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. AshleyC
    Feb 19, 2006
    9
    Couldn't agree more with Elene - the negativity levelled toward First Impressions is highly frustrating. The band were at liberty to bang out a third, battered copy of Is This It but, instead, have clearly, and bravely, gone for broke. Yes the album is a couple of tracks too long and some experiments don't quite work but the overall level is very high and it is a BIG grower.
  2. DougL
    Mar 28, 2006
    9
    Not as consistantly good as the first two albums, but nevertheless a handful of good tunes in the first half of the album. The guitarists have really stepped it up a notch on this effort as well. I would think old fans would appreciate this one for sure
  3. jo
    Mar 7, 2006
    9
    VISION OF DIVISION blows me away every time, amazing hook, amazing song, amazing solo... other highlights are Heart In a Cage (glad its the new single) and Juicebox for me personally. Very good album!
  4. RonG
    May 8, 2006
    9
    The one that converted me Better vocals, more inventive guitars - such an improvement on the boring sounds of the past
  5. MattK
    Jan 9, 2007
    9
    This album is great, and if your a fan of previous work of the Strokes, you will not be disappointed with this effort. The music sounds fresh!
  6. Link
    Apr 20, 2007
    9
    The most authentic rock-n-roll album to be released in the last ten years. Killer solos, catchy rhythms, and beautifully crafted lyrics. The Strokes have outdone themselves. And the music is AWESOME in concert
  7. MarkK
    Jun 5, 2007
    9
    it´s been a while since this was released and i recently heard it again. My impressions from back then were good , it sounded like a massive improvement in production, and i liked a couple of songs , but i never gave this album the atention i now know it deserved, mainly becuase i got distracted by other releases and frankly i got a little caught up in the critical reception it got it´s been a while since this was released and i recently heard it again. My impressions from back then were good , it sounded like a massive improvement in production, and i liked a couple of songs , but i never gave this album the atention i now know it deserved, mainly becuase i got distracted by other releases and frankly i got a little caught up in the critical reception it got and the overall sentiment that this was a dissapointment. Well , having listened to this again , for numerous times , i can say i LOVE it. IMHO, much better than the first two. It has such great guitar lines, with both sublime melodies and awesome tech.Nick and Albert just sound beautiful here, i´m impressed with these guys. Fab must have taken lessons or something , because he does some great drumming here and plays miles better than his old amateurish stuff. And Julian finally sounds like his singing and trying his best at it . And apart from the total upgrade in overall sound, the songs, while being still catchy and very strokes, are more diverse and interesting. Im not giving this a 10 becuase some songs frankly annoy me or i think are filler, like "Ask Me Anything", "Killing Lies" and "15 minutes" , but for the rest of them , a 9 seems fair enough.… Expand
  8. JohnK
    Jan 13, 2006
    9
    wiked album, well worth it. only 1 song i hate ,"ask me anything"....... :@
  9. talis
    Jan 2, 2006
    9
    i was afraid it will be crap after two great albums, but luckily i was wrong
  10. 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.
  11. 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."
  12. 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.
  13. JeffC.
    Jan 7, 2006
    9
    Great Album! Better than "Room On Fire"
  14. BellaC
    Mar 21, 2006
    9
    I love this album! Altough it is not as good as its predecessors Is This It and Room On Fire. The best song is definitly Heart In A Cage. Casablancas vocals are splendid.
  15. DylanR
    Feb 25, 2007
    9
    Great album, it's awsome, I listen to it all the time.
  16. FrankieM.
    Jan 18, 2008
    9
    I wasnt going to buy this album due to mixed reviews but then i heard you only live once and i thought why not buy it and now im so happy i did. my faviourite tracks are juicebox,vision of division, ize of the world and you only live once. also impressed by the guitar work the best ive heard from the strokes
  17. mikeb
    Jan 11, 2006
    9
    Completely different from their previous two albums; but in a good way. Much more diverse and experimental.
  18. BMikols
    Mar 21, 2006
    9
    I also think this album is fantastic. It, like previous Strokes albums, gets better with each listen. Critics say it only has six or seven good songs. What other album in recent memory had that many good tracks? Not as good as Is This It? It will be hard to ever overachieve when held against such high criteria. Some of their best songs are on this album
  19. daver
    Oct 13, 2009
    9
    Love this cd as much of the other two, i don't care what the "critics" say about it, Their music is something refreshing.
  20. Amelia
    Dec 24, 2006
    9
    I pity those who can't appreciate the brilliance of this album (nelson) and cheers to precious - I too love electricityscape and RED LIGHT is my absolute favourite - listen to that gutiar--- oh my goodness they are brilliant. and strokes lovers check out albert hammond jrs solo album - it is fantastic.
  21. spacecadet
    May 14, 2011
    9
    the most underrated album of the last decade, just falls flat of a masterpiece.
    maybe a little too long. isn't as fun start to finish as the first two. but the songs are equally as strong. if they'd cut the songs that aren't as good as others.namely: ask me anything and killing lies. it will just as good as the first two. though i must agree it strays a bit from the formula that made them    the most underrated album of the last decade, just falls flat of a masterpiece.
    maybe a little too long. isn't as fun start to finish as the first two. but the songs are equally as strong. if they'd cut the songs that aren't as good as others.namely: ask me anything and killing lies. it will just as good as the first two. though i must agree it strays a bit from the formula that made them famous. it doesn't stray to bad places    … Expand
  22. drongodan
    Apr 1, 2020
    9
    The divisive album! Personally loved it. Favourite tracks Razorblade, Ize of the World
  23. Franco853
    Aug 11, 2022
    9
    Me gusta y no me gusta xdxdxdxdxdxdxdxd
    Xdxdxdxdxdxdxdxxdxdxdxdxxxdxxdxdxdxz
  24. 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!
  25. 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.
  26. 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
  27. 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
  28. 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
  29. JamesF
    Aug 10, 2006
    8
    Yes, the media enduced hype has burned out but what is still left is the blatant evolution of the strokes music. On tracks such as ize of the world , vision of division, ask me anything and even the well recieved juicebox it is evident that first impressions of earth is evidence that the strokes are fully capable of diversification. please - ignore what the critics say
  30. 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).
  31. DavidH
    Jan 17, 2006
    8
    A pretty solid 3rd offering in my opinion.
  32. whiteskin
    Jan 21, 2006
    8
    just take it or leave it...:)
  33. StephenC
    Jan 23, 2006
    8
    Not as cool as This IS It, but much cooler than Room On Fire. The opener is probably the best song I've heard from the strokes and Juice box is contagious. It seems as though they haven't tried to make a hit, they've just made an album which they wanted to do and the resulrts are great. Cassablacas' (Don't know how to spell it but you know who i mean) voice Not as cool as This IS It, but much cooler than Room On Fire. The opener is probably the best song I've heard from the strokes and Juice box is contagious. It seems as though they haven't tried to make a hit, they've just made an album which they wanted to do and the resulrts are great. Cassablacas' (Don't know how to spell it but you know who i mean) voice isn't perfect and that what makes it perfect and what make up the Strokes sound. Who wants to sound like a pop star anyway? Not these guys.… Expand
  34. 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.
  35. 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
  36. 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.
  37. 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
  38. Dave
    Feb 16, 2006
    8
    An excellent album. The only reason the critics didn't get this is that they didn't listen enough. If you put this on for the first time in the mindset that any first impression other than immediate mind-blowing amazement is a failure to deliver on some kind of promise that's been hyped up by the media, you'll resent it. Give it a few listens, though, and you will love An excellent album. The only reason the critics didn't get this is that they didn't listen enough. If you put this on for the first time in the mindset that any first impression other than immediate mind-blowing amazement is a failure to deliver on some kind of promise that's been hyped up by the media, you'll resent it. Give it a few listens, though, and you will love it. Like both the other Strokes albums, really. Except that the musicianship's gone up a notch.… Expand
  39. Miguel
    Feb 4, 2006
    8
    It's a grower. "You Only Live Once" is amazing. The second half drags a bit, but you gotta give The Strokes credit for sucking it up and putting efforts into rejuvinating themselves.
  40. StephenD
    Mar 30, 2006
    8
    There is no way this record deserves a 67 from critics. serious hating going on here. there are a ton of great songs on this album and maybe 3 to 4 bum tunes. People are just pissy about David Kahne being involved and otherwise, i don't know, deaf? jealous? i can't figure it out.
  41. ElliotM
    Jun 3, 2006
    8
    It certainly doesn't demand as many repeat listenings as its forebears (mostly due to its flabby nature and a couple of lacklustre tracks), but it still boasts the wonderful catchiness and musicianship. First Impressions.. almost runs out of steam after its fantastic opening stride, but their willingness to try new things - even if not always particularly successful - keeps it It certainly doesn't demand as many repeat listenings as its forebears (mostly due to its flabby nature and a couple of lacklustre tracks), but it still boasts the wonderful catchiness and musicianship. First Impressions.. almost runs out of steam after its fantastic opening stride, but their willingness to try new things - even if not always particularly successful - keeps it afloat. While previously each band member contributed to an overall sound, now each layer of music is easier to pick out (such as in the shuddering guitar and thrumming bass of Juicebox, and the upbeat drumming of Red Light) - and is all the better for it. Julian's voice, fuzziness begone, still remains one of the less urgent-sounding in rock, but it suits the music perfectly, and isn't that what's most important?… Expand
  42. 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
  43. BaldvinE
    Jan 17, 2006
    8
    I´m a fan of the Strokes. Not their best work, but it works.
  44. 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.
  45. AddlerS
    Dec 2, 2006
    8
    The instruments sound great! The first half of this album is very good and then it declines, but nonetheless it is a good piece of work from The Strokes and we're interested to hear what's next from them, which will be a critical release.
  46. vjason
    Jan 25, 2006
    8
    I will not do a critic as a journalist but just express how much I love this album. In first time, before it was on the stores I had some songs like "razorblade" or "you only live once". I loved them ,the way they were going to, the guitars' sounds =>it made me feel better because they are the type of songs that strike you.And after a while I had "juicebox".I was so surprised because I will not do a critic as a journalist but just express how much I love this album. In first time, before it was on the stores I had some songs like "razorblade" or "you only live once". I loved them ,the way they were going to, the guitars' sounds =>it made me feel better because they are the type of songs that strike you.And after a while I had "juicebox".I was so surprised because of the intro , I don't really appreciated it(the intro).But the rest of the track don't deceive me. Finally I had three songs really cool : the strokes don't changed a lot finally , there was the same spirit in the songs:" the strokes'touch" was there.The melodies were worked ("razorblade", "you only live once"). So, now I have the album I can say that Julian really impressed me==> whoah! what an evolution! Julian control his voice it's awesome!(I don't say he was bad before but now he is very good) what an album! I can almost feel Julian's feelings , it's fantastic! "vision of division", "fear of sleep"==>those songs show the changement.the voice and the instruments are perfect. "electricityscape"=> I adore the way where Julian sing and the guitars..so beautiful when Julian stop.Fabrizio is fantastic in,with a cool entry. "heart in a cage"=>one of the tracks that resort from this album.There is a passage who make me think to "radiohead".=>like the album,fresh and well done "on the other side" is a cry … Expand
  47. Alex
    Jan 28, 2006
    8
    I've listened to this album about 10 times now and I must say it keeps getting better. When I first listened to it, I was disapointed. It did not sound like The Strokes I knew and was expecting. After I forced myself to listen to them more, hoping there was something more here, I was pleasantly suprised. The songs grow on you, well for the most part. "On the Other Side" is pretty I've listened to this album about 10 times now and I must say it keeps getting better. When I first listened to it, I was disapointed. It did not sound like The Strokes I knew and was expecting. After I forced myself to listen to them more, hoping there was something more here, I was pleasantly suprised. The songs grow on you, well for the most part. "On the Other Side" is pretty weak, as well as "Ask Me Anything". The rest of the songs are pretty good. "Heart In A Cage", "Vision of Division", and "Fear Of Sleep" are the top tracks on the album. Overall there are far more strong tracks than weak. Overall, it is worth the buy, if you have the patience.… Expand
  48. 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
  49. 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.
  50. 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
  51. 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
  52. SteveB
    Feb 18, 2006
    8
    The Strokes needed to break out with something new or they were finished. The first 6 tracks of this album are fantastic and fresh. The rest, well, not so much. If they had trimmed the album down to 10 songs, critics would have loved it. My attitude is, the first 6 songs are so good that I don't care what the rest of the album sounds like. How many other albums can boast that many The Strokes needed to break out with something new or they were finished. The first 6 tracks of this album are fantastic and fresh. The rest, well, not so much. If they had trimmed the album down to 10 songs, critics would have loved it. My attitude is, the first 6 songs are so good that I don't care what the rest of the album sounds like. How many other albums can boast that many good songs?… Expand
  53. AlexC
    Apr 6, 2006
    8
    C'mon, this album deserves a better rating! The first 8 tracks are all killers so i'll give it an 8. The album dies a bit towards the end, which was not a tendency of the first two albums, but there are more tracks on here so that's understandable. God damn I love The Strokes!
  54. AlessandroO
    May 30, 2006
    8
    Everybody said that The Strokes would have failed with the third album. I would say that Casablancas &co. have the talent to make "classic" almost every song they edit. Maybe ten minutes (and 4 tracks) less would be better, but please, from now on nobody say that The Strokes are over!
  55. 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
  56. 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.
  57. MC
    Dec 16, 2006
    8
    A real grower. So very bold. The guiter riffs are awesome , and the drumming skills of Fab Moretti are really evident here. And only The Strokes could pull off a song like Ize of the World.
  58. MarioP
    Jan 29, 2006
    8
    I had some reservations on this album, but after a few listens I must say it really is quite great. The first 4 songs are brilliant, as in my opinion is Electricityscape. The rest are interesting songs, barring Killing Lies, Fear of Sleep and Evening Sun: the album would be much more solid without those stinkers. Nonetheless, this CD marks a nice evolution for The Strokes and I'm I had some reservations on this album, but after a few listens I must say it really is quite great. The first 4 songs are brilliant, as in my opinion is Electricityscape. The rest are interesting songs, barring Killing Lies, Fear of Sleep and Evening Sun: the album would be much more solid without those stinkers. Nonetheless, this CD marks a nice evolution for The Strokes and I'm really enjoying it.… Expand
  59. Elene
    Feb 11, 2006
    8
    i don't know why everyone is saying it's not a good album. the album was great and had alot of really good songs. razorblade, you only live once, and on the other side are awesome tracks. everyone is complaining about julian's voice .. but on the other hand .. everyone is bitchin how they had the same sound. they changed, and now people are giving them crap. just deal. i don't know why everyone is saying it's not a good album. the album was great and had alot of really good songs. razorblade, you only live once, and on the other side are awesome tracks. everyone is complaining about julian's voice .. but on the other hand .. everyone is bitchin how they had the same sound. they changed, and now people are giving them crap. just deal. it's a sweet album from a sweet band.… Expand
  60. TBone
    Feb 14, 2006
    8
    There's some good stuff on this album. I can't figure out why critics hate this so much, maybe it' s because the Strokes have been around for a while. Critics seem to not like established acts at all. Razorblade is 5 stars, as is You Only Live Once. Heart in a Cage is pretty good. I really don't like Juicebox.
  61. zgodula
    Apr 5, 2018
    8
    you only live once 9.5
    juicebox 7.5
    heart in a cage 8
    razorblade 7.75
    on the other side 8.5
    vision of division 8.5
    ask me anything 8.5
    electricityscape 7.5
    killing lies 7.5
    fear of sleep 7.5
    15 minutes 6.5
    ize of the world 7.5
    evening sun 8.5
    red light 8.5
  62. Vampire25
    Jan 18, 2011
    8
    The Strokes have no doubt changed their style in music. This sounds like a garage punk album. Julian Casablanca's vocals are louder on this album and he sounds like a punk rocker whereas in their first album Is This It, his voice sounds more smoother. It's a good change. It sounds great. Especially for their third album considering Room On Fire was disappointing. "Juicebox" is my favoriteThe Strokes have no doubt changed their style in music. This sounds like a garage punk album. Julian Casablanca's vocals are louder on this album and he sounds like a punk rocker whereas in their first album Is This It, his voice sounds more smoother. It's a good change. It sounds great. Especially for their third album considering Room On Fire was disappointing. "Juicebox" is my favorite track on this album. "Heart In A Cage" is another great track. And "Ask Me Anything" is also great. All In All, The Strokes haven't made an album as good as their first and they probably never will, but First Impressions Of Earth is a very good album and still shows that The Strokes are still one of the best bands of our generation. B+… Expand
  63. imthenoob
    Apr 15, 2020
    8
    This album definitely grew on me over time and I've come to appreciate it as another step forward in quality, evolving musically and showcasing that they are more than just a typical indie rock band.
  64. EmmeKira
    May 15, 2015
    8
    Definetly not The Strokes are their best, but still a really cool album with many excellent tunes (You Only Live Once, Juicebox, Heart in a Cage, Razorblade), some great songs (Ize of the World, Vision of Division, Electricityscape) and to nice little tracks (Ask me Anything, Red Light). The rest of the album suffers for having some filler moments and a songs that feel a bit too stretchedDefinetly not The Strokes are their best, but still a really cool album with many excellent tunes (You Only Live Once, Juicebox, Heart in a Cage, Razorblade), some great songs (Ize of the World, Vision of Division, Electricityscape) and to nice little tracks (Ask me Anything, Red Light). The rest of the album suffers for having some filler moments and a songs that feel a bit too stretched out and uninspired. Still, The Strokes here where great nonetheless.… Expand
  65. BiscuitBuff
    Sep 13, 2017
    8
    Critics complained about Room on Fire being too similar to Is This It, they change it up and critics hate it. Too me, i don't see how FIOE is a bad record at all. Of course there are a couple filler tracks, like "Fear of Sleep" an "15 Minutes" but those are the ONLY bad songs. The rest are great NEW and DIFFERENT SONGS. The strokes dive into a darker, deeper sound. With lyrics aboutCritics complained about Room on Fire being too similar to Is This It, they change it up and critics hate it. Too me, i don't see how FIOE is a bad record at all. Of course there are a couple filler tracks, like "Fear of Sleep" an "15 Minutes" but those are the ONLY bad songs. The rest are great NEW and DIFFERENT SONGS. The strokes dive into a darker, deeper sound. With lyrics about Julian's Depression and Alcoholism, you can't compare FIOE to Is This it or Room on Fire but in no way is it a bad album. YOLO, Juicebox, Heart in a Cage, Razorblade, On The Other Side, Vision of Division, Ask Me Anything, these are great tracks. it is sad how underrated and overlooked this album is.… Expand
  66. macscam
    Mar 3, 2020
    8
    This is certainly my favorite album by the strokes, and when I recently revisited it I was impressed once again. I find it interesting that their first two albums are rated so much higher. It's actually a pretty different style - their first few abums are obviously far more garage and from Angles onward they moved more toward synthpop. This album is very ornate, though, tons ofThis is certainly my favorite album by the strokes, and when I recently revisited it I was impressed once again. I find it interesting that their first two albums are rated so much higher. It's actually a pretty different style - their first few abums are obviously far more garage and from Angles onward they moved more toward synthpop. This album is very ornate, though, tons of multilayered melodies remind me of Steely Dan actually, but a far more modern flavor. Really this album doesn't let up, and it's pretty much packed front-to-back with earworms. Reminds me at times of Ratatat and Bloc Party as well.… Expand
  67. carminef
    Jan 7, 2006
    7
    The sound tigth but its just ok
  68. 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.
  69. 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.
  70. 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.
  71. 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.
  72. EddieEinarMrtnsnN
    Dec 9, 2007
    7
    First Impressions of Earth offers a matured the Strokes, and although they've lost the skipping and fast-moving appearance of the their two first albums, they've changed their style briefly in favor for something more ambitious. The album opens up as strong as anything, but midway through songs starts behaving half-formed, unusual for someone as Casablancas who's proven First Impressions of Earth offers a matured the Strokes, and although they've lost the skipping and fast-moving appearance of the their two first albums, they've changed their style briefly in favor for something more ambitious. The album opens up as strong as anything, but midway through songs starts behaving half-formed, unusual for someone as Casablancas who's proven himself such an early-matured songwriter. Either way, the band has learned new tricks and they behave just as smart as they did back in the early days, even a bit smarter. Lots of enjoy here, but you can't avoid feeling disappointed as 5 and maybe 6 of the 14 songs doesn't really punch as they could. Anyway; the Strokes rocks and still sounds refreshing.… Expand
  73. BurwellW.
    Jul 12, 2008
    7
    While the first two albums were damn near perfect (if not the second then certainly the first with room on fire trailing close by) first impressions of earth slightly misses its mark. The first two albums were filled with nostalgia entangled within the lyrics and the melodies. This is lost. Hopefully with a new album they can get their mojo back.
  74. 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.
  75. PeterP
    Jan 26, 2006
    7
    The first six songs on this album are fantastic. "You Only Live Once" is one of the best songs they have ever written. "Juicebox" is an ourstanding song, "razorblade" is great with a chorus nicked from Berry Manilow's "mandy", "On the other Side" is another favorite. but After "Vision of Division", the album trails off. the only real standout in the 2nd half is "Ize of the World".
  76. 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.
  77. 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.
  78. daveg
    Jan 7, 2006
    7
    the band's working, but i wish i could say the same for julian.
  79. 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
  80. 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
  81. hfraza
    Apr 25, 2006
    7
    Good, but not so good. But why all the critics say better things about some shitty new bands ( Kasabian, keyser chiefs...)
  82. DanielB.
    Feb 6, 2008
    7
    Good for most of the album but nothing more than solid and how the hell are the strokes indie rock?
  83. BenF
    Feb 14, 2009
    7
    It is different than their previous two albums but still good. "You live only once" is pretty much my favorite track from this album. The rest are decent but not great.
  84. 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
  85. amurabim
    Jun 19, 2006
    7
    At first impression, the new Strokes album is precise. Rocking, well produced, with each member dominating its instrument. The first six roles falling with grace and applomb, but after that, the album feels a little bit boring (no hooks, nothing great). Julian sounds powerful, lyrics are dealing with the fame and the fortune but in a very NY context. After the monumental "You Only Live At first impression, the new Strokes album is precise. Rocking, well produced, with each member dominating its instrument. The first six roles falling with grace and applomb, but after that, the album feels a little bit boring (no hooks, nothing great). Julian sounds powerful, lyrics are dealing with the fame and the fortune but in a very NY context. After the monumental "You Only Live Once" (one of the greatest songs of the year), the album falls proggresively. Exhausting its energy (and our patience) in the latest tracks. It sounds as The Strokes repeating themselves, even with a clear, better sound. With a spirit that combines energy with melancholy and sense of humor. A sound bigger, crunchy. accesible. The voice is in first frame. Guitars are brilliant and some tracks are amazing ("Ask Me Anything" with strings and no drums). But the entire result does not take great heights in art-pop-punk ground. This is an attempt to break frontiers and a try to get attention musically instead comercially.… Expand
  86. williamDOE
    May 28, 2007
    7
    not as bad as most critics will say, but not as good either. granted, their first album was great, so they'll always have to match it. they havent with this album. the album starts off great with their first 4 songs, but the rest just kind of drag on.
  87. JawsPapi87
    Oct 20, 2011
    7
    Very good album. It verges on getting dull in the final few tracks but the calmness of those last few are a great aftermath of sorts from the heavy first tracks. Great guitar and drum work and two unbelievable tracks (Vision of Division & Heart In A Cage).
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 »