Is This It?
by The Strokes
User Score
8.9

Universal acclaim- based on 732 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 668 out of 732
  2. Mixed: 22 out of 732
  3. Negative: 42 out of 732

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  1. Mithyus
    Apr 5, 2007
    10
    Is This It? is a strong addition to The Strokes' history, and brings Indie Rock to a new level.
  2. GiacomoP
    Feb 15, 2007
    9
    Very good album
  3. KickerTom
    Feb 14, 2007
    10
    Great album. Possibly one of the greatest.
  4. PilarS
    Jan 8, 2007
    10
    From the mid-tempo pop ballad 'Is This It', to the perfect pop-rock that are 'Someday', 'Last Nite' and 'When It Started', it's hard to imagine a more consistent album to come out in 2001. 'Soma', 'Alone, Together', 'Take it or Leave it' are so strong in their own simple energy that you just can't help singing From the mid-tempo pop ballad 'Is This It', to the perfect pop-rock that are 'Someday', 'Last Nite' and 'When It Started', it's hard to imagine a more consistent album to come out in 2001. 'Soma', 'Alone, Together', 'Take it or Leave it' are so strong in their own simple energy that you just can't help singing along. Who cares if they're good-looking? It's all about the music!… Expand
  5. AudreyA
    Jan 2, 2007
    10
    Moving and powerful; there isn't a single song on this album that I didn't adore. I listen to it when I'm said, when I'm elated, when I wake up. Keep it handy. Julian Casablancas' voice sounds both bored and emotional, and at times it can carry you away. The guitar: mesmerizing; the lyrics: entirely confusing, but in its ambiguity absolutely profound. This is Moving and powerful; there isn't a single song on this album that I didn't adore. I listen to it when I'm said, when I'm elated, when I wake up. Keep it handy. Julian Casablancas' voice sounds both bored and emotional, and at times it can carry you away. The guitar: mesmerizing; the lyrics: entirely confusing, but in its ambiguity absolutely profound. This is without a doubt one of the best debut albums in rock history.… Expand
  6. MC
    Dec 12, 2006
    9
    If you don't like it, I suggest you listen to it more than just once. You also shouldn't judge any album on hype. This album is the definiton of pop-edged rock. They do what they do very well.
  7. ZachF
    Oct 30, 2006
    10
    The best album of the decade, hands down.
  8. Danilio
    Aug 22, 2006
    9
    Yeah it's straight-forward and simple. Yeah it's the most overhyped album for a long time. Yeah they sound slightly similar to The Velvet Underground and Television. But it's still a great album
  9. SAVAGETOAST
    Aug 4, 2006
    10
    In my opinion the best albums since 2000 are 1. Is This It? by The Strokes 2. Kid A by Radiohead 3. The Moon & Antarctica by Modest Mouse 4. Franz Ferdinand by Franz Ferdinand 5. Turn On The Bright Lights by Interpol
  10. MarshMan
    Jul 17, 2006
    10
    amazing..... it's almost perfect pop-rock.
  11. AndrewG
    Jun 29, 2006
    5
    Desperately over-rated. Mostly forgettable and suprisingly dull. This album really isnt worth all the fuss that surrounds it. However there are several quality tracks on it such as the now classic Last Night and the brilliant Someday. At its best it shines. At its worse it drowns in repetative overproduction
  12. David
    Jun 11, 2006
    3
    Thank Bob this terrible trend is over. Rock revival? Whatever.
  13. HendraS
    Jun 4, 2006
    10
    salute for the strokes!!!! I gave you 10 pts for all your songs.
  14. sandieh
    May 8, 2006
    10
    Perfect.
  15. samf
    May 4, 2006
    10
    I've had this album for almost a year, and I'm still waiting for the time that I go more than a couple days without a listen.
  16. DannyR
    Apr 26, 2006
    7
    Not a bad album, but honestly are these guys that good? People have got too damn excited over the Strokes who are somewhat of a lame version of Television. Buy "Marquee Moon" and you will here music a lot like "is this it?" but less repetitive and better guitar playing.
  17. youaregayf
    Apr 22, 2006
    10
    the best band ever. s gold is gay
  18. NiallC
    Apr 8, 2006
    10
    Amazing debut. One of the greatest albums ever.
  19. LeahK
    Feb 12, 2006
    10
    Many people said this was a bad second album, but the songs were catchy and full of the rock n roll sound i was looking for. kickass album.
  20. macmn
    Jan 15, 2006
    10
    this album is simply amazing. the fast pace style keeps you wanting more
  21. Elliott
    Jan 14, 2006
    10
    Enough time has passed to solidify this as one of the greatest rock albums ever made.
  22. Fletcherb
    Jan 5, 2006
    10
    this is one of the most deeply rewarding discs ever made. 10 just isn't enough.
  23. josh
    Jan 5, 2006
    10
    The strokes are the greatest band to come out of any musice scene/genre in the past 15 years. Seminal.
  24. S.Gold
    Jan 3, 2006
    2
    Boring, same song and style over and over. How can people call this interesting?
  25. jakep
    Dec 5, 2005
    10
    "Guitar rock that knows the grit of downtown, understands the seductiveness of a timeless pop song, and recognizes that a great solo can be accomplished in 20 seconds." This album is exceptional from the opening title track to the finale. The best record to come out since London Calling.
  26. TonyG
    Dec 3, 2005
    7
    Everybody's been talking in extremes about this album, but to me, it simply did the job. It stuck to the bare-knuckled essentials of rock, created raw emotion and energy from simplistic music, and provided an enjoyable thirty minutes. Definately nothing incredible, but definately nothing terrible.
  27. edd
    Sep 25, 2005
    9
    I'll always have a soft spot for The Strokes and this album. Who can remember how all popular rock music sounded back in 2001? I'll remind you, it was shit!!! .Limp bizquit,Korn,Staind, P.O.D. nu metal was all the rage. And then you had The Strokes they were fresh and original and just what was needed at the time.Well you you dont hear limp bizqit on the radio anymore do you? I'll always have a soft spot for The Strokes and this album. Who can remember how all popular rock music sounded back in 2001? I'll remind you, it was shit!!! .Limp bizquit,Korn,Staind, P.O.D. nu metal was all the rage. And then you had The Strokes they were fresh and original and just what was needed at the time.Well you you dont hear limp bizqit on the radio anymore do you? Great album.… Expand
  28. Fredthefriend
    Aug 13, 2005
    9
    absolutely genius music. my god- how can you NOT see this as rock? more importantly so, how can you not at least give it credit for not being a band that sounds as homogenized as just about every other rock album out there?
  29. cwk
    Aug 11, 2005
    1
    pretty much garbage. People who think this is "rock" have never heard rock, apparently. the guy who said "almost emotionless" is right. These guys are total frauds and a glut of similar bands are the reason I can hardly listen to rock today. Thankfully there are still a handful of creative, original artists out there.
  30. Boone
    Jul 23, 2005
    10
    What I love about this album is how every song holds this weird contained emotion, while at the same time, appears almost emotionless. The same can be said about the inward energy of the band. You just imagine the vocals being delivered by a guy standing completely still, entirely motionless, except for his hands. The fingers clench, extend, and shake, just letting you know that despite What I love about this album is how every song holds this weird contained emotion, while at the same time, appears almost emotionless. The same can be said about the inward energy of the band. You just imagine the vocals being delivered by a guy standing completely still, entirely motionless, except for his hands. The fingers clench, extend, and shake, just letting you know that despite the almost dead exterior, this man is very much alive.… Expand
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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

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
91

Universal acclaim - based on 26 Critic Reviews

Critic 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.
    Read full review
  2. 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...
    Read full review
  3. HOB.com
    70
    Their album is little more than thirty minutes and eleven versions of the same song. But damn if that one song isn't a good one.
    Read full review
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