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Is This It?
by
Is This It? Image
Metascore
91

Universal acclaim - based on 26 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.9

Universal acclaim- based on 732 Ratings

  • Summary: This is the debut album from New York indie-rockers The Strokes, who have been hyped by the British music press following the release of "The Modern Age" EP in early 2001. It almost goes without saying, but the group is frequently compared to the Velvet Underground, among others, thanks inThis is the debut album from New York indie-rockers The Strokes, who have been hyped by the British music press following the release of "The Modern Age" EP in early 2001. It almost goes without saying, but the group is frequently compared to the Velvet Underground, among others, thanks in part to singer-songwriter Julian Casablancas' Lou Reed-esque vocals.… Expand

Top Track

Someday
In many ways they'll miss the good old days Someday, someday Yeah, it hurts to say but I want you to stay Sometimes, sometimes When we was young, oh... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 26 out of 26
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 26
  3. Negative: 0 out of 26
  1. New Musical Express (NME)
    Apr 24, 2013
    100
    Simply put, Strokes have every quality rock'n'roll requires from its finest exponents and Is This It is where they come together.
  2. Village Voice (Consumer Guide)
    91
    The Strokes' privileged formalism is annoying, so too their delight in romantic dysfunction. But they're smarter than the playa haters who aren't smart enough to target these blatant shortcomings.
  3. AllMusic
    90
    Able to make the timeworn themes of sex, drugs, and rock & roll and the basic guitars-drum-bass lineup seem new and vital again, the Strokes may or may not be completely arty and calculated, but that doesn't prevent Is This It? from being an exciting, compulsively listenable debut...
  4. Spin Cycle
    88
    Hype for the Strokes is well deserved--it's hard to imagine a more vital American rock band.
  5. Village Voice
    80
    If you like one Strokes song, you'll like their whole album.
  6. Sonicnet
    80
    Casablancas is all old-school rocker in the Mick Jagger/Chris Robinson mold -- an ugly/pretty boy out to beg, borrow and bleed for even prettier women while acting like nothing ever satisfies.
  7. Trouser Press
    70
    A dandy little 36-minute album of simple pop tunes with all the right moves and no real motion.

See all 26 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 149 out of 175
  2. Mixed: 15 out of 175
  3. Negative: 11 out of 175
  1. NickK.
    Oct 17, 2001
    10
    This album kicks like the Stones during the Exile on Mainstreet era. It leaves every other rock album of the year seem tame.
  2. michael417
    Mar 3, 2011
    10
    "is this it?" is fantastic. truly a landmark album of our generation. its so nonchalant but somehow through the apathy true brilliance is"is this it?" is fantastic. truly a landmark album of our generation. its so nonchalant but somehow through the apathy true brilliance is found. yes each song has a similar sound, but they are not the same. additionally, why would you change up the sound when it is good to begin with… Expand
  4. DanielG
    Aug 14, 2004
    10
    One of the coolest rock albums I've heard in a long time.
  5. SoupRocker
    Jun 29, 2011
    10
    This album is the greatest Rock album ever produced. Every song has an a amazing guitar riff, powerful bass lines, and the singer JulianThis album is the greatest Rock album ever produced. Every song has an a amazing guitar riff, powerful bass lines, and the singer Julian Casablancas has the best voice I have heard in a long time.… Expand
  6. MoralSupport
    Jan 28, 2018
    10
    The best album of the 2000's no questions asked. The simplistic rock and roll vibe of the whole album really brings nostalgia onto all whoThe best album of the 2000's no questions asked. The simplistic rock and roll vibe of the whole album really brings nostalgia onto all who listen, even those who weren't old enough to remember when the album was released. Is This It is the best rock album released in the 21st century, and I doubt any band will ever top this phenomenal album.… Expand
  7. GiacomoP
    Feb 15, 2007
    9
    Very good album
  8. [Anonymous]
    Jun 30, 2002
    0
    worst retro shit ever. perfect for nme readers

See all 175 User Reviews

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Awards & Rankings

3
#3 Best Album of 2001
2
#2 Most Discussed Album of 2001
10
#10 Most Shared Album of 2001

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