Room On Fire
by The Strokes
  • Record Label: RCA
  • Release Date: Oct 28, 2003
User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 330 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 305 out of 330
  2. Mixed: 14 out of 330
  3. Negative: 11 out of 330

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  1. xqcTF
    Aug 12, 2022
    8
    After releasing "Is This It" two years prior, The Strokes had a lot to live up to. "Room On Fire", I believe, expands on the ideas shown in their debut, but with much better production. "12:51" offers a really soothing guitar harmonisation under the vocals that gives a really good vibe and is super catchy. "Under Control" has a very important drum fill that kicks off each chorus, creatingAfter releasing "Is This It" two years prior, The Strokes had a lot to live up to. "Room On Fire", I believe, expands on the ideas shown in their debut, but with much better production. "12:51" offers a really soothing guitar harmonisation under the vocals that gives a really good vibe and is super catchy. "Under Control" has a very important drum fill that kicks off each chorus, creating an amazing energy and bravado. The only negative thing I feel is that there are some tracks that aren't as good as the rest, but I still find myself enjoying.… Expand
  2. It'sme.
    Nov 13, 2003
    7
    Pretty good album that takes at least 5 good listens before you "get" it. Don't hate them because critics praise them. If you're gonna hate them, hate them because you don't like their music. Not many bands make a sophomore album as good as this.
  3. JonathanH
    Apr 13, 2004
    7
    It's not the great album some people say it is, it's not as good as their first, but it's still a solid rock album that knows when to quit before it gets tedious
  4. Tyler
    Jul 4, 2004
    7
    People expect so much from each new album of an artist/group. I guess that is granted given modern economics. However, even though costs and spending may have changed I don't think the creative process has changed much. I don't often like to mention the Beatles much in reviews, as they are on a different plain - but their body of work will best illustrate my point. The first People expect so much from each new album of an artist/group. I guess that is granted given modern economics. However, even though costs and spending may have changed I don't think the creative process has changed much. I don't often like to mention the Beatles much in reviews, as they are on a different plain - but their body of work will best illustrate my point. The first four Beatles records were seemingly carbon-copies of each other (and much of the songs were covers). Give the Strokes some time to evolve and incorporate other influences into sound and perhaps we will be blessed with a modern day "Rubber Soul", "Sgt. Pepper", or "Abbey Road" (whatever your preference). Although that seems unlikey, I'm not sure what other paths the VU/Television sound has left to take: punk, noise pop, shoegaze - hopefully there's something left.… Expand
  5. BryanB
    Dec 5, 2003
    7
    Overall, a good album....typical Strokes. Nothing new, but consistent with the quality of their last album. Why change a winning formula??
  6. Vampire25
    Feb 11, 2011
    7
    The Strokes debut album Is This It redefined garage punk rock. But there second album Room On Fire was a slight disappointment. The songs aren't as catchy and they're not as vibrant as the tracks on their first album. But still nevertheless a good album. It had some really strong tracks and some really not so strong tracks. All In All, A little bit of a disappointment but still a good album. B
  7. frightopia
    Mar 10, 2023
    7
    Didn't have any major standouts, but it was still an enjoyable listen! Really no skips
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Awards & Rankings

9
#9 Most Discussed Album of 2003
20
#20 Most Shared Album of 2003

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 31 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 24 out of 31
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 31
  3. Negative: 1 out of 31
  1. Prefix Magazine
    Jun 6, 2013
    80
    [Casablancas] builds atmosphere out of evocative lyrics and emotional scenery, and he does it without leaning on linear narrative or songs with singular interpretations.
    Read full review
  2. Rolling Stone
    80
    In the face of hysterical expectation, the Strokes have resisted the temptation to hit the brakes, grow up and screw around with a sound that doesn't need fixing -- yet.
    Read full review
  3. Nude As The News
    90
    The album is arguably better than the group's much-heralded debut, if by "better" we just mean more sonically impressive overall.
    Read full review
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