#68 Is This ItThe Strokes

Genres: Indie rock, garage rock revival, post-punk revival

Description

"Is This It" by The Strokes addresses the restless energy and existential musings of young urbanites in New York City. Released during a period of post-90s musical stagnation, this debut album combines raw, minimalist rock with sharp, evocative lyrics, significant in The Strokes' artistic evolution. Each track conveys the band's gritty yet melodic approach to rock music.

Background

After forming in 1998, The Strokes—comprising Julian Casablancas, Nick Valensi, Nikolai Fraiture, Fabrizio Moretti, and later, Albert Hammond, Jr.—honed their sound influenced by artists like Bob Marley and The Velvet Underground. Their 2000 demo caught significant attention, leading to a major label deal with RCA Records. The band recorded "Is This It" with producer Gordon Raphael at Transporterraum in Manhattan, favoring an intentionally lo-fi, garage sound over polished production.

Notable Tracks

• “The Modern Age”: A critique of modern life with staccato verses and an upbeat, singalong chorus.
• “Last Nite”: Infuses pop melodies with reggae-inspired guitar lines, reflecting urban discontent.
• “Someday”: Embraces rockabilly elements with interlocking guitar lines, exuding nostalgic optimism.
• “Hard to Explain”: Features processed drum tracks and spliced ad-libbing, delivering an innovative post-punk feel.

Reception and Impact

"Is This It" was noted for its raw efficiency and minimalist style, reaching number 33 on the Billboard 200 and becoming a defining record of the early 2000s rock revival. Featuring Valensi's and Hammond's distinct guitar arrangements and Casablancas' emotionally charged vocals, the album received widespread critical acclaim, often cited in "best of" lists for its innovative sound.

Legacy

"Is This It" remains significant in The Strokes' discography, capturing the band's quintessential "effortless cool" and setting the template for modern indie rock with its stripped-down, heartfelt approach to music.