A perfect debut that encapsulated everything that The Strokes wanted to say, and a perfect record that encapsulated the beauty, tension and release present in the best rock and roll. The band sounded like a late-70s New York punk band imitating early synth-pop, while Julian Casablancas sang Motown or girl group-esque classic songwriter melodies over the buzz. Songs like “Barely Legal” or “Is This It” are defined by their sonorous, yearning hooks and irresistible clangour.