Polyphonic Press: Classic Album Reviews

Is This It by The Strokes - Ep. 100

Jeremy Boyd & Jon VanDyk Episode 100

Released in 2001, Is This It is the explosive debut album by The Strokes that helped reinvigorate rock music at the turn of the millennium. With its raw production, garage rock revival sound, and effortlessly cool aesthetic, the album quickly became a defining statement of early-2000s indie rock. Julian Casablancas’ detached, often distorted vocals, paired with choppy guitar riffs and tight, punchy rhythms, gave the album a stripped-down but infectious energy. Tracks like “Last Nite,” “Someday,” and “Hard to Explain” blend retro influences—like The Velvet Underground and Television—with modern swagger, carving out a timeless and influential sound. Is This It isn’t just a debut; it's a cultural reset that marked a new era for rock bands in the 21st century.

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DISCLAIMER: Due to copyright restrictions, we are unable to play pieces of the songs we cover in these episodes. Playing clips of songs are unfortunately prohibitively expensive to obtain the proper licensing. We strongly encourage you to listen to the album along with us on your preferred format to enhance the listening experience.


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