First Impressions Of Earth
by The Strokes
  • Record Label: RCA
  • Release Date: Jan 3, 2006
User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 476 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 396 out of 476
  2. Mixed: 46 out of 476
  3. Negative: 34 out of 476

Review this album

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. AukeM
    Jan 17, 2006
    10
    It's perfect!!!
  2. BaldvinE
    Jan 17, 2006
    8
    I´m a fan of the Strokes. Not their best work, but it works.
  3. SK
    Jan 17, 2006
    10
    the more i hear it , the more i love it. another great release from the NY guys. it s good to have them back.love it.
  4. DavidH
    Jan 17, 2006
    8
    A pretty solid 3rd offering in my opinion.
  5. GeoffS
    Jan 15, 2006
    7
    The problem with this album is consistancy. The first five songs (yes, even Juicebox), are catchy, melodically complex, and even moving (see On the Other Side). But when the album transitions back to off-kilter songs like Ize of the World, we begin to see the limitations of The Strokes. Some songs like Evening Sun have fantastic verses, but morose and hookless chorus lines. Other songs, The problem with this album is consistancy. The first five songs (yes, even Juicebox), are catchy, melodically complex, and even moving (see On the Other Side). But when the album transitions back to off-kilter songs like Ize of the World, we begin to see the limitations of The Strokes. Some songs like Evening Sun have fantastic verses, but morose and hookless chorus lines. Other songs, notably Juicebox and Red Light, catch you after the third listen, ("You're so coooooold!") In all, I miss Is This It?, but the album shows improvement from Room on Fire; it seems that The Strokes have evolved from those lanky N.Y. kids to more realistic, fame-struck adults; a step up in the extent of Julian's songwriting, and a solid 7.… Expand
  6. ronanl
    Jan 15, 2006
    10
    I would agree that the strokes have sacrificed some of their catchiness in terms of tunes in order to progress musically on the album. Everyone says this like its an awful thing - since when have radiohead been amazingly catchy? But they still write amazing music, and that's what first impressions of earth is.
  7. Elliott
    Jan 14, 2006
    10
    The modern culture and press would never allow for a great rock band to permeate and dominate music for a long span of time. And this is precisely what The Strokes were saying (among many other things) in "Ize Of The World" and "Juicebox". Lyrically their most substantive and poweful album, it is nothing short of a generational wake-up call to this generation of rock fans, dressed up in The modern culture and press would never allow for a great rock band to permeate and dominate music for a long span of time. And this is precisely what The Strokes were saying (among many other things) in "Ize Of The World" and "Juicebox". Lyrically their most substantive and poweful album, it is nothing short of a generational wake-up call to this generation of rock fans, dressed up in the shortcomings, insecurities, and restrictive affluence of modern day society. That most rock critics are unwilling to sit down and truly listen to the sarcasm, irony, dialogue and philosophy of songs like "Ask Me Anything", "15 Minutes", or "Red Light" is proof that Strokes-haters had their opinions formed before the first chord on the album. But even ignoring everything about the lyrics, this was as much of a musical triumph as any rock record since I was born (1984), with the brilliant guitar interplay of "Razorblade", the uncanny masterpiece solo in "Vision Of Division" and the rhytmic tightness that is present in every single Strokes song ever written as highlights. Critics unwilling and truly understand this album are yet-again depriving fans of hearing the greatest band in the world.… Expand
  8. JohnK
    Jan 13, 2006
    9
    wiked album, well worth it. only 1 song i hate ,"ask me anything"....... :@
  9. Tony
    Jan 12, 2006
    8
    Very good, a definate leap forward from room on fire. The problem is, they run out of steam. It seems like after they wrote such awesome artsy intense crowd-pleasers as You Only Live Once, Juicebox, Razorblade, Heart in a Cage, Ize of the World, and Electricityscape they just wanted to fill up time. Julian needs to chill with the low, long mumbling and keep going with his kick-ass rock scream.
  10. RobD.
    Jan 12, 2006
    10
    This is a damn good album, it is promising and i think it is the best yet and the next will be even better probably. Critics always complain that they dont want a is this it 3 but when the album comes out and its not an is this it 3 they hate it. Critics dont know shit so dont listen to them its a good album.
  11. AndrewN
    Jan 12, 2006
    10
    Absolute class, this is my favourite Strokes album, so it has to be a 10.
  12. Johno
    Jan 12, 2006
    8
    I wanna be honest as I can about this, and despite a lukewarm reception in the press, I really think this album rocks. The press were just waiting to knock them down (imagine the difference if this was the album by a NEW band). Not only did the Strokes kick the doors open for hundreds of bands 5 years ago, but they manage to sound fresh today. Typically for the Strokes, they wear their I wanna be honest as I can about this, and despite a lukewarm reception in the press, I really think this album rocks. The press were just waiting to knock them down (imagine the difference if this was the album by a NEW band). Not only did the Strokes kick the doors open for hundreds of bands 5 years ago, but they manage to sound fresh today. Typically for the Strokes, they wear their influences on their sleeves, Television, early U2, Magnetic Fields, etc. They sound remarkably like their former outfit (for some of them) the Walkmen, on some the songs. Some great ideas here, some blinding solos that inspire me to plug in again, and some very, very exciting songs that will sound great live or on the dancefloor. A few throwaway tracks that I will delete from my ipod but the rest are outstanding. Well done chaps.… Expand
  13. codyb
    Jan 12, 2006
    9
    i think its a refreshing album that shows the pain in julians voice. it also shows how they experimented with new sounds. all in all, the more i listen to it, the more i fall in love with it. its not as catchy as "is this it" or "room on fire", but as a true strokes fan, i think it is an amazing album. good job fellahs.
  14. ALEXR
    Jan 12, 2006
    10
    Fuckin A!
  15. LorenaT
    Jan 11, 2006
    10
    i love it.... i love it.... i love it........
  16. mikeb
    Jan 11, 2006
    9
    Completely different from their previous two albums; but in a good way. Much more diverse and experimental.
  17. killaben
    Jan 11, 2006
    8
    Quite an improvement. I suppose it takes a couple of releases before a band is afforded the creative freedom to record something of this calibur. Casablancas's voice is at tImes Thom Yorke and at others, Bono. Besides Fischerspooner, this group is the closest thing the U.S. has to an A-tier band. The Strokes are on the right track, let's hope that on the next album, there are Quite an improvement. I suppose it takes a couple of releases before a band is afforded the creative freedom to record something of this calibur. Casablancas's voice is at tImes Thom Yorke and at others, Bono. Besides Fischerspooner, this group is the closest thing the U.S. has to an A-tier band. The Strokes are on the right track, let's hope that on the next album, there are even fewer guitars. Rock is soooo last century!… Expand
  18. rudym
    Jan 11, 2006
    10
    Genious masterpiece. Best band of the world keeps ruling the innovative and experimental art of song writing. Vision of division and Ask me anything are already immortal.
  19. DanielG
    Jan 11, 2006
    9
    Great album
  20. GeorgeR
    Jan 11, 2006
    10
    Worth Buying
  21. Chris
    Jan 10, 2006
    8
    This album should have had 11 tracks just like their previous two efforts. The high points of the album however are very good!
  22. RobbyT
    Jan 10, 2006
    9
    So the consensus among critics seems to be that the album is a bit inconsistent due largely to the 60 minute running time. Allow me to point one thing out though: The Strokes' previous two albums were barely 35 minutes long! Good things can come in small packages but come on... even if there are a few tracks that are below average, I'll take a sub-par Strokes song over most any So the consensus among critics seems to be that the album is a bit inconsistent due largely to the 60 minute running time. Allow me to point one thing out though: The Strokes' previous two albums were barely 35 minutes long! Good things can come in small packages but come on... even if there are a few tracks that are below average, I'll take a sub-par Strokes song over most any other band's hit single any day. First Impressions of Earth displays The Strokes moving forward... something the band has struggled to do since their phenomenal debut.… Expand
  23. calvinhobbes
    Jan 10, 2006
    8
    Good enough to buy it. Some songs are brilliant, others not so good (make a selection and then you can listen this album: good vibrations).
  24. Stroked
    Jan 9, 2006
    10
    awesome. highlights: definitely you only live once, juicyjuice, red light, 15 minutes and Hawaii on the b-side of juicyjuice is one hell of a good song
  25. ZachV
    Jan 9, 2006
    8
    Amazing through the first half, but should have been a 10 song album, can you bash an album for putting on toomany songs,i mean, if you dont like them,just skip them, the good songs are still there
  26. DieterF
    Jan 9, 2006
    8
    Very nice album indeed ! There are some huges songs on this album, but unfortunately there are also some less qualitative songs. Nevertheless this album will be one of the better of 2006. If they had omitted 3 songs or so this album might have been a huger hit, and it was possible because there are a lot of songs on this album, ant that's not strokeslike. And the ones that give a 10 Very nice album indeed ! There are some huges songs on this album, but unfortunately there are also some less qualitative songs. Nevertheless this album will be one of the better of 2006. If they had omitted 3 songs or so this album might have been a huger hit, and it was possible because there are a lot of songs on this album, ant that's not strokeslike. And the ones that give a 10 to this album are a little bit too close minded imo, so I give it an 8/10.… Expand
  27. ChrisH
    Jan 9, 2006
    8
    Personally i loved their old work, and yeah not all the songs are great but come on, half the people who gave this album a bad rating cant do anything any where near this good and so bad mouth it to appear to be minorly intelligent when compared to a dead monkey. Juicebox is a great song
  28. JamesM
    Jan 8, 2006
    7
    I have two friends who are music critics and they usually have 5 CDs to review in a couple of days on top of all their other work. So I would imagine most critics have listened to this album barely once over. Therefore they have not had a chance to let this album 'grow' on them. When I first listened to this album i instanly liked YOLO, J, HIAC & Ize but after about 8 listens I I have two friends who are music critics and they usually have 5 CDs to review in a couple of days on top of all their other work. So I would imagine most critics have listened to this album barely once over. Therefore they have not had a chance to let this album 'grow' on them. When I first listened to this album i instanly liked YOLO, J, HIAC & Ize but after about 8 listens I would say I like all bar 2. Here is a question if this was a totally different band and you knew nothing about them would you rate this album higher or lower than you think now.… Expand
  29. EllS
    Jan 8, 2006
    7
    About half of the songs are good quality stokes numbers. THen there are 3 that are alright and experimental, and the other four are not good. The Strokes really should have not included these songs on the album, and it would have been a lot better. Maybe on your Ipod you could make a playlist of your ideal "First impressions" tracks and you might enjoy them more. Its not "Is this it?" but About half of the songs are good quality stokes numbers. THen there are 3 that are alright and experimental, and the other four are not good. The Strokes really should have not included these songs on the album, and it would have been a lot better. Maybe on your Ipod you could make a playlist of your ideal "First impressions" tracks and you might enjoy them more. Its not "Is this it?" but on first dozen listens im tempted to say that its better than room on fire, a little more experimental. A solid third album from the strokes.… Expand
  30. PaulB
    Jan 8, 2006
    10
    looking for a stonking album?? this will blow your balls off!!
  31. EamonS
    Jan 8, 2006
    10
    Is this It? has just been eclipsed. FIOE has genius lyrics and a really cool sound. Their best album yet and better than any album from 2005.
  32. JosephA
    Jan 8, 2006
    9
    A bit of a challenge at first, mostly because it seemed so different. But I have fallen in love with the record and nothing can stop that now. The Strokes are in top form. Fantastic music.
  33. JeffC.
    Jan 7, 2006
    9
    Great Album! Better than "Room On Fire"
  34. daveg
    Jan 7, 2006
    7
    the band's working, but i wish i could say the same for julian.
  35. carminef
    Jan 7, 2006
    7
    The sound tigth but its just ok
  36. RyanB
    Jan 6, 2006
    7
    Most songs sound great but a few of the songs sound weak. Like they ran out of the strong stuff and needed to fill a little time. Maybe The Strokes should just stick with making 30 minute albums instead of trying to fill 50. I would have been more satisfied.
  37. PatrickA
    Jan 6, 2006
    10
    The Strokes are at their best best when the two guitars are set free to find a melody, and the rest of the band has the good sense to play along. Mission accomplised on "Cage" , " Red Light" and the standout song, "Ize". The guitar solo here runs away to some carribean island, leaving you passed out on the dock.
  38. PatricioR
    Jan 6, 2006
    10
    it takes a while to digest it...but after that it absolutely rocks!
  39. AaronC.
    Jan 6, 2006
    8
    It's as good if not a little better than Room on Fire. A lot of people are saying that the last half of the album isn't as good as the first half (which is true) but that doesn't mean it's "bad" by any means. I actually really like "Ize of the World" and "Evening Sun", 2 of the tail end songs. Either way I think you'll enjoy this album if you liked Room on Fire at all.
  40. moil
    Jan 6, 2006
    7
    So so. Some songs are amazing, but their attempts to be experimental - mainly in the second half of this album - result in their most boring songs to date.
  41. MartinB
    Jan 6, 2006
    10
    Absolutely brilliant again from the best band in the world.
  42. KevinK
    Jan 6, 2006
    7
    Half good, half bad. I like the updated sound, but there are a handful of tracks here I could do without. Highlights: You Only Live Once, Juicebox, Razorblade, Vision of Division (only for the solo) and Ask Me Anything. Also, the b-side of the Juicebox single called Hawaii is great and should've been included on the album, you should check it out.
  43. StefL
    Jan 6, 2006
    10
    Best album of the year 2006, no use to buy any other album this year !!!!
  44. VinceG
    Jan 5, 2006
    10
    It is a amazing album, i don't think they have to live up to is this it, they changed a lot from that album which is a good thing
  45. Jon
    Jan 5, 2006
    10
    I was worried The Strokes would put out an album that might suffer like Franz Ferdinand's did from its excessive repetitiveness, but this album demonstrates their ability to be creative with their music while not becoming a different band. Favorite song so far: Ask Me Anything.
  46. AaronG
    Jan 5, 2006
    9
    An album that seems like one continuous song that has no standout singles, yet it's quite addicting. I've listened to it nonstop for 3 days now. I dig it.
  47. BrianS
    Jan 5, 2006
    9
    People are insane if they think this is a let down album. Did they even listen to Vision of Division or 15 Minutes?? Those songs are incredibly original and blow away anything else on the radio today. With the exception of one or two songs, this album is their masterpiece.
  48. TravisS
    Jan 5, 2006
    8
    This is definitely an album you need to listen to a couple times. The first play of this disc left me unimpressed, but by the 3rd or 4th listen it really starts to make sense. Julian's vocals sound more passionate on this album than any other and the rest of the band has progressed which they did not do on room on fire. I would've given the album a 9 but there are 3 songs fioe This is definitely an album you need to listen to a couple times. The first play of this disc left me unimpressed, but by the 3rd or 4th listen it really starts to make sense. Julian's vocals sound more passionate on this album than any other and the rest of the band has progressed which they did not do on room on fire. I would've given the album a 9 but there are 3 songs fioe could do without. All in all, it's a good disc and worth the money.… Expand
  49. Matt
    Jan 5, 2006
    7
    Sometimes they grow while retaining their identity - especially in the first half of the album. But there is too much bland new wave sounding music here.
  50. JackM
    Jan 5, 2006
    10
    I don't want to sound like a fanboy, but this is the Strokes album we've all been waiting for... revealing songs, tight arrangements (as usual), and it's not completely unabashedly derivative. You'll even forget that "Razorblade" sounds exactly like Manilow's "Mandy" after you listen to it. The Strokes have completely revamped their sound to near perfection, and I don't want to sound like a fanboy, but this is the Strokes album we've all been waiting for... revealing songs, tight arrangements (as usual), and it's not completely unabashedly derivative. You'll even forget that "Razorblade" sounds exactly like Manilow's "Mandy" after you listen to it. The Strokes have completely revamped their sound to near perfection, and with the album clocking in at over 50 minutes, you'll have more time to enjoy it. I'm gonna listen to it again right now.… Expand
  51. DonK
    Jan 5, 2006
    10
    I got off the music train after the Clash, but this really rocks! It is spot on and awesome! If all caps were allowed in postings here, I would gladly use them. The Strokes are among my heroes.
  52. NickyS
    Jan 5, 2006
    10
    Those who voted this album any score under a ten are entirely missing the point. The Strokes have grown, not just as people but as musicians, they've matured and they see a different side of life that they hadn't seen back when they were starry eyed and learning how to play their instruments on Is This It. They're different people and thus the music naturally changes. Would Those who voted this album any score under a ten are entirely missing the point. The Strokes have grown, not just as people but as musicians, they've matured and they see a different side of life that they hadn't seen back when they were starry eyed and learning how to play their instruments on Is This It. They're different people and thus the music naturally changes. Would those god awful critics have preferred for The Strokes to rewrite Is This It another four times? And personally I believe this their strongest, most substancial, and Greatest album yet. It's musically innovative, it's genre splicing, and deliciously adventurous. Anyone critic who rates this album anything under a 100% is entirely missing the point.… Expand
  53. WarrenM
    Jan 5, 2006
    10
    May be too early, but already one of the best albums of 2006
  54. AnthonyW
    Jan 4, 2006
    10
    Best album in the history of music.
  55. EthanS
    Jan 4, 2006
    7
    I liked it a lot, but there were some tracks that were just not very enjoyable in the middle of the album.
  56. SalameroN
    Jan 4, 2006
    10
    Are these critisd on crack! This record is ridiculously good! Not perferfect, but what is? Totally different than their first two while still staying true to their unique sound!
  57. Kingofcosmos
    Jan 4, 2006
    8
    The bad reviews were coming from a mile away. The critics having been waiting a while to slam this band. The album has one or two tracks that it could do without. And it is not as cohesive as the others as almost all the songs on here have a particular attitude of its own. It starts off with a song that'll leave listeners questiionin themselves on who the singer is....it takes a The bad reviews were coming from a mile away. The critics having been waiting a while to slam this band. The album has one or two tracks that it could do without. And it is not as cohesive as the others as almost all the songs on here have a particular attitude of its own. It starts off with a song that'll leave listeners questiionin themselves on who the singer is....it takes a while to get used to....this album is a good one at the end of the day. Is this it > FIOE > room on fire....in my opinion. hope they make a fourth next year.… Expand
  58. LaddW
    Jan 4, 2006
    9
    The Strokes are one of those bands who you can only compare to their past work. That said, I've always enjoyed the Strokes' work, and FIOE is no exception. They remind me of the Ramones opus of work. While deviating only occassionally, artistically, from their punk roots, they remained dedicated to the sound of punk rock. In many ways, the Strokes do the same here, and stray The Strokes are one of those bands who you can only compare to their past work. That said, I've always enjoyed the Strokes' work, and FIOE is no exception. They remind me of the Ramones opus of work. While deviating only occassionally, artistically, from their punk roots, they remained dedicated to the sound of punk rock. In many ways, the Strokes do the same here, and stray echoes of Is This It?/Room on Fire abound on FIOE. It is a worthwhile listen, and one that proves itself after repeated listens. Still, at this point, the Strokes will have whittled it down to pleasing their core audience, and not just the ones who jumped on their first release. It is a pleaser of an album for true Strokes fans, and even after a few listens, you won't be disappointed. The boys of NYC are back, and here, they explore different ways to bark without loosing their bite.… Expand
  59. Cuero
    Jan 4, 2006
    8
    A good third album. Not as impressive to me as Room on Fire was as a follow-up, but there are few, if any, weak songs. More diverse and deep than any of their previous albums. Mixed reviews are to be expected from critics, but this is a much better rock record than anything media darlings the White Stripes or System of a Down have released recently.
  60. marisag
    Jan 4, 2006
    10
    Some years from now, this album will be seem as what it really is: a masterpiece of rock'n'roll, one of the best albuns ever made. But I guess it's too early for that. The critics are too busy trying to destroy what they perceive as "the hypest band ever". Let them have fun, I say. We know better.
  61. HaggbarthEvil
    Jan 4, 2006
    10
    Why write? Press play! I saw them play in Milan. Fuckin fantastic!
  62. JAmiga
    Jan 4, 2006
    9
    It's not their best one yet, but it is a good album. Some great songs (Juicebox, Heart In A Cage and Electricityscape for example) but also some disappointingly dull stuff. Overall it's a good album, and tons better than most albums put out by all of those Strokes-wannabees that surfaced after them.
  63. GeorgeP
    Jan 4, 2006
    8
    A very anticipated album that contains some great songs during the first half - namely You Only Live Once, Heart In A Cage and On The Other Side. However, the second half of the album contains too much bland filler and you find your attention wanes. This is still a good album though, and should definatley be brought by fans of the strokes - if your not a fan, think carefully. They may A very anticipated album that contains some great songs during the first half - namely You Only Live Once, Heart In A Cage and On The Other Side. However, the second half of the album contains too much bland filler and you find your attention wanes. This is still a good album though, and should definatley be brought by fans of the strokes - if your not a fan, think carefully. They may have departed from their trademark sound ever so slightly (and you can now hear what Julian is singing) yet maybe not enough to attract the doubters. You never know though, time will tell, although this is certainly no Kid A.… Expand
  64. RuviW
    Jan 4, 2006
    10
    Amazing album. The energy is raugh and overwhelimg. It's not as sophisticated as previous albums, but it certinly got more "edge" and crazyness.
  65. AndyR
    Jan 3, 2006
    8
    The first half is great, unfortunately the other half consists of songs that are poorly written, repetitive, and are no fun. Except maybe Red Light. At least it is still better than most of the crap out there.
  66. MarkJ
    Jan 3, 2006
    9
    This one gets better with a few listens. I loved Room on Fire on first listen, but some of these songs had to grow on me. They should have left off Heart In A Cage and Fear Of Sleep for a stronger, more concise album. Still, its very good.
  67. MichaelJ
    Jan 3, 2006
    9
    This album has some real treasures, but also some trash. Had they shyed away from the whole butt-rock (Heart in a Cage) and the numbingly hookless Fear of Sleep and Killing Lies, it would have been a much more solid album. That being said, they have expanded their capabilities and style with songs like Electricityscape, Ask Me Anything, and Red Light.
  68. BenjiG
    Jan 3, 2006
    9
    Not perfect, but very very good. Highlights are "Heart In a Cage," opener "You Only Live Once," and the unexpected ballad "Ask Me Anything."
  69. Joe
    Jan 3, 2006
    10
    It takes a few listens to love it,but once you love it,you love it!!
  70. EmmaW
    Jan 3, 2006
    10
    You gotta give this album a chance. You may not like it the first time round, but keep listening because it's really a great album. It may be a different Strokes' sound, but it's still brillaint.
  71. JohnnyK
    Jan 3, 2006
    10
    A masterpiece. Early and nearly insurmountable contender for album of the year. Every track shines with techinically flawless precision. Those who decry the tautness of the performances seem to ignore the potency of the hooks within. And, of course, the lyrics matter much less than the attitude. This is glorious rock and roll circa 2006.
  72. JoseCuervo
    Jan 3, 2006
    9
    This is an album that requires a few listens before an accurate judgement can be made. Give it time and it will reveal it's genius to you.
  73. Rob
    Jan 3, 2006
    8
    While not scaling the heights of 'Is This It?', The Strokes' new album is an improvement on 'Room On Fire' and demands multiple listens to really make sense. Reviewers have been put off by the fact that not every song is an instant grabber like the lead single 'Juicebox', however the album is all the richer for that.
  74. KurtC
    Jan 3, 2006
    8
    The Strokes have always been good at disguising their talent for songwriting and brilliant musicianship behind a façade of simplicity. They
  75. wasp2020C
    Jan 3, 2006
    10
    Superb album.
  76. BertJ
    Jan 3, 2006
    9
    about as good as Room on Fire
  77. kmer
    Jan 3, 2006
    9
    I can undersstand the negative reviews that this album is getting simply on the basis that this isnt an album that you like right away. The first 3 or 4 listens I really believed this to be a weak album, but after that it becomes fully possible to appreciate the obvious strengths of this album. There sound has been pushed forward to new axciting and more complex places and anyone who is I can undersstand the negative reviews that this album is getting simply on the basis that this isnt an album that you like right away. The first 3 or 4 listens I really believed this to be a weak album, but after that it becomes fully possible to appreciate the obvious strengths of this album. There sound has been pushed forward to new axciting and more complex places and anyone who is willing to give it a chance will see that a great album is right in front of them.… Expand
  78. KesM
    Jan 3, 2006
    9
    Not as good as Is This It, but definitely better than Room On Fire, which I thought was good. The Critics are wrong, trust me. Buy It!
  79. V.Z.
    Jan 3, 2006
    9
    This is way better than Room On Fire, which will prove to be the unnecessary album of this band. Perhaps First Impressions, unlike Is This It?, won't be such a must-have. In short: The Strokes have traded some of their (admittedly contemporary) uniqueness for a broader musical scope. You hear a lot of different influences on this album. That they still sound like The Strokes makes This is way better than Room On Fire, which will prove to be the unnecessary album of this band. Perhaps First Impressions, unlike Is This It?, won't be such a must-have. In short: The Strokes have traded some of their (admittedly contemporary) uniqueness for a broader musical scope. You hear a lot of different influences on this album. That they still sound like The Strokes makes the album so interesting. It's The Strokes discovering expanding their own horizons. The instruments are fantastic. You will find the best drumming and soloing The Strokes have ever done. The vocals sound less dreamy, more direct, and a little more emotional.… Expand
  80. ridgeb
    Jan 3, 2006
    8
    If the first Strokes album made me admire them, and the second made me snub them, then this one really makes me respect them again. They've matured into their sound--and though David Kahne's story of crying on the mixing board because the Strokes were "killing their sound" must have been inspiring, they've salvaged what works, and the elements align sweetly on this improved If the first Strokes album made me admire them, and the second made me snub them, then this one really makes me respect them again. They've matured into their sound--and though David Kahne's story of crying on the mixing board because the Strokes were "killing their sound" must have been inspiring, they've salvaged what works, and the elements align sweetly on this improved followup.… Expand
  81. BenJ
    Jan 2, 2006
    8
    The Strokes have perhaps tried to do too many things on this album, it's a tad incoherant, but it works as a collection of songs. There will be plenty of haters--but regardless its still the Strokes, meaning it's going to be one of the best of this year for me. The 8 is in comparison to the previous albums, otherwise it would be a 10 in comparison to other bands.
  82. JulianG
    Jan 2, 2006
    10
    Great album, begins with 3 great tracks and ends solidly with a track that reminds us of their first album.
  83. andrewf
    Jan 2, 2006
    7
    Not bad, could do with a bit of pruning. On the Other Side is the worst song they've ever written, but other than that, it's solid. A disappointment but it could've been worse, so only the one major complaint. Just can't stand those lyrics.
  84. KrisB
    Jan 2, 2006
    10
    I'm giving it a 10 although there are 3 forgetable songs on this album. The other 11 more than make up for it. This is, without a doubt, my favorite Strokes album to date. Their sound has evolved without them changing their style. WHAT AN ALBUM!!!!
  85. talis
    Jan 2, 2006
    9
    i was afraid it will be crap after two great albums, but luckily i was wrong
  86. wardf.
    Jan 2, 2006
    10
    After repeated listens, the album really grows on you.
  87. pierrel
    Jan 2, 2006
    7
    This third album, indeed changes from the two predecessors, but also changes in quality and not for good. Many of the songs just doesn't seem to take off, or just go down after a good start which just repeats itself through the whole song, which makes the album sort of boring. Still it remains a good album, but doesn't get close from their exceptional "Is This It" work.
next
Page:

Awards & Rankings

6
#6 Most Discussed Album of 2006
43
#43 Most Shared Album of 2006

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
69

Generally favorable reviews - based on 38 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 38
  2. Mixed: 19 out of 38
  3. Negative: 0 out of 38
  1. Blender
    70
    Earth is the sound of a band coming to that inevitable realization: five patrician perfectionists who've resolved to sound sloppy, even (or especially) at the risk of fucking up. [Jan/Feb 2006, p.98]
  2. Playlouder
    90
    Turns out what the world was waiting for really was those that saved guitars finally making a record that truly reaped the rewards of their efforts. Is this it? OH GOD YES!
    Read full review
  3. Slant Magazine
    50
    First Impressions introduces some subtle new colors to the band's musical palette... but the pervasive sense of inert boredom, which has been noted as a strength in the past, is difficult to shake.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »