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. blumpy18
    Feb 19, 2023
    10
    This album's songs are absolutely astonishing. The first half of the album is thrilling and exciting, and the second half is depressing and bittersweet. This album and their second album, "Antics" may have been the peak of their career, it's good enough to keep you listening. Unforgettable record
  2. deax
    Jul 23, 2022
    9
    I was kinda skeptical of this album in the beggining, but it grew on me eventually. And I have to say, It's really good.
  3. All_ButTrU4
    May 20, 2022
    5
    For some reason I liked this record a lot. I couldn't help but play obstacle 1 & 2 or belt the ridiculous line about couches but it's glaring flaws grow with each listen, in short this record doesn't hold up. Interpol lead singer is a one dimensional one trick pony who's range is bested by his already questionable lyrics. It comes off as a less interesting but more pretentious Joy Division.
  4. pivallejo11
    Jun 20, 2021
    10
    Perfect album. Honestly the only 10 I have ever given. This album has marked me in a way no other album has. I am so obsessed with it I wrote an entire essay of 4,000 words analyzing this masterpiece in depth.
  5. KurtCobainsDick
    May 20, 2021
    10
    Honestly one of the best albums I’ve ever heard. The album is perfect if you’re seeking for a melancholic sound.
  6. Chris182
    Apr 25, 2021
    8
    (7.5/10). This is my favourite Interpol album (basic i know) for many reasons. It captures the New York City post-punk attitude perfectly. I do not love this thing like many people do but i have alot of respect for it.
    Best Songs: Obstacle 1, Obstacle 2, PDA, The New, Say Hello to Angels
    Worst Songs: Stella Was a Diver, NYC, Leif Erikson
  7. thegetaway
    Apr 15, 2021
    10
    Such a flawless, mesmerising masterpiece, that for me, really encapsulates what living in the early 2000s felt like.
  8. DCMusicFan
    Oct 3, 2018
    10
    Oh, how I miss the indie rock of the 2000s! No really I do.

    (I don't care about the emo stuff or ringtone rap in that decade though.)
  9. didi_robles23
    Jul 30, 2018
    10
    An album that you can listen to from beginning to end. You really enjoy all the songs. My favorite and I consider that it is the best within the genre of alternative rock.
  10. KlDS
    Jun 14, 2018
    10
    I don't over exaggerate when i say this album is one of the best albums of the last 20 years, and for people who say it rips off Radiohead and Joy Division...have you even **** listened too EITHER of those bands?
  11. Ricko
    May 27, 2017
    10
    Wow - not just one of the great debut records but one of the great albums full stop. "Turn On The Bright Lights" is a must for lovers of indie rock. The Joy Division influences are there but despite their innovation and groundbreaking, I think Interpol have produced something that is better than anything the Manchester band ever did. Interpol took the dark, brooding indie guitar genre to aWow - not just one of the great debut records but one of the great albums full stop. "Turn On The Bright Lights" is a must for lovers of indie rock. The Joy Division influences are there but despite their innovation and groundbreaking, I think Interpol have produced something that is better than anything the Manchester band ever did. Interpol took the dark, brooding indie guitar genre to a whole new level on this record. Every track is brilliant from start to finish. Really captures the atmosphere of night time in a big city especially somewhere like NYC. 15 years on and the band are still trying to hit the peak of their debut.There hasn't been many records released since that better this.… Expand
  12. coreymagz
    Aug 20, 2016
    10
    Interpol's 2002 critical hit is one to remember. It is a perfect album. Between mesmerizing production and Bank's stylish and slick wordplay, the debut album rocketed the New York alt rock band into stardom.
  13. bobbybean
    May 28, 2016
    10
    As a big fan of Joy Division; I cannot seem to find the similarities between them and Interpol. This album is a masterpiece from beginning to end. I don't think they'll ever be able to top this album in the near future. It's simply the best piece of any alternative music you will ever hear. Interpol is a great band and I hope to see them make new and exciting albums in the future.
  14. Radiohead2000
    Jul 23, 2015
    10
    Perfect. Absolutely perfect, the eeriness, the beautiful dark sound, it's one of the best albums of the 21st century. The blends of so many great bands like The Smiths, Joy Division and other great bands makes this album so unique.
  15. Glowguy
    Dec 12, 2014
    10
    Sometimes as an adult you go back and revisit things 10 years later that you almost completely forgot about. Fortunately I did that today. This album still holds up amazingly well in 2014. It's one of my favorite albums ever released and it really broadened my horizons when I was just stating to branch out and listen to some new things. They kind of doomed themselves in a way bySometimes as an adult you go back and revisit things 10 years later that you almost completely forgot about. Fortunately I did that today. This album still holds up amazingly well in 2014. It's one of my favorite albums ever released and it really broadened my horizons when I was just stating to branch out and listen to some new things. They kind of doomed themselves in a way by releasing something so great as a debut - they could never hope to live up to it and their following releases always left me feeling disappointed. Interpol is not one of my favorite bands but this album ranks at the top as far as debuts go. In my opinion it has the best one two opening punch of any record and the final four songs are equally as impressive. Truly superb guitar layering, tone changes, and propulsive rhythms have a really hypnotic effect.… Expand
  16. normankant
    Aug 4, 2014
    10
    This album is a masterpiece of 2000's. It is the best album of that decade and one of the greatest of all time.
    There are guitars, playing elegant and sad melodies, being soft, hard, gentle, raw.
    There's an incredible drumming through it, Sam Fogarino plays the drums with an unmistakable emotive style, his style. There are unforgettable bass lines, played by one of the best bassist of    This album is a masterpiece of 2000's. It is the best album of that decade and one of the greatest of all time.
    There are guitars, playing elegant and sad melodies, being soft, hard, gentle, raw.
    There's an incredible drumming through it, Sam Fogarino plays the drums with an unmistakable emotive style, his style.
    There are unforgettable bass lines, played by one of the best bassist of our times, Carlos Dengler, and there's the melancholic moving voice of Paul Banks.
    This is an expressionist record, emotions flows through it from start to finish. When you put it on and the first track, Untitled, begins to play, you already feel the talent, the beauty and the uniqueness contained in what you're hearing. These things won't disappear during the listen and when you'll have finished to hear the last track, the love for Interpol will be filling your heart.    … Expand
  17. ReubenIsAGod
    Dec 29, 2013
    10
    The Album to me is basically black comedy, Its dark, downright depressing yet despite the overwhelming flow of bitter sweet agony you cant help but grin, this showing your morbid sense of entertainment and joy, making u laugh in a fit of sweet delight knowing that someone out their is WAY worse then you. Ohh and tracks are rather Catchy 2
    -Interpol Turn On The Bright Lights: 10/10
  18. SteveBackMeta
    Nov 14, 2013
    8
    An excellent debut record from the NYC indie post-punk revivalists. Most of the lyrics are poor, worth disregarding entirely in fact. The gloomy, unsettling music more than compensates, and there are also enough unexpected left-turns in the songwriting structures to reward repeated listens, such as the double-chorus in "Stella Was a Diver and She Was Always Down", and the excellent bridgeAn excellent debut record from the NYC indie post-punk revivalists. Most of the lyrics are poor, worth disregarding entirely in fact. The gloomy, unsettling music more than compensates, and there are also enough unexpected left-turns in the songwriting structures to reward repeated listens, such as the double-chorus in "Stella Was a Diver and She Was Always Down", and the excellent bridge in "PDA". "Obstacle 1" boasts one of the most unnerving moments in modern music, with the scary line "stabbing yourself in the neck" surrounded by deep-throat guitars. It's very effective. Much better than Editors for obvious reasons, partly because here, they sound like Interpol, not trying to force a Joy Division clone out of limited talent.… Expand
  19. quidster4040
    Apr 3, 2013
    10
    One of the finest recordings of the 2000s, and easily the greatest rock/alternative album recorded in the 2000s decade. The album is hauntingly simplistic that creates a mesmerizing aura about living in high-octane New York City.
  20. sudheervemuru
    Jul 19, 2012
    10
    Anyone with a decent sized attention span and an appreciation for how an album sounds as a whole has to consider Interpol's debut one of the decade's best.
  21. 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...… Collapse
  22. Palp
    May 26, 2012
    10
    Turn On The Bright Lights is a brilliant and complex album, both lyrically and instrumentally. I can't believe that it has taken me this long to start listening to Interpol, but I'm very glad that I gave this band a chance. This is about as good a debut album as I have ever heard.
  23. njestyle
    Dec 20, 2011
    10
    all i have to say is Interpol's Turn On The Bright Lights, is Number 2 on my personal top 100 albums of all time... now that has to say something right??
  24. RoverJones
    May 28, 2011
    10
    The lyrics can be very very awkward, but I get the feeling that it's intentional. It is tough, however, to find an album with soooooo many brilliant hooks. "Obstacle 1," "PDA," "Say Hello to the Angels," "Stella...," "Hands Away," and "Obstacle 2" have got to be some of the most amazing rock hooks ever put on record, while the rest of the album is enticing in an ethereal, hypnotic (and IThe lyrics can be very very awkward, but I get the feeling that it's intentional. It is tough, however, to find an album with soooooo many brilliant hooks. "Obstacle 1," "PDA," "Say Hello to the Angels," "Stella...," "Hands Away," and "Obstacle 2" have got to be some of the most amazing rock hooks ever put on record, while the rest of the album is enticing in an ethereal, hypnotic (and I mean extremely hypnotic) way. Simply put, what. a. **** record.… Expand
  25. d_nasty
    May 10, 2011
    8
    A bit overrated but still somewhat of a modern post punk classic. The lyrics are a bit silly or nonsensical and that's usually a problem with me but for some reason it works with this album. Tracks like "Obstacle 1" "NYC" and "Leif Ericson" are just beautiful and make you wonder why this band couldn't go on forever.
  26. Chegg180
    Mar 19, 2011
    9
    Such a great album, draws you in at certain times and then has you take a step back .Timeless classic which, though does have elements of Joy Division within, is a nice deviation from the norm of post-punk revivalists.
  27. 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
  28. HugoM
    Jul 29, 2009
    10
    This album does deserve a 10 . .completely underrated these reviews.
  29. 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.
  30. 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.
  31. jamesa.
    Jan 27, 2009
    9
    This band has been growing on me lately in a great way, and this album amongst their others is also tremendouse ! It's a shame people are to narrow minded to discover brilliant music and Vocals like what's on offer here with "Bright Lights". beutifully epic!
  32. XY
    Oct 8, 2008
    10
    Album of the decade.
  33. zaja
    Sep 14, 2008
    10
    Just wanted to contribute another 10 score. one of the very, very few true 10.0 records.
  34. Dru
    Sep 3, 2008
    10
    One of the finest albums of the millenium.
  35. SergioL.
    Aug 4, 2008
    10
    Awesome album. I love every single track.
  36. SteveF.
    May 18, 2008
    10
    One of the best albums of all time. Love it!!
  37. JuliaA.
    May 2, 2008
    9
    Gorgeous debut album! Couldn't stop listening to it for months after I got it.
  38. HC
    Feb 20, 2008
    10
    This is an awesome album, reminiscent of Radiohead's Ok Computer while retaining its own marvelously ambiguous identity.
  39. KyleL
    Feb 3, 2008
    10
    Great the whole way through!
  40. joaop.
    Jan 10, 2008
    9
    Great album, in dark and red. intense. Subtle.
  41. Mikec
    Jan 6, 2008
    10
    Amazing debut.
  42. EfrainL.
    Dec 10, 2007
    10
    One word: Perfection.
  43. 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.
  44. 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
  45. 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.
  46. Drake
    Aug 1, 2007
    10
    This is true Alternative Rock! Fantastic album.
  47. TaniaG
    Jul 19, 2007
    10
    epic.
  48. JoeT
    Jul 13, 2007
    10
    I truly hope they're able to reach the heights of this majestic debut (or even surpass them) ...on day.
  49. 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.
  50. SamH
    Jul 10, 2007
    10
    still my favorite album
  51. 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.
  52. DevinR.
    Jun 11, 2007
    10
    A little dark and dreary but oh so awesome throughout! A killer album from a killer band.
  53. 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.
  54. MC
    Jun 11, 2007
    10
    TOTBL is just so endearing. It's impossible not to love.
  55. 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
  56. DK.
    Jun 6, 2007
    10
    Incredible! A definite contender for best album of all-time.
  57. AdamR.
    May 28, 2007
    9
    Interpol has a fresh perspective on what seemed like a tired (and over saturated) sub genre of rock.
  58. Smith
    May 21, 2007
    10
    Brillaint!
  59. Edward
    May 12, 2007
    10
    Dark, brooding and emotional. Just the way I like it! A thrilling debut! The best post-punk album I've ever heard.
  60. Thompson
    May 6, 2007
    10
    Dark and poetic. Great, great album.
  61. 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!!
  62. EdgarH
    Apr 30, 2007
    10
    My favorite album of all-time! This is why I love music.
  63. 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.
  64. Epic
    Apr 24, 2007
    10
    Groundbreaking in every possible way. Truly a marvelous achievement in music.
  65. 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
  66. FrankJ
    Apr 20, 2007
    10
    A Masterpiece, nuff said.
  67. DamienJ
    Apr 20, 2007
    10
    Probably the best debut by anyone since Radiohead's Pablo Honey. This is a monumental work of great music.
  68. 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.
  69. 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
  70. TrekD
    Feb 27, 2007
    10
    A Bonafide classic
  71. RJMcClaine
    Jan 28, 2007
    10
    utterly brilliant. best album in a long, long time (and i mean "album" in the truest sense). if your love of music gets shaken often, as mine does, this will reconfirm it. and don't buy that joy division/chameleons/echo and the bunnymen comparison crap; interpol is far and away more powerful and driving, thanks in large part to the genius rythym section. do yourself a favor and buy this.
  72. JoseC
    Jan 23, 2007
    10
    The best album of this generation. Yeah, Is that good.
  73. 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
  74. AC
    Dec 29, 2006
    10
    A fantastic album from start to finish, clearly destined for classic status. Without a doubt, the best album I've heard in years & also one of the best I've ever heard in my entire life. Yeah, is that good. This band is here to stay. "Turn On The Bright Lights", is a modern masterpiece. Also check out there 2nd LP, "Antics" which is just as good.
  75. DavidJ
    Oct 25, 2006
    10
    My favourite rock album since the Stone Roses debut, a long, long time ago - it's that good.
  76. CarlosCarlitos
    Aug 27, 2006
    10
    greeeat CD
  77. jake
    Aug 18, 2006
    10
    Best album of 2002
  78. 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.… Expand
  79. Jack
    Jul 12, 2006
    10
    Brilliant
  80. MikeW
    Jun 24, 2006
    10
    Aching melancholy intertwined with searing guitars make this required listening for lost souls everywhere.
  81. 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.
  82. jemr
    Jun 1, 2006
    10
    a brilliant debut from a brilliant band. pda is the best song on the album.
  83. 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.
  84. RossH
    Apr 2, 2006
    10
    One of, if not the best album ever.
  85. 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.
  86. JackM
    Mar 21, 2006
    10
    Awesome Band....They are what I wish U2 had evoled into in the early 90's.
  87. RichardT
    Dec 31, 2005
    10
    The best new album that I've listened to since I can remember listening to albums.
  88. 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
  89. 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
  90. JasonW
    Sep 17, 2005
    10
    Best album of the decade...the only nu new wave band that matters...period!!
  91. JP
    Jul 9, 2005
    2
    They rip off Joy Division and OK Computer throughout and do a poor job of it. Every song on this album sounds nearly identical and the singers tone throughout never gets beyond depressed. I purchased this after having a friend claim it was great, he was sadly mistaken. The key to going for a retro sound is to take what the previous bands did and change it so it becomes your own, at this They rip off Joy Division and OK Computer throughout and do a poor job of it. Every song on this album sounds nearly identical and the singers tone throughout never gets beyond depressed. I purchased this after having a friend claim it was great, he was sadly mistaken. The key to going for a retro sound is to take what the previous bands did and change it so it becomes your own, at this Interpol failed.… Expand
  92. 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
  93. ScottM
    May 2, 2005
    10
    Electrifying. Passionate. Awesome.
  94. Cuero
    Apr 29, 2005
    10
    Album of the century so far.
  95. 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.
  96. weltact
    Feb 24, 2005
    10
    the best indie album of 2000s. period.
  97. 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...
  98. 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 :(
  99. MarkR
    Jan 12, 2005
    10
    Absolutely brilliant, enough said.
  100. 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
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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

All reviews »
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.
    Read full review
  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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