Is This It Review: Cool, Clipped Garage Rock Revival
9/10 — The Strokes - Is This It (2001)
Pros
- Hooky, tight songs
- Interlocking guitars
- Effortless cool
Cons
- Samey in places
- Guarded lyrics
Is This It was recorded with producer Gordon Raphael and became a worldwide hit. Its tight, scruffy songs inspired a generation of guitar bands.
What works
‘Last Nite’, ‘Someday’ and ‘Hard to Explain’ are brilliant, and the interlocking guitars of Nick Valensi and Albert Hammond Jr. are razor sharp. Julian Casablancas’s distorted vocal gives the record its blasé swagger.
Where it falters
The style is consistent to the point of sameness, and the lyrics are guarded.
Verdict
A snappy, stylish debut with real staying power.
