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An acclaimed debut prompts one of two kinds of follow-ups: either the band strives to broaden their palate or they attempt to deepen the colors they splashed all over that heralded first effort. The Strokes' second outing falls in the latter camp. In the tradition of the Ramones' Leave Home and Oasis' (What's the Story) Morning Glory, the Strokes largely stay the course with their second full-length release, producing an album that won't cause the stir that its predecessor did, but has a sneaky appeal all its own. Thanks to the quintet's Lower East Side roots, Velvet Underground and Television references abound with these guys, but Boston new wavers the Cars, and in particular their hit-heavy second album, 1979's Candy-O, provide a more suitable point of reference for Room on Fire. As with Ric Ocasek and company, Strokes frontman Julian Casablancas and his cohorts have a Cars-like knack for sly riffs that creep deeper into ones consciousness with each listen. Not much longer than a half hour from start to finish, this 11-song is modest in intent and execution, and succeeds quite nicely on its own terms. --Steven Stolder

CUSTOMER REVIEWS (Average Customer Rating: 4.0 based on 384 reviews)

A Worthy Sophmore Album by Tyler S. (Brentwood, CA United States)

4 Stars
November 08, 2009
The Strokes are a unique band that has a very specific sound. I was unsure whether that sound could carry through to another album and be just as entertaining. After listening to this album I was pleasantly assured that the Strokes are here to stay. It's not quite "Is This It?" but "Room on Fire" has enough good songs to tide me over. "What Ever Happened", "Reptilia", "Automatic Stop", "You Talk Way Too Much", "Between Love and Hate", and "Under Control" are the best songs on the cd. These songs are hard to stop listening to and my ipod is tired of playing them. The other songs don't stick at all, but you can't expect the cd to completely satisfy you. I hope for at least 4 good songs, and I got a great good to bad song ratio on this cd. It's grungy, it's dirty, it's the lovely music of the Strokes you wanted more of. If you can't get enough from their first album, consider this a direct sequel. This cd doesn't go in a new direction. It more of a continuation of the first round. The great thing about "Room on Fire" is that the Strokes have the same style, but the music in no way gets old.

Alleviating critics by IRate

4 Stars
May 13, 2009
One of the few graceful big pressure indie sophomores that felt slightly compromised from one perspective, but enhanced in the next. The kind of follow up that does refine some of the grittier urgencies which made the debut stick out but in trade gets expansive production and refined compositions. Unfortunately it could have even been better had they spent the time end it properly, and by that I mean it was too short only just over a half hour with the wrong closer.

Best rock album in a long time by S. Ferguson (Santa Barbara, CA)

5 Stars
January 14, 2009
This is one of my favorite albums of all time, hands down. The flow and style of the album from start to finish is what many self-proclaimed great "The _____" bands wish they could produce. This album is a significant improvement on their first album. I would highly recommend this album to any rock fan.

A converted cynic... by Michelle K. Gatton (Ohio)

5 Stars
December 10, 2008
I will admit, I am one of those who hated The Strokes, despite really giving them a chance. After hearing "Someday" on the radio...I had to give in. Prior to hearing this single, I went to see Weezer, where The Strokes were scheduled to open. At the time, I was stoked that they canceled so I didn't have to sit through them. Now...I am very bitter with myself and the circumstances. With that said...I enjoyed the first album. I was excited for Room On Fire to be released. The moment I popped into my car stereo, I fell in love. "Under Control" was such a pleasant suprise. I love Julian's crooning. Every other song is fun and upbeat. To me, this is essential pop rock. I'm not an 80's New York post-punk fan by any means, so the comparisons mean nothing to me. I am a huge Head Automatica fan, though. If you are also a fan of Head Automatica (and not soley a fan of Daryl Palumbo), do yourself a favor and buy this album.

room on fire - THE STROKES by Paula Free (Los Angeles, CA)

5 Stars
November 02, 2008
I love this CD. It is one of my new favorites. If you liked their last CD, Is this It?, you will like this one too. Great guitar and lyrics

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