The Strokes are, in essence, the bastard child of Sonic Youth, garage rock, and all the cocky swagger that Pete Rose ever had. Julius Casablancas is an absolute animal on the microphone, belting out line after brash line on anthems for hipsters and the common man alike in "Someday" and "Hard to Explain". The man is so confident, he even lets out a little chuckle at the beginning of "New York City Cops", under layers of atrocious production that give these New Yorkers their unmistakable charm.
Speaking of the Big Apple, it's a shame that Americans that bought this album early in its lifespan were robbed of New York City Cops, whose chorus claims that these urban authority figures "ain't too smart". It's truly one of the record's best tracks, epitomizing the anxious, arrogant mood present throughout each of its perfectly constructed numbers.
But let's not kid ourselves here. These guys are not revolutionaries and did not usher in a new era of monumental and brilliant music. It's no Revolver or Sgt. Pepper's, but it's a damn strong album that's almost perfect from beginning to end. Is it the most important piece of media to be released this century? Doubtful. Is it one of the best albums to be released in the last 10 years? Almost certainly. Will it be remembered as one of the best straightforward rock records of our generation, that managed to blend the past with the present to create something so remarkably simple yet unforgettable? Absolutely.
Final Score: 97/100
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