Is This It (studio album) by The Strokes

The album that would be a game-changer in the indie rock scene and would go on to inspire subsequent stadium-rockers like Interpol, Arctic Monkeys, and The Killers, Is This It is a very special moment in time. Marked by its gritty, unpolished, anti-commercial sound, and singer Julian Casablancas' distorted vocals, Is This It is a triumphant gem and The Strokes sound just as raw, dirty, and sophisticated as The Velvet Underground did in the 60s.

From Waner 10/10/2024 23:12

Just a no nonsense indie rock record that exudes a kind of worn out swagger that's more complex than what's presented under the surface.

A fine little collection of tunes from a low-fi, no-frills New York City rock band. Catchy? Sure. Clever? Sometimes. Exceptional? No. No matter what the music press of the early '00s wanted you to believe, The Strokes never reinvented the wheel or saved rock and roll. They were a cut above, say, The Vines, but not as interesting as The White Stripes or the Yeah Yeah Yeahs.

Gritty yet polished -- very cool when I was finishing high school.

The group create a catchy and infectious record that is packed full of character and has enough charm to win over anyone. No matter how many times you hear this record it will still sound just as fresh as the first time you heard it. This is because at the core of this release are some fantastic hooks that are some of the best the group have ever created. They didn't just create one of these however, with every song on here being catchy, accessible and getting lodged in your head for weeks after finishing the record. Another major factor that causes this is the charm the music has which comes from both the fresh and exciting instrumentation and the brilliant vocal display. Julian Casablancas is phenomenal on this record and in my opinion he sounds like the voice of the 2000's. He just possesses this edge to his vocal making it so impressive and distinctive every time you hear it. Overall, this record is one of the most enjoyable experiences you will find on an album with the group blending together so well on here to create something special.

The Strokes' debut album immediately perfects a garage rock sound with raw and gritty guitar-work, great drums and bass, and the iconic vocals of Julian Casablancas. At first I found the sound explored by Is This It to be repetitive as the album went on, but it has only grown on me as the subtle stylistic differences between tracks offer something new with every listen.
Top 3 tracks: Hard To Explain, Someday, Is This It

From flamingyesdept 09/03/2022 21:48

Was that it?

Great album

From imacgill 08/14/2022 21:37

Every now and then an album comes along to break up the monotony of rock and roll. Never Mind The Bollocks did it, Nevermind did it, and I believe This Is It did it as well. A classic record that helped kill the late 90's new rock scene and was instrumental in propelling indie music into the mainstream.

Stands alongside the best post-punk rock albums of all time from the New York scene as it's influence on guitar music through the 2000's was gigantic.