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

Generally favorable reviews- based on 476 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 396 out of 476
  2. Mixed: 46 out of 476
  3. Negative: 34 out of 476

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  1. Franco853
    Aug 11, 2022
    9
    Me gusta y no me gusta xdxdxdxdxdxdxdxd
    Xdxdxdxdxdxdxdxxdxdxdxdxxxdxxdxdxdxz
  2. imthenoob
    Apr 15, 2020
    8
    This album definitely grew on me over time and I've come to appreciate it as another step forward in quality, evolving musically and showcasing that they are more than just a typical indie rock band.
  3. davidpaulmesa
    Apr 6, 2020
    10
    The Strokes are a band that I didn't get into until 2010. FIOE is still my favorite album to listen to. This is The Strokes at their most interesting.
  4. drongodan
    Apr 1, 2020
    9
    The divisive album! Personally loved it. Favourite tracks Razorblade, Ize of the World
  5. macscam
    Mar 3, 2020
    8
    This is certainly my favorite album by the strokes, and when I recently revisited it I was impressed once again. I find it interesting that their first two albums are rated so much higher. It's actually a pretty different style - their first few abums are obviously far more garage and from Angles onward they moved more toward synthpop. This album is very ornate, though, tons ofThis is certainly my favorite album by the strokes, and when I recently revisited it I was impressed once again. I find it interesting that their first two albums are rated so much higher. It's actually a pretty different style - their first few abums are obviously far more garage and from Angles onward they moved more toward synthpop. This album is very ornate, though, tons of multilayered melodies remind me of Steely Dan actually, but a far more modern flavor. Really this album doesn't let up, and it's pretty much packed front-to-back with earworms. Reminds me at times of Ratatat and Bloc Party as well.… Expand
  6. ilderato
    Feb 22, 2020
    10
    The new direction Julian took the band in was not for everyone but turned the Strokes from an outstanding band to the best rock band of all time. Razorblade, Ize of the World YOLO are amongst the best rock songs ever written.
  7. EveningSun
    Apr 13, 2019
    10
    After years of listening to this album, I’ve decided that it’s my favourite album of all time. It’s supposed to be the listeners’ First Impressions of Earth. The lyrics, instrumentals, themes, and vibes of each song vary from track to track, offering the listener a new experience with each track. You Only Live Once’s somewhat melancholic lyrics with that energetic and upbeat musicAfter years of listening to this album, I’ve decided that it’s my favourite album of all time. It’s supposed to be the listeners’ First Impressions of Earth. The lyrics, instrumentals, themes, and vibes of each song vary from track to track, offering the listener a new experience with each track. You Only Live Once’s somewhat melancholic lyrics with that energetic and upbeat music alongside it really starts it off strong. From there it stays strong with each following track. The edgy Juicebox and Heart in a Cage, and the lovey and somewhat ironic Razorblade all give the album a starting. We have a more political song like Ize of the World, and introspective tracks like On the Otherside, Ask me Anything, and Fear of Sleep. It’s all fantastic, and I can’t get over it.… Expand
  8. abdo9985
    Sep 16, 2018
    10
    i Don't get the hate this is one of the best rock album of the 00s. 10/10 the strokes is love the strokes is life
  9. 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
  10. Mccusky
    Oct 28, 2017
    10
    This is the most mature of all the strokes albums, they are one of the tightest bands ever, they gel so well, rhythm, lead, drums, vocals, the songs twist and turn like a good story and this is why they sound so good but there is a lot of passion in this record. A rock classic
  11. BiscuitBuff
    Sep 13, 2017
    8
    Critics complained about Room on Fire being too similar to Is This It, they change it up and critics hate it. Too me, i don't see how FIOE is a bad record at all. Of course there are a couple filler tracks, like "Fear of Sleep" an "15 Minutes" but those are the ONLY bad songs. The rest are great NEW and DIFFERENT SONGS. The strokes dive into a darker, deeper sound. With lyrics aboutCritics complained about Room on Fire being too similar to Is This It, they change it up and critics hate it. Too me, i don't see how FIOE is a bad record at all. Of course there are a couple filler tracks, like "Fear of Sleep" an "15 Minutes" but those are the ONLY bad songs. The rest are great NEW and DIFFERENT SONGS. The strokes dive into a darker, deeper sound. With lyrics about Julian's Depression and Alcoholism, you can't compare FIOE to Is This it or Room on Fire but in no way is it a bad album. YOLO, Juicebox, Heart in a Cage, Razorblade, On The Other Side, Vision of Division, Ask Me Anything, these are great tracks. it is sad how underrated and overlooked this album is.… Expand
  12. EmmeKira
    May 15, 2015
    8
    Definetly not The Strokes are their best, but still a really cool album with many excellent tunes (You Only Live Once, Juicebox, Heart in a Cage, Razorblade), some great songs (Ize of the World, Vision of Division, Electricityscape) and to nice little tracks (Ask me Anything, Red Light). The rest of the album suffers for having some filler moments and a songs that feel a bit too stretchedDefinetly not The Strokes are their best, but still a really cool album with many excellent tunes (You Only Live Once, Juicebox, Heart in a Cage, Razorblade), some great songs (Ize of the World, Vision of Division, Electricityscape) and to nice little tracks (Ask me Anything, Red Light). The rest of the album suffers for having some filler moments and a songs that feel a bit too stretched out and uninspired. Still, The Strokes here where great nonetheless.… Expand
  13. crumrill
    Dec 29, 2012
    10
    I don't understand why Is This It got so much hype. This is my favorite album by them. Apart from one okay song, every song on this album was incredible. It was a great blend of rock and alternative, with some bluesy elements to it as well.
  14. Rikardsen
    Feb 7, 2012
    10
    This is how electric guitars should be played!
  15. RenegadeNorman
    Nov 17, 2011
    10
    Like a lot of other fans of The Strokes, I really don't know why this album gets a lot of hate. FIOE has to be one of their best, maybe even on the same level as Is This It. There might be a few forgettable tracks on First Impressions, but the rest of this album is fantastic. Get it and give it multiple listens, and I promise that it will sink in and you will love it.
  16. JawsPapi87
    Oct 20, 2011
    7
    Very good album. It verges on getting dull in the final few tracks but the calmness of those last few are a great aftermath of sorts from the heavy first tracks. Great guitar and drum work and two unbelievable tracks (Vision of Division & Heart In A Cage).
  17. 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".
  18. spacecadet
    May 14, 2011
    9
    the most underrated album of the last decade, just falls flat of a masterpiece.
    maybe a little too long. isn't as fun start to finish as the first two. but the songs are equally as strong. if they'd cut the songs that aren't as good as others.namely: ask me anything and killing lies. it will just as good as the first two. though i must agree it strays a bit from the formula that made them    the most underrated album of the last decade, just falls flat of a masterpiece.
    maybe a little too long. isn't as fun start to finish as the first two. but the songs are equally as strong. if they'd cut the songs that aren't as good as others.namely: ask me anything and killing lies. it will just as good as the first two. though i must agree it strays a bit from the formula that made them famous. it doesn't stray to bad places    … Expand
  19. highwiredays
    Mar 30, 2011
    10
    Not as good as their first 2 albums but still has playability. But their new album is kind of bad. Like really bad. I have a headache just thinking about it.
  20. 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
  21. Optimus_Prime
    Dec 13, 2010
    10
    Sure, its not as good as Is This It. But really, this album is incredible in its own right. How can you give an album with such intensity and musical brilliance a 70? Julian clears up his singing, the guitars get more complex solos and clarity to create a stunning album. Can't get enough even 4 years after relese...
  22. 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.
  23. daver
    Oct 13, 2009
    9
    Love this cd as much of the other two, i don't care what the "critics" say about it, Their music is something refreshing.
  24. BenF
    Feb 14, 2009
    7
    It is different than their previous two albums but still good. "You live only once" is pretty much my favorite track from this album. The rest are decent but not great.
  25. BurwellW.
    Jul 12, 2008
    7
    While the first two albums were damn near perfect (if not the second then certainly the first with room on fire trailing close by) first impressions of earth slightly misses its mark. The first two albums were filled with nostalgia entangled within the lyrics and the melodies. This is lost. Hopefully with a new album they can get their mojo back.
  26. Jodan
    Jun 30, 2008
    10
    Awesome! Every song is amazing. The strokes kick A**!!!
  27. DanielB.
    Feb 6, 2008
    7
    Good for most of the album but nothing more than solid and how the hell are the strokes indie rock?
  28. FrankieM.
    Jan 18, 2008
    9
    I wasnt going to buy this album due to mixed reviews but then i heard you only live once and i thought why not buy it and now im so happy i did. my faviourite tracks are juicebox,vision of division, ize of the world and you only live once. also impressed by the guitar work the best ive heard from the strokes
  29. 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
  30. EddieEinarMrtnsnN
    Dec 9, 2007
    7
    First Impressions of Earth offers a matured the Strokes, and although they've lost the skipping and fast-moving appearance of the their two first albums, they've changed their style briefly in favor for something more ambitious. The album opens up as strong as anything, but midway through songs starts behaving half-formed, unusual for someone as Casablancas who's proven First Impressions of Earth offers a matured the Strokes, and although they've lost the skipping and fast-moving appearance of the their two first albums, they've changed their style briefly in favor for something more ambitious. The album opens up as strong as anything, but midway through songs starts behaving half-formed, unusual for someone as Casablancas who's proven himself such an early-matured songwriter. Either way, the band has learned new tricks and they behave just as smart as they did back in the early days, even a bit smarter. Lots of enjoy here, but you can't avoid feeling disappointed as 5 and maybe 6 of the 14 songs doesn't really punch as they could. Anyway; the Strokes rocks and still sounds refreshing.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

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

Critic Reviews

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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!
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  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.
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