The Strokes: Is This It

One of the very best albums of the 2000s and arguably the record that changed the face of modern guitar music is next up for review. 

Side A opens with the title track ‘Is This It’ a mid paced melodic affair, that introduces the record really well. The scene is set for the band to really blow you away. That comes on the next track. ‘The Modern Age’ named after the bands earlier EP, it’s a song that perfectly encapsulates what The Strokes are, it was also the perfect antidote to the other guitar music of the time. Rough and ready, guitars, snarling vocals and a pulsating drum beat were the order of the day. This song is one of the albums most iconic. ‘Barley Legal’ is the penultimate track on Side A. Another song from the ‘Modern Age’ EP it’s one of the earliest songs the band ever recorded, and one of the albums most underrated songs. Another song that sounds rough and ready. The Strokes were different than the other musicians out at the time, and this was on purpose. ‘Someday’ one of the albums most famous songs ends Side A. An indie dance floor classic, a timeless song that transcends this album and a particular scene. Or even a particular decade. 23 years on ‘Someday’ is still brilliant. The Strokes came out at the perfect time, guitar music was at its lowest point in a long time. Britpop had burst and Nu Metal ruled the airwaves. This album reinvented guitar music for the better and spawned some of the most influential bands of the 2000s.

Even on the albums weaker tracks are statements of intent, away from the hit singles ‘Last Nite’ and ‘Someday’ the band crafted a unique record that took elements from all of the rock greats of the past. It has The Stones, Sex Pistols, Televison, The Velvet Underground and with their own unique sound drags guitar music into the 21st Century. 

‘Hard to Explain’ is a modern day punk song delivered with almost hip hop levels of flow. It’s an attack in the best way. ‘New York City Cops’ acts as the bands take on a love song. Written not about the police but instead a one night stand. The bands range on this record is something to be admired. Yes they take from the past, but no band sounds like The Strokes, not then not now. 

I can’t not talk about ‘Last Nite’ often a bands most famous track is unrepresentative of them. This is not the case for ‘Last Nite’ everything that makes the band great is in there. It’s messy, it’s more complex than people give it credit for, and it’s still an anthem. A song that made the indie kids dance, a song that made so many want to pick up a guitar. 

This album is still as important today as it was back in 2001. A must for every record collection. Remember even Alex Turner wanted to be one of The Strokes.

Thanks for reading x 

Jack