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. 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.
  2. 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
  3. JoshR.
    Sep 14, 2002
    9
    People who compare Interpol to Joy Division haven't listened to enough music. Just because Paul Banks sings in a baritone doesn't mean he's ripping off Ian Curtis. This is a great, pretty original record, and it is *not* "a history lesson" as some have claimed. Buy it and listen with open ears -- one of the best of 2002.
  4. S.S.
    Oct 2, 2002
    9
    Rich dark sound. Yes.. there are definitely heavy Joy Division influences, but all music is built upon the past.
  5. joeyl
    Mar 5, 2003
    9
    Yeah. Despite being an intense Joy Division fan who was at first horrified by the reports of Joy Division ripoff, when I heard this album I loved it. At times, they reach the immense heights (or is it depths?) of Joy Division's music. At other times, they achieve their very own brand of dark perfection. Impeccable guitar work, understated and hypnotic, tight arrangements, Yeah. Despite being an intense Joy Division fan who was at first horrified by the reports of Joy Division ripoff, when I heard this album I loved it. At times, they reach the immense heights (or is it depths?) of Joy Division's music. At other times, they achieve their very own brand of dark perfection. Impeccable guitar work, understated and hypnotic, tight arrangements, spinetingling vocals, and lyrics that include such gems as "the subway is a porno" and "I can't pretend I don't need to defend some part of me from you". A stunning debut. I look forward to great things from this group. (and those of you who don't already own it, need to buy Unknown Pleasures by Joy Division and hear what all the fuss is about).… Expand
  6. davidd
    Jan 3, 2004
    9
    Excellent disc. Tense, dark, and beautiful.
  7. JeremyG
    Jan 4, 2004
    9
    Since I don't own a Joy Division album (though 'Closer' is atop my want list at the moment), I'm not burdened with comparing Interpol to them. Looked at on its own, this album stands tall. Brooding and morose... perfect for an overcast fall morning. Or better yet... at sunset.
  8. WH
    May 26, 2004
    9
    simply flawless.
  9. mr.bocf
    May 30, 2004
    9
    i love this album. i guess it spinned for at least the 100th time today. not that the album is perfect but the atmosphere at times is pure genius like in the 11th track leif ericson.
  10. joaop.
    Jan 10, 2008
    9
    Great album, in dark and red. intense. Subtle.
  11. JuliaA.
    May 2, 2008
    9
    Gorgeous debut album! Couldn't stop listening to it for months after I got it.
  12. DanW.
    Aug 18, 2002
    9
    There is much to be said for Interpol.. much like the highly-lauded Strokes and various other 'neo-garage' bands they are very derivative, but that's part of the charm in the band; whereas the formentioned Strokes owe much to Television and would not be out of place in the late seventies, the lads in Interpol copy from a different fakebook, borrowing from Joy Division, There is much to be said for Interpol.. much like the highly-lauded Strokes and various other 'neo-garage' bands they are very derivative, but that's part of the charm in the band; whereas the formentioned Strokes owe much to Television and would not be out of place in the late seventies, the lads in Interpol copy from a different fakebook, borrowing from Joy Division, among others. And while the influence is apparent, they put a different spin on things sonically, and the result is a wonderful, varied album that sounds fresh today, if only as a respite from the other things out there. … Expand
  13. KrisK.
    Aug 27, 2002
    9
    This album is excellent. Personal favorites are PDA, NYC, and Roland. Everyone seems to be comparing them to Joy Divison, so I'll offer a different take on it. They sound like a less harsh, more structured Sonic Youth.
  14. MichaelK
    Oct 13, 2003
    9
    If Ian Curtis loved life, I think this would be the result... Bombastic, melodic as hell, and Obstacle 1 kicks all sorts of a** and is one of the greatest songs in recent memory... get it
  15. Daniel
    Feb 16, 2003
    9
    Great and complex songs which grows and becomes more sensitive and sparkling with every listening A beautiful release
  16. michaelC
    Jul 24, 2003
    9
    this is a great album i was very impressed, and for all the people that think that this a Joy Division ripoff give the music a chance you wont be let down. P.S they are even better live
  17. 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
  18. 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
  19. MusicMaven
    Aug 26, 2002
    9
    Joy Division is the main influence, no doubt. But that doesn't change the fact that each song on this album is worthy in its own right. Do yourself a favor and at least have a listen. Also check out Satisfact's 'The Unwanted Sounds of Satisfact' if you like this one.
  20. KiheoT
    Oct 22, 2003
    9
    An incredible album - less and less like Joy Division with each listen. An album that hasn't left my player in a year - a rare album that can be listened to over and over!
  21. jessw
    Dec 11, 2004
    9
    the best album in a long time. l listen to it every day!
  22. steve
    Apr 22, 2004
    9
    A very complete album
  23. AdamR.
    May 28, 2007
    9
    Interpol has a fresh perspective on what seemed like a tired (and over saturated) sub genre of rock.
  24. 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!
  25. 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.
  26. 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...… Expand
  27. 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.
  28. eddys
    Oct 6, 2002
    8
    At first it appears all grey and retro, but when you look and listen more intently, the brighter shades and individuality shine through.
  29. rpggrrrl
    Feb 7, 2004
    8
    This album is delightfully dark and tense and yet it has a heartbeat. It's like a big fat beautiful post-punk orgy. It's a first album so there are a couple of weak tracks, overall it's a keeper.
  30. SarahK
    Oct 1, 2004
    8
    Interpol is, as one can tell from the album, a group with a lot of potential, but seems also to be somewhat distant from actually reaching that potential. Don't get me wrong though. This is a very good album, it has those songs that make you say "THIS IS BRILLIANT" rather than just, "eh, it's cool." Aside from being called post punk, Joy Division-ish, and dark, interpol should Interpol is, as one can tell from the album, a group with a lot of potential, but seems also to be somewhat distant from actually reaching that potential. Don't get me wrong though. This is a very good album, it has those songs that make you say "THIS IS BRILLIANT" rather than just, "eh, it's cool." Aside from being called post punk, Joy Division-ish, and dark, interpol should be called awesome. They have a great deal of talent, but haven't quite shown all of it to us. No worries: they have plenty of time.… Expand
  31. 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.
  32. 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
  33. 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
  34. BenjaminBunny
    Oct 9, 2004
    7
    There's too many misguided lyrics and one-dimensional songforms to call this any sort of "masterpiece," but when it hits, as on "NYC," "PDA" and "Obstace 1," it hits hard and beautiful. Interpol are an inspired band and "Antics" is a more assured album than this one, but there's some lovely little treasures strewn about "Turn On The Bright Lights" that shouldn't be missed.
  35. 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
  36. NiklasP.
    Aug 24, 2002
    5
    Fairly OK for a band that rips flesh off Joy Division and Radiohead, mixes it up and serves it to the masses. This works wonders in the current musical climate, where (in my opinion) bands either go for old styles (White Stripes) or newer old styles (The Strokes), so this is a bit newer still. with some good results. I say: get the Joy Division box "Heart and Soul", it's worth the Fairly OK for a band that rips flesh off Joy Division and Radiohead, mixes it up and serves it to the masses. This works wonders in the current musical climate, where (in my opinion) bands either go for old styles (White Stripes) or newer old styles (The Strokes), so this is a bit newer still. with some good results. I say: get the Joy Division box "Heart and Soul", it's worth the money and it will blow Interpol away.… Expand
  37. 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.
  38. 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
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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]
See all critic reviews »