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

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  1. 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."
  2. Joe
    Jan 3, 2006
    10
    It takes a few listens to love it,but once you love it,you love it!!
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. AaronS
    Jan 3, 2006
    1
    Terribly boring album. I mean when you rip off Barry Manilow for a melody....c'mon now!
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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
  9. wasp2020C
    Jan 3, 2006
    10
    Superb album.
  10. BertJ
    Jan 3, 2006
    9
    about as good as Room on Fire
  11. 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
  12. 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!
  13. 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
  14. 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
  15. TomB
    Jan 3, 2006
    6
    not bad, not great.
  16. 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.
  17. 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.
  18. 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.
  19. 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!!!!
  20. pylert
    Jan 2, 2006
    1
    this is pretty bad
  21. talis
    Jan 2, 2006
    9
    i was afraid it will be crap after two great albums, but luckily i was wrong
  22. TylerW
    Jan 2, 2006
    5
    It sucks.
  23. wardf.
    Jan 2, 2006
    10
    After repeated listens, the album really grows on you.
  24. 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.
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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
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