A pretty bland album, nothing special or unique at all. It's not horrible album by any means but the scores it recieved do not represent what it really is. Beware if you are going to buy.

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

Nothing bad can be said about this album. The Strokes helped revive garage rock and brought back utter coolness to the genre. Catchy song one after another, with Julian Casablancas' pure rock voice combined with Albert Hammond Jr.'s excellent guitar playing.

The best album of the decade, hands down.

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.

absolutely incredible

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?"

I admit that so far The Strokes have yet to outdo their debut effort, so its understandable to think that they might be a flash in the pan. Still, coming up with an entire album of a masterpiece takes skill. Let's break it down track by track Great tracks: The Modern Age, Soma, Barely Legal, Last Nite, Hard to Explain, Alone Together Good Tracks: When It Started, Is This It, Take It or Leave It, Someday Meh Tracks: Trying Your Luck.… Expand

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

This album hasn't left my cd player. It's marvelous!

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.

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.

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

best album of 2001 hot rocker boys

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).

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.

I picked this CD up about three mouths ago and I love it. The slow moving drums and sick guitar solos and don't forget the melo bass riffs. After the hours I spent with this CD I saw them at the ACC in Tornoto Ont. It was one of the sickest show I have ever gone to. There pretty sweet live go see them.

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!

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...

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.

A+++

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.

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

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

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

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

A case of Emperor's New Clothes if ever there was one. Repetitive, single-note 2/4 monotony by a talentless bunch of no-hopers. Accidentally hyped by NME before discovering they only had one idea. Now everyone has to pretend they see the genius.

Moving and powerful; there isn't a single song on this album that I didn't adore. I listen to it when I'm said, when I'm elated, when I wake up. Keep it handy. Julian Casablancas' voice sounds both bored and emotional, and at times it can carry you away. The guitar: mesmerizing; the lyrics: entirely confusing, but in its ambiguity absolutely profound. This is without a doubt one of the best debut albums in rock history.… Expand

Great album. Possibly one of the greatest.

Very good album

Is This It? is a strong addition to The Strokes' history, and brings Indie Rock to a new level.

This is the best album of our time. Pure brilliance, every track.

good stuff

Almost every song is perfect. Very stripped down, and yet large in sound

The Strokes are the new Bay City Rollers.

God, how overhyped, overrated and overplayed can you get ? Last Nite and Someday are the only songs worth mentioning, working as anthems of our time.

Teriffic. I loved it since I was nine. They bring some classic rock feel into this. One of my favorite music of all time.

No one thinks The Strokes re-invented rock and roll. That was never the claim or the point. I find it interesting that the very people who hate having the press shove music down their throats are the very people who base their opinions of a band's music purely on their media coverage. Is This It? is filled with beautifully crafted rock and roll grooves from start to finish. Pure and simple. If I had one criticism, the lyrics leave a bit to be desired.… Expand

Pure bliss to listen to.

Stunning Debut

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.

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

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

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

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

Best album of 2001 and 2002. cant wait for the next one

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.

Julian.... I have extremely intense feelings for you.... I have to seriously stop looking at your pictures because it gets too overwhelming. You have this nonchalant rebelliousness...

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.

Finally an album with some attitude. Finally an album with some sack, some balls, some cajones. Every song is quality. Retune your ears if you don't like it.

Is this it, the debut album of the Strokes, is a testament to its time, still probably the greatest "indie" album to be created (for what its worth, it still has major influence) in all major venues of the alternative music industry, and to that "Is This It." receives the 10 it deserves.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

worst retro shit ever. perfect for nme readers

This cd is so awesome. Finally, my desires for the perfect band have come true. I listen to this CD like everyday... and I still haven't otten tired of it. My favorite song is Barely Legal. Julian Casablanca's voice is so wonderful.. Its like the best voice ever. I could listen to it alll day. His voice is so sexy!!! I don't get to hear it as much as i'd like to because the retarded stations in Orlando play korn all day. I swear, one time I was like in the car and they played korn like 3 times in a two hour period. Guess how many times they played the strokes? None. Korn sucks... maybe when people realize that the Strokes will get the attention they deserve.… Expand

The best new band around in years, they will enjoy a great, long, decorated (at some point, they got snubbed this year) career. Is This It is one of the best rock albums I've ever had to pleasure of listening to.

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

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.

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

A good album but nowhere near wat all the hype would want you to believe

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

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.

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

Amazing that such a forgettable release generated so much interest. This album scales new heights of mediocrity.

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

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

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

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

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.

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?

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

If you don't like it, I suggest you listen to it more than just once. You also shouldn't judge any album on hype. This album is the definiton of pop-edged rock. They do what they do very well.

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.

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.

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.

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

The best CD I've ever listened to.

Am I the only one who thinks that the strokes are the most overrated band in the world? Kudos to their marketing team to create a buzz before this release, it certainly suckered a lot of people. Their tunes are catchy but ultimately sounds like a bunch of bored rich kids with nothing better to do. There's not much here to be excited about.

The best album of 2001. It's that simply when a band as the Strokes pulled out this excellent debut. Their street-smartness is greatly conceived through singer/songwriter Jules Casablancas' early-matured songwriting as he and the band swaggers throughout the 11 songs. They make the classic rock & roll cliche vital again; hey, just give Someday and Last Nite a listen dude.

From the mid-tempo pop ballad 'Is This It', to the perfect pop-rock that are 'Someday', 'Last Nite' and 'When It Started', it's hard to imagine a more consistent album to come out in 2001. 'Soma', 'Alone, Together', 'Take it or Leave it' are so strong in their own simple energy that you just can't help singing along. Who cares if they're good-looking? It's all about the music!… Expand

Probably one of the best albums i own. Its absolutely awesome. EVERYONE should have it

Bah! It's great shiny pop and you know it. And it does stick in your head. The US cover art and replacement track are better than the UK versions, so buy the former.

This album is amazing

you know any good album takes a few listens to get used to and anyone who didn't give this a ten obviously did not give it the time of day. this is a breathtakingly simple and absolutely amazing album. possibly the best album of the new millennium. this is an absolutely essential album for anyone who is not deaf

Three reasons why this album is a masterpiece: Not an ounce of filler on here. Resurrected indie for the masses. Ages well.

The album is purely amazing. sure it may not be the "definining" or music changing album that the media puts it out to be, but its regardless an extremely good album. Don't hate over the strokes over the hype- its not like they planned it all out?

The strokes neither started nor flaunted the hype, so why would it be their fault if they were hyped by the press? it still doesn't change that this album is solid, powerful and one of the greatest albums of the 2000's.

Amazing first album for a band. The guitar playing the drumming, and the singing was excellent. Cheers Strokes and good luck on many more amazing albums.