Reviews (page 2 of 15)
There is something special about listening to an album and hearing some of the inspo for music I listen to a lot. Season: Late Summer Favorite Song: Riot Van or Mardy Bum
I’ve listened to this album several times before and it’s good but never stuck with me the way Favourite Worst Nightmare or AM did. Enjoyable and nostalgic but not in a rush to come back.
Best debut + album ever, 10/10 "So all that's left is the proof that love's not only blind, but deaf"
Ooh those cheeky Monkeys
I feel like if I listened to this enough it would become a 5.
I’ll reveal my bias. Aside from a couple songs, I don’t like the Arctic Monkeys. There are a lot of reasons not worth getting into here. But I remember very clearly when this came out. I gave it another shot with an open mind, and my opinion hasn’t changed much. There are some songs that work better than others. When the Sun Goes Down got me moving. Otherwise this just isn’t a band for me.
Saying that I was completely certain that this was my first time listening to this album, and then checking on RYM and seeing that I had indeed already rated it is very indicative of how mediocre the music here is. It is far from the worst album in the list, but it does fail to bring anything new to the table. 6/10 [DROP]
Well, I want to say the Arctic Monkeys are a band I enjoy listening to but I guess the title says it all. But seriously, there are a couple of decent songs toward the end.
Opening tracks are absolute bangers 1-3 Easy 5
This algorithm seems to wanna punish me with bad British vocalizations. It is two stars and not one because of the lyrics.
As much as I don’t like listening to the Arctic Monkeys, this is a damn good album
Know some of there songs think there pretty ok never heard a whole album before. Really just whatever dont like it but its not unlistenable or anything. Very repetitive uninteresting to me.
Lots of great AM songs. Definitely one of the best early albums.
It was good, but not exrtaordinary.
Great musicians. There's something about this album stopping me from giving it a 4 but I have no idea what it is. It's really good but none of the tracks I'm feeling all that strongly about.
One of the great debut albums. Full of energy, attitude and Northern wit. 20 years already….!
After reading the reviews I’m not sure I see the hype. I had heard of this group but never knowingly listened to one of their songs. Maybe these reviews are nostalgia or region based. I’ve been guilty of throwing an extra star for a child or teen hood album. Maybe seeing their videos and possible swagger artificially inflated their review. At any rate, it’s an ok album.
Fabulous album and a revelation when it first arrived. I actually prefer the later stuff especially 'Tranquillity Base Hotel'. But can't deny the debut is a great album. I don't think it has aged that well considering it's only 20 years old and there are other albums from that time I think I would now listen to first.
I have heard of the band but had not really listened to any of their albums. I liked it a lot.
They have consistently gotten better as time has progressed and this shows the beginning of the progression
It's fine. Sort of sounds like a knockoff of The Strokes. They're British and I'm counting that against them because this list has bashed me over the head with Britpop too many times. They aight.
Started a bit on the meh/boring side but then picked up quite a bit. Really enjoyed the listen. Had bit of The Strokes vibe
I had good fun
I think I only like a couple songs on the AM album by the Arctic Monkeys. This album missed the note for me.
2006 really had a sound huh?
Always liked the hits, but never got around to really listen to these guys. Very enjoyable album, well produced and banger after banger. It’s a little bit a one trick pony but that’s ok Ultra lame cover art though
Great album I remember when this was first released it had a lot of hype which after hearing was justified it rocks and worth a listen so good for a debut and I've enjoyed there other releases
Am aware some people rate this band highly but ot doesn't do much for me
Great drums and very sharp guitars. Lots of character in the singing.
Bila sam tinejdžerka na vrhuncu Arctic Monkeysa. Toliko su bili svugdje da su mi tad počeli na nos izlaziti. Pa sam se onda pravila da sam više kul od ostalih i da ih više ne volim. Ali ostao je taj proizvod tog vremena u meni, danas me uz ovaj album zveknula takva nostalgija. Čudi me da AM nije na listi. Vjerovatno još više vrijedi objektivno, ali meni su subjektivno ranije stvari puno draže. Podsjetilo me ovo i na Kasabian. Posebno me čudi da oni nisu na listi kao, realno, stoput bolji bend. A valjda me podsjetilo jer muzika iz tog perioda čiji su spotovi imali legendarnog Stephena Grahama.
even though the german band Kraftklub kinda said that the world would be better withouth the Arctic Monkeys: I really liked this Album
I like it a lot
Eh, it's not total ass but I've always found these guys grating.
spirited
the second half of this album is banger after banger and their are some good songs in the first half too, the band is amazing favourite songs: vampires, fake tales of san fransisco, riot van, and the last track... holy shit the last track is goood! kinda prog and i loved every second of it
It was alright. Each song sounded too similar to the next.
I guess this is not too bad, quite enjoyable however to me it's also quite samesy. Don't see a very high value in this and still don't get why is it so popular, so probably around 3 stars for me.
8.2/10
Not bad.
What's the best part? The ferocious drumming? The angly guitars? The aggressive-yet-cool vocal delivery? How well the lyrics paint a picture of an unromantic North? May also be some nostalgia from hearing it for the first time online (remember when the internet was cool?) but damned if it doesn't hold up on its own.
This is a proper rock album, the likes of which we don't see very much of anymore, as such it earns a certain level of praise from me. Funny thing tho is I've been aware of this album for 20 years and have certainly heard good bit of it, I don't think I *know* any of these songs...huh. Related - One nit I have with the album is that not much distinguishes itself (I did pick out A Certain Romance), they all kinda blend, but still rock.
I must admit, when this came out, I was cynical about the "first internet breakthrough stars" narrative. I was absolutely certain that record company money had been used to manipulate the story. Arctic Monkeys sounded like a slightly more talented than usual indie landfill band to me. Listening today, I still think that. Typical of a lot of British all-boy guitar bands of the time, they used all the musical and lyrical cliches that were rife. Steve Lamacq played twenty bands that sounded exactly like this on every single one of his teatime radio shows. I mean, it's okay, but their extreme popularity is a mystery to me. If they were The Cribs or Idlewild levels of popular, I could understand that. But a stadium rock band? Nah!
Energetic, authentically English 2000s rock. Taking from Oasis, Stone Roses and the White Stripes, you could argue that this is the last great, impactful rock album, with it's catchy chorus', punch and memorable guitar riffs and relatable lyrics, even if nothing is particularly profound.
It’s like the White Stripes and the Strokes had a British baby
I've never really spent time to sit down and listen to Arctic Monkeys, and I'm not sure why. I'm also not sure if I recognize any of these tracks by title. So I'm going into this with an open mind. I quite enjoyed this, and not only will I be adding this to my list of albums to listen to again, I feel I need to check out more albums by Arctic Monkeys.
FARTIC MONKEYS a certain romance raises it by 3
Never really listen to this band, but this is a good album
This is a very cool album. I only associate Arctic Monkeys with the infamous guitar riff from Do I Wann Know?, so I was very surprised by the sound coming from this album. Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not was the debut album from the Arctic Monkeys which garnered critical acclaim from the UK, winning Best British Album at the Brit Awards and being nominated for a Grammy for Best Alternative Album. This group had several albums before this one, however they were copied and given away at the band's concerts on CD. They were big in the British youth scene and this album reflects that. Musically, this album is a melding of indie rock, garage rock, post-punk revival, punk rock, and alternative rock. It is emblematic of the British nightlife, including lyricism surrounding clubbing and pub culture, and romance from the perspective of young Northerners. This has never been my style of music, but nonetheless, there are some really solid tunes in here. The most popular of which were "I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor" and "When the Sun Goes Down." My personal favorites were "Mardy Bum" and "A Certain Romance."
rym 3.71 Garage Rock Revival/Indie Rock 我的妈呀，好多台湾朋克的风味来源原来是这里。这股躁动不安，但又眼含热泪的感情，终究是在不再青春之后体会到了青春之美。吉他是故作轻松的外在，贝斯是悬而未决的不甘，鼓点是无处安放的冲劲。这居然是出道首专吗，不过倒也不该惊讶，只有初出茅庐的新血，才会如此地鲜艳滚烫。 pick: Fake Tales of San Francisco, Red Light Indicates Doors Are Secured, Perhaps Vampires Is a Bit Strong But..
5 Honestly perfect album. Every song is brilliant. The song writing, the story through the album, one of my all time faves
I knew a girl that liked the Arctic Monkeys, oddly enough everyone hated her. 2/5
I nominate Arctic Monkeys for the Hall Of Mediocrity. They're certainly enjoyable at times, and have some great songs, but a vast majority of their music is just okay. Favorite Track: "The View From The Afternoon".
How the fuck is this so well-rated?
ok! finally listened to an arctic monkeys album. this is what the cool older kids listened to. dirty sleazy, fun, poppy. this brit indie moment is so embolic of the time, sooo iconic it makes me want to break out the skinny jeans and converse. Doesn’t connect with me, cynical straight white dude music who cares about pulling women who he doesn’t actually like. catchy riffs and hooks for sure. i actually find this kind of lyricism about women and desire way more grating than how i feel about misogyny in rap. Lol
For me, the Arctic Monkeys got lost in the 2000s amidst The Hives, The Killers, The International (Noise) Conspiracy, The White Stripes/The Go, The Strokes, The Vines, and others. Didn't help them that I was shifting away from this all around 2006-2008 in my habits, but listening to this record now I hear bits of The Ex Models, Franz Ferdinand and Modest Mouse as well. The thing I particularly enjoy about this album is that it's a very good synthesis of all of the above. They're not carving out a new genre or a radically unique sound, rather they've sponged up the interlocked guitar and oft angular rhythms of New York indie, the high-energy of Swedish and Australian garage punk and the raw lo-fi blues blasted US side of the same. They're also paying mind to make it all danceable finding some mid-point between MM and FF. After a couple of decades the subtle differences are sanded down even further. But I don't think that harms my reception of the record. Its self-assured verve stands out and all the sounds-alike comparisons means the listener has many avenues into the album.
A pretty good debut album with a bit of crunch and speed. Plus it helps that the album cover is kinda iconic.
Bien
전체적으로 평범한 느낌의 앨범이었다. Overall, it was an album that felt ordinary.
Modern punk, but not my sort of music. One star…
Not my favourite arctic monkeys album but still for sure a good one 4/5 ⭐️ 251/1089
I thought it was a pretty good, but again I don’t know why it’s on the list, it’s not really genre defining and blends into the rock of the time
A solid album, though nothing particularly amazing.
Polar Bears
A classic. I was 11yo when it came out and it still makes me dance. The best AM album for sure!
This was an enjoyable listen. Familiar with a few of the songs first time listening to this early version of AM. I would listen again at any time. 4/5
Meh.
You bet I look good on the dancefloor
I can’t believe AM is not on this list. I mean yeah, this being the debut is very cool, but honestly it sounds like most British rock of the time, which I don’t hate and this is a really good album of it’s kind, but it’s just so much on this site. It just crossed my mind that everyone knows am so it should have been here, just like many other bands here with their most popular albums. Anyways, I’m not British, so I actually read about this sleek trick they used with handing out demos that helped them raise their popularity in my 5th grade in my English text book. That’s when I first heard about Arctic Monkeys, then came Do i wanna know. I remembered being impressed about that scheme, as in my days physical media already was endangered. Good to finally listen to am authentic English rock band, not for my homework ofc, and it seems I saved several track so yeah
An absolutely cracking debut from the lads, a chance to enjoy them before they went all spacey and loungy, just proper indie rock. You know the singles (this was still back in the day when bands released singles off albums, before streaming knackered that concept), but the rest isn't filler, oh no, it stands up to scrutiny. Enjoy! I did!
Ehh? It twas fine.
Its good, but just not for me
Okay
ну хз, как то скучно прям и однообразно
Prock
10 seconds into the first song I got the gist of this album. It's not bad, a fun mix of musical styles from indie to grunge to brit pop, but there are bands who do all of those things better. I wasn't super well aquainted with Arctic Monkeys so I'm happy I heard this.
Its ok, somrthing il give another change or 2. Had some highligjts but felt like the beginning was thr hardest part to get through. Then it grew
I had a little bit more expectations for that album for some reason, still it is ok
Not bad, but not great either. It's a solid album for a casual rock listener, and I found myself nodding my head along frequently. The songs are catchy, energetic, and easy to enjoy. But beyond that, I never felt particularly invested in what the album was doing. Maybe if someone had shared this with me on MySpace in 2006, I would have become an Arctic Monkeys lifer. Part of the album's appeal seems tied to the era it came from and how fresh it sounded at the time. Listening in 2026, I can appreciate why it was successful, but I don't hear something I'd consider essential listening before I die.
THE album of the mid-2000’s. Changed the musical landscape for a lot of people when this came out. The first band to really make it via word of mouth on social media. Anyone that was a teenager in the UK in the 2000’s can relate to every song on this album. Social commentary at its best from a group of teenagers from Sheffield. I remember playing this album to death, and I still do. It’s a masterpiece. Riproaring drums, riffs and generational vocals. A Certain Romance is the pick of the tracks, closing out the album with cacophony of teenage angst. A truly perfect album.
3.5, I like the Arctic Monkeys in general (maybe for nostalgia) but this was not my favorite! A little repetitive sometimes but a fun album to listen to on the way to work.
Loved this album since it came out. Lyrically brilliant, and musically it was a breath of fresh air at the time.
impecable
I have heard of Artic monkeys before but had never actually listened to them until this album. The guitars were catchy and interesting. The vocals were ok, but not my favorite. I will definitely try and listen to more of their catalog.
Day 384 Can’t give it a 5 just because of that ‘mic drop’ moment at The Brits, genuinely the most toecurlingly embarrassing thing I’ve ever seen. Highlights Fake Tales of SF Dancing Shoes
Always enjoy this album. From the beginning to the end it has me in its grip every time I play it. Some days that’s an automatic 5. Today… well today I’m just not feeling generous. 4 Boolean: True
Very good. Liked AM more but this still got repeat playings
Amazing album, oh my days :D Arctic Monkeys never disappoint — those riffs, that tempo, love it. Definitely gonna keep listening to this one and dive deeper into their discography, already a fan but this made me want more
The arctic monkeys are majorly overrated This album, similar to their other ones, was good but not great and all the songs sound the same 3/5 Favorites: I bet you look good on the dance floor, perhaps vampire is a bit strong but
Better than a good amount, worse than some. They have a distinct sound, his voice is...unmistakably British. Overall a pretty slick affair; I've tried multiple times to really have this album grab me as I'm fairly straightforwardly the target audience of it. Overall the most I've been able to say is "yeah this is good British rock music."
2006. Debut studio album. Forming in 2002, Arctic Monkeys frequently gave away free demo CDs to fans at gigs; this resulted in the fans uploading the band's music to social media sites. As attention towards them continued to grow, the band eventually garnered great demand.
I LOVE THIS ONE OMG no need to listen. i already love her
Very good album. I was obviously familiar with the name of the band, but I had never listened to any of their songs. I found this album very good. Energetic songs, with very interesting lyrics. British youth at its max. Loved it. Some songs I especially enjoyed: "The View From The Afternoon" (great lyrics), "I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor", "Fake Tales Of San Francisco" (what a tree song set to start a career...), "Riot Van" (again, great lyrics and nice change of tone), "When The Sun Goes Down" (probably my favourite), or "A Certain Romance". I will definitely listen to this again. Overall, 5 stars and one of the best findings for me personally so far (after about 250 albums).
Highlights: I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor, The View From the Afternoon, When The Sun Goes Down. In a nutshell: dance floors, DJs and naughtiness. I said in one review that The Libertines were the poster boys for indie sleaze. I still stand by that. Arctic Monkeys though were England's true purveyors of the indie sleaze movement. There's a certain air of hedonistic frivolity about them and this album... Overall: 7/10
This is an album I'm surprised hasn't been a bigger part of my life. You look good on the dance floor and when the sun goes down have been on many a playlist of mine though. Living in the UK has given me a better understanding of this band and where their sound comes from "you're from new York city I'm from Rotherham" "I can't see through your fake tan" Strong start 8/10
i forgot how british this man is. fav: Perhaps Vampires Is a Bit Strong But..., A Certain Romance, From the Ritz to the Rubble
Cool rocking album. 4 stars
It's easy to dismiss this as a British Strokes ripoff, and the influence is there, but I think in a lot of ways, Alex Turner improves upon the Strokes formula -- it's funkier, harder rockin', the song structures are more interesting, and Alex's lyrics are really great. Some truly great tunes here including "A Certain Romance", "From the Ritz to the Rubble", "When the Sun Goes Down", "Fake Tales of San Francisco", and the glorious "I Bet That You Look Good on the Dancefloor". 5 stars.
First off - smoking’s bad mmmkay. I mean it’s fine if a certain cool person does it like Cyril Sneer or Donald Fagen on The Nightfly sleeve but not if it’s the goblin nephew of Shaun Ryder from the Happy Mondays. Second - I don’t like monkeys. I like badgers, otters, beavers, squirrels and even gorillas if they play drums and eat cadburys but I really hate monkeys. Wish they all the had Indiana Jones Temple Of Doom dinner table treatment. And thirdly - this is begrudgingly a pretty good album… the fastest selling UK debut even above the likes of Definitely Maybe and K by Kula Shaker (and from humble MySpace beginnings too). The music is such a vivid timestamp of the mid 00s NME indie scene and kind of an enduring classic as well with teeny distillations of The Jam, Oasis, Joy Division and witheringness and sarcasm of John Lennon. There are four or so truly firecracker anthems where the angular riffs and the sneery misfit lyrics really blaze. A lot of songs also which are merely OK. Even though frontman Alex Turner is on top form here and was pretty much NME-appointed poet laureate when this came out there is something about him I don’t really warm too. Something a bit screechy, stroppy, rough and uncouth like a zitty, scowly rebel George Formby who doesn’t tidy his room and smokes cigarettes you can legally buy. Overall though definitely their best, most popular and important album. 3.5 stars.
Enjoyed this. Minimal production and straight to the point garage rock. 3.5/5 Might listen again
Fake tales of San Francisco and I bet you look good on the dancefloor are my favourites
Blekingsk sound feluxe. Gillar det ändå väldigt mycket, och känns redan nostalgiskt på nåt sätt. 8/10
Decent guitar band earns a 3, attitude and good vocal knocks it to a 4.5. Cover drops it to a 4
Now this is an artist I know! Already had several of these tracks on my list. I always enjoy hearing these guys. Definitely a comfort listen for me. Never listened to this album all the way through. I really liked it! I Bet You Look Good on the Dance Floor and When the Sun Goes Down are still stand outs for me.
I didn’t love arctic monkeys back in the day but I’m giving it a three purely for the nostalgia
Yeah it’s a modern classic I can probably recite every lyric from it, such was its impact on me when it first came out in my early 20’s. Don’t need to listen to it, 5 stars, move on. Favourite track: a certain romance, but really all of it.
The start of modern punk - loads of well known tracks and plenty of energy. The picture it paints of the north is a bit bleak - not sure I want to listen to it over and over.
Like the black keys but better.
I kind of dunked on this band in a recent review. By "dunked on" I kind of mean one of those dumbass old Blake Griffin dunks that people were excited about in like 2012. You know where he gets nowhere near the rim and throws it and people pretend that it was cool and "tuff." Now I've broken a few backboards on here, but most of my insults come off like a Yao Ming game. Decent, but nowhere near as impressive as they should be. Sorry Yao, you caught a stray there. All this to say that this album is actually quite good. This is a band that is pioneering a sound that would be copied and parodied to the nth degree for millennial men to worship. The Arctic Monkeys were clearly a hungry band that had a unique sound and produced an enjoyable record for the debut. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'll be watching Will "The Thrill" Barton and Kenneth Faried ("The Manimal") highlights for the rest of the day, punching the air and crying. 3.5 HIGHLIGHTS: Chase(down) the Ace
The UK's ACTUAL answer to Is This It. Almost moves a little too fast, but I appreciate the energy. Crazy a bunch of teenagers made this, and that it got as popular as it has.
This is fantastic! Knew a few of the songs but the whole thing is a banger.
Enjoyed
This is the first album that I'm sure I've definitely listened to in its entirety before but definitely not in 20 years lol. Their album after this one I listened on repeat including like a week ago so it was nice to revisit some of these songs. I think I like the album even more now. Back then the arctic monkeys sounded so different to me from anything else and now I'm used to their sound lol.
Rubbish
Meh, não é nada de especial
"Feels like the Strokes but British. Pretty good!" "the Adam Sandler cigarette album" post punk schon ok. c
2/4
3/5
Literate and exciting rock
i am generally not a big fun of dirty, raw, noisy music, but here i really like to see how one of the legendary band developed. the vocal/voice is really so recognizable, I love it!!
I get why folks love this one. They took all the best bits of British indie rock, stuck them in a room together, and told them to make some noise. Spins: 2 Playlist Additions - I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor - Mardy Bum - When the Sun Goes Down - From the Ritz to the Rubble
Way too hard rock but they pull it off
Pretty solid / overall decent but didn’t really stand out to me. 3
Over there there's friends of mine. What can I say? I've known them for a long long time. And they might overstep the line, but you just cannot get angry in the same way.
Not my style of music but isn’t bad. Not an album I would reach for.
I've never listened to The Arctic Monkeys on purpose. This is a pretty good record. I expected more of a light pop sound. They rock pretty good. My only points of reference I can compare them to is Bloc Party and Spacehog. They sound like neither one of these bands, but I catch hints of the Spacehog singer in this singer and hints of Bloc Party songs like "Helicopter" in some of these songs. Arctic Monkeys play pretty hard with smart lyrics. Hate the band name, but I'm glad I listened to this record. Time will tell if I'm interested enough to catch up on the rest of their catalog.
Bem energético! Do verão do 6o ou 7o ano quando mudei para a casa nova
Grande álbum de debut. Nota se mesmo a idade, a energia, e as letras que elevam o álbum para lá de um rock básico. Não é perfeito mas é grande banger
Pretty good. Wish they still did this.
I remember being in sweaty indie clubs in Manchester in the late 2010s full of people rocking the whole late 2010s indie look who absolutely loved Arctic Monkeys. For some reason it failed to land with me and so this record epitomises an era and genre I really do not like. Maybe it's the shout, stilted vocals and crashy, clangy thing going on.
Banger after banger
Never actually listened to an Arctic Monkeys' album. I get it, good vibes, charming and quite interesting at the time representing some more working/middle class vibes in an industry dominated by Nepo babies and rich kids. Ggood fun and still a strong listen, I can understand if this is a 5 star album for some folks with more nostalgia for the band or just bigger fans in general.
De vet hur man skriver en banger
Helt klart bland toppen av band från de senaste decennierna!
De har ett coolt sound, aporna!
Mid lowkey, I just didn't feel very much while listening to it it just felt like music. Music is all about how it makes you feel and I just didn't feel anything strongly. I love A Certain Romance though. I also don't like the heavy drums and guitar on the album, the soundscape just isn't my favorite.
An absolute banger and a throwback to my teenage years. This album encapsulates everything that was good about the indie rock scene in the mid-2000s. Fast paced, relatable lyrics and extremely working class. An album that will never get old.
I like some of their songs but not this album
Fresh, energetic alter rock. I like it. Very close to five points.
They have better album
Fake Tales Of San Francisco
What an introduction to a defining British rock band of the 2000s - 2010s. Shorter, punchy tracks that are all very memorable. Fave track: When the Sun Goes Down
One of their better albums for sure. I’m going to be honest – once you’ve heard the “teenage mutant ninja turtle/Squirtle” Arctic Monkeys parody it is not only impossible to unhear but kind of ruins the band forever. Just a little bit. 3.5/5
Not bad, but like not really great alternative. At least it's not noise.
I listened to this album a long time ago and didn't like it then. It's a bit better now but still not good. Great instrumentation and the vocalist puts his lyrics together in a creative way at times, but ultimately the singer's voice is something I just cannot do. His limited range as well as high treble, nasally pitch is completely off putting and forgettable. Even "I Bet You Look Good..." the "hit" I remember the first time around is a completely forgettable song and don't understand how it got popular. 1.5 stars
I never really cared for the Arctic Monkeys prior to listening to this. I'd heard some of their songs from time to time and they were actually alright, but for some reason I was never enticed enough to listen to some of their other songs - like these ones. Upon listening to this album, I can see why the songs of theirs that I have heard are more popular. This album was totally fine, there was nothing wrong with it. The songs just weren't as good as some of their other ones.
Yeah, sure. Why not? The band's debut album is a solid, down the middle 3. One could argue in equal measure that no tracks need to be skipped and that none need to be left on. I suppose it has to do with your mileage on how much you want to hear a hooligan sing about trying to get laid after going to the club. Lyrically, Alex Turner straddles the line between clever and sophomoric but since he was 19 upon the album's release it's fair to give him the benefit of the doubt. Witty turns of phrase counter-balance generic punk riffs. The strangest track is the seemingly earnest quasi-balld "Riot Van" about getting arrested for under-aged drinking and then being a dick to the cops. Yeah, sure. Why not?
Such a great album
Contender for best debut album of all time.
Love nostalgia Cig song
I don't really understand all the hype. Sounds like the Hives to me.
This is the album I always recommend for fans of Arctic Monkeys. Hands down. AM is great but this is the album that started it all, the core of the band.
Listened to AM a few months ago and honestly didn’t care for it, didn’t get the Arctic Monkeys hype. But this was fab! Honestly deserves a second listen I think.
My beef with the Arctic Monkeys is long-standing and continues today alas (not with monkeys in the snow irl tho, they slay). For me, this music turns up at every bar/club in the norf of England, and it's always the point where you either go to the loo or go to get a drink. You can't dance to it in a homosexual manner, you can sort of thrash your body around I guess in a heterosexual way. Every song sounds the same to me, and I take umbridge with the singing voice. It's probably a pass, but I'm gonna fail it x.
Back when Arctic Monkeys made good music! Very familiar with this album, takes me back to my school days. This album is so nostalgic and filled with loads of great tunes. 10/10 no notes 5 ⭐️
Let's get the score out the way - I'm giving this five stars because it's held up extraordinarily well, especially given the references are so easily dateable. It's an absolute treat in terms of the lyrics, and actually maybe better than I remembered musically. The guitar work is really proficient, there's plenty happening in the drums, and melodically, Turner has a great ear. With all that in mind, it's hard to overstate just how much damage this album did to the scene, where suddenly every scally in the world thinks that talking about your boring life is somehow interesting. Yes, I'm talking about the Courteeners, but also a million and one other dreadful, predominantly Northern, guitar bands that proliferated on the back of this record. None of them noticed that Turner's lyrics were (a) about bigger themes, (b) funny (I mean come on - 'yes I'd like to tell you all my problem, you're not from New York City, your from Rotherham) and (c) attached to some decent music. Am I blaming Arctic Monkeys for accidentally killing British guitar music? Yeah, I might be. Final thought - I might be working up an opinion that this record was the start of the end of having a monoculture. This was probably the last time that something really became ubiquitous at the expense of all else. Pop stars have done it since of course - your Swifts, Sheerans and Adeles - but they've also been largely ignored by people who consider themselves averse to the mainstream. In the UK at least, this record was EVERYWHERE. You had this, then over the next 12 months you had Crazy by Gnarls Barkley and Umbrella by Rihanna. Then you had...the internet I guess and the total lack of monoculture we see now. None of that's relevant to this review, but I think it's quite interesting.
It was okay. 5/10
7/10
Still a great album 2026. I am entertained by thinking of Americans trying to work out some lyrics
Solid album, it has a continuous vibe that was kept throughout. reminded me of uk 70s rock in some ways
Some nice drum work, but other than that, this people says this is just noise with attempts at clever words
The Arctic Monkeys' debut album is an extravaganza of infectious rock tunes
hell yeah
YAYYYYYYYY
I started listening to this album in 2023-2024. In general, I'm interested in how I'm milking. I give it a rating of 7.5/10
Es el único disco de Arctic Monkeys cuya escucha repetiría. Vaya debut tuvieron los chavales, así no me extraña que acabe dentro de esta selección inmortal. Con el resto de su discografía no conecto de la misma manera ni por asomo, ni siquiera con el A.M. Aquí les noto más desenfadados, más 'garageros' si me apuras. Libres del mensaje que escondían con ese sarcasmo e ironía fina inglesa entre sus letras y que, lamentablemente, ahora también les interpela a ellos. Ya son esas mismas estrellas de las que se reían en su distancia y juventud, y los dólares que llueven son los de los altísimos cachés de los festivales que los contratan para tocar los clásicos. Canciones favoritas: 'Perhaps Vampires Is A Bit Strong But…', 'When The Sun Goes Down'
I liked this well enough when it came out, and still do. But all of their songs kind of sound the same to me.
As good now as it was when I was a teenager. Banger
Couldn't get into it.
This feels like a random opening band for the band I came to see, but I'm not unhappy about it. It didn't take long for each song to feel repetitive, but it wasn't bad!
With that album picture they should have done "The Chanukah Song". Great bar-band sound. Fast songs reminded me of Green Day but with a British twist. Fun album!
Makes me want to have a good beer from a small glass.
It has moments that are quite good, but overall it's just ok.
(7.8) Solid debut album
Briefly: Cole Porter rhymes, QOTSA guitars, vocals 1 part Jagger 1 part Johnny Rotten, yeah inject it right into my ears. I kinda hid from the hype when this came out, so the album is new to me (though I've definitely heard "...Dance Floor" and "Riot Van" sounded familiar). I need to finally catch up on Arctic Monkeys I guess. It's just a fantastic, classic rock and roll album, reckless and wild and dangerous and somehow everything in its right place at the same time.
*Solid indie rock album, especially for its time. I think I like this more than AM.
Reminds me of the Hives.
Classic 2000s British snarkiness. Probably a few songs that should have been cut from the album, but still a fun rock record with numerous butt wigglers
Low-end 4. Riot Van, Sun Goes Down and Dancefloor the highlights
Me pareció espectacular cuando salió y me sigue pareciendo espectacular ahora. Visceral y rabioso, con cositas punk, pero a la vez elegante. Y no hacen nada original pero a la vez es único. Para 2006 es algo muy valorable. 8/10
This band manages to be simultaneously good and overrated. There’s nothing memorable here.
Day939 - the more i listened the more i liked it
Good brit rick album, but nothing stood out to me as outstanding.
This still holds up well despite being very much “of the time” - lyrics entirely about life in England as a 20 something in the early 2000s. I loved it at the time so hard to view now without bias but save to say I fucking loved it
My high school band started off primarily as an Arctic Monkeys cover band so this was a nice nostalgia trip
I’ve never been all that into Arctic Monkeys for some reason. It’s fine. 3/5
So many bangers. Can’t believe they were teenagers when they started this band. “Dancefloor” absolutely holds up, especially for having been written by someone so young.
I love this era of british rock. Like a lot of albums like it, it gets kind of samey. Starts strong and becomes unassuming after "Still Take You Home", but "From The Ritz To The Rubble" is pretty great.
I've heard this one before. It's a really good album if you enjoy the arctic monkeys
A very polished and consistent sound but wish there had been more playfulness in the arrangements. British accents really annoy me.
Good
Not bad, but they can do better (and they did).
Beautifully naive. Weird little guitar riffs strung together to make fun snotty little rock songs
First album I ever bought, never gets old
Good, liked the sound as a whole, but no stand out bangers. Interesting to hear their earlier stuff. 3/5
The Streets with guitars. I like.
needs more variety but not a bad listen
This is one of those “this really hit in high school” albums. A lot of their stuff ends up sounding the same tho.
Never listened to them before which is a bit of a surprise. Didn't know they were British. Unfortunate
Can't believe I never actually listened to all of this. Cracking stuff.
Good debut
Pretty decent record but it's a bit samey right? Has some slow tracks but every song is about a night out in Sheffield
Hmm did not like this that much at all. I remember listening to this when it first came out years ago on my sister's sky blue iPod haha. Like Riot Van and Mardy Bum are decent but yes dont enjoy listening to it. But yea just doesnt do anything for me the punky rock really not my thing. Some of the songs I can get I suppose but yea. 2 out of 5 for me.
Solid
I feel soo british
Meh
Arctic monkeys on jäänyt aika vieraaksi, ei vain ole yksittäisistä kuulluista biiseistä oikein lähtenyt eikä tämän kokonaisen albumin kuuntelu muuttanut tilannetta.
Music that makes me want to have a pub brawl over my british hometown's sports team, and I'm not even british It's jams
I almost forgot how good their first album was, since I feel lukewarm at best about everything that they released after. A bit like the strokes, but make it british (not at all in a derivitive sense, though)
very good songs ich habes gehört beim spaziergang von freienwil nach baden
It's good stuff. Very much the sound of that time and brings back memories.
The 2nd best debut album ever. There is nothing about this album that is bad.
Even thought rock really isn't my favorite genre I really liked this album and thought it was very good. It doesn't have a bad song and all the beats are fun and almost energetic. A really good listen
Another sorta meaningless british album. Mind me, this is a tiny it more meaningful than MANY other entries in this list, but just slightly. It's british Rock, with a hint of pop, and the usual plethora of self-important pompous "artistic" lyrics. Yeah, not for me. The music, at the very least, is not bad at all. I didn't hate every second of it, as it happened before with other albums on this list, so I guess it's a good start. Or am I british-ising me-self?
I haven't had the chance to listen to the full album before but i had liked at least half of these before
First time listening to an album by them! Was a little underwhelmed and thought the sound was very consistent between songs. Thought his singing style was more talking and sliding then singing. Wasn’t my favorite but enjoyed learning the album!
#58 It's ok, kind of messy garage rock with punk rock influence. I like a lot of their music that came after this better. Switch it for AM. 2.5/5
Kinda boring
Pretty good
It's one of the best album i ever listened here i think its because i already liked arctic monkey its one of the best i ever had listened all the music were great
Very British, cool sound. A neat little look at the British youth subculture at the time.
meh. i dont like arctic monkeys
I generally listen to music to relax but I didn't find this to be that. Still, it was OK.
Stand-out tracks; The View From The Afternoon, I Bet You Look Good..., Fake Tales Of San Francisco, When The Sun Goes Down, A Certain Romance I guess this album was a huge success when it came out for a reason. Generally an enjoyable listen with very few tracks that I would outright skip. I particularly enjoy how expressive the drums are on some tracks. It opens up nicely, but I feel that towards the middle I get a bit tired of the album and then it picks back up near the end.
fav songs: riot van lean, swaggy, dance (?) 40/100
Mediocre 2000s rock
Classic mid-2000s indie rock.
Iconic
Muzyka.
What introduced me to them years ago. Fantastic live show from what I hear. Good combo of modern alt rock with classic British punk aesthetic.
Such a formative album for me with no skips
Oh yeah this is good
Was only familiar with the AM era arctic monkeys. Surprised me how much I liked this. Great energy
Very nearly a 5 Star. So many song on there are bangers
Alright, my first foray into the Arctic Monkeys,. Honestly, when I first started listening to the album, I wasn’t really into it, I thought that a lot of the songs sounded similar, all retaining the same sort of garage rock style, but once I got to the end of the album, I’d kind of turned around on it. Maybe it just took me a bit to adjust to the style, but by the end of the album I’d found it to be a thoroughly enjoyable experience. I felt that by the end of the album, I’d grown accustomed to the harder rock style songs in contrast with the softer stuff. The album has a really down to earth, yet fun feel to it. Alex Turner’s lyrics feel like they paint a realistic enough picture to be able to place yourself in such scenarios, such as going to the club to try and pull in Dancing Shoes, or reminiscing on the quirks and drags of living in your hometown in A Certain Romance, two of my standout tracks. The guitar playing on this album also helps to give it a raw feel, as it can go from high energy and upbeat to more melodic and mellow, such as on When The Sun Goes Down, my third standout track. The rhythm section also has their moments on the record, such as the drum opening on I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor. The album just has that feeling of walking through the streets at night, especially on songs like Riot Van, my final standout track. Overall, definitely a strong start for the Arctic Monkeys, and I’d say a quality listen for 2000s rock lovers.
Je vais sûrement le réécouter
How are all the songs such hits?
What. A. Debut.
not bad. but i might give a collection of fart recordings a higher rating
Pretty solid all the way through - really enjoyed it almost as much as A.M.
Overrated. The band improved from here imo, as the songs on their later records are better in sound and have more memorable hooks than the supposed "big hits" here. Lyrics are not great, either. "Sexy little swine"?!
So mid-2000s... Not enjoying. I almost get it but it's just annoying to me
3.9/5 debut might b their strongest
[4/5] punky rock. classics, some poorly aged cuts, fun distortion but sometimes overdone. teenage nostalgia and a throwback to myspace/ipod 2ks era. living in the moment, no ipad in sight, unbothered, unmoisturised, and flourishing (eh). track notes: 1. jebaited 2. classic 3. feels like i am a traffic light then a cutlery draw 4. thirsting but bottling it 5. shouting match with a bee 6. rumbled by scoob and the gang, thirsty clubbing 7. warm homely battering by the po po 8. economical achievements in the transportation industry 9. classic, feels authentic 10. distorted and exploratory look at capital exploitation 11. classic, mondeo slander 12. public intoxication and its consequences have been a disaster for the dating scene 13. upbringing gentle nostalgia
This was okay but fairly average, good debut and they got better later on. 3/5
Lowkey, mid. I listened to the album all the way through, but I don't think any songs caught my attention.
Good sound, some great tunes, but half of it is a bit half baked. I will say, however, that I really like the songwriting. The songs all build this rich universe full of mundane life, you can almost smell the stank of the garbage bags piled up on the sidewalks. But I ultimately had more fun reading the lyrics than listening to the music.
Il est parfait cet album t'es ouf Francis
It's a decent album. It's not my favorite, but it's still pretty good. I'd say it's definitely more rock-oriented than their other albums. There are better albums, but I think it deserves it's spot on here.
Too much brit for me
3
I like the songs starting from Mardy Bum. Can hear the inspirations that guy gets from this album. Will listen a second time when I get the chance. 6/10
an impressive debut. lots of energy. it's catchy. interesting enough i’d only heard “dancing shoes” but it was a burns vista social club mashup thing. worked really well. the only album i had previously heard was "a.m." which i liked quite a bit. they definitely grew into a bigger sound as they went on. or maybe that was just the "a.m." album? i'd have to explore more of their discography.
It was fun!
Really enjoyed it
(5/7) sounds like "critically acclaimed 2000s rock"
An album I love.
Never really bothered with these guys, should have checked this one out sooner.
What a debut for one of the greatest bands of the 21st century so far. One banger after another
Yes, british men, scream at me. This album wasn't sonically diverse, but I like the bangers I've already listened to.
Very British Sexy swine is some lyrics
4.5
4.5
One of my most favourite albums ever (after my favourite worst nightmare, hah). It's very natural mix of genres that flows so well. Sounds like summer when I was 17 and I dig it.
A plucky, raw, witty, and hopping fun ride through what it is like to be young clubber in Sheffield. more of a concept album than I realized. The Monkeys refined and matured their sound in later albums and that transition was heralded by the closer A Certain Romance.
Fantastic album, Alex Turners lyrics, and the backing band are excellent on every track on this album, we saw them live in 2013 with my 2 sons, amazing. Standout tracks; MARDY Bum, I bet you look good, A certain romance
Arctic Monkeys showed us that anyone could release music on the internet and become successful. "WPSIATWIN" has a lot of great songs such as "A View in the Afternoon" and "I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor". However, there's a noticeable difference in quality in the album tracks. That doesn't affect "WPSIATWIN"'s score, as the worst tracks are still good. It's a shame the Arctic Monkeys aren't as good as they used to be. 4 stars for "WPSIATWIN"
Some really great songs and some that I did not like, so overall a 3 star from me. I rate always on how much I like the music and not if the music is of high quality.
The Arctic Monkeys are unique to me and beloved. There is something special there to me that really is unique because it effects every song they perform. I don't judge by less or more, I just listen. I am sure I must have a favorite or a few among them but it kind of doesn't matter, because what I love is the vibe of The Arctic Monkeys. It does not hurt that I am into rhythm and they have hella great drums going on. Yeah, I don't know even what I would call their genre exactly... Doesn't matter to me I guess!
Still sounds as fresh and exciting as it did 20 years ago
Great, great, wonderful work. Great songs. Really loved it.
It's not bad, just a bit basic. If I were to put an album by them on this list, it would have been Favourite Worst Nightmare, but that's just a personal matter. Probably people would say that AM deserves a spot the most. I would agree in that case as well, I'm just not a very hige fan of them. But this record sounds ok.
I remember first hearing the Arctic Monkeys and liking the return to rootsy, raw rock sensibility. On this album, I liked the "garage" quality that gave it power and honesty. I was impressed with the guitar sounds - some of them expanded the sonic palette nicely. The central figure to me seems the vocalist. Unusual quality of voice and style, mixed up front, lyrics biting. It's all attitude, all the time. Rock indeed.
I don’t think I’m a fan of the long British lyrics, kinda makes the fun instrumentals boring. Idk I’m just not really interested in it right now. Picked up in the second half.
A: Visste inte hade att dom hade lagat cool musik också? Den låter nästan som om dom också skulle ha några politiska åsikter av rätt sort? (Tvivlar). Vissa låtar/delar av albumet av helt imponerade karaktär men överlag rätt monoton våglängd. 3/5 D: Dehär va såhär va man (ingen) sku på finska kalla menevä. Står ut mycket mer än de flesta och hade intressanta saker som hände i den. Nog överraskande överraskning. 4/5
Four teenagers from Sheffield gave away free demo CDs at their own gigs, uploaded their music to MySpace, and accidentally revolutionized how bands find audiences, all before anyone had heard of them. The music industry spent 2005 watching this happen and taking absolutely no notes. This is arguably more interesting than anything on the actual album. It is a perfectly good album that I will not be returning to. It did exactly what it promised, delivered it competently, and then became background noise, which is a fine way to exist in the world and also an accurate description of most of my afternoons. 3 out of 5. Competent, confident, and entirely content to sound like itself for forty minutes without apology. Three stars awarded with genuine respect and zero urgency.
I like arctic monkeys but this album just aint hittinh that much
Great album......provided that it was released in 2006....I bet must be cool back then to hear "I bet you look good on the dancefloor " on your sony walkman.....cool cool cool
A classic for sure. There's a reason why they got big. Energy is big, the songs tell a story. Love it
A lot of energy in this album. There is a lot of playfulness. Like a bunch of music school grads with too much red bull.
I knew the name. Friends were hyped. I never understood why, and this didn't help. The Arctic Monkeys debut is fast, guitar-driven Sheffield indie — lads in a room playing 20% faster than necessary. Everything sounds like the same song at slightly different tempos. "Riot Van" slows it down deliberately, which at least proves they can. The rest doesn't. The attitude is the other problem. "Too cool" as a personality only works if you're already a fan. 2/5 — not my kind of cool. Though the title earns its place: whatever people say you are, that's the thing you have to keep refusing.
Another album that was on heavy rotation in my room when it came out. Still think it's brilliant! We get cleverly constructed tracks with great riffs at the center, really cool drumming, and a sloppy vocal delivery that I just love. These jazzy chords in "Riot Van" and in the intro of "When the Sun Goes Down"? The thick ending of "Fake Tales"? That finale in "A Certain Romance"? *chef's kiss* Not a bad track to be seen. Only two tracks that keep this from being a 5/5 because they're "just" good. Unconditionally recommended, landmark of modern rock music. 4.5/5 - near perfect
I remember the first time I heard the Arctic Monkeys. I was just a kid, and my grasp of English was nowhere near what it is today. English has always been my second language. Even then, I was blown away by the raw power of their music. I was captivated by Alex Turner’s voice and, of course, his lyrics. The way that man commands words is something to be studied. Even at such a young age, Turner could articulate ideas better than most of his older contemporaries. I wanted to speak like Alex Turner. I wanted that command of language—that effortless precision he possesses. I’ll never quite reach it, but I’d like to think I’ve gotten fairly close. I also remember meeting a beautiful British girl in school named Shayda. The first time I met her, she was wearing an Arctic Monkeys shirt. I had a slight crush on her—and on her taste in music. Meeting someone who knew the Arctic Monkeys was rare back then. AM hadn’t been released yet, so they hadn’t exploded in America the way they already had in Europe. Knowing that band felt special, and she knew them too. My friends, Shayda, and I became part of this small club of Arctic Monkeys devotees who found solace in one another through music. Revisiting this album didn’t just remind me why I fell in love with the Arctic Monkeys. It reminded me of the kid who did. For forty minutes, everything felt familiar again. It felt safe. To this day, the Arctic Monkeys have always felt like home. They always will.
I knew about this record when it came out, but didn't really pay attention to it. The early tracks fall into my expectation of it, another attempt to move the post-punk revival into the mainstream, but most of the record really isn't in that space. There's a lot of energy in this record and its a fun punk influenced indie rock and roll record. I will definitely listen to this again.
I was familiar with their 2018 album tranquility base hotel & Casino, and my friends and I write that album highly, so it was nice to learn more about where they come from. This album would suggest that they really came into their own recently. Maddy Bum is a great song and a couple other tracks had harmonic interest like it, but a lot of this album was relatively uninteresting punk rock. I hope we get one of their more recent albums later on to compare. Feeling a strong two to a light three
Another boring, forgettable British band; 2 stars (a pretty low 2). Also, both the singer and the music sound snotty. Pass.
whatever people say they are is probably what they are very British, very mainstream rock music
Listening carefully, the basslines, the drum fills, the guitar tones, the vocal cadence, all genius
Não é o melhor do AM, mas não é ruim
There are a few albums that capture the cultural moment, this is by far one of them. Even as a kid in High School in the Midwest, this album was huge. It offered a glimpse of another life across the ocean, but still something universally relatable in the early internet/social media years. It manages to capture the energy and agnst of adolescence perfectly. The riffs are intoxicatingly high energy, and the songs and sound still stike me as peerless in their execution and originality. The album still fucking rips, even 20 years (!) after its release.
Damn what a great time. Album rules. I liked it even better than when I was a teenager. Must-listen #368
great sound mixing, but a quite good album, not a bad start for Arctic Monkeys.
Sold post-punk punk. Fun listen. Got me pumped up a little and I liked this more than I expected to. Thought I’d listened to these guys before, but I guess not in depth. I could see returning to this one.
Cet homme a une relation étrange avec les femmes
One of the last great indie albums. It's technically good, it's got humour and it's got singalongs.
Love this album. Has some amazing songs on it.
I have not heard this before. Arctic Monkeys is one of the bands from the ‘00s that I slept on for whatever reason. I heard a few songs and liked them and then forgot about them and moved on to other things. Anyway I was really missing out. There is some good late 80s indie rock revival sound on here with a few songs leaning towards early grunge, with a really diverse style that is all still cohesive. I’ll have to dig into their discography and see what else I was missing out on.
Wisely the Arctic Monkeys play to their strengths (or at least what I see as their strengths) on this record. When they cut it loose, they offer energetic rock and roll that matches their basketball arena level popularity. The album opens with the near frenetic “The View from the Afternoon”, and keeps pounding with “I Bet You Look Good on the Dance Floor”, “Fake Tales from San Francisco” and “Dancing Shoes.” All feature strong riffs, the band stomping in unison and forceful drumming that drives the songs forward. The rapid pace leaves little time for pretentiousness, and the band is both tight and unpolished. The production brings these elements together to make for a pleasing workout. What holds this record back from the excitement I feel with The Ramones, AC/DC or Motorhead? The songs just miss some hard to define quality of those groups. Not quite as punchy as The Ramones, nor ferocious as Motorhead nor the amazing hooks of the Young brothers. The songs teeter on bashing rather than playing. While I would much rather hear a group cutting loose than getting overproduced, the group comes up short in adding the needed elements to make this as memorable as the best rock and roll. There is something about British singers post-1980 that never quite sits well with me. The singing here is not as annoying as some of the 1980s groups, but it shares some of their qualities. It definitely has an attitude, but comes close to a sneer, whine or juvenile. With more listens, this trait would probably fade. Overall, it was nice to see a hyped group deliver the goods in a lively and totally fun manner.
(96/100)
Always.
love this album, favorites are when the sun goes down i bet you looked good on the dance floor and from the ritz to the rubble