First Impressions Of Earth
by The Strokes
  • Record Label: RCA
  • Release Date: Jan 3, 2006
User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 475 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 395 out of 475
  2. Mixed: 46 out of 475
  3. Negative: 34 out of 475

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  1. Binki
    Jun 12, 2011
    10
    Never understood why so many people didn't like it. My favorite album of The Strokes by far. Less catchy than Is this it, I think the lyrics are much better, the music is more complex. It contains masterpieces such as "Evening Sun", "Heart in a Cage" and "Ize of the world".
  2. Vampire25
    Jan 18, 2011
    8
    The Strokes have no doubt changed their style in music. This sounds like a garage punk album. Julian Casablanca's vocals are louder on this album and he sounds like a punk rocker whereas in their first album Is This It, his voice sounds more smoother. It's a good change. It sounds great. Especially for their third album considering Room On Fire was disappointing. "Juicebox" is my favoriteThe Strokes have no doubt changed their style in music. This sounds like a garage punk album. Julian Casablanca's vocals are louder on this album and he sounds like a punk rocker whereas in their first album Is This It, his voice sounds more smoother. It's a good change. It sounds great. Especially for their third album considering Room On Fire was disappointing. "Juicebox" is my favorite track on this album. "Heart In A Cage" is another great track. And "Ask Me Anything" is also great. All In All, The Strokes haven't made an album as good as their first and they probably never will, but First Impressions Of Earth is a very good album and still shows that The Strokes are still one of the best bands of our generation. B+… Expand
  3. JohnnyR
    Jan 11, 2006
    3
    A terrible let down of a record. This album showed the Strokes abandoning what made them great and turn into just another rock band. A blatant disregard to melody, most of the songs are utterly forgettable. TIme will tell but history is bound to cast this as the album when the Strokes turned to shite.
  4. danb.
    Jan 5, 2006
    5
    who told whathisname he could be a crooner? he, like, really tries to *sing* here. for me, it doesn't work. it just ends up making him sound even less articulate and sleepy than usual. liked the last two albums... this one might grow on me but i've listened about ten times already, so, doubt it.
  5. AdamP.
    Apr 3, 2008
    4
    A poor album and a shame after enjoying this is it and room on fire. A shambles.
  6. zgodula
    Apr 5, 2018
    8
    you only live once 9.5
    juicebox 7.5
    heart in a cage 8
    razorblade 7.75
    on the other side 8.5
    vision of division 8.5
    ask me anything 8.5
    electricityscape 7.5
    killing lies 7.5
    fear of sleep 7.5
    15 minutes 6.5
    ize of the world 7.5
    evening sun 8.5
    red light 8.5
  7. FoxyBrown
    Feb 4, 2006
    10
    very good.
  8. JosephA
    Jan 8, 2006
    9
    A bit of a challenge at first, mostly because it seemed so different. But I have fallen in love with the record and nothing can stop that now. The Strokes are in top form. Fantastic music.
  9. johnw
    Jan 8, 2006
    2
    sucks arse
  10. Paul
    Feb 5, 2006
    10
    amazing, not as perfect as is this it but nicer than room on fire.
  11. ChrisD
    Jan 16, 2006
    6
    I must admit i'm not the biggest Strokes fan. I dont dislike them they have never grabbed me the way they have done to so many others. I stiil acknowledge thought that the band is taleneted and that Last Night will remain an anthem for years to come. So we come to their third album. after two albums which sounded excatly the same. With the lead single Juicebox offering so much and I must admit i'm not the biggest Strokes fan. I dont dislike them they have never grabbed me the way they have done to so many others. I stiil acknowledge thought that the band is taleneted and that Last Night will remain an anthem for years to come. So we come to their third album. after two albums which sounded excatly the same. With the lead single Juicebox offering so much and hinting in new directions i was overall disapoinited. The first three tracks promising and catchy biut by the 8th track i got bored. And dont even get me started on Track 7- Ask Me Anything. I can only hope that after a few more listens it will grow on me and I will appreciate the album like so many others seemed to have. Not for me I'm afraid. the repetive guitar and drony vocals just dont grab me but if you are a Strokes fan i suppose you will like it as all my friends who adore them seem to love it.… Expand
  12. GH
    Jan 10, 2006
    4
    I was hoping it would be great and was upbeat with the first tune on the cd, but then it tanks badly....it is the first and last Strokes album I will purchase
  13. Chris
    Jan 10, 2006
    8
    This album should have had 11 tracks just like their previous two efforts. The high points of the album however are very good!
  14. AaronS
    Jan 3, 2006
    1
    Terribly boring album. I mean when you rip off Barry Manilow for a melody....c'mon now!
  15. MarkJ
    Jan 3, 2006
    9
    This one gets better with a few listens. I loved Room on Fire on first listen, but some of these songs had to grow on me. They should have left off Heart In A Cage and Fear Of Sleep for a stronger, more concise album. Still, its very good.
  16. AndyR
    Jan 3, 2006
    8
    The first half is great, unfortunately the other half consists of songs that are poorly written, repetitive, and are no fun. Except maybe Red Light. At least it is still better than most of the crap out there.
  17. V.Z.
    Jan 3, 2006
    9
    This is way better than Room On Fire, which will prove to be the unnecessary album of this band. Perhaps First Impressions, unlike Is This It?, won't be such a must-have. In short: The Strokes have traded some of their (admittedly contemporary) uniqueness for a broader musical scope. You hear a lot of different influences on this album. That they still sound like The Strokes makes This is way better than Room On Fire, which will prove to be the unnecessary album of this band. Perhaps First Impressions, unlike Is This It?, won't be such a must-have. In short: The Strokes have traded some of their (admittedly contemporary) uniqueness for a broader musical scope. You hear a lot of different influences on this album. That they still sound like The Strokes makes the album so interesting. It's The Strokes discovering expanding their own horizons. The instruments are fantastic. You will find the best drumming and soloing The Strokes have ever done. The vocals sound less dreamy, more direct, and a little more emotional.… Expand
  18. kmer
    Jan 3, 2006
    9
    I can undersstand the negative reviews that this album is getting simply on the basis that this isnt an album that you like right away. The first 3 or 4 listens I really believed this to be a weak album, but after that it becomes fully possible to appreciate the obvious strengths of this album. There sound has been pushed forward to new axciting and more complex places and anyone who is I can undersstand the negative reviews that this album is getting simply on the basis that this isnt an album that you like right away. The first 3 or 4 listens I really believed this to be a weak album, but after that it becomes fully possible to appreciate the obvious strengths of this album. There sound has been pushed forward to new axciting and more complex places and anyone who is willing to give it a chance will see that a great album is right in front of them.… Expand
  19. KurtC
    Jan 3, 2006
    8
    The Strokes have always been good at disguising their talent for songwriting and brilliant musicianship behind a façade of simplicity. They
  20. marisag
    Jan 4, 2006
    10
    Some years from now, this album will be seem as what it really is: a masterpiece of rock'n'roll, one of the best albuns ever made. But I guess it's too early for that. The critics are too busy trying to destroy what they perceive as "the hypest band ever". Let them have fun, I say. We know better.
  21. SalameroN
    Jan 4, 2006
    10
    Are these critisd on crack! This record is ridiculously good! Not perferfect, but what is? Totally different than their first two while still staying true to their unique sound!
  22. RuviW
    Jan 4, 2006
    10
    Amazing album. The energy is raugh and overwhelimg. It's not as sophisticated as previous albums, but it certinly got more "edge" and crazyness.
  23. JAmiga
    Jan 4, 2006
    9
    It's not their best one yet, but it is a good album. Some great songs (Juicebox, Heart In A Cage and Electricityscape for example) but also some disappointingly dull stuff. Overall it's a good album, and tons better than most albums put out by all of those Strokes-wannabees that surfaced after them.
  24. JackM
    Jan 5, 2006
    10
    I don't want to sound like a fanboy, but this is the Strokes album we've all been waiting for... revealing songs, tight arrangements (as usual), and it's not completely unabashedly derivative. You'll even forget that "Razorblade" sounds exactly like Manilow's "Mandy" after you listen to it. The Strokes have completely revamped their sound to near perfection, and I don't want to sound like a fanboy, but this is the Strokes album we've all been waiting for... revealing songs, tight arrangements (as usual), and it's not completely unabashedly derivative. You'll even forget that "Razorblade" sounds exactly like Manilow's "Mandy" after you listen to it. The Strokes have completely revamped their sound to near perfection, and with the album clocking in at over 50 minutes, you'll have more time to enjoy it. I'm gonna listen to it again right now.… Expand
  25. TravisS
    Jan 5, 2006
    8
    This is definitely an album you need to listen to a couple times. The first play of this disc left me unimpressed, but by the 3rd or 4th listen it really starts to make sense. Julian's vocals sound more passionate on this album than any other and the rest of the band has progressed which they did not do on room on fire. I would've given the album a 9 but there are 3 songs fioe This is definitely an album you need to listen to a couple times. The first play of this disc left me unimpressed, but by the 3rd or 4th listen it really starts to make sense. Julian's vocals sound more passionate on this album than any other and the rest of the band has progressed which they did not do on room on fire. I would've given the album a 9 but there are 3 songs fioe could do without. All in all, it's a good disc and worth the money.… Expand
  26. AaronG
    Jan 5, 2006
    9
    An album that seems like one continuous song that has no standout singles, yet it's quite addicting. I've listened to it nonstop for 3 days now. I dig it.
  27. WarrenM
    Jan 5, 2006
    10
    May be too early, but already one of the best albums of 2006
  28. NickyS
    Jan 5, 2006
    10
    Those who voted this album any score under a ten are entirely missing the point. The Strokes have grown, not just as people but as musicians, they've matured and they see a different side of life that they hadn't seen back when they were starry eyed and learning how to play their instruments on Is This It. They're different people and thus the music naturally changes. Would Those who voted this album any score under a ten are entirely missing the point. The Strokes have grown, not just as people but as musicians, they've matured and they see a different side of life that they hadn't seen back when they were starry eyed and learning how to play their instruments on Is This It. They're different people and thus the music naturally changes. Would those god awful critics have preferred for The Strokes to rewrite Is This It another four times? And personally I believe this their strongest, most substancial, and Greatest album yet. It's musically innovative, it's genre splicing, and deliciously adventurous. Anyone critic who rates this album anything under a 100% is entirely missing the point.… Expand
  29. DonK
    Jan 5, 2006
    10
    I got off the music train after the Clash, but this really rocks! It is spot on and awesome! If all caps were allowed in postings here, I would gladly use them. The Strokes are among my heroes.
  30. MartinB
    Jan 6, 2006
    10
    Absolutely brilliant again from the best band in the world.
  31. StefL
    Jan 6, 2006
    10
    Best album of the year 2006, no use to buy any other album this year !!!!
  32. carminef
    Jan 7, 2006
    7
    The sound tigth but its just ok
  33. mcnutsmcnuts
    Jan 7, 2006
    3
    Boring, uninspired and no surprises.. Essentially the album offers nothing new.... ok perhaps a bit more distortion... ..... please move on.
  34. jamesh
    Jan 7, 2006
    0
    one listen and i realized it was complete crap. embarassing. reminded me of other bombs like pearl jam had and they just slink off into the forgotten recesses of our mind. total junk.
  35. ChrisH
    Jan 9, 2006
    8
    Personally i loved their old work, and yeah not all the songs are great but come on, half the people who gave this album a bad rating cant do anything any where near this good and so bad mouth it to appear to be minorly intelligent when compared to a dead monkey. Juicebox is a great song
  36. Shinto
    Feb 2, 2006
    9
    The Strokes 3rd record First Impressions of Earth You Only Live Once classic infectious pop Julian Lauper Juicebox batman red corvette pinball round the course Heart in a Cage hipster allan poe Razorblade mario water level Nikolai bass bop first harmony sweetheart On the Other Side Cash over ice baby drum groove Vision of Division virtuoso guitar c/o Valensi violent middle east mess The Strokes 3rd record First Impressions of Earth You Only Live Once classic infectious pop Julian Lauper Juicebox batman red corvette pinball round the course Heart in a Cage hipster allan poe Razorblade mario water level Nikolai bass bop first harmony sweetheart On the Other Side Cash over ice baby drum groove Vision of Division virtuoso guitar c/o Valensi violent middle east mess guitar imitating machine gun Ask Me Anything ballad no talk lies deceipt indians casinos mellotron Electricityscape sci fi sea city ominous gothic night light landscape w/ radio on 80s Killing Lies Is This It A side Fabrizio drum tap 3x lounge ballad Fear of Sleep Cyndi Lauper no fun 15 minutes clash down ending thud loud Hammond Jr on very drunk beer or redbull Ize of the World solo revenge of the 80s apocalypse ambulance night in the city Evening Sun beautiful contemplative VU calm glimmer stutter recede Red Light 8-bit nintendo blip blop sweet old fashion rock… Expand
  37. samd
    Feb 26, 2006
    10
    Very underrated, lyrically dense- passionate singing and biting lyrics such As "I went to the concert and I fought through the crowd Guess I got too excited when I thought you were around". Not much better rock and roll around. The Stones of our generation. I think the critics are looking for a groundbreaking album , however it happened if "is this it?". What more can you ask for than Very underrated, lyrically dense- passionate singing and biting lyrics such As "I went to the concert and I fought through the crowd Guess I got too excited when I thought you were around". Not much better rock and roll around. The Stones of our generation. I think the critics are looking for a groundbreaking album , however it happened if "is this it?". What more can you ask for than honest songwriting, good musicianship, passionate singing and tight harmonies. beautiful, probably the best album of the year- best since arcade fire.… Expand
  38. rickrecksloppyjoe
    Feb 6, 2006
    10
    i love it when albums this good get schizophrenic and bad reviews. lol. this album kicks ass.
  39. BeckyB
    Feb 8, 2006
    10
    Simply the best band around and an album to prove that. Somehow totally different whilst being entirely recognisable as The Strokes we know and love.
  40. jules
    Mar 7, 2006
    10
    Strokes, you say strokes...
  41. bhrigug
    Jul 29, 2006
    9
    i gave it a 9 out of 10,coz i have been led to believe that perfection is impossible to attain......it's heartbreaking to know that people havent yet understood this album...it will take time,i saw it happen to me.when you understand it u will get addicted...........................and it really annoys me when i see critics giving their views so early in time.afterall critics are i gave it a 9 out of 10,coz i have been led to believe that perfection is impossible to attain......it's heartbreaking to know that people havent yet understood this album...it will take time,i saw it happen to me.when you understand it u will get addicted...........................and it really annoys me when i see critics giving their views so early in time.afterall critics are mere human like anybody else.what can i say about the strokes????no words can describe them best..… Expand
  42. JamesF
    Aug 10, 2006
    8
    Yes, the media enduced hype has burned out but what is still left is the blatant evolution of the strokes music. On tracks such as ize of the world , vision of division, ask me anything and even the well recieved juicebox it is evident that first impressions of earth is evidence that the strokes are fully capable of diversification. please - ignore what the critics say
  43. RR
    Jan 4, 2008
    9
    Great, great album. I lost interest in the Strokes after their first, which I'd played to death. Then saw them live and was blown away - Pearl Jam aside, this is the tightest rock band in the world right now. Most of the songs they played I hadn't heard before, and I was thrilled by all of them. Guess what? They're on this record. A song or two could have been dropped; Great, great album. I lost interest in the Strokes after their first, which I'd played to death. Then saw them live and was blown away - Pearl Jam aside, this is the tightest rock band in the world right now. Most of the songs they played I hadn't heard before, and I was thrilled by all of them. Guess what? They're on this record. A song or two could have been dropped; aside from that negligible fact, Impressions stands as one hell of an accomplished album. Can't get enough of it. And only Julian Casablancas can rip off Barry Manilow (in Razor Blade) and still sound cool. Great job.… Expand
  44. Vinnyg
    Jan 20, 2010
    10
    SO UNDERRATED. While not quite as good as "Is This It," it easily surpasses "Room on Fire." I personally love almost every single track. The Strokes are definitely a great band.
  45. DanielG
    Jan 11, 2006
    9
    Great album
  46. GeorgeR
    Jan 11, 2006
    10
    Worth Buying
  47. AndrewN
    Jan 12, 2006
    10
    Absolute class, this is my favourite Strokes album, so it has to be a 10.
  48. Goodwin
    Jan 12, 2006
    2
    Worst album of the year. It is very sad to see that the strokes who came out with the brilliant Is This It, the Decent Room on Fire, have come out with contrived pseudo-artistic trash like this. The experimentation is completely useless. They have taken elements which would have sounded good by themselves or coupled together, and have smashed them all together into an unintelligible mess. Worst album of the year. It is very sad to see that the strokes who came out with the brilliant Is This It, the Decent Room on Fire, have come out with contrived pseudo-artistic trash like this. The experimentation is completely useless. They have taken elements which would have sounded good by themselves or coupled together, and have smashed them all together into an unintelligible mess. They may have strayed away from Is this It, but have waded into waters of every other band on the radio. Is This It was simple, confident, beautiful. Now I don't believe a word or riff that comes out of them. Julian sings "I've got Nothing to saaay", and I think, sadly, that those words ring true.… Expand
  49. codyb
    Jan 12, 2006
    9
    i think its a refreshing album that shows the pain in julians voice. it also shows how they experimented with new sounds. all in all, the more i listen to it, the more i fall in love with it. its not as catchy as "is this it" or "room on fire", but as a true strokes fan, i think it is an amazing album. good job fellahs.
  50. JohnG
    Jan 12, 2006
    2
    This album freaking blows. They aren't even trying anymore.
  51. calvinhobbes
    Jan 10, 2006
    8
    Good enough to buy it. Some songs are brilliant, others not so good (make a selection and then you can listen this album: good vibrations).
  52. DavidH
    Jan 17, 2006
    8
    A pretty solid 3rd offering in my opinion.
  53. DX
    Jan 18, 2006
    10
    pure drooling sensation. if that makes sense. but you know what i mean. they rock.
  54. RobbyT
    Jan 10, 2006
    9
    So the consensus among critics seems to be that the album is a bit inconsistent due largely to the 60 minute running time. Allow me to point one thing out though: The Strokes' previous two albums were barely 35 minutes long! Good things can come in small packages but come on... even if there are a few tracks that are below average, I'll take a sub-par Strokes song over most any So the consensus among critics seems to be that the album is a bit inconsistent due largely to the 60 minute running time. Allow me to point one thing out though: The Strokes' previous two albums were barely 35 minutes long! Good things can come in small packages but come on... even if there are a few tracks that are below average, I'll take a sub-par Strokes song over most any other band's hit single any day. First Impressions of Earth displays The Strokes moving forward... something the band has struggled to do since their phenomenal debut.… Expand
  55. andreas
    Jan 19, 2006
    9
    Actually this album has 4 songs ( juicebox, ask me nothing, razorblade,vision division ) that are so fresh...contagious...that only cold hearted poor guys can rate a 2 or 3. We live hard times for music...there is a general lack of ideas...and entertainment is a component so precious that a grouop like strokes should be blessed, instead of being awaited for a CRITICS killing... Gorgeous Actually this album has 4 songs ( juicebox, ask me nothing, razorblade,vision division ) that are so fresh...contagious...that only cold hearted poor guys can rate a 2 or 3. We live hard times for music...there is a general lack of ideas...and entertainment is a component so precious that a grouop like strokes should be blessed, instead of being awaited for a CRITICS killing... Gorgeous album anyhow !… Expand
  56. pierrel
    Jan 2, 2006
    7
    This third album, indeed changes from the two predecessors, but also changes in quality and not for good. Many of the songs just doesn't seem to take off, or just go down after a good start which just repeats itself through the whole song, which makes the album sort of boring. Still it remains a good album, but doesn't get close from their exceptional "Is This It" work.
  57. TylerW
    Jan 2, 2006
    5
    It sucks.
  58. pylert
    Jan 2, 2006
    1
    this is pretty bad
  59. wardf.
    Jan 2, 2006
    10
    After repeated listens, the album really grows on you.
  60. JulianG
    Jan 2, 2006
    10
    Great album, begins with 3 great tracks and ends solidly with a track that reminds us of their first album.
  61. joshoh
    Jan 20, 2006
    10
    La neta esta bien chido este disco !!!
  62. whiteskin
    Jan 21, 2006
    8
    just take it or leave it...:)
  63. paulr
    Jan 22, 2006
    10
    This album proves the band to be the best in the buisness.3/3 and more juice to come.
  64. StephenC
    Jan 23, 2006
    8
    Not as cool as This IS It, but much cooler than Room On Fire. The opener is probably the best song I've heard from the strokes and Juice box is contagious. It seems as though they haven't tried to make a hit, they've just made an album which they wanted to do and the resulrts are great. Cassablacas' (Don't know how to spell it but you know who i mean) voice Not as cool as This IS It, but much cooler than Room On Fire. The opener is probably the best song I've heard from the strokes and Juice box is contagious. It seems as though they haven't tried to make a hit, they've just made an album which they wanted to do and the resulrts are great. Cassablacas' (Don't know how to spell it but you know who i mean) voice isn't perfect and that what makes it perfect and what make up the Strokes sound. Who wants to sound like a pop star anyway? Not these guys.… Expand
  65. RobK
    Jan 25, 2006
    0
    oh god no
  66. [Anonymous]
    Jan 27, 2006
    10
    Pretty much the best cd of all time. You get completely rocked out from the first 3 tracks and still have 11 solid hits to go. This album also contains at least a dozen of the best lines ever heard on cd, mp3, vinyl, whatever
  67. RichardR
    Jan 28, 2006
    9
    Yo, forget how cool they are or aren't, in your opinion, which, yes, matters as much as anyone else's; it all comes down to the songs. It always does. That's why the Stones are better than the Beatles, the Sex Pistols better than the Clash, the Psychedelic Furs better than Depeche Mode, Radiohead better than... This album is full of freakin' great rock songs, Yo, forget how cool they are or aren't, in your opinion, which, yes, matters as much as anyone else's; it all comes down to the songs. It always does. That's why the Stones are better than the Beatles, the Sex Pistols better than the Clash, the Psychedelic Furs better than Depeche Mode, Radiohead better than... This album is full of freakin' great rock songs, flawlessly conceived and executed. Great instrumentals, singing, and lyrics. We're all lucky guys like this are around to carry the torch.… Expand
  68. HansF
    Jan 29, 2006
    0
    This c.d. is awful! Please, I beg each of you who gave this c.d. a positive review to find a Strokes fan site. I will then ask you to read the lyrics for each song. Then once your emberassment subsides, then write an updated review. I will now give my review with the same thoughfulness contained in the lyrics of this album, " This is one steaming pile of boring crap."
  69. Rob
    Jan 3, 2006
    8
    While not scaling the heights of 'Is This It?', The Strokes' new album is an improvement on 'Room On Fire' and demands multiple listens to really make sense. Reviewers have been put off by the fact that not every song is an instant grabber like the lead single 'Juicebox', however the album is all the richer for that.
  70. MichaelJ
    Jan 3, 2006
    9
    This album has some real treasures, but also some trash. Had they shyed away from the whole butt-rock (Heart in a Cage) and the numbingly hookless Fear of Sleep and Killing Lies, it would have been a much more solid album. That being said, they have expanded their capabilities and style with songs like Electricityscape, Ask Me Anything, and Red Light.
  71. Joe
    Jan 3, 2006
    10
    It takes a few listens to love it,but once you love it,you love it!!
  72. TomB
    Jan 3, 2006
    6
    not bad, not great.
  73. ridgeb
    Jan 3, 2006
    8
    If the first Strokes album made me admire them, and the second made me snub them, then this one really makes me respect them again. They've matured into their sound--and though David Kahne's story of crying on the mixing board because the Strokes were "killing their sound" must have been inspiring, they've salvaged what works, and the elements align sweetly on this improved If the first Strokes album made me admire them, and the second made me snub them, then this one really makes me respect them again. They've matured into their sound--and though David Kahne's story of crying on the mixing board because the Strokes were "killing their sound" must have been inspiring, they've salvaged what works, and the elements align sweetly on this improved followup.… Expand
  74. KesM
    Jan 3, 2006
    9
    Not as good as Is This It, but definitely better than Room On Fire, which I thought was good. The Critics are wrong, trust me. Buy It!
  75. BertJ
    Jan 3, 2006
    9
    about as good as Room on Fire
  76. wasp2020C
    Jan 3, 2006
    10
    Superb album.
  77. Cuero
    Jan 4, 2006
    8
    A good third album. Not as impressive to me as Room on Fire was as a follow-up, but there are few, if any, weak songs. More diverse and deep than any of their previous albums. Mixed reviews are to be expected from critics, but this is a much better rock record than anything media darlings the White Stripes or System of a Down have released recently.
  78. FilmoreH
    Jan 4, 2006
    2
    I think this may be the end for The Strokes.
  79. LaddW
    Jan 4, 2006
    9
    The Strokes are one of those bands who you can only compare to their past work. That said, I've always enjoyed the Strokes' work, and FIOE is no exception. They remind me of the Ramones opus of work. While deviating only occassionally, artistically, from their punk roots, they remained dedicated to the sound of punk rock. In many ways, the Strokes do the same here, and stray The Strokes are one of those bands who you can only compare to their past work. That said, I've always enjoyed the Strokes' work, and FIOE is no exception. They remind me of the Ramones opus of work. While deviating only occassionally, artistically, from their punk roots, they remained dedicated to the sound of punk rock. In many ways, the Strokes do the same here, and stray echoes of Is This It?/Room on Fire abound on FIOE. It is a worthwhile listen, and one that proves itself after repeated listens. Still, at this point, the Strokes will have whittled it down to pleasing their core audience, and not just the ones who jumped on their first release. It is a pleaser of an album for true Strokes fans, and even after a few listens, you won't be disappointed. The boys of NYC are back, and here, they explore different ways to bark without loosing their bite.… Expand
  80. GeorgeP
    Jan 4, 2006
    8
    A very anticipated album that contains some great songs during the first half - namely You Only Live Once, Heart In A Cage and On The Other Side. However, the second half of the album contains too much bland filler and you find your attention wanes. This is still a good album though, and should definatley be brought by fans of the strokes - if your not a fan, think carefully. They may A very anticipated album that contains some great songs during the first half - namely You Only Live Once, Heart In A Cage and On The Other Side. However, the second half of the album contains too much bland filler and you find your attention wanes. This is still a good album though, and should definatley be brought by fans of the strokes - if your not a fan, think carefully. They may have departed from their trademark sound ever so slightly (and you can now hear what Julian is singing) yet maybe not enough to attract the doubters. You never know though, time will tell, although this is certainly no Kid A.… Expand
  81. MackB
    Jan 4, 2006
    3
    It's quite disappointing, but I honestly didn't expect this album to shockingly break the mold the Strokes created for themselves. Pitchfork's review seems to get it right - these guys were in the right place at the right time when they offered their debut - 4.25 years later, these guys still can't muster anything new or fresh. It's not like they haven't had It's quite disappointing, but I honestly didn't expect this album to shockingly break the mold the Strokes created for themselves. Pitchfork's review seems to get it right - these guys were in the right place at the right time when they offered their debut - 4.25 years later, these guys still can't muster anything new or fresh. It's not like they haven't had time to develop new sounds (that are worth recording, unlike the "new directions" they take on First Impressions...). Their debut was 1 song on repeat 11 times - and it was catchy, but how difficult could it be to break out of that stylistic mode? Apparently quite difficult for this group of mostly non-talented posers. Julian's dissafected, removed vocals are no longer cute or suprisingly dull - they're just terrible. Why so many critics (and listeners) continue to give these guys the benefit of the doubt, is beyond me. The fact that their attempts to "branch out" fall so flat (on their third album, no less) should be a strong indicator that they lack that necessary ingredient - talent. And the Guardian said it right - now they just sound like a band jumping on the bandwagon the Strokes created 4 years ago. It's sad. The posts below are revealing, too. Michael J said that it "also has some trash" - and yet still gave it a 9! Come on, three albums of mostly the same material - with only half-hearted, failed attempts to alter the sound a bit? Definitely not 9 material. 3 is being too nice at this point, too.… Expand
  82. Matt
    Jan 5, 2006
    7
    Sometimes they grow while retaining their identity - especially in the first half of the album. But there is too much bland new wave sounding music here.
  83. KevinK
    Jan 6, 2006
    7
    Half good, half bad. I like the updated sound, but there are a handful of tracks here I could do without. Highlights: You Only Live Once, Juicebox, Razorblade, Vision of Division (only for the solo) and Ask Me Anything. Also, the b-side of the Juicebox single called Hawaii is great and should've been included on the album, you should check it out.
  84. moil
    Jan 6, 2006
    7
    So so. Some songs are amazing, but their attempts to be experimental - mainly in the second half of this album - result in their most boring songs to date.
  85. Ty
    Jan 7, 2006
    3
    1 great song and many poor washed out pointless ones. Not a patch one real bands like Death Cab Cutie / Eels etc. No septh to this cd.
  86. EamonS
    Jan 8, 2006
    10
    Is this It? has just been eclipsed. FIOE has genius lyrics and a really cool sound. Their best album yet and better than any album from 2005.
  87. PaulB
    Jan 8, 2006
    10
    looking for a stonking album?? this will blow your balls off!!
  88. mijur
    Feb 1, 2006
    9
    i like ize in the world
  89. Dave
    Feb 16, 2006
    8
    An excellent album. The only reason the critics didn't get this is that they didn't listen enough. If you put this on for the first time in the mindset that any first impression other than immediate mind-blowing amazement is a failure to deliver on some kind of promise that's been hyped up by the media, you'll resent it. Give it a few listens, though, and you will love An excellent album. The only reason the critics didn't get this is that they didn't listen enough. If you put this on for the first time in the mindset that any first impression other than immediate mind-blowing amazement is a failure to deliver on some kind of promise that's been hyped up by the media, you'll resent it. Give it a few listens, though, and you will love it. Like both the other Strokes albums, really. Except that the musicianship's gone up a notch.… Expand
  90. AshleyC
    Feb 19, 2006
    9
    Couldn't agree more with Elene - the negativity levelled toward First Impressions is highly frustrating. The band were at liberty to bang out a third, battered copy of Is This It but, instead, have clearly, and bravely, gone for broke. Yes the album is a couple of tracks too long and some experiments don't quite work but the overall level is very high and it is a BIG grower.
  91. lukew
    Feb 10, 2006
    10
    what is wrong with the music critics? is everyone really that snotty, they can't admit that the strokes made a fan-fucking-tastic record? is it just me? maybe my taste has become less discerning, i dunno. i'm just kinda flabbergasted that people aren't falling all over themselves; i think it's totally brilliant. and gutsy. and absurdly catchy.
  92. Miguel
    Feb 4, 2006
    8
    It's a grower. "You Only Live Once" is amazing. The second half drags a bit, but you gotta give The Strokes credit for sucking it up and putting efforts into rejuvinating themselves.
  93. DickC
    Feb 5, 2006
    6
    The first disappointment of 2006.
  94. Shawna-
    Mar 2, 2006
    10
    my all time favorite band. Ten.
  95. DougL
    Mar 28, 2006
    9
    Not as consistantly good as the first two albums, but nevertheless a handful of good tunes in the first half of the album. The guitarists have really stepped it up a notch on this effort as well. I would think old fans would appreciate this one for sure
  96. StephenD
    Mar 30, 2006
    8
    There is no way this record deserves a 67 from critics. serious hating going on here. there are a ton of great songs on this album and maybe 3 to 4 bum tunes. People are just pissy about David Kahne being involved and otherwise, i don't know, deaf? jealous? i can't figure it out.
  97. jo
    Mar 7, 2006
    9
    VISION OF DIVISION blows me away every time, amazing hook, amazing song, amazing solo... other highlights are Heart In a Cage (glad its the new single) and Juicebox for me personally. Very good album!
  98. IlyaR
    Apr 22, 2006
    10
    Time and a tour has once again proved The Strokes, and this album, to be every bit worthy of the title for greatest band alive. After some of these ridicolous reviews, time, just like Julian said, is turning them into jokes...and it's only April. Imagine how this album will be remembered by December...and even more so 20 years from now, when this will be one of those pivotal, Time and a tour has once again proved The Strokes, and this album, to be every bit worthy of the title for greatest band alive. After some of these ridicolous reviews, time, just like Julian said, is turning them into jokes...and it's only April. Imagine how this album will be remembered by December...and even more so 20 years from now, when this will be one of those pivotal, defining albums of our generation, when kids who aren't born yet will be listening to classics like "Heart In A Cage" and "Vision Of Division" and complaining about how music used to be great way back when.… Expand
  99. NicolaasG
    May 19, 2006
    10
    Amazing album. Just amazing.
  100. RonG
    May 8, 2006
    9
    The one that converted me Better vocals, more inventive guitars - such an improvement on the boring sounds of the past
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Awards & Rankings

6
#6 Most Discussed Album of 2006
43
#43 Most Shared Album of 2006

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
69

Generally favorable reviews - based on 38 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 38
  2. Mixed: 19 out of 38
  3. Negative: 0 out of 38
  1. Blender
    70
    Earth is the sound of a band coming to that inevitable realization: five patrician perfectionists who've resolved to sound sloppy, even (or especially) at the risk of fucking up. [Jan/Feb 2006, p.98]
  2. Playlouder
    90
    Turns out what the world was waiting for really was those that saved guitars finally making a record that truly reaped the rewards of their efforts. Is this it? OH GOD YES!
    Read full review
  3. Slant Magazine
    50
    First Impressions introduces some subtle new colors to the band's musical palette... but the pervasive sense of inert boredom, which has been noted as a strength in the past, is difficult to shake.
    Read full review
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