Is This It

For some reason, and I mean this from an almost harsh point of view, I have always been a big fan of The Strokes. I don't think they are musical geniuses, I do not think they are crushing people emotionally, they are, in a way, not really all that special. But there you go. It is something that is infectious about them that makes it so, like I did yesterday, listen to thiis album, and then a couple of more hours more of them. Sometimes a band comes along, and like a movie you love but you "know" isn't very good on the big scale, I just really like this band.

I think the strokes are a one album wonder and this is the album. Lot of the songs define its time period and they have aged well.

as someone who spent their formative teen years listening to indie/alt rock, it’s hard for me to hate this. only complaint is that it sounded the sameee like let’s switch it uppp 8/10

Wicked

This album is much better than I anticipated...or thought I remembered it as. A good rock lp from early 2000's....Added 7 tracks to the 1001 Experience Playlist....

I’ve heard a lot about this album, and this was my first time listening to it (although I’d heard “Someday” without realizing it was by The Strokes; in a similar vein, I somehow never made the connection that “Reptilia,” a song I love, was by them). It didn’t disappoint - I enjoyed it a lot, and it felt somehow nostalgic. Definitely something I’d put on again! I listened through twice, and then again a few days later.

Solid

Loved it. Good album. Good vibes.

Como fan de la música de The Strokes, fue increíble escucharlos en esta etapa más punk. Conocía solo una canción, y genuinamente disfruté las demás. Reconozco que soy más de los últimos discos.

Nice one to listen on a road trip

I don't particularly care for how muted everything is, but I still enjoyed it

Cargados de energía y canciones memorables.

A couple of big hits and nine strong standards. Simple base lines and drum beats build a solid foundation, slinging guitar riffs and gritty vocals layered over make for a good combination and impressive debut album. Is This It? I’m saying it is. Rates (3.7*s)

Like Franz Ferdinands debut...another stellar indie rocker. It's hard not to like them with their simple, catchy tunes. Julian Casablancas is not to be brushed aside as cookie cutter. I want to think he is just a spoiled rich kid whose Daddy paid his way to stardom all the while knee deep in Elite Model Management poon. But no...with other projects like The Voidz...dude is a stud. And Albert Hammond Jr is also top notch. I never gave them much thought when The Strokes came out but the more I listen to them, the more I'm in. Great debut...3.7.

The Strokes figured something out right out of the gate with Is This It. There is a certain simplicity in their tracks that consistently works without any unnecessary flair. Something about their sound keeps it from aging as none of their hits have "aged". Is This It sounds like it could have been released in 2024 and been just as successful. This album was a regular play in my teenage years and still holds up today. Solid to great from front to back. You really can't go wrong with any tracks on this album. Julian Casablancas is one of those artists where everything he touches is worth a listen. 4.27 stars

登登登登登登登登，garage rock

Honestly this album is really good but I just can't give it a full 5 stars. But it's close. So many good tunes to just jam to and single along. 4.4.

Totally revolutionary at the time. After a long period where rock had got bloated and pop was top of the world, long hair and leather jackets were BACK. Fond memories certainly, but perhaps not quite as revolutionary as it seemed at the time.

Okay

The Strokes are a timeless band. Everyone knows at least one song. Their sound is distinct and familiar. My only qualm is that every song kind of sounds the same! But I could listen to them all day long.

It felt a little repetitive after a while but it is an overall solid album.

fannst þetta snilld 2001, en þá var ég auðvitað á viðkvæmum aldri. fær fjór vegna fyrri kynna. 4.

It's not something I want to listen to all the time, but I like it in general. Someday especially I think works pretty well. I do think When It Started is musically better than New York City Cops, and works well in the album, even if I think a sudden news event causing a change in a piece of art is usually worse for the work. And 9/11 especially caused a LOT of changes in popular art that was largely created in the previous year or two.

Bought this when it came out and return to it every so often. Good album

I love Julian Casablancas’ voice. I know there has been some kickback on the Strokes being nepo babies, but honestly at the end of the day it does come down to if the music is good, and in my opinion it sure is. I like the vocal processing they play around with and I think there are some fun bass parts in here.

I got into The Strokes early (bought their first EP when it came out, I was there etc), can't emphasize how exciting they were at the time after YEARS of britpop bilge. All the best tracks were on the EP but this still excites in places, although maybe my older head feels like it never really progresses beyond it's clear influences

I was never a huge Strokes fan but this album is solid and I can't separate the nostalgia feelings of that sound

Is good. Might've been a five if Last Nite hadn't been butchered on the radio for years, but alas, I can no longer listen to it objectively

Very nostalgic with a few real bangers. Surprisingly close to 5 stars.

The album was great. I started off thinking, oh wow another alt/indie/garage band, and was pleasantly surprised with how unique they sounded. The songs are punchy, memorable, and fun. Probably as good as indie alt gets for me.

A fav

Seeing The Strokes at a packed out gig at The Louisiana, touring this album was an amazing night. The albums not bad either

Some nice post punk or whatever the CGBB's.

When this album was released I sort of wanted not to like the new kids on the block with all the build up and hype, but this is a good album

Never understood the hype: the album is OK and probably their best but quite a few songs do not stick and are not so special. score in 2000: 8/10 score in 2024: 8/10

Although I really like a couple of the tracks on this album it does float around the edge of 4/5 for me. I'm still not sure which it is, and that's enough to keep it at 4. The sound of the album is great, I admire the effects used to stylise the vocals and the guitar work is deceptively simple. But the only tracks I really see myself coming back to are the bigger hits.

Love the album , knew about 75% of it. 8/10

Pretty good rock album

To quote Michael Jackson: Yes, "This is it". Some of the songs on this album are long time favorites of mine. An effortlessly cool rock album that was a standout in a remarkable musical era.

No notes. Just good.

Solid

A very solid outing

Sometimes white bread - properly baked, without a load of additives - is what hits the spot rather than all the sourdoughs and rye in the world. And sometimes a bunch of lads playing catchy indie guitar tracks...they didn't take over the world, but they did make one great album and Is This It? It is.

Is This It tiene que ser uno de los trabajos más importante en lo que al Indie Rock se trata. Una verdadera piedra angular para el género. Hoy en día no es difícil reconocer su sonido en muchas bandas de los 2000' y ello no es coincidencia, puesto que su influencia es discutida hasta el día de hoy. Este LP cuenta con una composición que no brilla por su complejidad, pero que gracias a la gran voz de Casablancas y la armónica ejecución del resto de la banda te mantiene atrapado en todo momento. Mi único pero sería que no se trata especialmente de uno de mis géneros favoritos, por lo cual realmente no disfrute al máximo esta experiencia y hasta me hizo considerar que algunas canciones suenan muy parecidas unas a otras. A grandes rasgos, un álbum genial. FAVTRAXS: Is This It / Someday / Alone, Together / Last Nite / Hard To Explain / New York City Cops LEASTFAV: Soma

A unique sound that had a massive impact on the next decades of music(a lot of which fails to improve on the strokes first album). The release complications with 9/11 are another interesting anecdote that pins this album to a place and time. It’s nostalgic for me personally but trying to be objective, I think it’s an impactful album worth its inclusion in the list. 4/5

I mean, it’s the Strokes, what else can I say? If you’re a fan of indie rock then it’s hard to make a case for why this album shouldn’t be at least a 4/5

Very good and enjoyable

Great album

Always liked the Hits from this record…and now I know which came 1st, the Killers or the Strokes? Easy to remember now, a stroke can kill you. I like this album, if I was younger when this came out I’d be a hardcore fan. Is this it? Could’ve been.

Cool

This record is calculated ennui and curated New York guitar rock sounds bound together by more hooks and artful feints than I gave it credit for when it arrived, dismissing it as cynical homage. It is, but cynicism comes with regret and romanticism, and I swear they cornered the market that year in wistful chord changes and references to looking back - even their most riotous song calls to “Last Night”. 24 years after 1977’s “no future” comes “is this it?” and almost the same stretch later - Christ - I find myself closer to the latter than the former. Accidentally elegiac?

The Strokes are a fun band and this album has a few great songs of the 2000s.

First album, thought that a lot of it was very familiar like I've heard it before but I most definitely have not. I really liked Someday, Last Nite, NYC Cops, and Take It or Leave It(at least the take it or leave it parts). I don't know if I should really put more but yeah, this was definitely an early 2000's indie(?) album.

3.5-3.75 not a big strokes guy but i would say objectively good music and the heavy hitters in this album are awesome

Excellent album. 4 stars

The bass part coming in on the first track carries this whole album at least an extra 1.5 stars.

Another band I was familiar with but didn't know their name.

After years of post grunge and pop punk shyte this album was refreshing. The Atrokes got tired real quick but I’ll always think of this album fondly.

Simple, enjoyable, great

Good album - don't like the cover though!

What a vibe. Had the Strokes on my radar for a while, but never had the excuse to indulge. 'The Modern Age' and of course: 'Someday' are particular favourites from this album.

Decent alt rock

4.5

Pretty solid early '00s rock and roll record, considering it was made by a bunch of NYC trust funders.

I was interested to hear this again to judge if the love for it was pr hype and nostalgia or if it's actually a quality record. I got three runs through and I think it's a little from column a and a little from column b. I think they were very well timed for the zeitgeist, well packaged and undoubtedly cool. But it is quite derivative and has the flavour of posh boys cosplaying as rebels. But on the plus side, there are some excellent tracks on this. The whole album hangs together well and by the third run through I was singing/dancing along. In conclusion this is pop music for people too cool for pop music but it's well done.

Such an important album from my youth. All time classic.

Day 3 of listening to album of the 1001 everyday. It’s really interesting to listen to a bands first album and hear the beginning of what would begin. While it is short it makes up for it for having just so many great songs back to back. I think the lyrical is depth is there however it’s not as prevalent compared to the vocals and music. It’s a great album with its main stand out be the lead singer amazing vocals. Every song has so much raw emotions. However I do feel the lyrics get overshadowed by the great sound. I don’t think that’s a bad thing, I just know the lyrics could be such a bigger focus and makes me to want to listen to more of the strokes. Overall the legacy of the album far outweighs many other albums and it’s great to see a album inspired by The Velvet Underground (which has a huge legacy for inspiring others) end up inspiring others as well.

Cute

sexy bass 2000 jugend klassiker

This one brought me back to the post 9/11 world. In college being concerned about wars and terrorism - all while the radio was playing butt rock and new metal. Along comes these greasy hipsters from New York to bring rock-n-roll back and suddenly life made a bit of sense again. Listening now the album feels pretty derivative - but it’s easy to forget that it ushered in a new sound and banished Limp Bizkit, Korn and Staind into the dust bin of history.

A solid rock album epitomizing the 2000’s

This is a fine debut album, like a modern garage band with occasional hints of The Velvet Underground. I'd say that on the downside, that the songs all seem fairly similar, with none that stand out to me. But that said, I played this three times and really enjoyed it.

Never listened to this - great rock. Accessible and real tunes. A treat!

Raw. Unfiltered. Great.

Primera vez que escucho esta banda y realmente me gustó mucho vale completamente la pena y tiene piezas muy buenas🤌🏽

It finally clicked.

Pretty good album with some catchy tunes. It just doesn't stand out so much from similar bands at the time.

They defined an entire generation of indie punk rock. This album has some truly catchy riffs and the ambition is monumental. I think the hits really hit and some of the rest is just filler, but groundbreaking nonetheless.

4.5, an extremely good album. High energy and gives me a nostalgic vibe

Good Vibes Like the Chill but energetic rock

Me ha encantado

works for me :)

I love the Strokes. However, this album suffers a bit from every song sounding a little bit the same, so I have to dock a point here. But overall an incredible album.

Heard it before I like it

Rocking album

Solid

W sumie to dobre. Lubię taki indie rock, szczególnie w starym wykonaniu. Żywe i skoczne brzmienie 4/5

Not anything groundbreaking, but some good stuff. I particularly liked Alone, Together

more of a 3 at parts, but marking up in honor of Mikey

I tried to approach this objectively, because I can't stand people who never shut up about how great the Strokes are. A refreshingly short album. I appreciate how much the bass stands out in the mix. Tight, poppy rock music. A decade earlier, Nirvana changed the face of rock music and the Strokes did something similar for the 2000's. Definitely a beginning of an era, it's just not my style. I like my rock music a little less polished and with a bit more edge. It's not my favorite, but I can appreciate it's place in music history.

great album... but not the masterpiece everybody is talking about.

Obv, i love this record

A yes, a watershed rock album for our times. There are some massive hooks and riffs in here. I was skeptical going in, maybe because of all the hype around this debut album, but I warmed up to it as it progressed. The filter on the vocals gets old. Highlights: The Modern Age, Someday, Alone Together, Last Nite, Hard to Explain, Take It Or Leave It

4.5

Good album. Good band. I don’t really have any other notes for this. It’s just a good album, simple as that.

Kinda vibes. Not my personal taste (how does one listen to lyrics?) but I can see how this is a classic!

I have never really listened to them, liked it!

Indie garage rock. Un megahit. Me ha gustado. Un 4.

I knew so much of this album. It's a fun album with memorable riffs and poppy lyrics that is a good listen. But by the end, it all starts to blend together. However, my autoplay started playing Arctic Monkeys afterwards and I realized I wished I had listened to them instead for the hour.

Bellissimo album che il passare del tempo non scalfisce. Pixies, Velvet, Franz Ferdinand... passato e presente (del tempo) e una produzione perfetta, né troppo pop né troppo indie. A una punta di stella dalle 5*

Better than i thought, handful of + songs added. Barely any skips, only the single

great album

Solid album, a lot to enjoy here.

Komende week weinig tijd om te luisteren naar voor mij nieuwe albums. Dit album kende ik gelukkig al. Binnenkomer legt een goeie fundering waar de rest op gebouwd kan worden. Vind het gitaargebruik heel lekker en aangenaam klinken. Kan me voorstellen dat dit inspiratie is geweest voor velen bands. Doet me toch heel erg aan m'n ex denken aangezien ze groot strokes fan is. Hoogtepunt: Is this it blijft me toch wel het meeste bij.

Een ijzersterk debuutalbum kan je dit wel noemen. Een album dat de indie rock beweging begin jaren 00 een duikvlucht liet nemen. De albumcover is ultra iconisch, herken je uit duizenden. Ik ben niet de grootste Strokes fan, maar je kan er niet omheen dat dit album zo goed is, het heeft eigenlijk geen imperfecties. Het enige wat ik heb aan te merken is dat de vocale effecten een beetje overused worden. Het is typerend voor dit album, ja, maar ik denk dat er even knallende nummers zouden kunnen gemaakt worden zonder deze lofi/distortion achtige effecten. Het begint na de 11 nummers een klein beetje op m’n zenuwen te werken. Rating: 9/10 Highlights: Vrijwel het hele album

Pretty good but a bit repetitive

Favourite song - hard to explain

troede jeg ville være sådan helt 🙄🙄 fordi den her slags musik er ikke rigtigt mig, men synes den er rigtig god faktisk (også en smule monoton). New York City Cops er fed! Last Nite er fed og lyder ret meget som American Girl med Tom Petty!

Cornerstone album of the genre, song structures and riffs are simple but mesmerizing, fun listen start to finish. Side note the riffs on 'Alone Together' bang so hard

Upbeat and fun with punk vibes. Was interesting listening with Kelly since she knew the whole album from high school. Enjoyed the album overall.

Weird. When this popped up I was listening to it on vinyl. Good album. Loose production makes it sounds like it was recorded live in a garage. It’s a a brilliant debut album with catchy tracks and sun lyrics.

I have always loved the Strokes, including when Last Nite dropped, but didn't get into them until well after this. They (with Interpol/Shins/et al) seem to have kept true rock moving in the aughts while other mainstays were effing around with electronica or being dwarfed by Hip Hop/Pop. I like the feel of this album and their sound is so good and inventive--it was fun to read about their origins. I like their next album more, but probably because it's the only one I own and I WORE IT OUT!

I immediately got into the groove of this album and never got out of it.

I liked this album. My second time through I liked it even more than the first time. I like the lofi sound, I think the guitar tracks are really interesting. I maybe could use a hair more variation in the tracks, but coming in at 35 minutes its kind of OK as is. I'm going 4 stars for now but could easily see it jumping up to 5

When this came out over 20 years ago, the Sous Chef where I was working told me about this band that reminded him of the Velvet Underground. He was about the age I am now and we both shared a love of music. 'This Is It' is such a New York album for me. Quick paced and loud. Every song is like a New York Conversation. All of the instruments are distinct, weaving in and out, sometimes arguing, sometimes complementing, sometimes taking turns. All atop Julian Casablancas lyrical storytelling introducing us to a cast of characters throughout. Loved it then, love it still.

This was great. I wasn't into The Strokes when they were big, but this was definitely a hit of nostalgia. I expected the tracks to be repetitive but they stood out from each other. This album felt a lot like Wolfmother because it's classic rock and roll presented in a slightly new way with a little funk on it.

Solid album, great musicians. I would have liked to have been able to understand the vocals a bit more.

Best wel priem!

I've always felt like I'm missing something when people talk about The Strokes. I find it difficult to get excited about them. I find them a bit boring lyrically and vocally. I've heard this album before, but enjoyed listening to it more closely, and a lot of the music stuck out to me more this time. I'm still not a huge fan of Julian Casablancas - even the moments when it seemed like he was trying to do something different vocally (like in Take It or Leave It) I wasn't super into it. But the songs on this album are solid. Faves: Last Nite; Hard to Explain; Alone, Together

Sleek and stylish and way too cool for school, but also a little self-regarding one feels, a bit too knowing but perhaps not as smart or savvy as it wants to be. Had the good sense to be poppier than punk, punkier than glam, and more fun/rolicking than VU/Reed with its predlictions toward the ponderous and pretentious. Perfomrative, yes, but will Casablancas some credit for irony and a touch of self-parody, too (which are features, not bugs, and seem to have grown more additive, if less necessary, over time). Still a pretty fun and glittery ride that holds up better than one might have guessed hearing it in real time lo, these decades ago.

Last Nite was on the version of Guitar Hero I had lol. Havent listened to this album in ages, and I think this is the only The Strokes album I've ever listened to. They feel like the American spiritual approximation of what Oasis was to the UK imo. In both cases I definitely got a lot more out of this in the mid 2000s than I do listening now, but its still enjoyable. Just on the scale from dated to timeless this is heading a bit more towards the dated side of the spectrum. I wish there was a bit more variety in the sound, and the riffs are dead simple, which I get is rooted in punk but did have me wishing for more at time. 3.5 but will round up for the strength of Someday thru Hard to Explain (these 4 do simple perfectly).

Solid alt rock album. Happy to listen to it anytime. Definitely influencing some of my own music writing

I liked this more than I expected to. I just really hate julian casablancas. He's a dickhead and is so obnoxious. The tunes here are all solid though and are a nice fusion of pop and rock. Would do a 3.5 if I could. I just wonder why this band became so popular?

Nice

I remember thinking this album was too repetitive but I must have listened to it a lot because it felt nostalgic and I enjoyed it more than I thought I would

Didn't we all Alex. The Strokes get credited for saving rock from the Smash Mouths of this world. While I'm sure that's hyperbole, they did define what a rock band would sound like for my entire childhood. On a related side note, I'm old. 4/5.

Really enjoyed this one. Can still remember when it came out and all the hype around it. The album definitely lives up to it. 4/5 Will listen again

This is quintessential 2000’s rock, it’s got all the right grooves and a message about living a life with meaning over some brilliant band chemistry. Favorite Song: Hard to Explain.

4/5. Fun album. Teen me loved this album.

Liked it a lot. Good rock vibes, and overall not bad

Fantastic record. Great melodies and vocals with an upbeat tempo. Classics that I had heard before but didn’t realize was this group. Very good listen.

A very youthful sounding LP; that is, the sort of record you could imagine as part of the soundtrack to an American slice of life drama/comedy. Evokes thoughts of quickly smoked cigarettes, wind-swept hair and late night drives in dodgy cars. That said, the sound does stay rather samey; if it were a little more adventurous with its tones, this LP could score a bit higher.

2001 Genre: Indie rock, garage rock revival, post-punk revival Standouts: Last Nite, Someday, Soma, Hard to Explain

Lots of songs that I enjoyed, although it was monotonous in places. I wish I heard this when it was released! I would def listen again.

I had not listened to The Strokes before and I was surprised that I rally enjoyed their style. Great album.

Классика, которую я, судя по всему, не могу воспринимать в контексте всей вышедшей позже музыки: говорят, чтобы понять влияние и популярность дебютного(!) альбома Касабланкаса (фамилия потрясная) и компании, нужно было жить в лимбе одинакового ню-метала и криков Фреда Дёрста, как всем теперь кажется, вечность. Если поставить вопрос таким образом (а именно что лучше, вечный Линкин Парк [со всем уважением к их музыке] и ню-метал или вечный Строукс и инди-рок), то это явно лучший альбом из всех мне предложенных до сих пор: если бы не эта революция, я бы скорее всего слушал EDM, Майли Сайрус и латин поп-хиты с радио (как будто в этом есть что-то плохое). У этого альбома супер-странное происходит с обложкой. Конечно же международная гораздо лучше, чем американская. Революционный ли это альбом? Нет. Это даже не лучший альбом группы более, имо (ибо почти 20 лет спустя вышел The New Abnormal). Лучшая-лучшая песня группы вышла два года спустя (см. Reptilia). И, собственно, только за это (как будто освобождения от ню-метал-ства было мало) этот альбом можно любить. А тут еще и неплохие песни. Лучшая песня - Trying Your Luck.

One of the great indie rock albums. Songs lack variety but they're great songs.

Definitely pretty high energy rocking out, grungy

4+

I like it, i feel like i will definitely be listening to it again. Trying your luck so far is my favorite one.

Really liked this band a lot. Great instruments and voice of lead singer. I am willing to give them a listen on some other albums.

I really liked this album. I had heard a couple songs by The Strokes before but never really listened to them much. This was pretty solid, not enough to get them a 5 since quite a few of their songs kinda sound the same and there isn't much variety in terms of what their frontman does vocally or really overall with their sound. However lyrically I felt there was enough variation and combined with the different feels to each song, I felt there was enough variety to keep one interested for the entire album so this gets a 4. Kinda reminds me of Cage the Elephant.

not a fan of the album cover, but was very pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed the album. vocals, music-enjoyed all of it

One that I know very well but in my opinion, bettered by its successors. I didn’t quite get the hype at the time; it sounded a bit mechanical, the vocals are all distorted and I sort of felt the songs all sound too samey. It’s still one I listen to quite often though and was hugely significant at the time, which fortunately I was there to see.

Strokes in it.

Very good album, reminds me of Veronica Mars and middle school which is fun

Great album with some nice classics!

This album was pretty good, and i would recommend it to others.

I have listened to this many many times in the past so didn’t listen to it on the day. Good stuff 4/5

4.0

Easy 4 stars if for no reason than Last Nite.

Familiar with this record in full already but not as much as their other albums. I actually really enjoy their newest record probably the most so going all the way back to their first was a welcomed experience. The songs on this album remind me of a lot of sports video games I used to play when I was younger, like NHL, NFL, all had early Strokes stuff on em. Either way, I could listen to this many times over.

Okay, this has that peppy fun feel and to me is more of something I would listen to then yesterdays

Excellent! 4.5

Great album

I remember this album cutting through the noise that was rock radio in early 2000s and being so refreshing.

Lived it. Every song is good.

Heel goed

instant classic

Love this album. Saw this tour in concert. I even bought this version of the album from Amazon UK. It's still good. I remembered it pretty closely to what I thought. I like the way the songs kinda "roll along" - jangly guitar and quick beat.

Quality stuff. ‘Classic’ vibes in terms of my musical experience!

I really enjoyed this one a lot too. My favorite part of this is seeing all the newer artists I like that were so heavily influenced by these artists. I heard so much of Jet in here, and I love that Jet was obviously so heavily influenced by The Strokes.

Awesome

Un disco que no suena a 2001, sino que es mucho más atemporal. Esto es lo que hace que un disco sea bueno de verdad.

Is this it: heard this before, love the nostalgic feel. has a really interesting vibe, feels like home some of the songs kinda blend together, but a few rly stick out Someday: heard this before, very cool Alone together: very cool ideas mixing the different guitar parts in the first verse. Simplistic but really powerful sums up like a lot of songs on the album but this express it very well. part where it gets fast is really great, love how it adds to the chorus when it transitions into that. Solo is really cool, love the stroked guitar work in general. Last nite: Very cool, vocals are really nice, pair well with the guitar. Nice vibe Over all 3.5, wish there was more variety between some songs. Very mellow and simple songwriting can be super powerful and this is a rly cool example.

Thumbs up.

this band got me into "indie" back in the day lol

Mix is a bit shit, but the bass lines are super. I once saw them at the isle of white festival. The lead singer was off his tits, but kept shouting out "isle of whitey" which was the main highlight

Decent.

Solid rock album. Better than their later stuff.

the exception to the rule that all garage rock revival bands are shite, One of the only critical darlings that are actually good.

pretty good overall and nice to see a more modern album on this list, but most of these songs were pretty average garage rock. oddly, i liked the middle of the album and didn't really care for the beginning or the end. the strokes have some good tracks and someday is easily my favorite of this album. the sexy album cover also seems out of place and unnecessary? or maybe I'm just saying that because it's taking up most of the screen on my work computer. the alternate/US cover is way cooler imo. also i keep thinking julian casablancas and the strokes are british for some reason but i promise i didn't factor this into my rating. favorites: someday, alone together, last nite, hard to explain

I think of the Strokes as the last in a long line of bands to have "saved Rock and Roll"; the last guitar-based band to have enormous success by reimagining the sound of two guitars, a bass, drums and vocals, while keeping the raw energy of youth as the guiding principal. I dislike the megaphone effects on the vocals and I still love this album.

Well it's been a long time since I listen to this album and I feel I enjoyed it more when it came out. It's fun rock album that leans heavy in the Lou Reed Velvet Underground sound which get's closer to ripping off than inspiring. Still a good listen, 3.5 for me but a +.5 for nostalgia.

Still a super album. Does the vocal effect get to be a bit much? Maybe, but I like it. I love when a band has a unique enough sound that it really grabs your attention and makes you want to listen. And the true tast is if you want to listen again. And again. This record definitely passes that test for me.

I like this record. It's hard separating the massive hype surrounding the Strokes when this came out. I wish their follow ups were anywhere near as good.

First time I heard this album all the way through. I really like some of the stuff that sounds like Lou Reed, so that's good. Overall very enjoyable and I'll listen to it again.

I did recognize one track. Other than that this is a new experience. Very energetic. I can see myself listening to this when I want to be a lot of energy in the music I am listening to.

fav songs; the modern age, (alone, together) and trying your luck overall a good album but i thought i would like it more than i did in the end. so imma go with a 3/5 and see if other albums by the strokes make me *pause* *Edit* after +200 Albums later i didnt had any The Strokes Album... It grew on me too (4.0/5.0)

always one of the best

Good sounds. My kind of music. Great guitar riffs. However, I would have liked to hear more variety and creativity between the songs. It feels like they found their sound and stuck with it rather than try out new stuff. Overall, a solid album for the genre and there are a few great songs that I'll add to my regular playlist.

The strokes are such an iconic sound for this era. Outside of my highlights though, didn't love the rest of the album. Highlights: modern age, last nite, someday (LOVE this song), hard to explain

Another one I knew some of already. Very "cool" New York sound throughout. Nothing beats Last Nite though

I only knew the song, Reptilia, by The Strokes - so this was a great way to get into a new band. This is a really strong album where pretty much every song is good to great. Most of the songs are played with high energy and passion. There is a degree of "sameness" to many songs, but they are played with gusto that makes me not mind after awhile. My favorite tracks: The Modern Age, Barely Legal, Last Nite, Take It Or Leave It, and Alone Together (my favorite song on the album).

I wonder how many of the mix CDs I’ve ever made include “Last Nite” (hint: it’s a lot). I liked them 20+ years ago and think the album still holds up today.

Pretty good stuff. Reading about how it was recorded was interesting. I remember them on SNL. Somewhat remind me of The Jam, who didn’t get US recognition like this group did. Good job, lads

Very good

Goed album om de afwas op te doen

Dare I say a 5? I grew up with Someday from mlb2k8, the other famous song is of course famous, but the rest was pretty new. While it all had a similar tone, it was varied enough to not bore me and make me wanna listen more. This may be in rotation

The Brits sure as hell know how to make hits. An album perfect for a summer roadtrip

Good early 2000's indie rock. Definitely worth another listen.

Cooler version of the music I listened to in high school.

This was definitely what rock music was like between 2000 and 1990, from the vocals and the array of music on the album with only one song becoming a staple. It had a few songs I could go without hearing them again, but that doesnt make the conviction the artist had any less real!

This band is weird. I tend to enjoy their songs, but at the same time all of their songs sound like they were ripped off from more popular songs. Setting that aside, I find the singer's voice oddly compelling. They sound pretty good as a band. This album was hailed as a revitalization of rock when it came out, yet it ultimately ended up being more of a last hurrah. Regardless, this album has aged a lot better than much of the rock being made in the early 2000s. The production being excellent probably has something to do with that 4/5

Not too bad

Better than I expected, some familiar songs

This was such a fun listen! Released in the beginning of the garage rock revival it really was the start of 00s rock sound. I was a bit too young yet to be swept away by it (i was 10) so it is not with too much nostalgia I listen to this. I still think this album holds up really well. The lo-fi mixing might feel a bit dated but the riffs and catchiness of the songs are still there. "Someday" and especially "Last Nite" are decade defining songs but I really enjoyed the rest of the album as well. It can hold it's own through all its tracks and does not outstay its welcome. A few duds (looking at you "New York City Cops") and that I held some similar records in higher regards prevents from getting this a 5.

Minimalistisch

Is This It 3.5/5 The Modern Age 4.5/5 cool solo Soma 4/5 Barely Legal 4/5 Someday 4.5/10 Alone, Together 4/5 cool solo Last Nite 5/5 Banger Hard To Explain 4/5 When It Started 4/5 Interesting solo Trying Your Luck 4.5/5 Take It Or Leave It 4/5

https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qyzG0d9vJbE/UBe_j1-CZ4I/AAAAAAAAAwU/FYStjagCi0c/s1600/Bowl+Skate2.gif

I have not heard this album before and I only know of The Strokes by name. I was a bit apprehensive about listening as I thought their genre would be too left field for my taste but I was pleasantly surprised. I found myself liking all of their songs in some way. A few songs I would like to mention are: Barely Legal, Soma, and Alone, Together (which I really like the instrumental from). I would say my least favourite song on the album is the title track, Is This It. The songs are very short in length with primarily vocals and only a few guitar solos (which were good). I will definitely listen to this album again; I just have to find a playlist to put it in.

This be the mood.

Btw, are we all getting a kick outta the listener who keeps plagiarizing - usually just wholesale stealing - reviews from all music.com?

Enjoyed their sound but don’t think I could distinguish the Strokes from a dozen other bands

Pleased to report that this thing holds up remarkably well. There's an argument to be made that not only was (is) it worth all the hype, but also the greatest garage rock album ever. Sometimes it sounds like a more polished version of The Ramones. Oddly enough, the only track that doesn't grab me is the opening song. The freaking title track, a stiff that leads off an amazing album. For all the press and hype this thing got upon release, you'd think someone would have suggested a better sequencing of the songs. Bonus points for the dude who wrote and recorded "It Never Rains In Southern California" having a son who brought thunder to The Strokes.

Great early aughts rock before metal/hard rock took hold. Recommended!

Enjoyable first listen. 8/10

uhhh w indie album very good julian casablancas sounds like hes singing into a bread box 👍

Solid album with some recognisable tunes.

Every song sounds the sa-(gets pummeled by rocks) Most songs sound the same, but it's a really good sound that I enjoy, so it's fine. This isn't my favorite Strokes album though - I think both "The New Abnormal" and "Room on Fire" have a tighter sound.. But I can't really hate on the quintessential indie rock album of the early 2000s.

A hyped album that was good. Overloved by the British music media but it does everything right. Songs, production, stripped back playing. Strong

I haven´t listening this album in a while. It was joy to my ears

I remember buying this and listening to it a pretty fair amount when it was first released. I enjoyed it back then and I enjoy it now. Back in 2001 I saw them perform in Lawrence, Kansas, shortly after this was released. It was a disappointing show. The singer was pretty drunk or something, and was sloppy enough to where other people in the band were visibly frustrated with them.

I should have some cynical take on this album, and I can say that of the new Rock revival bands The Strokes are not my favorite (that would be TV On the Radio) but this is an undeniable classic full of great throwback tunes. I will say I’m very happy the version I heard doesn’t have this cover.

Liked it alot in high school but didn't really grab me past the initial nostalgia on this relisten. I'll average out the 5 stars high school Eric would give this with the 3 stars 40 year old Eric gives this...4 stars

Catchy songs, nice voice. I liked it 4/5 Favorites: Someday, Last Nite

It was pretty good throughout,don’t understand the complete critical love bust last nite is a banger.

Not bad but not particularly remarkable overall. Last Nite bumps it up to a 4 for me though.

Really good album , I had already listened to this before but was definitely happy to have a proper relisten

It's good

forgot how many incredible tracks were on this record, the sounds is unmistakeable however it is a bit samey

TheStrokes's debut album presented a unique sound with the jangly guitar riffs and iconic vocals of Julian Casablancas. Each song has energy and it is a fun listen to get through.

I think it's pedestrian yet somehow undeniable at the same time!

I enjoyed this album and will be listening to it again! I have a few friends who love The Strokes but I'm not sure why I never got into them! I think I probably would have loved them more back in the early naughties, but still good now :) Strokiest Track: Alone together

It's good, but I feel like a lot if the hype around it is of the "you had to be there" variety, because I personally don't get it.

Another one I'm very familiar with. And a frankly brilliant album, for what it is. It's cohesive and driven. Some of the songs are quite fun. It was part of revival in music, so has a huge part in rock history. Do I enjoy it? Yeah. Is it a masterpiece that moves me? Not really. A great candidate for 4/5 stars.

Immediately transported me to Lansdowne St, when it was still a bit gritty.

Lyrics Pros: The lyrics are often praised for their simplicity and relatability, capturing the essence of youthful angst and urban life [1]. Clever wordplay and catchy phrases contribute to the album's memorability. Cons: Some critics argue that the lyrics lack profound depth, bordering on superficiality. Music Pros: The Strokes' musical prowess is evident in the album's tight instrumentation and Julian Casablancas' distinctive vocals. Catchy guitar riffs, dynamic drumming, and basslines create an infectious groove. Cons: Some tracks may sound sonically similar, leading to a lack of diversity in the overall musical landscape. Production Pros: Gordon Raphael's production style embraces a lo-fi aesthetic, enhancing the garage rock authenticity. The stripped-down production emphasizes the band's raw talent. Cons: The lo-fi approach might not appeal to those seeking a more polished sound. Themes Pros: "Is This It" explores themes of disillusionment, romance, and urban life, resonating with a generation navigating the challenges of early adulthood. Cons: Some argue that the thematic content lacks innovation compared to other albums of the time. Influence Pros: The album significantly influenced the garage rock revival of the early 2000s, inspiring a new wave of bands. It played a role in shaping the sound of indie rock for years to come. Cons: The immense influence may overshadow the album's individuality for some listeners. In conclusion, "Is This It" remains a landmark album that captures the zeitgeist of its era. Its strengths lie in its simplicity, energetic music, and lasting impact on the music landscape. While some criticize its lyrical depth and sonic diversity, these factors are minor compared to the album's overall significance in the evolution of rock music.

THE premier rich kid rock album, lol.

I’ve had Last Nite stuck in my head since I saw this was the album

Undoubtedly highly influential to bands that in the end turned out more exciting that The Strokes themselves. Is This It isn’t quite the bomb I remembered it as - even though it is really effective. The songwriting is tight, the instruments even tighter… I guess, when all is said and done, I just don’t really have a special thing for Casablancas.

I remember when this album came out. It sounded pretty different to anything else that was out of the time. Re-listening to it brought back some memories. Enjoyable ones!

Hace años que escucho este album: nepotism done right. Quien pudiera ser tan cool como los Strokes y su primer album

Nice

Very catchy! Steady rhythms, very enjoyable guitar and bass sound. My favourites are Hard to Explain and Last Nite.

Incredibly fun, and I really liked the drums.

A nostalgia bomb. Very solid indie/alt rock vibes all around.

such a brilliant energy-fueled joyous album, it's sad that the strokes haven't really advanced musically from this but oh well because this is such a specific sound for a specific time and place, a specific generation that i can't really fault it that much. although apparently the woman whose bum is on the album cover didn't consent to her bum being on the album cover which is a bit morally dodgy. anyway back to the music. this is an album for sweaty teenage parties. dark rooms and warm air. thinking you're really cool with your new short black dress. eyeliner and hairspray and t shirts with bands on that you think are really cool even though you've only listened to a few songs. the lyrics are needy, whiny. made me happy to listen to this the whole way through!

This was pretty! And rocked too.

Nothing wrong with it. Glad I listened. But also nothing that stuck out to me??

It was really good. But in that kind of way that mames for good background music. But the kind you actually want playing as you're doing something elss rather than because its forgettable or something like that

My only real exposure to the strokes was through Pandora, where they filled in soundspace just fine, but didn't excite me all that much. Looking at that release date, though... Did some quick wikipedia'ing, and yeah it's looking like this one might have been at the same level as MGMT *Oracular Spectacular* in terms of "hey all this other shit you were listening to came from specifically this". "Post-punk revival", as they call it, apparently. Like I like some Killers, I like Franz Ferdinand, those bands probably don't come out sounding like that without this having come first. So definitely respect where it's due

Smooth album with plenty of 2000's reverb, many nostalgia points and would gladly listen again.

Very influenced by the Velvet Underground

Is This It // Someday // Alone, Together // Last Nite // Hard To Explain //

Nah not really my style but some sounds was fine

Perfect

Great album, really enjoyed re-listening to it, as would have been my era growing up.

Well I mean yeah. It’s awesome.

The sound and music of The Strokes has always been a favorite of mine.

Album holds up.

4.4. I originally had this a 5 star but I ended up listening to the same song 3 times in a row and didn't really notice. So maybe is a bit repetitive. Band is super tight. I noticed that the bass lines and/or guitar riffs followed the vocals quite a bit which should be used in moderation but most of instrumentation is fairly original and interesting. Imagine being Julian Casablancas, lead singer in a great rock band, your dad owning a modeling agency, not too shitty.

Great. Almost a 5 for me

V v nice

Crazy how relevant and great this still sounds. 2000s rock! What a time to be alive!

Que isso bicho, putaria. Gostosinho o álbum, já conhecia algumas músicas. Mais uma na sequência de músicas da pixel / noite de Joinville. Essa distorção na voz é clássica deles. Altas musiquinhas boas de ouvir, felizes, mais a minha vibe. As mais manjadas cansou já, eu lembro que sempre pulava quando vinha no aleatório huahuhuahu. Muito bom, gostei pra caramba de conhecer o álbum todo. Me lembra uma fase boa da vida indo no Didge ver batalha de bandas, rolês pela cidade, memórias boas. Jurava que ia ser enjoativo, mas por ter me impressionado e ser minha vibe, vou dar 4 estrelas.

As 3 primeiras músicas do álbum não me chamaram muita atenção, apesar da linha de baixo muito daóra da primeira, as músicas como um todo eu achei meio sem sal, nada muito característico. Mas ao longo delas, deu pra sentir que foi engatando. 4. Barely Legal engatou, essa eu já conhecia previamente já. Tem uma vibe mais daóra, mais envolvente. Gosto bastante dela, refrão bem bom. Se parar pra analisar, ela nem é tão diferente assim das anteriores, mas achei ela uma versão mais característica, com mais personalidade que as anteriores, mais marcante. 5. Someday eu também já conhecia e gosto bastante. O álbum definitivamente tá melhorando bastante com relação às primeiras. Essa aqui também é mais marcante. Bem animada, linhas gostosinhas de guitarra acompanhando o vocal. Aquele estilo de ponte clássica que fica só a bateria e baixo. 6. Alone, Together começa com um riffzinho massa de guitarra, bem indiezão mesmo. Boa música, pra preparar pra estrela do álbum. Solo simples mas bem animado, fecha bem legal a música. 7. Last Nite é a música de ouro da banda né. Acredito que a que fez eles explodirem. E de fato, baita música. Interessante que ela quebra o padrão de estrutura clássico. Tem a pequena criação de expectativa alí nos primeiros segundos e aí ela já cai direto no refrão, com o vocal rasgando de cara. Ou isso, ou esse é o verso e o verso é mais famoso que o refrão kkkkk As 2 músicas seguintes eu achei bem bacana, são divertidas, ainda mantém a pegada, já as duas últimas nem tanto, achei que deu uma caída. Em geral, gostei bastante do álbum, várias músicas que eu já tinha adicionado, bem indiezão, bem tranquilo de ouvir, tem a clássica Last Nite, que garante muitos pontos. Acho um sólido 4 estrelas.

Plezant plaatje, waar vooral de 2 hitsingles mij aanspreken. Af en toe eens een harder nummer, zoals de afsluiter

No skips! I didn't have this cd, but I had Room on Fire, I think my brother had this one. I didn't know about the original cover, only the yellow and blue one! Someday remains an unimpeachable bop, I think Last Nite is actually my least favorite song on the album and it's still great. Is this it and Soma really stood out to me today. The story about NYC Cops is wild.

I'd been meaning to listen to the Strokes for a while now and this daily album challenge was a good way to get exposure to some new stuff. With this album, I particularly like the bass and some of the drum beats. There's a nice, mellow kind of rhythm to the overall album I enjoy.

Une petite capsule temporelle, la production est franchement unique, avec une sorte de grain bien particulier, ce qui fait que toutes les chansons de l'album sont tout de suite reconnaissable. Ça me rappelle beaucoup ma deuxième année de prépa, car j'écoutais les Strokes en boucle à cette époque. De bons souvenirs ! (Il est vrai que certaines chansons se ressemblent trop, mais bon !)

4.3/5 Very solid album, some of it feels kind of same-y though. Best track: Someday

I love this album. When this came out in 2001 it had the energy of the punk rock that I loved at that time, without being pop punk. It was just really catchy rock music with great hooks and a cool aesthetic. Indie rock/power pop I guess, but whatever its called I like it. This always felt underground to me, so its interesting to see them now headlining festivals. I never really paid much attention to their later albums, but they obviously have remained popular despite never being household names. Regardless, this album is great and definitely one of the best rock records of the the 00s.

Like it, seems like a classic

Great energy. Banger from beginning to end. Impossible not to bop along with.

It’s a cool record, with a couple of very strong songs. Found it a bit repetitive, though.

Good album - not convinced by all the lyrics, but great sound.

Standout Track- Is This It

I love the Strokes and I love this album. I just think it's a little one-dimensional at times. Like 5/10 songs are all-timers but the others are only decent. It was a great start, though, and I think the strokes were able to build off of this start in later albums to really blossom into a powerhouse of a band

Love a few of the songs last night is overplayed, but is a fantastic song take it or leave it. It’s probably my favorite because it makes me dance.

First of all, this album cover really threw me for a loop because I knew the US cover way back when. After that got sorted, I was excited to revisit this after not having listened to it in ages. It definitely still holds up and is a really strong debut album! I guess it just isn’t really my taste anymore, but still a fun listen.

10/10

Well, isn't this just the bouncy ball of fun!? Never heard it before but glad I got the chance today. A definite keeper.

Favourite songs: Last Nite, Someday, Hard to Explain, The Modern Age, Barely Legal New York City Cops Least favourite songs: Is This It 4/5

I remember this album in heavy rotation when I was younger. It had a raw garage sound while being polished at the same time. Soma, Someday, and Last Night are among the best tracks. Overall a great album from the early 2000s.

It's a solid album, I admit I have overlistened to it so it doesn't slap like it used to but I still think it warrants a 4/5

4 An album I slept on for years because I didn’t like the song Last Nite, and man, was I missing out - this was great. You could definitely point to a lot of it as sounding the same, but when you have indie rock with pop sensibility down to a science like these guys do here, you earn that right - at no point did I ever want or feel like this album needed to steer in a different direction. And despite that, I still felt like each song did a sufficient job of establishing its own identity, with Someday, Hard to Explain, The Modern Age, and the closing track Take It or Leave It jumping out to me as immediate favorites (I would also recommend checking out New York City Cops, a song that was removed from the American release last minute due to the events of 9/11 happening weeks before). It really doesn’t feel like this album should work as well as it does given its simple, compact style of production, but somehow that adds to its indie charm, and in doing so, probably redefined the genre for the decade ahead. There’s a pretty distinct difference in the sound between 90s and 00s alternative rock, and for me, I think this album denotes that dividing line. While I’d still walk away from this saying that Last Nite is my least favorite track, I can say I developed an appreciation for everything here and that I’m interested to check out more of their stuff.

Someday (5) and Last night (7) bangers

It was a really good album. A few classics with a few good new songs for me. It was short and straight to the point.

Entertaining, brings back memories 🦭 Highlight: New York City Cops

This is not it, but it's getting close

Album #35 Do you like garage rock? Do you like trust fund kids sounding grimey? Then I have the album for you! In all honesty, I enjoy this album, and its follow-up. It's nothing incredible, just straight, dirty rock and roll which was released during the end of the Nu-Metal days. The album is short and sweet, so it doesn't have time to grow stale. 3.5* rounded up to 4*. 4*

Love this album. Sonmanyngreatbsongs.

Just fantastic, I own this album and have listened to it hundreds of time. Felt special from the first listen, fresh and different, great guitar and vocals, pared back and urgent. And I'm sure then influenced bands like the Arctic Monkeys later

Barely Legal Someday Last Nite Basically every song is a classic

4/5. I was already a casual fan of the Strokes, but this made me appreciate them even more.

Not a bad album, I just don't get the hype as I feel it is pretty weak compared to some of the band's other albums. Even for a debut album, I must admit I was never really impressed by Is This It. It might have something to do with the fact that I have always been a great fan of The Killers' Hot Fuzz, ITI's direct rival, which is, IMHO, far superior on every aspect. Still, ITI is a good listen.

charmingly awful vocals with new york city cops - 4 with when it started - 4.5

I love The Strokes and this is a fantastic album. Catchy, reverent, weird, and eccentric. This is rock and roll.

odličan album, al nekako mi nije za peticu....još.

barely legal?

Never realized this album is only 35 min long, love me some good short songs. But yeah timeless sounds imo, catchy, and overall great listen.

I only finished the album on my third listen. Good indie but I don't understand all the hype. I love 2000s indie rock, and thus I know I should appreciate that this album paved the way for that entire genre, but I just can't get it. It's fairly good, especially the second half, but it's not amazing. Maybe, in order to get this, I should have been young in 2001. 7/10.

One of the best new rock albums

8 goed album

This album was pretty good. Musically it reminds me of the white stripes or even Velvet Underground. The songs are all short and fast. Is it me or is the song When it Started mixed at a way higher level than everything else on this album? Anyway, they are a tight little band with the distinct sound. That’s fun to listen to.

Tää kuulostaa juuri siltä, miltä 2000-luvun alku parhaimmillaan kuulosti. Ja tää levy todistaa myös sen, miten musiikkimaku on erityisen subjektiivista: mulle tulee mieleen tästä levystä New Yorkin reissu vuonna 2002: hellettä kaupungissa ja pimeitä iltoja.

What a surprise! Really liked it!

LASSSSSTTTNNITTTTEEEE

Starts with the weakest song and then the whole thing just becomes better and better. 4.5?