The Sheffield band were the last truly impactful guitar bands, who smashed their way to the top of the charts and into British history with their debut record. Arctic Monkeys have made some impressive stops on their journey ever since, from LA to midnight club nights and the lunar surface....this band are truly one of a kind.
Written by Tom Bedding
25) Don’t Sit Down Cause I’ve Moved Your Chair- Suck and It See
This belter has a very mid-monkeys title name, which definitely shows off Turners love for words and fascinating metaphors. The lead single for ‘Suck It And See’ has a great stoner-rock gutiar sound to it, that is mainly propelled by the very cool riff, backed up by some very heavy bass tones. Arctic Monkeys really delivered a fine single to start of their run for the fourth record, offering so many aspects of them that so many love and cherish.
24) Cornerstone- Humbug
With the mighty Josh Homme producing the bands third record, the second single off it may of been written to offer something lighter during the recording process. Alex Turner penned it down one morning (which you can really hear, right?) and wanted to write a song in a major key, without coming across too cheesy. The result was classic, ‘Cornerstone’ grabs you warmly with two amazing guitar parts, top notch Turner lyrics and a melody that shines a lot on the Humbug album.
23) Teddy Picker- Favourite Worst Nightmare
Arctic Monkeys impressively carried on their post-punk revival/garage rock sound onto their second album, which showed that this band were here to stay at the top of 21st century rock (and oh boi did they). The punk attitude is felt on ‘Teddy Picker’ with the chanting backing vocals and lyrics that seem to be taking aim at celebrity culture, with that sneering attitude on the culture, going up the levels as the song progresses. ‘Teddy Picker’ has a pace that is hugely infectious and Turners performance ensures the songs melody keeps up with Helders punchy drumming and Cook’s action packed guitar work.
22) Still Take You Home- Whatever People Say I am….
The energy and concept is put through such fire on this awesome track from the bands debut album. With a spritely, punk riff and lead vocals that are going at it non stop, ‘Still Take You Home’ gets any AM crowd going with its belting lyrics about a woman who is trying too hard to get ‘all dolled up’ on a night out. Arctic Monkeys truly captured the night on the town experience brilliantly on 'Whatever People Say..', with this track being a great example of it. The riff is awesome, the drumming has great energy to it and the chanting of the ‘dahdaaahs’ at the later ends of the song is simply and purely mint.
21) The View From The Afternoon- Whatever People Say I Am….
The opener to the iconic debut album offers everything that ‘Whatever People Say I Am….’ is all about and more. The playful way the guitars work together, the bass playing giving the song such force and the drumming dictating the state of play, is truly so impressive for the opening song to a debut LP. Alex Turner dives into the state of the partying and clubbing scene around him, giving us little/witty descriptions of the various horrors that we see, when looking around your locals bars and clubs.
20) That’s Where You’re Wrong- Suck It and See
One of the last tracks laid down for the fourth LP and the closing track of ‘Suck It and See’, the two chord song is a perfect and fitting closer for the bands 2011 album. Just like a fair amount of the record, it was inspired by Alex Turner’s New York apartment that he shared with his girlfriend at the time, with the lyrics touching on love and looking up at the sky from the windows (the apartment was on the fourth floor). There is a really British vibe to the guitars, making this song fit perfectly into classic British guitar music folklore and a great example of why these isles nail it with a guitar.
19) American Sports- Tranquility Base Hotel And Casino
Turner and co are looking back at Earth from their 2018 base on the moon on here, with the records third track being a major player in the albums concept. ‘American Sports’ dives into comparing a dystopian future and the current state of affairs on the planets surface, with the lyric ‘breaking news, they take the truth and make it fluid’ standing out as one of the observations from the song. It is a truly outstanding number as the instrumentation throughout is fantastic, it's a prime example on why this record deserves so much praise.
18) Snap Out Of It- AM
Arctic Monkeys offer one of their most ‘pop’ moment with this single, while also giving a more upbeat moment, on the second half of the bands infamous fifth album. The influences of the entire record is given a different flavour on the song, with the obvious T-Rex groove and backing vocals coming across differently than other moments on ‘AM’. The songs melody is easy to pick up but the swagger delivered by the vocals, percussion and overall production is engaging to the max, making this song a big fan favourite.
17 ) Tranquility Base Hotel and Casino- Tranquility Base Hotel And Casino
The title track of the groups decisive sixth album, truly takes us into the lunar complex and the records inspirations. Alex Turner’s vocals are very close to the mic on this track, with a chorus that will truly go down in Arctic Monkey’s history. The lyrics are truly fantastic, taking us around the hotel and casino in incredible fashion….and meeting Mark on reception too. Turner goes full wack with his tour around Tranqulity Base but it is perfect in every single way, backed up a great sounding keyboard part that gives the track a slight spook feel to it.
16) Arabella- AM
The hard rock track on ‘AM’ really brings together the natural rock inspirations the band were known for and the RnB nods that the album has. The band feels fantastic in all the choruses, with Turner and Jamie Cook trading guitar lines constantly and Helders groove giving it all such swagger. Within the verses, the Hip Hop and RnB inspirations that were used on the Sheffield bands’ fifth studio album shine, offering such a slick and magical feel that really backs up the lyrical content so well. If some did not enjoy the ‘commercial’ sounds of this record, ‘Arabella’ will definitely cure that hangover instantly.
15) One Point Perspective- Tranquility Base...
The glorious chorus and vocal delivery by Alex Turner became a fan favourite during the groups previous touring for ‘Tranquility Base..’, which included the frontman offering some highly amusing moments, when singing the song during those live shows. There’s a slight groove that progresses nicely as the song goes on, with the bass playing by Nick O’Malley being fantastic and a standout feature on the entire album. Overall, it’s subtle with its execution but it ensures that the quality shines through every second, while giving breathing space for Alex Turner to really go to town with the songs lyrics on stage!
14) Briantorm- Favourite Worst Nightmare
Following up from ‘Whatever People Say I Am…’ was not a problem one bit for the Sheffield band and the first offering for the follow up was this loud, suffer-rock blast! ‘Brianstorm’ has one of the most iconic drumming performances in modern rock and elevated the bands sound to a louder and atmospheric sound, which helped them carry on the amazing form from their debut record.
Everything is going at 100% on the records opening track, ranging from the guitars and fantastic bass playing, that for sure needs more praise from people. Alex Turner’s iconic vocal style and accent rattles through the track in fine form and leaves to the beg question….who the heck is Brian and is he okay?
13) Fake Tales Of San Fransisco- Whatever People Say I Am…….
From the the title, to the riff to the top quality lyrics, we all know a person or group that fits the bill with this take down…it cracks me up straight away every time. From observing the douchey behaviour of bands that Arctic Monkeys were surrounded by in their early years, birthed a song that nailed it on head when describing self absorbed and image crazy entities.
We have all come across those bands that truly make you go ‘yoU aRe nOT fROM neY yOrK cITY, yOU’RE fRoM rOThErAm’ and the painful nature of themselves depicting themselves as something exotic (no disrespect to Rotherham). Musically, the band themselves are on top form on this track, with them all building up to a mighty and enjoyable finish.
12) Star Treatment- Tranquility Base….
It has that lush piano hook, Helders subtle drumming and then the ‘I just wanted to be one of The Strokes’ to start everything, before the frontman goes for it with a near off spoken word delivery, that contains some classic lines.
No matter what you think of ‘Tranquility Base..’, you can not deny how impressive it is that this rock band went full throttle with creating this lunar establishment experience, with the opener offering a great tone for a hotel/casino experience, that is heavily inspired by sc-fi from the 60’s/70’s. ‘Star Treatment’ really feels like you have entered the bases experience, rocketing into Turners new fantasy that feels: classic, a tad crass, lost in time but filled with fascination and sophistication.
11) Fluorescent Adolescent- Favourite Worst Nightmare
It is actually interesting to think the lyrics are becoming more and more relevant as the years go on, no wait actually a tad worrying in truth. But anyway, the very popular single from the second record just oozes a classic sound from the word go and a sing along-able nature that warms the hearts of anyone who hears it, no matter the situation.
Helders drumming and O’Malley’s bass playing shine throughout the track, as Alex Turner basically spits out the lyrics about the reflection of how growing older is not as fun as your youth. From the verses to the chorus and the last moments of the song, the spirt of the melody is incredibly catchy and engaging that gets everyone going at a gig or night-club. The way Arctic Monkeys offered three incredible singles off their debut and managed to offer another one so soon after, is utterly incredible and a showcase of how talented the band are.
10) 505- Favourite Worst Nightmare
An icon in its own right for so many in Britain, with it possibly having one of the finest ‘drops’ in indie music too? With just only two chords for most of the song, Arctic Monkeys are still able to give the listener plenty to revel in and also go wild for, mainly as Alex Turner’s lover, Miles Kane, plays a mean guitar part in the songs closing moments. From its subtle beginnings, with just Alex and a keyboard, the song eventually progresses into a fantastic album and set closer that leaves everyone going wild every time. You can see why so many love it and I can fully understand why some would regard it a lot higher in the list.
9) Four Out Five- Tranquility Base….
Some people are still recovering from the huge shift that occurred on the groups sixth record, while still not admitting they are not humming ‘Four Out Five’ on a daily basis. The main single from the record, goes for it with its lunar hotel experience and ‘ballroom/lounge’ style with its piano heavy presence and mellow approach.
The chorus is gorgeous though, it is a really great written song that feels impressive, catchy and still being able to be chanted by the AM faithful, who were given a treat with the groups aesthetic on their last tour. Arctic Monkeys are able to fill out this song and build it up to make it feel grander and grander by the second, with Alex Turner signing about what is on offer at the complex and possibly sneaking in a comment about reviews as a whole (a nod to the possible response to the bands new sound).
8) Crying Lightning- Humbug
This lead single has such an incredible sound to it and finds it way to being a rather epic stoner-rock pop song, which was probably helped by Josh Homme, who produced the album. Nick’s bass playing has a very Queens tone to it and really takes ahold of the song, complimenting the impressive riff by Turner on guitar. The dark playful tones of the mixing is another aspect of Homme’s producing and works so well with Alex Turner’s vocal delivery, who references a lot of confectionary during this track.
You can imagine the crowd singing the pre-chorus and then later in the song, when the songs tone goes up another level, every single one of them going completely nuts for this awesome song. Without making it feel to repetitive, the band are able to utilise this great melody by stepping it up and up for us and allow it to feel epic and highly engaging.
7) Why’d You Only Call Me When You’re High- AM
You have to give this song a lot of credit, it really did capture the imagination of the mainstream upon its single release, as it received famous covers and a top 10 spot on the UK charts. The third single off ‘AM’ is a fantastic sounding number that shows off Alex Turners melody writing and the bands result in wanting to create an LP, that was so smooth and ready to be enjoyed by millions.
The riff is backed up by a cool beat, saucy backing vocals and a build up that is executed so bad arse like by the instrumentation, which leads off to such a rad guitar solo. Alex Turner based this 3am escapade song on an actual voice mail he received on a night out, which unsurprising is the topic of most of the album. Arctic Monkeys truly brought British rock back to the fray when the mainstream had been turned into a Spotify and playlist infused place, that casted away a lot fellow guitar bands at the time.
6) A Certain Romance- Whatever People Say I Am….
When Arctic Moneys want to close an album, they really know how to do it!!! From the debut record, the band really go around the figures who simply do not have love around their hometown in 2006. (it is not about chavs I would like to add). It is so impressive how they truly go around the place, with depicting all the people who are either lost, frustrated, uncared for and stuck somewhere.
The honesty and beauty of the last verse of admitting that these people who are stuck or helpless at times are still your mates, despite their possible faults, they mean something to you and question us how can you purposely get rid of that, when they are actually good people for you. On the music front, you have to say that the opening riff brings a smile to a whole generation of music lovers and again.
5) Mardy Bum- Whatever People Say I Am…..
Again another opening that leaves so many people so pumped and happy, in all honesty the entire album does this for so many. ‘Mardy Bum’ really shows off the groups Sheffield identity beautifully and offer us an amazing sing along that makes you put your arms around your friends and family, before going into a fine mini mosh.
The way this song flows so well is fantastic, which is conducted impressively by the rhythm section and the ease Alex flows through his lyrics, about your partner who is being a tad tardy, is fantastic. For me, this track just showcases where Arctic Monkeys come from a geographic stand point and music wise too, offering us fantastic lyrics and a song that is filled with such subtle qualities and brilliance.
4) R U Mine?- AM
I have one question……..are you mineeee?! Sorry it had to be done. The first single from the famous album, came at a point when Arctic Monkeys were supporting The Black Keys around America, at a stage of their career where they were not very big in the States and also at a crossroads back home.
With needing a track to really get the crowd going and shake things up in their discography, the band found themselves inspired by RnB for the first time and vocal deliveries of artists such as Drake and Lil Wayne. Then, when Nick O’Malloy wrote the riff (fair bloody play) and penned down the song, the band through it into their supporting set and BOOOOM, something was afoot.
With its fast paced lyrical delivery, fantastic riff and the way the song kept going into different places, Arctic Monkeys became so inspired by the song, that they knew this was going to start off the writing for the new album. The rest was history.
3) When The Sun Goes Down- Whatever People Say I Am….
Originally know as ‘Scummy’, the number one single became a go to for anyones playlist for a good old sing song! The second single from the bands debut record, goes to a darker place within the albums concept and offers a great bit of grit and a chanty chorus that gets anyone going. Based around the Neepsend district of Sheffield, the songs lyrics look at a prostitute from the area and the ‘scummy man’ who could be the pimp of said sex worker.
Again the opening moments feels instantly classic with its subtle beginnings, however when the bass and drums kick in, this song goes hard and what follows is a classic British music. The animation in Turners delivery is fantastic (which has heightened as years have gone on) and the entire band gives us punch after punch, as they give us a slight punk angle to their playing and backing vocals.
2) I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor- Whatever People Say I Am…….
In October 2005, a band who said ‘don’t believe the hype’ skyrocketed to the top of the UK Charts with a garage rock meets post-punk anthem. Arctic Monkeys cemented themselves in British folk lore with their debut single, which landed themselves a slot in the London Olympics Opening Ceremony to perform the song, ‘I Bet You Look Good On The Dance Floor’ 14 years later.
We all know that any festival field or dance floor will automatically sing back the iconic backing vocals of ‘cold as the night’ and ‘your dynamite’…how could you not? The angst, the chanty nature of a catchy hook and Turners impressive lyrics make a indie anthem and pop hit, that you could say is the last of its kind.
The chorus is immense in every single way, sending you in a dance and singing frenzy, which is sandwiched between verses that contain some classic Turner lyrics; it just has everything going for it that has led it to be one of those songs to be in a prestigious league of British anthems.
1) Do I Wanna Know?- AM
Now picking between Arctic Monkeys most popular and most impressive tunes was indeed, very tough and Im still suffering from the lack of sleep due to worrying about it. Nevertheless, the gigantic single from ‘AM’ takes the first spot (just) for reasons that you can not deny with regards to its quality and GOAT worthy credentials.
So with the band finding a new avenue to explore with after the explosive ‘R U Mine?’, it was going to be a contentious situation with potentially bringing in ‘mainstream’ influences at a time when rock purists were snarling at the state of singles charts. Nevertheless on his twelve string guitar, Alex Turner created an incredibly sleazy and incredible riff that led to the band writing a song that truly hit the heights of their successful and iconic debut single.
Yes the group had plenty of singles and songs since ‘I Bet You Look Good….’ that deserved high praise but naturally with so many artists, hitting the heights of your first big hit/first impressive project is always a tall order. Queen, The Beatles, U2, Green Day, Beyoncè and only a select few have truly hit the heights of their early work later down the line and Arctic Monkeys are 1000% on that list, due to ‘Do I Wanna Know?’.
The minimalistic drum beat, that RIFF, backing vocals and the slow burning build up, makes you feel so sexy and wanting to strut down the street in the most coolest of ways that is possible. Turner croons so well over the band in a way that leaves your drawling and honestly, the way this song comes together at the end sends shivers down my spine every time. Arctic Monkeys propelled themselves to a place that was becoming hard for guitar bands and truly had a moment in British culture again in 2013, which all was sparked by this brilliant single.
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