Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not

This album took everything that was good about the British rock bands at the time (stop-start guitars, great hooks, catchy and danceable bass lines, great lyrics) and then turned it up to 11. What I like the most is that you can train your ear to listen to any of the parts of this band - the drumming is solid (far more so than say, Franz Ferdinand), each song is driven by terrific guitars and bass that will stay in your head as long as the lyrics will. THAT is what makes this album so impressive to me - the sum of its parts is stronger than any album I've heard in a long time. Another point to make is that this album honestly has no weak tracks at all. Zero. Every song is, at worst, above average.

The band were fuckin' wank and I'm not having a nice time.

Perfection.

Not bad but a lot of Arctic Monkeys songs just sound like Arctic Monkeys songs.

It’s pretty good but I feel like the intense popularity of this album has more to do with when it came out than it’s quality.

all around slightly above average but I don't really get why it made the list

pretty stock standard they're young, dumb and full of cum a Brit teen's wet dream

An insanely great debut album. Thought-provoking, raw lyrics with infectious hooks combined with an understated voice that blends into a well mixed band. There is a commonality between the songs in how the band sounds, but each song lives on it's own and has their own character. Every component has a role to bring these songs to life. One of my favorite albums. Don't think there is a bad song on this album. Stand-outs: Mardy Bum, From the Ritz to the Rubble ,Riot Van, Dancing Shoes

stone cold classic. Being this from the golden era of intenet bootleg I did not hear the real final mix until many years later, I still like some of those demos better than the final version but it is without a doubt one of the great record of my youth. now, 15 years later my favorite is A certain romance, it just has it all, it is the complete time stamp of those day. damn I love this record.

wank

Feels like the Strokes but British. Pretty good!

Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not - Arctic Monkeys 1. The View From the Afternoon - 5/5 2. I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor - 5/5 3. Fake Tales of San Francisco - 5/5 4. Dancing Shoes - 4/5 5. You Probably Couldn’t See For The Lights But You Were Staring Straight At Me - 4/5 6. Still Take You Home - 5/5 7. Riot Van - 5/5 8. Red Light Indicates Doors Are Secured - 5/5 9. Marcy Bum - 5/5 10. Perhaps Vampires Is A Bit Strong But... - 5/5 11. From The Ritz To The Rubble - 4/5 12. A Certain Romance - 5/5 Overall: 4.75 or 95% Fave Songs: The View From The Afternoon, Still Take You Home, Riot Van, Perhaps Vampires Is A Bit Strong But...

Primero lo primero: este es un GRAN disco, independientemente de su historia. Tenía mucho tiempo sin escucharlo, tanto que ahora pienso si realmente lo escuché completo la primera vez o no. Me gustó (re)descubrir las canciones, y transportarme a la época en la que salió el disco. Es increíble que ya hayan pasado 15 años! Desde el punto de vista histórico, para mí este disco marca el inicio de una era en la que un grupo de jóvenes fue capaz de producirse y promoverse a sí mismos, sin necesidad de pasar por los canales tradicionales (las disqueras, en este caso), y se replica actualmente en otras formas: gente que publica sus propios libros, que desarrolla aplicaciones millonarias o produce sus propios programas de televisión, utilizando internet como plataforma.

Yeah, an instant classic I knew I was going to be a simp for these Arctic Monkeys.

One of my all-time faves. This debut album showed the world that Brit-alt was alive and well.

this one is jam packed full of nostalgia. listening to this while i've got a bit of back pain is ramming home how old i actually am. though to be fair i definitely don't miss being 21 at all, my kidneys are hurting just thinking about it and its actually quite nice to be a bit pissed off 3 pints. anyway back to the album, memories aside, it has suffered from the same problem that most 2000s indie, take away the killer and the filler is really hard to listen to. there are some absolute timeless bangers on this album but the shit tracks give you a window into the self absorbed shitty nature of that indie movement. perfect for a pisshead student but must have been a cancerous bunch of people to anyone not involved in it. i hate young people. they're awful.

I don't know what it is, but I've never cared for the Arctic Monkeys. This album didn't help change my mind.

What a mess. This album was all over the place with no real theme or direction. It wanted to be pop, punk, and rock all at the same time. Even though I like Alex Turner's voice and I like some of AM's songs (seen them live), this album left me annoyed and irritated. I couldn't wait for it to be over so I could sonically rinse my ears with something else.

12 shite songs. 1 half decent one. Jimmy Saville sounding motherfucker

Odd turns of phrase. Too many words crammed into too little space. Music sounds like it could fall apart into a mess at any moment. I love it.

Looking back, it's crazy to think about how hyped this band/record was. They were really sold as the future of rock and while I'll admit that this is a pretty solid debut, it's not necessarily the revolution people wanted it to be. Still, it's a fun rock record and I can understand that it gathered nostalgic value for most of its listeners.

Like, just listen to Gang of Four or something, geez.

Arctic Monkeys with their first album brought yorkshire into the UK rock scene and were unapologetic in their no nonsense lyrics and love/hate relationship with Britain. Amazing album front to back and I would say could be the album of our generation, they could be the band of our generation. Personal faves are, of course, When The Sun Goes Down, Red Light Indicates Doors Are Secured (but that might be because I have a real soft spot for Rock Lobster) and Perhaps Vampires Is A Bit Strong But... Ending the album with A Certain Romance is bittersweet and a perfect ending and the riff is quintessential circa 2006 UK indie. I can imagine every indie kid in their skinny jeans and skinny scarf, horrible trilby, potentially trouser braces if they were committed, fag out of mouth and glens in the other hand walking down the canal in the sun. Even though the lyrics I feel are talking about a different sub culture - I wonder if they loved the Monkeys too?

GOAT

Ohhhhhh a classsiccccc.

Insanely great debut, one of my favourite albums ever… 💥

When Arctic Monkeys first emerged, I was ready to dismiss them as yet another overhyped guitar act, worshipped by the British music press as rock 'n' roll's next saviours. I actively avoided this record for six months, even though the singles were playing in every pub and club I visited. This was unfair—unlike many flash-in-the-pan bands, Arctic Monkeys had earned their stripes by building a loyal online following and commanding the stage at countless small shows with confidence beyond their years. My resistance finally broke when "The View From The Afternoon" came on the radio in sometime in the summer of 2006. Stuck in my car, I had no choice but to pay attention—and admit I’d been wrong. I bought the CD that same day, played it three times back to back, and realized that sometimes, the hype can be deserved. Beyond the angular riffs, intricate guitar work, and rough-edged sound—things I instantly loved—the real ace here, as in all Arctic Monkeys albums, is Alex Turner's sharp lyricism. Just a teenager at the time, Turner captured the Britain I saw outside my window, not the glossy, stylized version you’d see on TV. His cutting observations and witty lines shone a spotlight on the country's grittiest corners. This was a snapshot of everyday life, especially for young people in the North, documenting nightlife, friendships, and the local scene with a fresh, authentic voice. While tracks like "I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor," "Dancing Shoes," and "The View From the Afternoon" show the band comfortable operating at full throttle, songs like "Mardy Bum," "Riot Van," and, to a degree, "Fake Tales of San Francisco" reveal a more nuanced sound and Turner’s ear for melody and dynamics. Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not could very well be the last great British guitar album. Did I own this release? Yes Does this release belong on the list: Yes Would this release make my personal list: Yes Will I be listening to it again: Yes

The Adam Sandler smoking a cig but not actually Adam Sandler album cover

The Adam Sandler cigarette album

The Adam Sandler cigarette album

Sheffield! Four of these tracks are in my set list and two more are in my "to learn" pile. 1. The View from the Afternoon - Great start, tri-tone (METAL!) establishes that this album is not going to be a pleasant ramble through the country (if you didn't get that from the cover). Love the arrangement - bass dropping out, guitars taking stereo turns to play the chords after the fake finish half-way through, drum style changes, band dropping out - all serve to keep the ear interested. Love the major version of a bond-type chord at the end. This track whets my appetite for the rest of the album. 2. I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor - one of my fave tracks - even the salsa band I'm in do this one. Great tempo. Your name isn't Rio (not real), but I don't care for sand. Great poetry - don't need romance, Shakespeare invoked and undercut too. Love it. 3. Fake Tales of San Francisco - You're not from NYC, you're from Rotherham (Rovrum) continues the theme of cutting through the bullshit of romance and getting real and local. This is Ken Loach indie pop. 4. Dancing Shoes - another banger. Love a floor tom rhythm. No chords, just a tune over the second verse, great. "Shit Shock Horror" love it. I really identify with the whole being at the club burning with lust and too afraid to talk to anyone theme, so, yeah - love this one. 5. You Probably Couldn't See for the Lights but You Were Staring Straight at Me - the tune is too high for everyone in the band to sing, which is so appropriate - it will damage vocal chords every time they play it and no-one cares. I'd have used more distortion on this one. 6. Still Take You Home - sounds like Dead Kennedys intro. Lounge middle 8. "Fake tan. Top Shop princess." 7. Riot Van - lovely sweeping up, going home vibe to this one - great contrast to the violence in the lyrics. 8. Red Light Indicates Doors Are Secured. Ide to nicking a taxi fare. Again, great arrangement. 9. Mardy Bum - in Sheffield, this is as classic as Don't You Want Me Baby. Local vernacular "rate 'ard", "got the face on". They've never heard of "squinny" up here. 10. Perhaps Vampires Is a Bit Strong But... Anticapitalist rant. Longest track by half, distortion on the vocal connotes Alex's depth of rage to me. Song actually finishes at 2:10, then theres a metal Mambo/drum jam. Fucking love it. Last bit reminds me of The Great Imperial Yo-Yo. 11. When the Sun Goes Down. My lad Jacob used to sing this acapella as a folk song round the fire. "What a scummy man ... It's all not quite legitimate ... She must be fookin' freezin'" 12. From the Ritz to the Rubble - rhymes totaitarian with "scary 'un". Couldn't have done that on a Sunday - Turner returns to this theme in Do I wanna know "... nights were mainly made for saying things that you can't say tomorrow day." I'm looking forward to what he produces as he continues to get older. 13. A Certain Romance" Classic. 13 songs, 41 minutes - BANG! Love letter to the night-life of youth. Smashed it.

I really fucking love this band. Perfectly captures the British youth spirit at that time.

Super “throw-on”-able. Short and sweet, catchy and sexy, and full of spunk. This was a big hit for me.

Just excellent. Laidback meaningful lyrics to fun, fast tempo-ed, smoothly played rock.

Very brit-punk-alt-something. I don't mind give me a Cigarette and a fish and chip yo.

I think if I listened to it more I'd probably like it better

Not my usual brand of indie rock, but still a pretty good album. An interesting look into clubbing & pub hopping in North England from Alex Turner's perspective. Not subject matter I can really relate too, but a good listen and a good laugh at times nonetheless.

I actually don't really mind this. It's not incredible or mind-blowing, but it's serviceable for what it is.

Better than I remember.

Fun and energetic album. Only a few songs stand out but overall I enjoyed it.

Boring prick

Ok album, no bad songs but no really good ones either. Probably won't give it another listen.

Perfection. They used to be a great band didn’t they? This is lyrically so strong. Every song tells a decent story. It’s edgy, dark, funny, beautiful and riotous.

So much nostalgia in this album. Nostalgia from when I listened to it as a teenager, but also a strange nostalgia for a slice of British life I've never lived. Love this album.

As a debut album, this is next level! I love listening to people singing in their native accents and the Arctic Monkeys rock pretty hard. Mardy bum and Riot Van are the standouts for me. Paints such a vivid image of northern British youth.

I miss the days where you gambled on one song you'd heard on the radio a few times, buying the album hoping the rest will live up to it! This was one of those albums for me, and I absolutely love it! I still remember buying this album in '06 on a girls weekend in Sydney - this album and a pair of boots! Arctic Monkeys (despite having a dumb name) are such a great band, I particularly love the youthful, horny, loutish, loud energy of this album! Alex Turner's accent is amazing, and I've always enjoyed the way they feature each instrument with momentary gaps in the music before it all picks up raucously again (there's probably a musical term for the style?) I also love the album AM which I don't think features on this list, but I'll make special mention of my favourite Arctic Monkeys song 'Do I wanna know?'. They have some music I'm not as into, but we are not here to talk about that - this album is fantastic and even though some of that might be nostalgia I still think this stands up nearly 20 years on as great rock music! 5 star album - I listened to it 6 times today! Perfect album for driving up and down the midlands, only shame is I've lost my voice, otherwise I would have been singing along! I was thinking while listening to this album that it'd be great to pick a few shared favourite albums as a group and do a listening party - this one would be on my list!

what an absolute treat to revisit a favorite from my youth. no notes

One of the greatest debut albums in indie history. It is album with no skips. Every song is worth the listening. Arctic Monkeys could have created a sound since that time. Best songs: I bet you look good on the dance floor, Fake tales of San Francisco, Dancing Shoes, Vampires, When the sun goes down and A certain romance.

This is my favourite album of all time. That they produced this as teenagers blows my mind. Alex Turner's songwriting ability is on full display, the images are so vivid you feel like you're in Sheffield on a night out. The drums from Matt Helders are astonishing as well. Truly in my eyes a perfect album and a strong indication of their ability which has grown and evolved wonderfully in the last twenty years.

In my "book", 2006 wasn't exactly a stellar year for music. Apart from this album, only Jay Reatard's *Blood Vision*, TV On The Radio's *Return To The Cookie Mountain*, Joanna Newsom's *Ys* and probably Amy Winehouse's *Back To Black* can reach the "essential" level usually reached by at least a dozen of LPs for most other years. To be perfectly honest, I thought this rave about Arctic Monkeys was a bit of an exaggeration at the time, but now I readily admit that revisiting this past hype is pretty thrilling, all things considered. Alex Turner has always been a *chatty* frontperson, to a fault sometimes (especially recently), but in this official debut the instrumentation is so insanely lively, youthful and inspired that it makes up for it tenfold (if only for that crazy powerhouse of a drummer, whose cheeky mug is shown on the cover up here if I'm not mistaken). And Turner's lyrics are really, really evocative or witty most of the time anyway. I could go track by track here (which means I would have to write all those incredibly long song titles -- another evidence of Turner's knack with words), but it would probably not really be useful: you got to listen to the whole shebang. To put it in a nutshell, I say *yes*, this record looks as essential in a list of 1000 best albums of all time as it looks good on the dancefloor. So when it comes to that realm of noughts British dance punk LPs, (here infused with quite a bit of garage and indie-rock), you surely need to give a spin to this LP -- along with Block Party's *Silent Alarm* and Franz Ferdinand's début. You could maybe also add Arctic Monkeys' own *Favorite Worst Nightmare* and *AM*, and you would have a long enough sublist to cover your ground here. Giving this one full marks, even if it's closer to a 4.5 grade in reality. I gave full marks to the (strikingly different) Joanna Newsom and TV On The Radio albums from that year, so I gotta maintain a minimum consistency, I guess... Number of albums left to review: around thirty or twenty, as I've gone over the 1000 line and this generator is including albums from all editions of the book. Number of albums from the list I find relevant enough to be mandatory listens: 464 (including this one) Albums from the list I *might* include in mine later on: 277 Albums from the list I won't include in mine: 334

Back when AM were young, northern, and fun, rather than prematurely middle-aged, mid-Atlantic and dull.

I have had such a terrible week or so of albums, so thank god for the few rays of sunshine I have gotten. This album is awesome. It's so fun, and bouncy, and unique - I love it. Although I think they've done some solid work since this released, I don't think they've ever again quite reached these heights.

A great album, love the gritty realism of the lyrics. It’s fantastic!

Hands down the second best Strokes album.

Guay.

The mid 2000's a bit of a desert for decent music. Just ask the UK government. Reporter; 'Mr Blunket, have heard of the Arctic Monkeys?', David Blunket MP; 'Yes of course I have, I look good on the dancefloor, and I've seen them twice!'. Reporter raises his eyebrows and walks away, muttering 'bloody lying bastard'. It's a great album and it didn't need all the rubbish hype that went with it.

I love the low production sound. So stripped down that it sounds real, raw and as close to live as you can get. I’m not sure if it’s the British accent or the lyrics but it almost reminds me of early punk. Great album top to bottom.

When it comes to the Arctic Monkeys I know a lot of people prefer their earlier stuff, like this. It's more raw, more honest probably, and leans a bit more towards a punk sound. Musically, though, I prefer the later stuff. AM is my all-time favorite of theirs. And yes, I even like TBHaC. This is still fun, though.

I remember loving this album back in the day. It was exciting, fun, decidedly British, and energetic. I don't think of any of those descriptors anymore when I think of the Arctic Monkeys, but this album still rips.

This is my first time listening to this album, or the Arctic Monkeys. I was impressed with this record and found it really enjoyable. I like the mix of garage rock and punk undertones. I will check out their other releases.

Fun album with high energy

In the summer of 2006, my brother got this CD at the Virgin Megastore in London because he thought the band name was funny. Of all the ways he makes questionable decisions, this one worked out. This album is fun. It’s a little tougher to relate to these lyrics as a 36 year old dad, but there’s a palpable energy and…sincerity (?) in these songs about innocent mischief and angsty frustration with the system and being young and horned up and just wanting to get some. This was a fun ride to 2006, back when I very much COULD relate.

I think probably the first album I've come across on the tour that I've physically owned. This is probably the peak of the Artic Monkeys before they started becoming lounge singers

Monkeys in the Arctic are as rare as British bands that actually sound British when they sing. This album is great.

Not their best album, not a bad listen either.

# 248 - 04/03/2025 - They've done a pretty decent job, all around slightly above average, a fun and energetic album and that one Arctic Monkeys song you remember… 2 1/2 rounded up :-)

Not bad but a lot of Arctic Monkeys songs just sound like Arctic Monkeys songs. 3⭐️

-so this is the fabled “post-Britpop” I’ve heard so much about -in all my years knowing about Arctic Monkeys I hadn’t listened to a single song by them until now. I’d say this is decent. it’s a bit hard to distinguish individual songs I guess, but I like the instrumental and vocal style -Favorites are Mardy Bum and Perhaps Vampires Is A Bit Strong But…

Good sound, although many songs sounded similar in some ways.

7/10 Another one I knew from the first time round. This was a sensation at the time and now has a handful of well-loved songs on it. The rest is extremely energetic punky songs, full of youth but not the highest quality. I have really enjoyed the last 2 or 3 AM albums so this one is a little rough around the edges for me. Best: I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor

Very catchy, cool album. I see why they're so popular.

The palpable energy of English youth.

This one just kinda failed to catch and hold my attention it's not bad sounding, but it's just something I've heard and isn't able to remember much of Standouts When The Sun Goes Down 3/5

Not as good as FWN or AM, better then there other albums

I always feel like I should like this band more than I do. But it just doesn't do much for me. The album is good, but I don't know if I'll listen to it much.

This was a decent debut from Arctic Monkeys. While they were labeled indie rock, they were far from underground—this was a pretty commercial release. The album carries some garage rock aesthetics and a bit of punk edge, but overall, it’s more polished and radio-friendly than what you’d expect from a true indie band.

Really fun to start of, but sadly falls off in the second half

По мнению А: 3/5 По мнению С: 3/5 ИТОГОВАЯ ОЦЕНКА: 3/5 (02.02.2025)

That one Arctic Monkeys song you remember plus some other songs that are kind of like that

Its thematic content has been likened to a concept, generally concerning nightlife, including lyricism surrounding clubbing and pub culture, and romance from the perspective of young Northerners. The album became the fastest selling debut album in British music history, selling over 360,000 copies in its first week, and remains the fastest selling debut album by a band. It has since gone 6× platinum in the UK. In the US, it also became the second-fastest selling independent record label debut album in history. The album received widespread critical acclaim from critics for its depiction of youth British culture and for resurging British indie music that had waned after the 1990s. Cover artwork of the album is a photo of Chris McClure—a close friend of the band, frontman of The Violet May and brother of Jon McClure of Reverend and The Makers—taken in the early hours of the morning in Korova bar, Liverpool[10] after the band had given him, his cousin and his best friend "seventy quid to spend on a night out"

Album started out decent but was very same-sy by the end. Will probably listen again and wouldn’t be surprised if it grew on me.

I liked some of it.

Irriterande

Never like them. And nothing has changed even when I tried those lads now again.

Kinda boring?

a bit repetitive, not as a commercialised sound as their later tracks, hate the vocals and the vibe YNN

was this generator made by a white man between the ages of 40- 48?!

Ok. "I Bet You Look Good On The Dance Floor" is a good song and the rest is forgettable, insincere-feeling Britpop. Not enough ire to be punk, too loose and loud to be polished pop, too many words and too little melody to be notable in any way. Guitar player writes really repetitive stuff, but just obtrusive enough that you can't forget he's there. If there are two of them, it's a crime against imagination. Musicians like Coltrane were widely lauded for the notes they didn't play -- their sense of space. I don't think the vocalist is familiar with that idea.

This album is boring. I can't say much else about it. Every song sounds the same and every song sounds like music you'd hear while shopping at an f.y.e in 2007, and I don't mean that positively.

Really good, except I have a visceral reaction to Alex Turner, aka British Fred Durst.

Pet fav songs: The View From the Afternoon and Dancing Shoes. Good ol'fashioned British rock. Back to back Dookie then this album came up on the list. Neither had I listened to all the way through and I would choose this one again and again. I have always thought Brit rock has a more interesting sheen to it. This may be a matter of personal taste.

Fantastic debut album. I like earlier Arctic Monkeys far better than later "crooner" Arctic Monkeys.

Not heard this for maybe a decade. When it came out, I was 23 and in a band. I heard this and my first thought was "Shit, my band sounds old-fashioned." I (and everybody) did not realise Arctic Monkeys would be the 'last' great British guitar band. It still sounds exciting. I can still picture mid-noughties Britain when i listen to this. The drinking and undertones of aggression. It's brilliant lyrically, really funny and insightful. The band rips as well. Modern classic.

One of the best debuts of all time

Captures the vibe of the shitty English town where my mom's from with piercing accuracy

Was so surprised to see this on the list because I had no idea it was the object of any degree of prestige - it's permanently entrenched in tumblr and indie sleaze-oriented scenes to me - but I am very very glad to see it here. The album is brilliantly composed, cleverly written, and the definition of all killer, no filler. solid 4.5/5 but i'll round up.

Arctic Monkeys

Love going back to early Turner lyrics a little bit dark humour and pessimism with a bit of whatever drug he was probably on. It's gritty, a little bit punk but with that Steel City cadence you get from AM and their screams counterpart BMTH. Also I love when an album has track names longer than Adrien Brody's speeches. I've never listened to this album but I'm glad this challenge delivered the meal to my palms. It was such a fun delight listening. Its giving British Tony Hawk. Absolute love the diabolical songwriting and instrumentals. And now we have The Car... FAVES: The View From The Afternoon I Bet You Looked Good On The Dancefloor Dancing Shoes You Probably Couldn’t See for the Lights but You Were Staring Straight at Me Still Take You Home (guitars went to funkytown) Mardy Bum Perhaps Vampires Is a Bit Strong But… When The Sun Goes Down 💖 From The Ritz To The Rubble (new fave) A Certain Romance

Still one of the greatest debut albums of all time. Arctic Monkeys are like Game of Thrones, 5 great albums in a row and then Alex Turner goes insane and burns everything. Some super fans might pretend they like the last couple of albums but I think a line from this album sums that up quite well: "his bird said it's amazing though so all that's left if the proof that love's not only blind but deaf". Oh yeah, I'm supposed to review this album, not Arctic Monkeys in general. It's great. To use another TV reference, I'd say it's like "The Inbetweeners" of albums. It's the most relatable album to people (maybe just guys) who grew up in England in the 2000s/2010s.

Oh yes! If you're British and between the ages of 35 and 50 this album is one of the greatest of all time. The view from the afternoon perfectly sums up the feeling you get the afternoon before a session with your mates and a certain romance is a perfect allegory for the relationships you have with your mates at that age. All the tracks between are incredible too, even the overplayed I bet you look good on the dancefloor