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 kicks off with the title track, 'Is This It' a mid-paced, melodic introduction that sets the stage perfectly for the album. It’s a track that draws you in, hinting at the power to come. That energy bursts to life on the next song, 'The Modern Age,' named after the band's earlier EP. This track captures the essence of what The Strokes are all about and served as a perfect antidote to the mainstream guitar music of the time. With rough, raw guitars, snarling vocals, and a pulsating drum beat, it was a statement of intent. It's one of the album’s most iconic songs.

Next up is 'Barely Legal,' the penultimate track on Side A. Another cut from the 'Modern Age' EP, it’s one of the band's earliest recordings and remains one of the album's most underrated gems. The song retains that gritty, 'rough and ready' vibe, showcasing The Strokes' deliberate departure from the polished sounds of their contemporaries.

Closing Side A is 'Someday,' one of the album's most beloved tracks. An indie dance floor classic, it’s a timeless anthem that transcends both the album and the era in which it was released. Even after 23 years, 'Someday' still resonates. The Strokes arrived at the perfect moment in music history. Guitar-driven rock was at a low point, with Britpop fading and Nu Metal dominating the airwaves. This album reinvented the genre, breathing new life into guitar music and inspiring some of the most influential bands of the 2000s.

Even on the album’s weaker tracks, there are bold statements of intent. Beyond the hit singles ‘Last Nite’ and ‘Someday,’ The Strokes crafted a record that was uniquely their own, blending elements from rock’s greatest influences. You can hear the echoes of The Rolling Stones, the Sex Pistols, Television, and The Velvet Underground, but it’s the band’s distinctive sound that pulls guitar music into the 21st century with swagger and attitude.

‘Hard to Explain’ stands out as a modern-day punk anthem, delivered with an almost hip-hop level of flow. It’s a punchy, relentless track—raw energy with an effortlessly cool delivery that demands attention. Meanwhile, ‘New York City Cops’ presents an interesting twist on the typical love song. Though it might sound like a critique of the police, it’s actually a metaphorical take on a fleeting one-night stand. The track reflects the band's range and creativity, showing they can twist familiar themes into something entirely new.

What’s remarkable about this record is its ability to channel the past while remaining firmly in the present. Yes, The Strokes pull from rock’s rich history, but no one else sounds like them, then or now. Their unique take on guitar-driven music gives this album a timeless quality.

I can't leave out ‘Last Nite,’ which, though it may be their most famous track, is perfectly representative of what The Strokes are all about. Unlike many iconic songs that don’t quite capture the essence of the band, ‘Last Nite’ does exactly that. It’s messy, it’s deceptively complex, and it remains an anthem to this day. This track made indie kids dance and inspired countless people to pick up a guitar. It's everything that makes The Strokes great, all in one song.

This album remains just as important today as it was in 2001. It’s a must-have for any serious record collection. And let’s not forget, even Alex Turner sung that he wanted to be one of The Strokes. Their influence is undeniable.

Thanks for reading x 

Jack