Is This It?
by The Strokes
User Score
8.9

Universal acclaim- based on 732 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 668 out of 732
  2. Mixed: 22 out of 732
  3. Negative: 42 out of 732

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  1. thegeoffhanson
    Aug 18, 2023
    10
    This album adopted a new genre of garage rock music. It's perfect..This album was the reason why we have bands like the Arctic Monkeys today.
  2. DBowieStan
    Jul 22, 2023
    10
    Is this it made a generation, every song understands how a teenage can feel, with solid rock and a great sound, influence a lot of artists in this new era, one, of the best alternative albums of all time, simply music.
  3. frightopia
    Feb 25, 2023
    8
    A very solid album, it will definitely grow on me as I keep listening to the tracks!
  4. xqcTF
    Aug 12, 2022
    10
    The carelessness and full-sounding production had lead to "Is This It" being a joy to listen to. There is a stretch of three songs, "The Modern Age", "Soma", and "Barely Legal", which sound like pretty much one song, yet offer their own great ideas. This album embodies the organised messiness of The Strokes.
  5. Franco853
    Aug 11, 2022
    10
    Obra maestra del rock indie el mejor album de los strokes Someday mejor cancion
  6. fahim98
    Jun 14, 2022
    9
    Great debut. This is an album that has a lot of repeat value. One of the best of the decade. Highlights: "Hard to Explain", "Last Nite", "Soma". Couldn't have asked for a better debut.
  7. trulyunknown
    Mar 28, 2022
    9
    Classic album, great sound. One of my favorite rock albums. There are a few misses, but it's still great.
  8. ohsbruh
    Dec 13, 2021
    10
    This album is amazing. One of the best debut albums in general. This really was one of the leaders of the early 2000s revival of rock. The overall sound of it is just so mesmerizing and Julian’s vocals are almost used as an instrument blending in with the music. The small overdrive on his voice makes his screaming and intense vocals sound less intrusive and sound amazing. one of their bestThis album is amazing. One of the best debut albums in general. This really was one of the leaders of the early 2000s revival of rock. The overall sound of it is just so mesmerizing and Julian’s vocals are almost used as an instrument blending in with the music. The small overdrive on his voice makes his screaming and intense vocals sound less intrusive and sound amazing. one of their best albums.… Expand
  9. LenReviews
    Sep 23, 2021
    10
    Is this it is a masterpiece, simply put this album is great. Every song on this album is perfect. My favorite has to be the song "is this it". This is a must-listen.
  10. Vformusika
    Sep 4, 2021
    10
    What can I say about this masterpiece? One of the best albums of the 21st century, a CLASSIC !
  11. andyd14
    Jun 20, 2021
    0
    This is possibly the worst album I have ever heard. I’d rather listen to some crusty Kraft Mac n cheese heat up in a microwave than this album, because they sound about the same, but the Mac n cheese has more variety than this piece of crap project
  12. clem666
    Feb 19, 2021
    8
    If you have a natural inclination for rock you simply can't simply hate this album. 'Is This It' is one of the major garage rock project and is surprising by its vitality, vivacity and energy.

    Some songs appear to follow an agreed-upon style and structure. In overall they all look the same in tgeir structure as they only differ from each other by the rhythm, the shoutings and the guitar    If you have a natural inclination for rock you simply can't simply hate this album. 'Is This It' is one of the major garage rock project and is surprising by its vitality, vivacity and energy.

    Some songs appear to follow an agreed-upon style and structure. In overall they all look the same in tgeir structure as they only differ from each other by the rhythm, the shoutings and the guitar riffs. Speaking of singing I found Casablancas' voice kind of boring after a few times. There is no variation in his work and he manages to only make the volume vary. It all quickly becomes monotonous and raging. Fortunately instruments are here to bring more rhythm and emotions.    … Expand
  13. Limet
    Nov 25, 2020
    10
    Incredible retrosound, all the songs are complete, and all are equally good. This album is what I use as an example for the phrase "less is more".
  14. Iwan02
    Oct 25, 2020
    0
    It feels like every song is building up to an incredible chorus that they didn’t have the talent to write. Let’s be honest, if you ignore the hype the album is a little bit ****
  15. Tigor_
    Oct 23, 2020
    10
    This is the best album of the 00s. The album is fun and catchy as hell, eleven perfect tracks. The strokes best record for sure.
  16. imthenoob
    Apr 15, 2020
    10
    This album played a large part in the revival of indie rock and there is no way someone can understate its importance. Is This It? has withstood the test of time and remains one of the best albums the genre has to offer.
  17. davidpaulmesa
    Apr 6, 2020
    10
    The Strokes are a band that I didn't get into until 2010, going back to Is This It was like finding out I've been missing something great my whole life.
  18. drongodan
    Apr 1, 2020
    10
    Every song is great. New York City Cops and Last Nite are my personal favourites
  19. LogieBat
    Feb 3, 2020
    9
    “Is this it?” Brings unique rifs with light hearted tones contrasted by dark lyrics about love and heartbreak.
  20. darklatinbruh
    Jun 9, 2019
    9
    Fantastic debut record by the new york band The strokes. Truly fantastic.

    Minor Flawed.

    Final Rating: 8.8
  21. Andremax
    Oct 30, 2018
    9
    With their charming awkwardness and direct-and-straight sound, it's understandable why Strokes were called "saviors of rock". Not for technical in their instruments, but for their Rock n' roll spirit putting a smile in our faces with a simple but cool music, as a few bands in its time (we're talking about 2001) and nowadays does it.
  22. PauliAlexander
    Sep 23, 2018
    10
    Although the early noughties were dominated by nu-metal and post-grunge, this garage rock LP ironically (okay, maybe not so) ended up being the most storied music of that era. From the rather sunnier feeling of Someday to the somewhat brash stylings of New York City Cops, this classic LP is a must in your collection!
  23. Morguein
    Mar 6, 2018
    9
    Cuando salió el album yo ni sabía tirarme pedos, pero al escucharlo ahora uno se hace a la idea de la melancolía que es escucharlo después de 17 años. Retro, fácil de digerir, no muy elaborado pero a su vez, brillante. El album que revivió ese rock que ya se daba por perdido. Por algo es el mejor album de la primera década del siglo.

    Lo mejor: The Modern Age, Barely legal, Someday, New    Cuando salió el album yo ni sabía tirarme pedos, pero al escucharlo ahora uno se hace a la idea de la melancolía que es escucharlo después de 17 años. Retro, fácil de digerir, no muy elaborado pero a su vez, brillante. El album que revivió ese rock que ya se daba por perdido. Por algo es el mejor album de la primera década del siglo.

    Lo mejor: The Modern Age, Barely legal, Someday, New york city cops, Hard to explain    … Expand
  24. MoralSupport
    Jan 28, 2018
    10
    The best album of the 2000's no questions asked. The simplistic rock and roll vibe of the whole album really brings nostalgia onto all who listen, even those who weren't old enough to remember when the album was released. Is This It is the best rock album released in the 21st century, and I doubt any band will ever top this phenomenal album.
  25. mellonhead
    Jan 3, 2018
    9
    More than fifteen years later, The Strokes are washed up and hardly exist. It always sucks when a bands crowning achievement comes first and they just seem to get worse and worse, but this is about what happened to them. If The Strokes had a great album, it would be this one, but this one is still no masterpiece. Most of them are worthy instant hits and genuinely great songs, but even withMore than fifteen years later, The Strokes are washed up and hardly exist. It always sucks when a bands crowning achievement comes first and they just seem to get worse and worse, but this is about what happened to them. If The Strokes had a great album, it would be this one, but this one is still no masterpiece. Most of them are worthy instant hits and genuinely great songs, but even with this album there are some slight cracks here and there already forming. Not sure why they get so many Stones references... definitely an overhyped album... Listen to this, it's worthwhile, an important album, and a stellar debut, but beware of becoming a huge fan. You might get pretty disappointed by their post Room on Fire stuff.
    GRADE: A-
    FAVORITE TRACKS: Is This It, The Modern Age, Soma, Barely Legal, Someday, Last Nite, Hard to Explain, Trying Your Luck
    LEAST FAVORITE TRACKS: When It Started    … Expand
  26. Ricko
    Sep 26, 2017
    9
    Classic debut album from a band that had the world in the palm of their hand for a brief moment. One of the first great albums of the 21st century and not a weak track in sight. Perhaps not enough classic tracks to warrant a 10 but a very definite 9, pushing towards a 10. The ultimate test of album is that of time and it still sounds great, even a little bit better, when you listen to itClassic debut album from a band that had the world in the palm of their hand for a brief moment. One of the first great albums of the 21st century and not a weak track in sight. Perhaps not enough classic tracks to warrant a 10 but a very definite 9, pushing towards a 10. The ultimate test of album is that of time and it still sounds great, even a little bit better, when you listen to it now. Raw, wild and vibrant. The only negative attached to "Is This It" for me is that it's a pity that The Strokes never truly followed up on their inital promise. "Hard to Explain" is still one of my favourite songs but the swagger on this album is incredible. Some of the best guitar intro's you'll come across.… Expand
  27. BiscuitBuff
    Sep 12, 2017
    10
    "Is This it" is one of those fantastic albums, that just comes around when your life is changing. The feeling of this album is so hard to describe. It creates excitement, and nostalgia. Each song creates a setting, a mood of urban life. From being in a girl's apartment late at night in "Is This It" or strolling through New York City in "When It Started". "Is This It" is most likely the"Is This it" is one of those fantastic albums, that just comes around when your life is changing. The feeling of this album is so hard to describe. It creates excitement, and nostalgia. Each song creates a setting, a mood of urban life. From being in a girl's apartment late at night in "Is This It" or strolling through New York City in "When It Started". "Is This It" is most likely the best rock album of the 2000's, it created so much. There is no album like "Is This It", many people will try to recreate it or make something like it but it will never work. "Is This It" will remain a nostalgic, melancholy masterpiece. Is This it will always remain my favorite album of all time.… Expand
  28. PeterGBigWang
    Jun 15, 2016
    10
    As an avid fan of bands like the Arctic Monkeys, Kings of Leon, Modest Mouse etc. this is my favourite album of all time. Every song is captivating and should be considered an all time classic.
  29. ToffeeBoy
    Sep 11, 2015
    10
    Amazing album, every song is 9/10 minimum. "Soma" "Someday" "NYC Cops" "Hard to Explain" are my highlights.

    Julian's voice is very unique with the slight distortion, and everything the strokes do on this album is seemingly so effortless and exquisitely constructed and water tight. It makes you realize how hard it must have been to write this album, all songs sound so simple and it    Amazing album, every song is 9/10 minimum. "Soma" "Someday" "NYC Cops" "Hard to Explain" are my highlights.

    Julian's voice is very unique with the slight distortion, and everything the strokes do on this album is seemingly so effortless and exquisitely constructed and water tight.

    It makes you realize how hard it must have been to write this album, all songs sound so simple and it makes you wonder why no one had thought of the idea to merge the likes of Velvet Underground, Ramones and Television, into one mainstream, catchy and modernized piece of art before.

    Really is one of the best albums to have ever been made, especially in the era in which it came. Phenomenal.    … Expand
  30. SoLonely
    Aug 7, 2015
    10
    Kind of defines Garage rock. So catchy and such a great look at life in the city. The lyrics are clever and ring true on all subjects. Julian Casablancas may not have the best voice, but it was made for this album.
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Awards & Rankings

3
#3 Best Album of 2001
2
#2 Most Discussed Album of 2001
10
#10 Most Shared Album of 2001

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
91

Universal acclaim - based on 26 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 26 out of 26
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 26
  3. Negative: 0 out of 26
  1. New Musical Express (NME)
    Apr 24, 2013
    100
    Simply put, Strokes have every quality rock'n'roll requires from its finest exponents and Is This It is where they come together.
    Read full review
  2. AllMusic
    90
    Able to make the timeworn themes of sex, drugs, and rock & roll and the basic guitars-drum-bass lineup seem new and vital again, the Strokes may or may not be completely arty and calculated, but that doesn't prevent Is This It? from being an exciting, compulsively listenable debut...
    Read full review
  3. HOB.com
    70
    Their album is little more than thirty minutes and eleven versions of the same song. But damn if that one song isn't a good one.
    Read full review
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