The Strokes first album Is This It is like something out of the rock heavens. Just clocking in at a little over half an hour, the songs are catchy and show us what a great and talented band this is. Julian Casablanca is such a hip, cool guy. And his voice is simply amazing. All In All, Is This It is a wonderful album that needs to be heard several times. A-

The beggining of this century brought this pearl that revived indie-rock again. We see the genious Julian Casablancas working with power songs, lyrics, and even better stylish for the rock of this time. The indie bands should get more along with this kind of rock, one of the bests. Marvelous.

The Strokes may not have been able to really follow up this wonderful debut, but thats not a terrible thing. Ensuing efforts have been nice but inferior; Is This It is where the boys could do no wrong.

Forgetting all the hype, Jules, Nikolai, Fab, Albert and Nick did start a new age in rock. Every Indy band of the past decade can owe their success to this album. 11 simple short songs. All pure garage rock. This album is incredible

One of my all time favorite albums and one of the reasons for my giant appreciation and fascination for music. Its sheer simplicity and charismatic take on rock just astonishes me. Compelling and fun lyrics, fantastic composition, great production and it truly feels like it's an album that time traveled from the 1970's.

Love this album, so catchy, one of the best rock albums ever but that's what it is, a rock album, an album about youth and they have captured that essence incredibly.

Yes, The Strokes are impressive and superb. Great quality rock is here, the voice is outstanding . Marked the history and changed and improved the classic genre .

Without a doubt, probably the best album of the decade. In one word : flawless. Simple and complex at the same time, only the Strokes can do this. Unforgettable lyrics and melodies.

The only bad thing that could possibly be said about this album is that it's fairly formulaic, with the same verse-bridge-chorus-verse-bridge-chorus-bridge-chorus etc for most of the songs.
But that doesn't stop them being great songs on a great album. There's no filler here.
The definitive indie rock album

A fantastic album. This is a good enjoyable rock album, the best of The Strokes. It's not completely groundbreaking, but listening to this album is well worth it, from the opening track "Is This It", to the ending track "Take It Or Leave It", you will not be disappointed, unless you think The Strokes are some sort of legends.

AMAZING! That's really all I can call this album. Every song is worth multiple listens. The highlights of this album are definitely the title song, "The Modern Age", "Barely Legal", "Alone, Together", "Last Nite" "New York City Cops", "When It Started", and "Take it or Leave it." Dedicate an hour or two to this album, and it will be pure bliss.

The Strokes' debut album is amazing! Jules Casablanca (lead vocals) provides a natural Lo-Fi sound, which is addictive to listen to. I can't think of a single track from the album I don't thoroughly enjoy. Recommend! Favorite tracks: Hard to Explain, Take It or Leave It, Barely Legal (yet every song has its singularity and fantastic element about it)

"is this it?" is fantastic. truly a landmark album of our generation. its so nonchalant but somehow through the apathy true brilliance is found. yes each song has a similar sound, but they are not the same. additionally, why would you change up the sound when it is good to begin with

This is one of the MUST HAVE albums of the 00s. Too bad their latest albums isn't kicking like this. I hate the fact I have to type 150 characters right now.

Awesome album and a must any for any music fan.
Favorite tracks: Hard to Explain, someday, trying your luck, the modern age, last nite.
Also, its a shame new york city cops had to be removed from the US release, although WHEN IT STARTED is a decent track, NYC is much more entertaining.

I know I'm gonna be a hater, but I really don't care, it's my opinion, but anyway, I really don't see whats so great about The Strokes, especially this album. They have a few good song but there not amazing. Honestly this album and the band are really over hyped, and overstated. Their not revolutionary nor really original. Hard to Explain, Someday, and Last Nite, are the only real saving graces on this album. Their best song is "Under the Cover of Darkness" but that's on their new album. In conclusion, the music on this album isn't gonna change the world, and I was actually kinda pissed when Rolling Stone described Kings of Leon as the "Southern Strokes". I saw as a bad statement.… Expand

I fell in love with this album after the first listen. Amazing vocals, tight song structure, amazing guitar and a chugging back beat; it's almost perfect. The strokes managed to bring back the groove, feeling and melody of 70's rock back to the 21st century. The strokes brought that rawness and soul into music, something that seems to be lacking in most music today. Not only that, they managed to jump start a whole new rock revival in the process, influencing countless bands. A simply essential and classic record.… Expand

"Is This It" has gone down as one of the best albums of the 15 years and, in my opinion, one of the best alternative rock albums of all time. Songs like "Someday" and "Hard to Explain" contain some of the most catchy and feel-good hooks I have ever heard, while others like the title track and "Alone, Together" contain a more authentic sound the Strokes can now call their own. Each song is different, but brilliant guitar melodies and Julian Casablancas' unique vocals remain constant throughout the album (with a bit of **** as well). And when Casablancas' vocals are at their most emotive and strongest (like on "Someday" and "Last Nite"), the Strokes pump out some of the best (upbeat or not) rock tracks of the last 15 years.… Expand

The album is indeed a great raw alternative rock experience. There are no weak tracks well, maybe, Trying Your Luck, for it is my least favorite but it is still a solid good album. I really like the rhythm of the guitar and the charisma the band gives. The lyrics are simply about observations in their lives but still are great because it is written well into the songs.

Simply put- The best album of the last decade.
The Strokes begin the album on a mellow note with the Title Track- Is This It, which delves deep into the urban scene. All the tracks are rock solid and feature some of the best hooks ever made in rock and roll, with my favorites being Last Nite, Barely Legal and Hard to explain. If you are a rock n roll fan, and you haven't listened to Is this it, then its a shame.… Expand

Frankly, I don't understand all the hype surrounding The Strokes. It's not like they're the first band to play music like this. There are many, many bands out there who make better music, but will never reach The Strokes' height of recognition worldwide and in the media, simply because they aren't signed to major record companies. That's all. The Strokes may be fresh to those who have never been exposed to indie bands and such, to those who mostly listen to top 40 radio stations. They're just a bunch of pretty boys with haircuts and clothes that are apparently 'in', but in a trendy way. Their music is, still, radio-friendly. So this is nothing new. … Expand

Very good album for those too young to know how recycled it is.

It's become quite trendy to slag off the strokes. Regardless of the infantile indie/major debate, the fact is the tunes are there and yes as an indie rock fan it is okay to enjoy them.

Most hyped band this year. Their music is ok but quite insubstantial. VU did this much better more than 30 years ago.

I can't figure it out. I've read the glowing reviews and listened to the disc many times, and I just can't understand the fuss. Although they have their good moments, I'm supposed to believe that these guys are the new gods of rock 'n roll? I don't think so. In either case, there is a lot riding on their next release - glad it's not me that has to do it!

Is this it? Really? This what bandwagons full of people are raving about? No, it's not awful...but it's far from great.

Rock music like old people said it used to be, a classic debut album with more hooks than an amputee convention.

I don't mind if VU, Television, The Cars or Stooges did this more than 25 years ago. We're in 2001 and a few bands right now sound as fresh, arrogant, mellodicaly stunning and vital like Casablancas and pals. ¿Hey! check out The Soudtrack of Our Lives and tell me Pink Floyd did this 30 years ago. ¿So what?

This has to be the best album of the year, by lightyears

This album makes me believe in real stone cold, white boy killin' em in Harlem at the Apollo type music. No this album isn't good, it's flawless,and I'm just a little girl of 29 who believes in God again. Thankyou guys. Las Vegas mixed honey, Tauvia Dawn

Very original I love this band.

you know what? if you don't like THE STROKES then, FUCK YOU!!! These guys will rock forever!!!

If I could give this album an even higher rating I would. It's totally got me obsessed. It made me go see them play just a week after i bought the thing, and they were even more amazing live. This is now my favorite band. Trust me this is good music.

best album of 2001 hot rocker boys

Finally Rock and Roll gets a much needed kick in the ass.

absolutely incredible

The bandwagon is off and running. This album is hardly groundbreaking nor nearly as catchy as Nevermind. It will not appeal to middle America at all. That said, for fans of the VU and Television, the album is a treat. Good songs.

The simple fact is that the best songs on the record are the (5) that had already been released on their (2) Rough Trade singles. As I had both them both months ago, the rest was dissapointing. If you have neither single, but my rating to an (8).

This album kicks like the Stones during the Exile on Mainstreet era. It leaves every other rock album of the year seem tame.

Julian Casablancas does such a phenomenal job of channeling the spirit of Lou Reed circa 1967. I don't think album would have been all that great if the The Strokes were from Duluth, MN. But by being New Yorkers they revive that old New York garage band sound earnestly. These song have a definite charisma that pop music has been lacking in a long time. Good things will come from this album.

The Strokes are awesome! Don't let yourself be lost in the Velvet Underground-comparisons, or the long lists of "pre-1977 punk" influences...These five guys pull off a simple yet memorable style with catchy hooks, cute lyrics, and a badass New York attitude. "Is This It?" headlined the modern-rock revival, leaving the Strokes to be touted as "Saviors of Rock 'n Roll." The Strokes may not be revolutionary, and the extreme over-hype may be a turnoff, but, quite simply, this is rock music done right. … Expand

Catchy enough, I suppose, but Is This It? begs the question that its title poses-- that is, 11 tracks after the fact, there's little that sticks in the brain, except for maybe the Strokes's uncanny ability to make Television boring. For me, only "Trying Your Luck" really left an impression.

A band confident enough to bask in the hype lavished upon them, and ballsy enough to actually live up to ridiculous expectations. Taut, fast, catchy rock songs fill this album. Easily enjoyable, even after multiple listens.

this is brilliant it makes you laugh and dance and fell like a total fukcing idiot... if ANYONE would give it less than a 9 u are fucking crazy..( and they are the ebst lookign band by FAR

Ignore the hype - rip away the layers of this, what you get is background music. If you want something unassuming and unambitious that won't grab your attention too much, this is it. But if you're looking for something to grab you, the question "Is This It?", the answer is almost certainly no, though you may well ask yourself the same question.

One of the best albums of all time. I wouldn't be surprised if this kicks off the next wave of good music in the mainstream. It has that landmark feel..like Nevermind 10 years ago.

great music. some of the best stuff i have heard in a while. just keep it comming

This album fuckin rules!!! I will love it forever! Completely genius! Julian Casablancas is a sex god! His voice is amazing! Every little bit of every song is fuckin brilliant, the guitars, the bass, the drums... It rocks!

This album gets better with each listening, unlike the ridiculously overhyped White Stripes album. The first few times you hear it may not be overly impressive but it will grow on you.

Finally a real rock group. with all the crap that is out ,this is cool.

worst retro shit ever. perfect for nme readers

Most hyped band this year. Their music is ok but quite insubstantial. VU did this much better more than 30 years ago.

The Strokes are fucking awesome. Thats all I have to say. Oh, and if you don't like The Strokes, then you don't deserve to go on living. Oh, and Julian Casablanca is incredibly sexy. And so are all the other guys in the band. Oh, and I saw them in concert in Chicago and they were SO GOOD! ok, really, thats it.

This album is strait up and I hope it never goes away. I love these guys and I hope they never sell out!

the lyrics are great. and the whole idea of this group is excellent. whoever doesn't like this cd, especially the london import with "new york cops", sucks.

Album of the year? Probably. But I'd still rather listen to the Velvets

One of the coolest rock albums I've heard in a long time.

loved it, totally different and different from what's out there right now

Mediocre at best. So simple it's sickening, but no horrible in it's own right

I'm not not saying this as an obsessive idiot, I'm saying it as an opinionated music-lover. This is an excellent album which deserves all of the good reviews it gets. Not because it's bringing back old trends or whatever critics are labeling them as, just because it's damn good music and these guys have a load of talent.

I Love This CD... J...ust, Just Great!

Is This It is good for what it is: a straight up fast rock non-punk fest. The strokes don't push boundaries or really do anything innovative here, but Casblancas catchy melodies and Moretti's skillful rhythm make for a pleasing and consistent listen. I woul dbe very disappointed if the follow-up was identical thoguh, so the Strokes had better tread carefully with there very simple sound.… Expand

When I first heard the album I was not very impressed. But once you listen for a while you'll realize this is a great simple rock record and one of the best albums of the year.

A+++

Please, Julian, stop it. Do you use the vocal processor when ordering Starbucks or dismissing groupies? Monotonous, repetitive, derivative...there's just no real emotion on this disc. Sure, they can play...but there's nothing on here that I really want to hear over and over, nothing that sticks in my head. Completely overhyped.

What I love about this album is how every song holds this weird contained emotion, while at the same time, appears almost emotionless. The same can be said about the inward energy of the band. You just imagine the vocals being delivered by a guy standing completely still, entirely motionless, except for his hands. The fingers clench, extend, and shake, just letting you know that despite the almost dead exterior, this man is very much alive.… Expand

pretty much garbage. People who think this is "rock" have never heard rock, apparently. the guy who said "almost emotionless" is right. These guys are total frauds and a glut of similar bands are the reason I can hardly listen to rock today. Thankfully there are still a handful of creative, original artists out there.

absolutely genius music. my god- how can you NOT see this as rock? more importantly so, how can you not at least give it credit for not being a band that sounds as homogenized as just about every other rock album out there?

I'll always have a soft spot for The Strokes and this album. Who can remember how all popular rock music sounded back in 2001? I'll remind you, it was shit!!! .Limp bizquit,Korn,Staind, P.O.D. nu metal was all the rage. And then you had The Strokes they were fresh and original and just what was needed at the time.Well you you dont hear limp bizqit on the radio anymore do you? Great album.… Expand

Everybody's been talking in extremes about this album, but to me, it simply did the job. It stuck to the bare-knuckled essentials of rock, created raw emotion and energy from simplistic music, and provided an enjoyable thirty minutes. Definately nothing incredible, but definately nothing terrible.

"Guitar rock that knows the grit of downtown, understands the seductiveness of a timeless pop song, and recognizes that a great solo can be accomplished in 20 seconds." This album is exceptional from the opening title track to the finale. The best record to come out since London Calling.

Boring, same song and style over and over. How can people call this interesting?

The strokes are the greatest band to come out of any musice scene/genre in the past 15 years. Seminal.

this is one of the most deeply rewarding discs ever made. 10 just isn't enough.

Enough time has passed to solidify this as one of the greatest rock albums ever made.

this album is simply amazing. the fast pace style keeps you wanting more

Many people said this was a bad second album, but the songs were catchy and full of the rock n roll sound i was looking for. kickass album.

Amazing debut. One of the greatest albums ever.

the best band ever. s gold is gay

Not a bad album, but honestly are these guys that good? People have got too damn excited over the Strokes who are somewhat of a lame version of Television. Buy "Marquee Moon" and you will here music a lot like "is this it?" but less repetitive and better guitar playing.

I've had this album for almost a year, and I'm still waiting for the time that I go more than a couple days without a listen.

Perfect.

salute for the strokes!!!! I gave you 10 pts for all your songs.

Thank Bob this terrible trend is over. Rock revival? Whatever.

Desperately over-rated. Mostly forgettable and suprisingly dull. This album really isnt worth all the fuss that surrounds it. However there are several quality tracks on it such as the now classic Last Night and the brilliant Someday. At its best it shines. At its worse it drowns in repetative overproduction

amazing..... it's almost perfect pop-rock.

In my opinion the best albums since 2000 are 1. Is This It? by The Strokes 2. Kid A by Radiohead 3. The Moon & Antarctica by Modest Mouse 4. Franz Ferdinand by Franz Ferdinand 5. Turn On The Bright Lights by Interpol

Yeah it's straight-forward and simple. Yeah it's the most overhyped album for a long time. Yeah they sound slightly similar to The Velvet Underground and Television. But it's still a great album

Shamefully unoriginal and uninteresting--reeks of disingenuity--rock by poseurs for poseurs. (I give it a 1 because poseurs deserve music too.)

There is nothing like a ride in the Pacific Ocean full speed listening to Last Night, Hard to Explain etc etc. They've got it right and I hope they keep it coming! The next Mick? Well I was born too late for Mick and too soon for Julian but a girl can dream...

This album is basically the same dull, droning song rehashed 11 times over, a song that is little more than a rehash of several 70s cliches itself. Far from being a revolutionary album, the Strokes first effort still has more life to it than anything the Nu-Metal crowd is putting out. However, many who were excited by all the hype will find themselves asking "Is This It?"

Driving rhythms, clangy guitars, and Julian Casablancas distorted wail combine to form a sound that(at least in the music scene of 2001) comes off as totally original. Infectious cuts like single "Last Nite" and "Hard to Explain" hit you fast and hard--the whole album clocks in at just over thirty minutes. You'll remember how you felt when you were young, bold, and horny--or at least get to imagine how what that was like. A must have for any modern rock fan burned out on modern rock radio. … Expand

Boring, boring, boring, another instance of the right look in the right place. Hype is certainly a key word for this group because that's all they are.

Caveat: this album will literally rock your balls off. Also recommended: the Hives Veni Vidi Vicious Pussy Rock (Creed, Staind, Linkin Park) is officially out. Rock and Roll is back.

I would have rated higher, but it wasn't an option. This album Rocks!! Not to Mention, the guys are super hot

One of the best releases of 2001. At a time when overproduced Pearl Jam / STP ripoffs are dominating mainstream radio, The Strokes stand out like a sore thumb and take alternative rock back to the raw honesty that made the genre so great in the first place... without sounding a bit like any of the 'grunge' giants.

Other bands may exist that are just like the strokes, but arn't nearly as good. they make it a purpose to sound good and emotional, not differant. every instrument was played with intellagent and power. the bass lines, simple yet perfectly genious. the guitar, full of passion and pure rock. the drums, something old yet so catchy. vocals, who can say no to casablancas voice, listen to the last song on the album and you will know what i mean.… Expand

Hardly the revolutionary album it was made out to be. Sloan and New Bomb Turks do it better than this and have been doing it for longer. English press means nothing, listen to New Bomb Turks instead.