The Strokes' debut album 'Is This It' marks 25th anniversary

The Strokes' debut album Is This It, released on 30 July 2001, turned 25 years old. Producer Gordon Raphael told NME that the record’s lasting appeal is a “miracle” and noted how the band’s raw garage‑rock sound revived guitar‑driven music at a time when drum‑and‑bass dominated New York clubs.

The album quickly rose to No. 2 in the UK charts and reached No. 33 on the US Billboard 200, earning platinum certifications in several territories. Its original US cover was altered for being provocative, and after the September 11 attacks the track “New York City Cops” was withdrawn and replaced with “When It Started”. Critics praised its minimalist production and catchy melodies, and it has been credited with sparking a garage‑rock resurgence that influenced bands such as Arctic Monkeys, The Killers and The Libertines. The Strokes recently released their seventh album, Reality Awaits, underscoring the enduring relevance of their debut.