Turn On The Bright Lights
by Interpol
  • Record Label: Matador
  • Release Date: Aug 20, 2002
User Score
8.9

Universal acclaim- based on 409 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 377 out of 409
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 409
  3. Negative: 30 out of 409

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  1. michael417
    Mar 3, 2011
    10
    possibly one of the greatest albums ever recorded. everyone stop comparing them to joy division. just because paul banks sings in a baritone voice, it does not mean he is ripping off ian curtis. it just means he sings in a baritone voice. last time i checked joy division didnt use a ton of reverb, interpol does. interpol is way more melodic than joy division. and i do not see thepossibly one of the greatest albums ever recorded. everyone stop comparing them to joy division. just because paul banks sings in a baritone voice, it does not mean he is ripping off ian curtis. it just means he sings in a baritone voice. last time i checked joy division didnt use a ton of reverb, interpol does. interpol is way more melodic than joy division. and i do not see the similarities with ok computer. yeah its a sad dark album, but i wouldnt say that sad dark albums are exclusive to radiohead. lucky, paranoid android, karma police, climbing up the walls, exit music (for a film), and no surprises sound nothing like this album. stop comparing them. even if they are "ripping them off", they ripped them off in a brilliant way. kurt cobain admitted to ripping off the pixies on nevermind, no one will argue that that album is bad. turn on the bright lights is an amazing album. end of argument… Expand
  2. SilverMan
    Jun 10, 2012
    9
    Why are you users talking just about Joy Division and Radiohead? In fact I really found offensive when someone was talking about OK Computer. Turn On... and OK Computer have nothing in common!! TELEVISION!! Does someone remember this band? Maybe the first band to create melodies based on two guitars? This is the main influence for every indie rock band in the world, specially for Interpol.Why are you users talking just about Joy Division and Radiohead? In fact I really found offensive when someone was talking about OK Computer. Turn On... and OK Computer have nothing in common!! TELEVISION!! Does someone remember this band? Maybe the first band to create melodies based on two guitars? This is the main influence for every indie rock band in the world, specially for Interpol. And the "depressive" sensation? It came from Joy Division, obviously. Forget Radiohead! This is a totally different topic...… Expand
  3. KyleB
    Sep 24, 2004
    10
    Quite simply the best album I've ever heard. This can be confirmed by friends, who are tired of me talking about the greatness that is Interpol.
  4. nash
    Feb 4, 2009
    10
    One of the few albums that does DERSERVE a 10. A great album and the darkest of the collection. Not one weak track in the whole album.
  5. JoshR.
    Sep 14, 2002
    9
    People who compare Interpol to Joy Division haven't listened to enough music. Just because Paul Banks sings in a baritone doesn't mean he's ripping off Ian Curtis. This is a great, pretty original record, and it is *not* "a history lesson" as some have claimed. Buy it and listen with open ears -- one of the best of 2002.
  6. KyleB
    Sep 24, 2004
    10
    Quite simply the best album I've ever heard. This can be confirmed by friends, who are tired of me talking about the greatness that is Interpol.
  7. ScottM
    May 2, 2005
    10
    Electrifying. Passionate. Awesome.
  8. ZakT
    Mar 23, 2006
    10
    One of the greatest albums i've ever purchased. I am writing this more than a year after i initially bought the album and i think the album is better now than i ever did.
  9. RossH
    Apr 2, 2006
    10
    One of, if not the best album ever.
  10. davidr
    Jun 2, 2006
    10
    WOW. After more than 3 years, this album keeps on delivering. One of my faves. And there are probably at most 3 songs which would remind you slightly of Ian Curtis' Joy Division (after someone primes you to look for the influence), but the rest is an original time warp into the post punk era.
  11. DD
    Apr 8, 2007
    10
    The more I listen to this album, the more I realize how brilliant Interpol is and how there the best band in the world. Period. They do everything right and sound amazing doing it. How can you not love this band? These guys are so passionate about what they do. And you can't say that about that many bands out there right now. "Turn On The Bright Lights" is a masterpiece, the best The more I listen to this album, the more I realize how brilliant Interpol is and how there the best band in the world. Period. They do everything right and sound amazing doing it. How can you not love this band? These guys are so passionate about what they do. And you can't say that about that many bands out there right now. "Turn On The Bright Lights" is a masterpiece, the best album I've heard in a long, long time and PDA has to be one of the best songs ever written. I also recommend "Antics" which is another masterpiece by them.There third album has alot to live up to but... I know I won't be dissapointed.… Expand
  12. Drake
    Aug 1, 2007
    10
    This is true Alternative Rock! Fantastic album.
  13. Mikec
    Jan 6, 2008
    10
    Amazing debut.
  14. XY
    Oct 8, 2008
    10
    Album of the decade.
  15. zaja
    Sep 14, 2008
    10
    Just wanted to contribute another 10 score. one of the very, very few true 10.0 records.
  16. S.S.
    Oct 2, 2002
    9
    Rich dark sound. Yes.. there are definitely heavy Joy Division influences, but all music is built upon the past.
  17. eddys
    Oct 6, 2002
    8
    At first it appears all grey and retro, but when you look and listen more intently, the brighter shades and individuality shine through.
  18. joeyl
    Mar 5, 2003
    9
    Yeah. Despite being an intense Joy Division fan who was at first horrified by the reports of Joy Division ripoff, when I heard this album I loved it. At times, they reach the immense heights (or is it depths?) of Joy Division's music. At other times, they achieve their very own brand of dark perfection. Impeccable guitar work, understated and hypnotic, tight arrangements, Yeah. Despite being an intense Joy Division fan who was at first horrified by the reports of Joy Division ripoff, when I heard this album I loved it. At times, they reach the immense heights (or is it depths?) of Joy Division's music. At other times, they achieve their very own brand of dark perfection. Impeccable guitar work, understated and hypnotic, tight arrangements, spinetingling vocals, and lyrics that include such gems as "the subway is a porno" and "I can't pretend I don't need to defend some part of me from you". A stunning debut. I look forward to great things from this group. (and those of you who don't already own it, need to buy Unknown Pleasures by Joy Division and hear what all the fuss is about).… Expand
  19. davidd
    Jan 3, 2004
    9
    Excellent disc. Tense, dark, and beautiful.
  20. JeremyG
    Jan 4, 2004
    9
    Since I don't own a Joy Division album (though 'Closer' is atop my want list at the moment), I'm not burdened with comparing Interpol to them. Looked at on its own, this album stands tall. Brooding and morose... perfect for an overcast fall morning. Or better yet... at sunset.
  21. rpggrrrl
    Feb 7, 2004
    8
    This album is delightfully dark and tense and yet it has a heartbeat. It's like a big fat beautiful post-punk orgy. It's a first album so there are a couple of weak tracks, overall it's a keeper.
  22. RedCat
    Apr 16, 2004
    10
    The most beautiful and thrilling sound and the most sophisticated and moving lyrics. A classic.
  23. WH
    May 26, 2004
    9
    simply flawless.
  24. mr.bocf
    May 30, 2004
    9
    i love this album. i guess it spinned for at least the 100th time today. not that the album is perfect but the atmosphere at times is pure genius like in the 11th track leif ericson.
  25. ArinF
    Aug 14, 2004
    10
    Interpol is the one of the few bands out today that can have a record that you can listen to front to back. They have accomplished something not many bands have with their own unique sound. Paul Banks is a genius writer.GO Interpol!
  26. JacquesDerrida
    Jun 1, 2005
    10
    What more is there to say about this album? From the opening virtually instrumental Untitled to the brooding closer Leif Erikson, Banks and Co. hit every emotional and phonic level possible. And regarding the Joy Divison debate, yes the voice is similar, but the overall aesthetic is not. Interpol's sound is much more full, and prominently features the duelling guitars of Kessler and What more is there to say about this album? From the opening virtually instrumental Untitled to the brooding closer Leif Erikson, Banks and Co. hit every emotional and phonic level possible. And regarding the Joy Divison debate, yes the voice is similar, but the overall aesthetic is not. Interpol's sound is much more full, and prominently features the duelling guitars of Kessler and Banks. A classic album the height of which will be very difficult to reach again.… Expand
  27. CarlosCarlitos
    Aug 27, 2006
    10
    greeeat CD
  28. JoeR
    Jan 5, 2007
    10
    Hands down, my favorite cd of all time. Every song will at one point or another grab hold of you and not let you go (PDA, Untitled, Leif Erickson, and NYC especially). This is not a cd to be taken lightly, for it will forever change the way you view music
  29. DarcyC
    Oct 5, 2007
    10
    Absolutely incredible album, right from the stunning untitled opener to the final note of leif erikson. Amazing album, in today's music it's hard to find albums with a solid set of excellent songs all the way through.
  30. FrankJ
    Apr 20, 2007
    10
    A Masterpiece, nuff said.
  31. DontrelleJ
    Apr 20, 2007
    10
    My favorite album of all-time, which is saying alot, considering there are so many albums that I truly love but this is 1# for me. I love this band with a passion! These guys are musical genuises. Buy this and there 2nd LP, before there highly anticipated follow-up comes out in June.
  32. SlayJ
    Apr 23, 2007
    10
    I'm going to admit something very shocking... I hated this album at first. I don't know I just couldn't get into it for some reason. I think it was the fact that it was so dark and depressing and I'm a very happy person, so basically there was alot clashing there. But now I can't live without...it's a beautiful record. It took me about 6, 7 listens to fully I'm going to admit something very shocking... I hated this album at first. I don't know I just couldn't get into it for some reason. I think it was the fact that it was so dark and depressing and I'm a very happy person, so basically there was alot clashing there. But now I can't live without...it's a beautiful record. It took me about 6, 7 listens to fully realize how brilliant this was and also see how talented each member on the band truly was. Since then, I think I've listened to this about 163 times (I've keeped count) and this came out 5 years ago and try to listen to it as often as I can. This is by far one of the finest albums in the history of music. TOTBL is a Landmark title.… Expand
  33. EdgarH
    Apr 30, 2007
    10
    My favorite album of all-time! This is why I love music.
  34. Thompson
    May 6, 2007
    10
    Dark and poetic. Great, great album.
  35. MC
    Jun 11, 2007
    10
    TOTBL is just so endearing. It's impossible not to love.
  36. DK.
    Jun 6, 2007
    10
    Incredible! A definite contender for best album of all-time.
  37. AshleyC.
    Jun 7, 2007
    10
    The sonic textures and dark, brooding stuff are what they do best. As good as Antics was, it was probably a bit too poppy and hook-oriented for its own good. I hope the new album is a return to the depth of TOTBL
  38. MarcH
    Jul 3, 2007
    10
    One of the best albums I have ever heard. Simply brilliant. I have listened to it probably 100 times and it never gets old.
  39. joaop.
    Jan 10, 2008
    9
    Great album, in dark and red. intense. Subtle.
  40. HC
    Feb 20, 2008
    10
    This is an awesome album, reminiscent of Radiohead's Ok Computer while retaining its own marvelously ambiguous identity.
  41. KyleL
    Feb 3, 2008
    10
    Great the whole way through!
  42. JuliaA.
    May 2, 2008
    9
    Gorgeous debut album! Couldn't stop listening to it for months after I got it.
  43. HugoM
    Jul 29, 2009
    10
    This album does deserve a 10 . .completely underrated these reviews.
  44. DanW.
    Aug 18, 2002
    9
    There is much to be said for Interpol.. much like the highly-lauded Strokes and various other 'neo-garage' bands they are very derivative, but that's part of the charm in the band; whereas the formentioned Strokes owe much to Television and would not be out of place in the late seventies, the lads in Interpol copy from a different fakebook, borrowing from Joy Division, There is much to be said for Interpol.. much like the highly-lauded Strokes and various other 'neo-garage' bands they are very derivative, but that's part of the charm in the band; whereas the formentioned Strokes owe much to Television and would not be out of place in the late seventies, the lads in Interpol copy from a different fakebook, borrowing from Joy Division, among others. And while the influence is apparent, they put a different spin on things sonically, and the result is a wonderful, varied album that sounds fresh today, if only as a respite from the other things out there. … Expand
  45. FlorenceM.
    Aug 21, 2002
    10
    it just came out here in France and je l'adore
  46. BennettF.
    Aug 26, 2002
    10
    Genius.
  47. KrisK.
    Aug 27, 2002
    9
    This album is excellent. Personal favorites are PDA, NYC, and Roland. Everyone seems to be comparing them to Joy Divison, so I'll offer a different take on it. They sound like a less harsh, more structured Sonic Youth.
  48. TotchieMolotchie
    Sep 17, 2002
    10
    This is enticing, it draws you in, clamps your brain and settles you in heaven. The best thing since Great Eastern by The Delgados
  49. MichaelK
    Oct 13, 2003
    9
    If Ian Curtis loved life, I think this would be the result... Bombastic, melodic as hell, and Obstacle 1 kicks all sorts of a** and is one of the greatest songs in recent memory... get it
  50. dw
    Oct 21, 2003
    10
    This is terrific, dark and sort of quirky lyrics, the best rhythm section I've heard in a while, and bass parts... unbelievable.
  51. Daniel
    Feb 16, 2003
    9
    Great and complex songs which grows and becomes more sensitive and sparkling with every listening A beautiful release
  52. ckdexterhaven
    Mar 9, 2003
    10
    Album of the year and destined to be an all-time classic. One of those few records that grabs you instantly but still rewards repeat listens.
  53. michaelC
    Jul 24, 2003
    9
    this is a great album i was very impressed, and for all the people that think that this a Joy Division ripoff give the music a chance you wont be let down. P.S they are even better live
  54. SarahK
    Oct 1, 2004
    8
    Interpol is, as one can tell from the album, a group with a lot of potential, but seems also to be somewhat distant from actually reaching that potential. Don't get me wrong though. This is a very good album, it has those songs that make you say "THIS IS BRILLIANT" rather than just, "eh, it's cool." Aside from being called post punk, Joy Division-ish, and dark, interpol should Interpol is, as one can tell from the album, a group with a lot of potential, but seems also to be somewhat distant from actually reaching that potential. Don't get me wrong though. This is a very good album, it has those songs that make you say "THIS IS BRILLIANT" rather than just, "eh, it's cool." Aside from being called post punk, Joy Division-ish, and dark, interpol should be called awesome. They have a great deal of talent, but haven't quite shown all of it to us. No worries: they have plenty of time.… Expand
  55. BenjaminBunny
    Oct 9, 2004
    7
    There's too many misguided lyrics and one-dimensional songforms to call this any sort of "masterpiece," but when it hits, as on "NYC," "PDA" and "Obstace 1," it hits hard and beautiful. Interpol are an inspired band and "Antics" is a more assured album than this one, but there's some lovely little treasures strewn about "Turn On The Bright Lights" that shouldn't be missed.
  56. DannyC
    Feb 28, 2004
    10
    This is probably one of my favorite albums. The songs are great and the beats are awesome. Obstacle 1 is now my favorite song.
  57. TJoy
    Jul 11, 2004
    10
    Great album, it has a poetic melancholy that is very endearing
  58. CamR
    Jul 2, 2004
    10
    The cd is just amazing. The seemingly gloomy guitar rifs in some songs like nyc change to more upbeat in songs like obstacle 1. This is the best cd i have ever heard.
  59. JoelT
    Sep 23, 2004
    10
    Put simply, this is the most audacious and stunning debut album of the last 20 years. From the frantic punk of 'Obstacle 1' to the gothic beauty of Stella...' at no point does the quality drop any lower than sublimely immense.
  60. ZACHB
    Jan 6, 2005
    7
    I bought this record right away upon hearing it at a record store. After listening to it for a couple of weeks, I found that I had completely lost interest. It's a perfect album for the times: a totally derivative offering that makes a great first impression but really doesn't hold water. I would much rather listen to Kitchens of Distinction or the Chameleons. Have our standards I bought this record right away upon hearing it at a record store. After listening to it for a couple of weeks, I found that I had completely lost interest. It's a perfect album for the times: a totally derivative offering that makes a great first impression but really doesn't hold water. I would much rather listen to Kitchens of Distinction or the Chameleons. Have our standards sunk so low that this band is taken so seriously?… Expand
  61. weltact
    Feb 24, 2005
    10
    the best indie album of 2000s. period.
  62. miranda??
    Mar 1, 2005
    10
    Interpols cd Turn on the Bright Lights is a beautiful album.Most of the songs are very mournful and express a lot of emotion. It deserves a 10 for having such great quality and meticulously lyrics.
  63. JasonW
    Sep 17, 2005
    10
    Best album of the decade...the only nu new wave band that matters...period!!
  64. BenD
    Sep 23, 2005
    9
    I seriously did not expect this album to be this good. I read a lot of great things about it but I was still skeptical. After buying it and listening to it I realized that no one can possibly judge this album from just hearing a couple songs off of it. This is because there really aren't any songs on this album that really stand out from the others. Instead, Turn on the Bright Lights I seriously did not expect this album to be this good. I read a lot of great things about it but I was still skeptical. After buying it and listening to it I realized that no one can possibly judge this album from just hearing a couple songs off of it. This is because there really aren't any songs on this album that really stand out from the others. Instead, Turn on the Bright Lights is the type of album that you must listen to all the way through to realize how great it is. So, what makes this album this album so great? I honestly can't tell you. There is definately something subliminal about the sound that you can't consciously pick up on that makes this album so addicting and exciting. So, my advice to you is to believe the hype and buy the album.… Expand
  65. DavidJ
    Oct 25, 2006
    10
    My favourite rock album since the Stone Roses debut, a long, long time ago - it's that good.
  66. LisaW
    May 17, 2006
    10
    Amazing album. Ive had it for a couple of years now and still listen to it as often as possible. The most atmostpheric music. Slow hands manages to make me teary almost every time. Takes longer to get into than Antics, but in the long run so much better.
  67. jemr
    Jun 1, 2006
    10
    a brilliant debut from a brilliant band. pda is the best song on the album.
  68. MikeW
    Jun 24, 2006
    10
    Aching melancholy intertwined with searing guitars make this required listening for lost souls everywhere.
  69. Jack
    Jul 12, 2006
    10
    Brilliant
  70. JadH
    Jul 24, 2006
    10
    This has slowly become my favorite cd of all time. I got into Interpol through Antics and I really liked it so i decided to give their previous album a listen but couldnt quite get into it. Eventually... as he mentions in Stella was a diver and shes always down ... this album began to "grow on me" and now whenever I start to listen to some other band or album on my ipod I always go back This has slowly become my favorite cd of all time. I got into Interpol through Antics and I really liked it so i decided to give their previous album a listen but couldnt quite get into it. Eventually... as he mentions in Stella was a diver and shes always down ... this album began to "grow on me" and now whenever I start to listen to some other band or album on my ipod I always go back to this cd. At first the songs in the start of the album were what a listened to -- probably because theyre easier to get into. However more recenetly the last 4 songs (Stella was Diver, Roland, The New, Leif Erikison) that I had intitially considered a weak part of the album have been getting more listens. Every song on this cd is brilliant and I cant really pick a favorite and I dont think theyll ever be able to top this ... even though Antics is a great cd too ... itll just be way hard to exceed their debut album b/c to me it is simply perfect.… Collapse
  71. EfrainL.
    Dec 10, 2007
    10
    One word: Perfection.
  72. JoseC
    Jan 23, 2007
    10
    The best album of this generation. Yeah, Is that good.
  73. TrekD
    Feb 27, 2007
    10
    A Bonafide classic
  74. DamienJ
    Apr 20, 2007
    10
    Probably the best debut by anyone since Radiohead's Pablo Honey. This is a monumental work of great music.
  75. Epic
    Apr 24, 2007
    10
    Groundbreaking in every possible way. Truly a marvelous achievement in music.
  76. BlakeD
    Apr 27, 2007
    10
    A remarkable debut from these four talented new yorkers. To me rock hasn't been this good in ages. This album is bound to be a classic in 10 to 20 years, I'm sure of it.
  77. Kirby
    May 1, 2007
    10
    There's nothing I can say to justify how great this album is. All I'm going to say is this... best album. EVER!!
  78. TravisD
    Jun 11, 2007
    10
    Turn on the Bright Lights is undoubtedly a great achievement in music, and I think in a few years, it will become one of those classic albums that more and more people will love.
  79. IssaK
    Jul 11, 2007
    10
    Simply one of the finest debut albums in a long time. Who cares if they sound like Joy Division? A slow burner but by the time this album is done, you'll be convinced that this is a great band worthy of all the hype.
  80. SamH
    Jul 10, 2007
    10
    still my favorite album
  81. VincentH.
    Aug 7, 2007
    10
    Honestly, this is one of the best debuts by a rock band ever. Seriously...it's that good. It's only been out for like 5 years or so and it is already considered a classic album. What does that tell you? Essentially if you like good music, you will most likely enjoy this album.
  82. MarkS
    Sep 7, 2007
    9
    I don't listen to a whole lot of new music, but I find these guys very compelling. Like most really good albums, it has grown on me over time. They really don't sound all that much like Joy Division, so don't be turned off by all the comparisons. They share some of the same self-seriousness and intensity (and lack of "too cool for school" irony), but they're really I don't listen to a whole lot of new music, but I find these guys very compelling. Like most really good albums, it has grown on me over time. They really don't sound all that much like Joy Division, so don't be turned off by all the comparisons. They share some of the same self-seriousness and intensity (and lack of "too cool for school" irony), but they're really doing their own thing, albeit by building on the past. They actually remind me much more of early PiL in places, but their groove and atmospherics are all their own. Highly recommended.… Expand
  83. SteveF.
    May 18, 2008
    10
    One of the best albums of all time. Love it!!
  84. SergioL.
    Aug 4, 2008
    10
    Awesome album. I love every single track.
  85. Dru
    Sep 3, 2008
    10
    One of the finest albums of the millenium.
  86. d.w.m
    Apr 20, 2009
    10
    Takes time to grow on you, but once it sinks in it never lets go. One of the best albums I've had the pleasure of experiencing, and its gloom and melancholy aches with a romanticism to equal the greats such as 'The Smiths', although Interpol have their roots firmly sunk into New York in this debut.
  87. MusicMaven
    Aug 26, 2002
    9
    Joy Division is the main influence, no doubt. But that doesn't change the fact that each song on this album is worthy in its own right. Do yourself a favor and at least have a listen. Also check out Satisfact's 'The Unwanted Sounds of Satisfact' if you like this one.
  88. JanisG
    Nov 12, 2003
    10
    AWWWWWWWW such a great cd.
  89. KiheoT
    Oct 22, 2003
    9
    An incredible album - less and less like Joy Division with each listen. An album that hasn't left my player in a year - a rare album that can be listened to over and over!
  90. TimB
    Jul 16, 2003
    10
    This is one of the finest CDs I've ever heard. I don't keep up with the "indie rock scene", whatever that means, so I don't believe I'm swayed by what anybody else is saying about this, but it's a fantastic album. Is it reminiscent (in places) of Joy Division? Sure. But it's not oblivious to the influence of many other fine bands -- to name just one, Sonic This is one of the finest CDs I've ever heard. I don't keep up with the "indie rock scene", whatever that means, so I don't believe I'm swayed by what anybody else is saying about this, but it's a fantastic album. Is it reminiscent (in places) of Joy Division? Sure. But it's not oblivious to the influence of many other fine bands -- to name just one, Sonic Youth -- and that's not a bad thing. But the beauty of Interpol is that they're capable of taking the best parts of such bands and creating something entirely new and wonderful, neither shying from the influence of the great bands who've come before them nor indulging in the self-indulgent wankery associated with "art" musicians today. On the whole it comes off as a beautiful if melancholy work of art -- right up my alley, and I'm not afraid to say so. It's barely left my car CD player in three weeks, and that was only to play Ugly Casanova's "Sharpen Your Teeth". "Turn On The Bright Lights" is highly, highly recommended -- buy it as soon as you can.… Expand
  91. JoeP
    Nov 12, 2004
    10
    amazing lyrics, subtle shifts in melodies and riffs make this a bloody awesome record, Interpol to use a cliche...ROCK
  92. jessw
    Dec 11, 2004
    9
    the best album in a long time. l listen to it every day!
  93. [Anonymous]
    Jan 23, 2004
    10
    interpol and the strokes are the best new bands out there.
  94. steve
    Apr 22, 2004
    9
    A very complete album
  95. MikeH
    Nov 22, 2005
    10
    I guess this album isn't for mainstreamers and porridge eaters but for anybody that has music intelligence won't get too wrapped up in comparisons and influences. Like a lot of bands this good and original they are held back by shitmongers. Shitmongers love mainstream repeats but as soon as a band like Interpol or the Unicorns come along and embarass and reveal how horribly I guess this album isn't for mainstreamers and porridge eaters but for anybody that has music intelligence won't get too wrapped up in comparisons and influences. Like a lot of bands this good and original they are held back by shitmongers. Shitmongers love mainstream repeats but as soon as a band like Interpol or the Unicorns come along and embarass and reveal how horribly stupid this people are for liking Nickelback, Creed and many many other shit shovelers, they are they have to defend against their own destruction by writing as much bullshit they can in whatever mediocre intelligence they can summon. Interpol is Brilliant… Expand
  96. MarkR
    Jan 12, 2005
    10
    Absolutely brilliant, enough said.
  97. Yargh!
    Jan 17, 2005
    10
    I just don't get how people are saying Antics is as good as this. This album is one of the most incredibly solid collections of songs I own. Antics was a mess that didn't work. Anyhow basically if you don't like Bright Lights, I probably don't like you. So shut yr maw about derivative and Joy Division or I'll shiv you in the gullet :(
  98. RichardT
    Dec 31, 2005
    10
    The best new album that I've listened to since I can remember listening to albums.
  99. JoelW
    Feb 11, 2005
    10
    Great rhythm throughout the whole Cd. I noticed alot of nice changes at the ends of a couple of the songs. good bass player...
  100. Cuero
    Apr 29, 2005
    10
    Album of the century so far.
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Awards & Rankings

38
#38 Best Album of 2002
4
#4 Most Discussed Album of 2002
18
#18 Most Shared Album of 2002

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
81

Universal acclaim - based on 21 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 21
  3. Negative: 0 out of 21
  1. Delusions of Adequacy
    80
    It sounds like the Ramones covering OK Computer. It's also one of the best debuts of the year.
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  2. Blender
    60
    Bright Lights isn't a trudging soundtrack to depression; it's laced with upbeat, albeit bittersweet, songwriting. [#9, p.148]
  3. Q Magazine
    60
    Predictably claustrophobic listening.... When they come up for air, Interpol have the tunes to match all the mannered gloom. [Sep 2002, p.107]
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