 minutes* "Yup. Let's call this a song"

I think this is starting to lose its status

I understand why this album is on this list, and it is 'adjacent' to music I normally like - but there is something that holds me back from really getting into it

It's a good album. Does what it set out to do - make some quality soft rock

Good for what it is. Hard to imagine it being very influential.

I've never understood the level of love for this album. It's The Clash going full glam rock but with more basic instrumentals; probably biased because parents played into their media love. That said it's not a bad album, second half is much stronger than the first. Alone, together is probably my favorite track but Barely Legal and Last Night are contenders

3/5

I want to dance to it, but the scum film over everything weighs that down. The Strokes made an important record, and the second half went down better: The guitar tone seems healthy at least at last. Don't love the vocals, though, and they with everything else form a consistent note.

This list is making me realise how many albums I've sold. Another one I used to have. I played this one to death. Literally over listened till I was sick of it. Going to try and enjoy it again, 20 years on. Will update after listen.... After listen comments..... Yeah, bit samey. Can see why I sold it.

Score: 60 Went into this album knowing it was very highly regarded and expected to like it, honestly was shocked to find its quite repetitive and boring. I like the sounds I'm hearing but they aren't interesting. I'll revisit this one later

Listened through a couple times over the years...I like it, but I wish I 'got' it like everyone else. It's short, over before you know it, kind of repetitive, and no true bangers to be found. Like the sound, but wish it went harder. Last song my fav...Julian's best song is not on this album, look for it on the album Incredibad :) 3.5/5

3.5

Not a bad album not a great album

Good album but a bit repetitive.

Litt meh, også e eg lei as Last Nite. Men da går

Some high moments but overall a little too alternative rock for me

Hey hey it’s the Strokes

Pretty normcore.

Didn't enjoy it quite as much as I thought. Also, it's quite a short album.

I was a broke 20 year old when this came out and sort of missed the garage rock thing that was happening. I heard a couple Stokes songs on the radio but never had this CD. This is good, but very same sounding. The vocal compression, the tempo and tightness all l lend to this album sounding too cohesive.

Good album similar to what I listen to and very era appropriate

In a way, this album is much like Marquee Moon: supposedly genre-changing/defining and an alleged classic. Also, just like Marquee Moon, to my mind this is a hugely overrated album. It's good, but it's not that good.

I had this on CD in high school when they first arrived. Even then I only liked a few songs and felt a lot was just ok or outright boring. My opinion hasn't really changed in 20 years. Someday is a real gem but nothing else is quite on that level. If someone was playing this album I wouldn't object, but I doubt I'd ever play other on my own.

At first listen, the best I could say was that I didn't hate it. During the second listen, I warmed up a bit and found some catchy moments. Maybe I should I have stopped there, because on the third listen I was kind of back to just not hating it. (Shrug)

Understandably a good album, not for me

I was never a fan of the sort of lo-fi sound The Strokes and bands of that ilk produced, catchy in places but nothing properly resonated with me or left a lasting impression.

Fine but mostly forgettable

let's see. 3 is my defautl assumption. fast and catchy but not especially memorable.

Really do not understand the fuzz about them, live they were also just okay.

The album was alright. A couple of well known songs and it did not drag on. A lot of the songs sounded very similar. It may have the genre as indie but It is not full blown indie which is helpful. It is better than a 3 not really a 4 but it is a close call. I will round down.

rich kids doing garage rock, yawn

Pure 00s indie nostalgia. Never actually listened to the album but half the album was singles so felt very familiar. Enjoyed it, started slow and a lot of the tracks are understated but by the end of most of them I was on board.

After a recommendation from a renowned music journalist, listened properly to the second half of the album. Four stars for that part, two for the first half.

Just like the name of the first track I also wondered "is this it?". That's a bit harsh because I did enjoy more than I disliked. I thought "Someday", "Last Nite", "Hard To Explain" and "Take It Or Leave It" were the best tracks.

Obviously really liked "Last Nite", but didn't recognize any of the others. Overall pretty good, though also kinda fell to the background.

Sound like 1982!!!

Bra 7/10

On a recent night out a drunkard made it clear to me that he thinks i'm a closet homosexual. He and a few other people i know really like this album, but i'm not really into it. Think the album cover is a bit dull and could be more flamboyant. Favourite song - Take it or leave it. One to sing in the shower - Last Nite Can't say there are any real stinkers.

On the first play through I didn't think much of this one, but the second time around I enjoyed it more. Apparently these guys are super influential, which no doubt contributes to their placement on the list. By the end of the album the chugging 8th-note rhythms, at first energetic and fun, got a bit wearing. But the first side had more variety, and some great bass parts, which I enjoyed. I don't remember finding any of the lyrics particularly engaging.