Is This It? - The Strokes
Is This It? Image

Universal acclaim - based on 26 Critics What's this?

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Universal acclaim- based on 364 Ratings

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  • Summary: This is the debut album from New York indie-rockers The Strokes, who have been hyped by the British music press following the release of "The Modern Age" EP in early 2001. It almost goes without saying, but the group is frequently compared to the Velvet Underground, among others, thanks in part to singer-songwriter Julian Casablancas' Lou Reed-esque vocals. Expand
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 26 out of 26
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 26
  3. Negative: 0 out of 26
  1. 100
    Simply put, Strokes have every quality rock'n'roll requires from its finest exponents and Is This It is where they come together.
  2. The Strokes are not deities. Nor are they "brilliant," "awe-inspiring," or "genius." They're a rock band, plain and simple. And if you go into this record expecting nothing more than that, you'll probably be pretty pleased.
  3. Delivers the goods in spades. [Nov 2001, p.94]
  4. Hype for the Strokes is well deserved--it's hard to imagine a more vital American rock band.
  5. Casablancas is all old-school rocker in the Mick Jagger/Chris Robinson mold -- an ugly/pretty boy out to beg, borrow and bleed for even prettier women while acting like nothing ever satisfies.
  6. The album is certainly one of 2001's finest, most memorable releases. It just shouldn't be billed beyond what it is: a deliciously fun romp that draws heavily upon influences like the Velvet Underground, Television, and the Stooges.
  7. A dandy little 36-minute album of simple pop tunes with all the right moves and no real motion.

See all 26 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Negative: 12 out of 164
  1. SiA.
    Sep 27, 2001
    This has to be the best album of the year, by lightyears
  2. Mar 3, 2011
    "is this it?" is fantastic. truly a landmark album of our generation. its so nonchalant but somehow through the apathy true brilliance is found. yes each song has a similar sound, but they are not the same. additionally, why would you change up the sound when it is good to begin with Expand
  3. Ashley
    Oct 25, 2002
    The Strokes are fucking awesome. Thats all I have to say. Oh, and if you don't like The Strokes, then you don't deserve to go on living. Oh, and Julian Casablanca is incredibly sexy. And so are all the other guys in the band. Oh, and I saw them in concert in Chicago and they were SO GOOD! ok, really, thats it. Expand
  4. nasnou
    Jun 22, 2009
    The strokes neither started nor flaunted the hype, so why would it be their fault if they were hyped by the press? it still doesn't change that this album is solid, powerful and one of the greatest albums of the 2000's. Expand
  5. Jul 13, 2011
    Yes, The Strokes are impressive and superb. Great quality rock is here, the voice is outstanding . Marked the history and changed and improved the classic genre . Expand
  6. davem
    Jun 6, 2003
    This album gets better with each listening, unlike the ridiculously overhyped White Stripes album. The first few times you hear it may not be overly impressive but it will grow on you. Expand
  7. [Anonymous]
    Jun 30, 2002
    worst retro shit ever. perfect for nme readers

See all 164 User Reviews

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