1001 Albums Generator
Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not by Arctic Monkeys

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

Arctic Monkeys

2006
3.72
Rating
30569
Votes
1
2%
2
9%
3
28%
4
34%
5
26%
Distribution
Genres: Rock Styles: Garage Rock, Indie Rock

Reviews (page 8 of 15)

Pre-listening thoughts: okayyyy arctic monkeys! But seriously what is going on. We’ve gotten so many 2000s picks recently like it’s crazy. We’re about to exhaust them all. Post/during listening thoughts: hey this was good! I think Arctic monkeys is also one of those bands that (albeit usually younger) classic rock fans latch onto to prove they like newer music, but I think they’re a decent group. I think this subset of 2000s indie rock is really fun and bands like this, The Killers, The Strokes, Bloc Party, etc really made something with surprisingly large appeal. I have found myself in a hole of this genre recently and I think Arctic Monkeys just dug it a little deeper. 8/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: nah Fav tracks: The View From the Afternoon, Dancing Shoes, Perhaps Vampires is a Bit Strong But…, When the Sun Goes Down Least fav tracks: Riot Van

How many stars are there to give? Can I borrow a star from some of the much shittier british bands I've been forced to suffer through to get to this album? Ive never listened tk this straight through but it slaps from the beginning to the end. The only gripe could be some of the songs sound pretty similar. But for me thats good here

The way this band was imposed on the general public back in 2006 left me a little whatever about them, as a teenager craving music with a little more intensity. This album has aged well though. Arctic Monkeys are a classic case of a kick-ass drummer's ability to elevate an otherwise-just-fine band. Most of these songs just sound like riffs that any garage band from those years could have made up, but the band itself is really tight and has practiced a lot and the chemistry and energy is obvious. I probably would’ve thought the lyrics were deep when I was a teenager if I had paid attention, but I'm never going to sit down and pore over an Arctic Monkeys song on Genius or something. Idk it's still just Pretty Good Rock Music to me. Spotify says they’re the #36 most-listened to artist in the world as of mid-2025 which seems insane, but it doesn’t offend me that they’re one of the most popular bands in the world.

Went through this maybe 2.5 times and don’t really get it. I can see why it would be acclaimed, but the music is very grating to me. The constant minor progressions and aggressive accent. I do wonder if I have some deep seated disdain for the Brit’s, or it’s that these 2000’s groups ramp up the accent. Moments I enjoyed but I probably won’t be back.

This album is a burst of raw energy that never lets up. Sometimes that approach gets tiring over the course of the album, but at least for me, the songs and dynamics were variegated enough to keep me hooked the whole album through. Love all the chaos in view from afternoon, the hooks in still take you home and mardy bum, and there really isn’t a dud on the whole album. It’s a great album for remembering that ‘anything can happen’ feeling of young drunk nights out with your friends. Relatedly, I used to be in a band that would sometimes cover ‘when the sun goes down’ and I would often be too drunk to remember the lyrics I was supposed to be singing so I’d just slur random words in a pretend British accent. Ps- I texted Sean my ebullient praise of this album after listening and he replied that I only like it because I’m a ‘rockwhore’ which I’m choosing to take as a compliment.

Raw, nostalgic, unique stuff. This feels like a lot more than 41 minutes of material. I feel a little fatigue with the rough punky sound after the first 10 or so minutes. Fortunately, I think the album goes in a fantastic direction when it hits Riot Van at the midpoint. It saves the album and grows into something more. A little more poppy and personal. When I eventually return to this, I think ill just listen to the second half of the album. Far more fresh

Soundtrack to a young dumb semester abroad in London. Still holds up. Not sure about their more recent stuff, but this debut is so good from end to end.

I didn't really enjoy this. It all sounded very similiar and uninspiring.

One of my favorite albums all time from a nostalgic view. This album shaped the drummer I am today.

Music that feels like I’m being sold a used car. I wonder how many talented and unique artists were passed over to include this coworker music to the list.

Man, this takes me back to my teenage years. One of my most listened to CDs of all time because it fucking slaps. Just love the energy and vibe this record brings. It changes pace at the right moments and keeps suprising you. Love all of these songs. Prolly one of the rare no skip lps for me.

One of the best debut albums ever. An easy 5*

the oasis of the 2000s (both suck)

Very fine brit pop record

I remember when I first heard this album when it was released and it had an instant impact. The songs were catchy and they had "return to rock' n' roll" revivalist, indie sound that I listened to around that time. I downloaded and listened to a lot of music, sometimes familiar and sometimes not. I wasn't familiar with "Whatever People Say...", but it sounded like it was. Hearing it now doesn't quite have the same effect on me , maybe because there have been so many bands that sound like the Arctic Monkeys since. It's a good record, especially for a debut, but it's not great and has flaws, but it stood out amongst the millions of hours of music I listened to in the 2000's, so it's worth re-visiting.

Apart from "Mardy bum" it really seems to me a loooong continuous track, and a mid one

Really awesome album start to finish. If I had listened to it more when I was younger I'm sure it would probably be a five or more

Хорошее воспоминание из подросткового возраста Хорошая заводная музыка

I thought it was great bc hello its arctic monkeys

Ahh the feeding frenzy that comes from youth culture latching onto something they all like, even if it blows. No tunes, a sound derived from maybe the basest 90s American punk and indie...English music fans/publications were waiting and waiting for an answer to the Strokes, the Libertines went from having potential to tabloid tedium in months, and so the first thing the kids went mental over got celebrated as the next big thing and well, was this it? My britpop fandom died out around the same time the final run of Pulp and Blur albums were released (before hiatuses interrupted, reunion tour cash-ins greenlit). The clubs I went to still had the same folks in 2003 as 2001, but spending every weekend there wasn’t my thing and I was focused on my own thing, which could be exhausting. Yet, I still had it in my head that England, the source of so many of my favourite groups for 20 years or more, was a special place that would inevitably yield forth bands worth celebrating again. The AMs, after the post-punk revival fizzled, were the anointed ones, but from the first note all I could hear was, well, boring. This marked my first generational taste shift and from that point forward, whatever compass I had for syncing up with the tastes of the new was lost to time. Somehow worse than the Manic Street Preachers? Tough to say.

For sure an iconic sound, but every song sounds the same

Irreverent take on Northern life. Meh

great classic arctic monkeys. great listen

Decent listen. I still do not understand the criteria for this list.

I went into Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not thinking it wasn’t going to be my thing — maybe because I vaguely remembered liking AM but never followed up on it. Turns out, I should’ve given these guys more credit. Yeah, they get labeled as indie rock, but there’s a gritty, punk energy running through this album that keeps it from sounding too polished or pretentious. Tracks like “The Red Light Indicates” and “From the Ritz to the Rubble” really stood out — sharp lyrics, frantic pace, and a raw edge that makes you want to hit repeat. It exceeded expectations and reminded me that indie rock doesn’t have to be boring Favorite song: From the Ritz to the Rubble

Das ist wahrscheinlich das Album was ich am meisten in meinem Leben gehört habe. Löst nur gute Gefühle aus

Fun album

I love the music but I never dug the singing style. Punk rants get a little repetitive sounding.

Good pop punk. Fun music.

Decent. But holy shit does every song sound the same.

I like their second album more, more variety there. This album is mostly in the same tone. Still enjoyable

I used to listen to these guys a lot a decade ago but there's a reason not a single song from this album was in any of my playlists

One of my all time favorite albums. No skips. All bangers. Favorites: I bet you look good on the dance floor, still take you home, from ritz to the rubble Rating: 10/10

im not an artic monkeys fan, and I was disappointed when I saw them live in a gig, but this album is a master peace. 5/5

High energy and never dull.

Uhh it's an album made for the 2.5 but since it was all right background music, it gets a 3 star for me. It's fine, but most of the songs sounded the same.

I have very little experience with these blokes. But it’s fun I guess? 2000s pop punk was such a full genre and then these muppets came about. It all feels like background music for the OG version of Shameless (derogatory)

View from the Afternoon...decent opener I Bet You Look Good...is good until the chorus. Don't care for the chorus Fake Tales...first half is a little boring. Second half kicks Dancing Shoes rocks in a generic way You Probably Couldn't See...you know what? fuck these song titles Still Take You Home...I like this one. Nice drive all the way through Riot Van...slows things down a bit. It's fine Red Light...feels like a throwaway Mardy Bum...this isn't all that aurally interesting, but I like it Perhaps Vampires...feels like a jam session-turned song. meh When the Sun...ok, but all the tracks are really starting to blend together From the Ritz...I like this one...like the bass groove A Certain Romance...just kind of exists. Pretty normal for a final track. So, why is it over 5 minutes?

На початку нульових, коли в рок-музиці панував ню-метал, почала зароджуватися хвиля, що зверталася за натхненням до минулого, а саме до гаражного року 60-х, щоб передати його сирий та абразивний дух із вишуканістю сучасного інді, глем-року та постпанку. Так, зусиллями таких гуртів, як The White Stripes та The Strokes, народився Garage Rock Revival. Натомість Arctic Monkeys зі своїм дебютним альбомом з'явилися, коли ця хвиля досягла піку, на який вони успішно "залізли" і згодом досягли приголомшливого успіху, випустивши альбом AM у 2013 році. Проте цей альбом є звичайним сентиментальним інді-роком, який був нескінченно далеким від шикарного та автентичного дебютника. Такого матеріалу, як на дебютній роботі, ми від них не почуємо більше ніколи. На мою думку, більше й не треба, бо на ньому 19-річний Алекс Тернер разом зі своїми близькими друзями, здається, створив квінтесенцію подібної музики. На Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not ви не почуєте технічних відкриттів чи якогось "нового погляду" на гаражний рок, головна сила цього альбому зовсім не в цьому. У кращих традиціях панку музиканти без досвіду створюють просту, сиру та щиру гітарну музику, під яку Тернер, не цураючись свого акценту, передає свій досвід роботи в пабі та розповідає історії "простих людей", із якими він стикався щодня. Обкладинка найкращим чином ілюструє цю ідею, адже на ній, очевидно, зображений один із п'яних "героїв" пісень Алекса. Ще однією виразною рисою є тексти та їхня подача. Текстів у піснях справді багато, і вони подаються майже суцільним потоком, ніби ти дійсно слухаєш п'яні розмови за сусіднім столиком. Приспіви, якщо вони є, дуже короткі. Водночас, попри простоту, тексти не позбавлені поетичної вишуканості та чимось нагадують за настроєм п'єси Подерв'янського (я, напевно, перша людина, яка зробила таке дивне порівняння). Композиції, хоч і прості, мають дуже хукові рифи та моментально запам'ятовуються. Коли все перераховане поєднується в єдине ціле, то що це, як не геніальна робота, якій неможливо знайти аналогів, бо вона "вийшла такою, якою вийшла"? Навіть сам гурт ніколи більше не робив спроб повторити подібне, бо, певно, розумів, що створити "саме такий унікальний, неповторний та охуєнно веселий" альбом вони вже ніколи не зможуть.

Perfect early 2000s British indie rock record

Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background Thoroughly enjoyed this and a breath of fresh air after some of the monotony of the post-2000 albums I've gotten so far. Enough twists and turns in each song to keep things interesting. Sometimes the transitions work, other times they feel a little abrupt and random. Regardless a thrilling ride from start to finish.

Dit zijn van die bands die het leukst klinken bij hun debuut. Daarna gaan ze iets met een 80's-geluid proberen.

Great indie rock record. Definitely the band's best. So much punk energy but slicker/strokes like production.

An absolute classic, and an album that helped shape my musical tastes when i was just discovering music. The whole band sound fantastic, with incredibly tuneful riffs, and Alex Turners lyrics and vocals are sensational, even more so for his age. Hard to name standout tracks because every song is so strong. 10/10

Good album. Not as much compared to some of their other ones, but worth listening to. Fun, upbeat, but a bit on the forgettable side. 'I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor' was my fave from the lot.

Greit nok. Ikke det beste albumet deres.

Just not the kind of tunes I listen to, not a fair critique.

i actually can't do this i'm getting flashbacks to my a level art classes

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.

никогда не любил обезьян. но я оказывается не слушал их дебютник, он все таки нормальный

This is not extremely bad, but is rather boring/mediocre. I like the sound, but not the songs, which are not that good. The "indie rock" bands that preceded this one (e.g. The White Stripes) are way better and more interesting. Back when all these bands popped out, I hated them. I don't hate them anymore, but still consider (at least this particular one) too soft for my tastes.

I should like this more than I do. The britishness of it gets to me after a while. The songs themselves have great parts but jump around a bit too much.

I've listened to this before and I do really like it, but my enjoyment throughout the album is not consistent. I would rather listen to just my favourite songs than the whole album. Favourites: Riot Van, Mardy Bum, When The Sun Goes Down, A Certain Romance, Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor.

very good

Lots of good pizzazz. Great riffs.

The energy is good, all stadium bangers, but not always sold on the voice. And while the lyrics have these complicated phrasings, it describes stuff that I just don't relate to at all. And I was the target demographic at the time. They also kinda phone it in live.

Good album. 7/10.

Really great album really like the band’s unique music style and vocals. Would listen to it again

Not for me. Never been a fan.

Obviously good, so British

New to me. Like the overall vibe, but seems very derivative of the strokes. All of the songs are at the same tempo.

Like all Arctic Monkeys, it's pretty whatever, but I had a good time

didn't like it then, don't like it now

Never really understood Arctic Monkeys, but it's a decent album.

I'm going to overrate it a bit, as it's not my favourite album, but I do enjoy the other AM albums a lot more. However, apart from not being my type, and being a bit samey, I don't think it's a bad album at all, and it certainly has made its dent on history. I wonder if the editors are british, as I'd imagine AM (2013) to be the album on the list, not this.

Started this one with some apprehension. Turned out to be fairly enjoyable but also a bit middle of the road. This is a good, confident rock album with some great moments but I'm not wowed by it either.

Somehow have never listened to this Pretty good

Lazy lyrics, whiny and nasal singing

First few songs were fun, then it got boring. They should have put Humbug or AM here instead, those are way better albums. This probably sounds petty af but I rolled my eyes so hard when I read about the lyrical themes of this album on wikipedia. Seriously? All that yapping just to tell me about the lives of young clubbers and shit?🙄 Bruh, I don't care. It reminds me of how Fall Out Boy songs keep yapping endlessly about some horny loser dude who got used by a girl or something. Fave track: I bet you look good on the dancefloor. Would I revisit this: no.

This kind of music passed me by in 2000s and it doesn't seem I missed too much. It was a nice album for my evening run but nothing more.

Found this to be ok. The album as a whole did flow nicely, but I just don’t like this band/type of music enough to really want to listen to a full album. Would do 2 stars

The sound is good. But the whole album has the same sound. No diversity of beats, tones, chords, etc. got sick of it half way through

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA amo quest'album grazie

listen, I know what people say about this album (there's a pun there) but I simply do not care. "oh it's suburban teens whining about growing up" yes. "oh it's classist" a bit. "oh it's like the strokes/oasis/radiohead" IDCCC IT'S A BANGER!! Sometimes ALL you wanna do is hear a scrawny rockabily wannabe teen whining about the club scene in suburban UK ok. geez. let people HAVE THINGS man. forever a staple in MY HOME

Whatever happened to this band after this is so sad because this album is so good. It is quick and fast and represents the time beautifully.

🩷🩷🩷🩷

Sorry, but I’m going to put this album in a basket with other shouty stuff from the late ‘90s and early 2000s - The Strokes, The Killers, Arcade Fire, Franz Ferdinand. I didn’t love any of it then, don’t love it now.

Som ett slagsmål i ett väldigt icke-utsatt område

Skitmusik!

I suppose this is one of the better examples of Britpop, a bit harsher and faster, still emphasizing drums and guitars. Lyrics and vocalizations are ok.

This really warmed up to me throughout the end of the first listen and into the second. They have great musical talent and the singers voice is animated and interesting. Some really great songs on here and some that fade a bit, but I'm generally impressed. 3.7/5 - > 4/5

Enough with the British Rock Bands!! Seriously guys, knock it off. They were just meh

Really liked this one, very energetic with the drums and the guitar riffs. Favourites: the first three, still take you home, the last three and the two songs with abnormally long titles for some reason. Overall 8/10.

I had seen the music video of Dancefloor in MTV shortly after it was released but I wasnt into rock music back when I was in highschool and while I didnt tought much of it I liked how Matt sang and played the drums. Don't Believe the 'ype indeed. This album is like a freight train, hits you and knocks you over, over and over again. I dont like Riot Van but it is a necessary breath by changing the pace of the album, A Certain Romance is the epic ending to a pretty great debut album 9/10 My favorite tracks View from the Afternoon, Dancing Shoes, Perhaps Vampires Is a Bit Strong But..., When The Sun Goes Down and A Certain Romance

Awesome. Another mid-2000's alt/indie rock album. This one has more of a punk feel to it sometimes at least. Other than that I did not hear anything special. I don't know what it is about this style of music. I don't hate it, but I just can't find anything interesting about it at all. It is pretty cool how they got Ben Affleck's stoner half-brother to pose for the album cover though.

A great example of a band that knew how to play their instruments from the get-go. High energy from beginning to end.

Album that helped shape a generation? Yeh probably. High 5.

“We’re the Arctic Monkeys…don’t believe the hype” You better believe the hype, at least for the first few albums anyway! Absolute classic indie rock! Razor sharp musicians, razor sharp lyrics. Nothing not to love on this album, even the cover is cool as fuck.

Way better, heavier and skillfull than I epected.

This band came out of the gate swinging and flinging shit. Love the drive, the youthful energy, and attitude. Kind of a swinging The Hives. It's a 4.75/5 album, so I have to round it up 5 here

Some good tunes here, Riot Van is pretty good

Ok, al prenahajpano.

prvi put slušam i sad - da je loše, nije, al nije ni izvanredno dobro. vokal zanimljiv ali mi ne sjeda.

Just a really good brit-rock album. It's so consistently good throughout the album, that no track sounds better or worse than another. A Certain Romance is my favorite - great bass lines, strong guitar and the classic Arctic Monkeys vocal.

Would’ve been a really good EP

Seen them live before so it was nice to familiarise myself with the whole album and not just the two popular songs I’ve already heard. I liked it. Again, not really my type of music. I’m very much a lyrics person and I feel like just with the volume of the instruments it didn’t give me a chance to get into it. But I still liked the overall sound of the album. 62/100

Glæsileg plata hjá heimskautaöpunum. Ekki eitt veikt lag.

Þétt og gott rokk frá AM. Singlarnir geggjaðir. Frábær frumraun. 4,5

The album feels like a tale of some bloke in his 20’s going trough life, learning how to live it, not like a fairytale, but real life. You can see the life lessons, the growing, and almost a feeling of guilt, resentment. I”ll give it a 10/10 not for the music, but for the storytelling And now that I know it, I can see it in a lot in Ren’s music

This sure sounds like 2006 - I didn't listen to this genre at the time but it fits right in with the other garage rock bands that I listened to later on. I can't say I'll seek listening to this album, but I wouldn't skip many songs if they came up on a playlist

Definitely a really nice album, fun listening experience! Guitar and drums are on point and diverse. Every song has something unique. Still there is non standing out.

Look I know I should like this but Alex Turners voice is really slightly grating to me. The composition is simple and becomes very repetitive very early on.

I haven't really listened to Arctic Monkeys before, but this was not what I expected. I liked the accents so much, down with American accents lol. The guitar work was nice, as was the drums. There was a good use of like idk swells and lulls. I really like The View From the Afternoon. 3.5/5 stars.

Decent album. Mardy Bum best song. Not typically my type of jams but I think this is solid road trip music.

The energy in this album was great, it gives you some up and downs to enjoy

It's a perfect album. Alex Turner, you are one of the only people who could ever make me want to be British.

How did 16 year old me not know about this band? great tragedy of my life in hindsight. Feels like i've heard some of these songs though tony hawk pro skater type shit (not derogatory)

I Bet You'd Look Good On The Dance Floor was the only track that really stood out for me.

Wow, they have music so much better than from the AM album? I knew they were good but I hadn't until now listened to the rest of their discography, WOW it is hitting. So far "Riot Van" & "Red Light Indicates Doors Are Closed" are kinda not doing it for me, but despite that, the album is amazing!

Good alternative stuff. Didn’t grab me, but not bad.

Didn't love the first song but the rest of the album is good! Has a White Stripes vibe.

Super fun rock album

This album had great sound, explosive lyrics and was a fun listen. Personally, it leans a little heavier into rock than my preferences tend to lie but the angsty lyrics, punk-ish energy, and beat was great.

Still holds up as fresh as it ever did.

Makes you want to get on the dance floor and pop like a robot from 1984. Get your dancing shoes and be ready.

Perhaps Genius is a bit strong but... Yes maybe this is very "British" and of a time in my life where most of the quirky lyrics make sense, but even if you take away those elements, the music is phenomenal.

Basically unfair for me to rate as it was so important to my childhood but basically perfect as far as I'm concerned

Surpassed by some of their later work but still a no-skip classic.

isso é muito bom exceto nos momentos que tem voz. muito british pra mim. eu gosto que é completamente velvet e strokes, mas nas palavras do lou reed "british people shouldnt play music at all" to brincando, mas eu ainda acho o sotaque demais. o liam galagher e o noel, por exemplo, são inteligiveis falando mas nas musicas da pra entender e faz parte do charme. mas no fim sabe como é né, opiniões mudam e gosto se aprende, alguns dos meus artistas favoritos são britanicos. vou ouvir mais esse, mas por hora acho bem medio.

I recall listening to this not long after it came out, as every few years, I browse SubPop’s website for new stuff (although I’m not sure why Arctic Monkeys showed up since they were on a different label). Anyway, enjoyed it much more as it beyond the first few songs. Much prefer this album by comparison to their more mainstream stuff, with the exception of AM. Perhaps I didn’t give it a chance before since I never got past the first couple of songs. Will have to give Suck It and See a relisten.

-One of the greatest albums of the decade -Consistent throughout the entirety of the album -Perfect way to debut an artist, with build-up singles -Best Songs: The View From The Afternoon, Mardy Bum, When The Sun Goes Down, A Certain Romance -Worst Songs: Still Take You Home, Perhaps Vampires Is A Bit Strong But... -Overall Rating: 8.9/10

not my favorite arctic monkeys but i enjoyed it

Kind of a disappointment… maybe I liked it less because I expected it to be better or something else? 2.5

I would like to note that there are no artic monkeys in real life. This is a good record. I always try to pigeon hole but there are a number of music styles here with an undercurrent of FUNK. Good songs and some nice guitar work. Enjoyed

Likte de mer nedtonete sangene best. Litt lite melodiøst i de raske låtene. Ble litt for like.

Very very solid album. Wish I had given more of a listen to these guys before. Almost a 5 but I’m reserving for all time legendary albums. Super super solid 4.

Shame this bands late career is both embarrassing and widely popular still, love this tho 5/5

I was bored by this in 2006 and I am bored by it now. It feels like young, dumb, full of cum lyrics that are backed by a sound that doesn't take any creative risks and just rolls out the most cliche boring bits of British rock in the 15 years before this album. I am genuinely surprised that anyone enjoyed this album, but then again it did come during the decade that, in my opinion, had the least interesting music on the charts. There was good music in the underground but most of it was not making the charts. The only truly musically interesting tracks were "Perhaps Vampires is a Bit Strong But..." and "A Certain Romance".

Not really my favorite genre but it was pretty good

ya he escuchado, adrenalinico.

Arctic Monkeys is a group that I've listened to time and again. They're an English indie garage rock revival group that exploded onto the scene thanks in part to the proliferation of their work on the internet, only to mellow as the years went by into a sort of hodgepodge with psychedelic rock and lounge. It's weird how such a tonal shift happened. Thankfully, their debut Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not captures the band's early tenacity. The vibe I got from this album was meeting up with my mates at the downtown pub, heading in, and getting blasted in the ears by this hot new band playing their live set. I head near the stage to catch what they're playing, and am genuinely impressed by the degree to which these young lads utilized complex riffs and syncopated rhythms. There seemed to be a lot more beneath the surface as they rolled on with their frenetic dance jams with a few well-sequenced breaks in between, such as the slow-burn ballad "Riot Van" and the loud-quiet-loud structure of "Mardy Bum". As for frontman Alex Turner himself, he sang with a strong dialect about the nightlife. From taking in the scenery on opener "The View from the Afternoon", to envisioning the girl out of her mundane situation into the downtown on "I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor", to the nervousness in making a move on "Dancing Shoes", to the group of friends looking to have fun despite their current circumstances on "Riot Van", these general musings work in tandem with the garage rock production to illicit that vibe of the pub band taking their observations and putting them to song. Admittedly, the focus on spurring relationships gets a wee bit repetitive throughout the record, especially coming out of Alex's thick accent. Still, it generally works with the vibe and doesn't completely take me out of the performance. Overall, I'd say this was a solid debut for Arctic Monkeys, with a style and songwriting approach they refined for their next album, Favourite Worst Nightmare, before they shifted gears. It's certainly felt like a nice trip to the local dive.

Largely forgettable. Lead singer sounds like Sean Connery live

I was hoping they were more than just that one song that I’ve heard before (and don’t care much for). But they’re not.

5- Stars (13/15)

Complete

It took me a LONG time to review this album. I’m usually good about listening to an album in a day and maybe listening to it again in the morning before making the review. But this album really had me stumped. I sincerely couldn’t decide how I felt about the album. So I guess I’ll just list my pros and cons. Pro, they have a really great refined clean garage rock sound that I don’t think I’ve ever heard from them outside this album which I appreciate. Con, I don’t really love the singers voice, it’s not like grating but it’s very sonically the same from one song to the next. Which kinda ties into another con which is there’s not a lot of variety on this album. It’s pretty much just that garage rock sound all the way through which for some is not a negative but I like alittle mix of different flavors. Pro, this album has a raw element to it (probably from being a debut album) which I find very endearing. Honestly the biggest con is that a week later from listening to the album, I had to relisten to the album for probably the 13th time cause I couldn’t remember the individual songs, just how I felt about them as a whole. I know this sounds like a mostly negative review but it’s not. This album gave me a new appreciation for Arctic Monkeys, I always saw them as that super catchy chick band that my sister and gf love. But this album doesn’t fall into that assumption of them. This album shows a real energy that I haven’t seen or heard from them on other more memorably catchy albums. Seriously though if you like them and haven’t heard this album you are missing out. This is probably their “Pinkerton” album, which I know only makes sense if you are a die hard Weezer fan but that’s the best way to describe it. Also go listen to Pinkerton which is a much better album, but I digress. This is a stellar modern rock album that definitely doesn’t get enough love.

This was kinda great. I wasn't expecting much. I'm aware of the band, I think they had one or two big hits at some point, but I've never listened to a complete album. It's nicely post punk, reminds me of The Killers or The Strokes.

5/5 I love this album so much also given

You can’t deny that this album has some excellent songs on it, and I really enjoyed listening to it, but there is something now, as there was then, that I’m not even sure I can really put my finger on that makes me unable to be fully invested in the arctic monkeys or able to give them 5 stars. So the tl;dr great album that I really enjoyed listening to, but something is just missing for me

YES YES YES YES YES YES I LOVE THIS ALBUM!!! Arctic Monkeys are one of my favourite bands, so this is a straight 5/5. I wasn't enjoying today so getting this album has made me much much happier :] what a coincidence!! Banger after banger after banger honestly. I was really obsessed with From the Ritz to the Rubble a couple of years ago and it's still as good as I remember. Riot Van is probably my least favourite but it still gets a 3/5 so otherwise i love it so much overall: 5/5

This album is jam packed with cool songs. Totalitarian.

*is there anyone more Yorkshire? i don't know that there is. how many syllables do words have? none of your business. *these songs tend to run into one another if I'm not paying attention to the transitions, but that isn't a negative--it means things flow. *it's fascinating to hear this having heard I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor in isolation...still really like it but it's not my favorite on the album *Perhaps Vampires Is A Bit Strong But... might be my favorite, with Mardy Bum a close second *four stars. will actively listen again. great vibe.

I understand why it caught the attention when it came out. It's catchy, brash and very sure of itself. Musically it also has some interesting aspects, it's more than just a pop-punk album. But it's still mainly a pop-punk album; music for a party of young people.

very solid mid 2000s alt rock album!!

listened to before, 9/10

Apt to get one of my all time favourites as first album

Certainly gritty and in-your-face and I-don't-give-a-wanker's damn. I appreciate that and the pub rock stylings. The mix is sharp, highlighting the vocals' incisiveness. I am a little distanced by the juvenile dramas that inform the album and remind me of my oldfartedness. The best cuts are Vampires and Romance, which let the music take chances, the vocal sidelined for a moment but still strong.

Not one dud track! Absolutely excellent. Mardy Bum may be my favourite song on here. I think my ranking gauge is set at - if this can go on repeat and you can sing at the top of your voice about angst and class then it’s a no-brainer 5.

Where's the 3.5 button? I've got a couple of friends who are nutso for the Arctic Monkeys, and they're a band I've always meant to check out and just haven't. I mean, I've heard some stuff, but I've never really explored them. I liked this, reminiscent of a bunch of others of its era — who made who? — and I wonder if there's another of their albums I might jive better with. I think could really connect with the band, but this wasn't the album to do it. So I'm squarely between whole numbers on this one, but I'm trending down because there wasn't that one thing that just pushed me over the ledge.

I don't know. It's frenetic and the musicianship is there. There are some cool things going on. But about five songs in, I was over it.

Played this none stop when it first came out. Couldn’t believe how original and consistent it was across the whole album. Back then, defo 5/5. Listening start to finish now, still an absolute banger and of its time.

It’s a good sound but feel like I have to be drinking IPAs or some sort of made up coffee drink at a trendy Indie bar to really understand who they are and be cool enough to recommend them.

5/2/2025: own this album! Fantastic debut.

Entertaining album, I could see this music being fun to dance to.

They sure used to be better than they are now

Nice, but not great.

Do believe the hype. Arctic Monkeys' debut record is a landmark album, perfectly capturing a time, place and mood as the 21st Century took over Britain. This album tastes like cans. Every song is a banger, every hook is huge and it sticks every emotional landing with a knowing earnest. They're a band who have grown and matured, which makes this focused slice of hormones, heartbreaks and nights out all the more poignant. I miss waking up on unfamiliar sofas. Favourite tracks: A Certain Romance, Dancefloor, Mardy Bum, Still Take You Home, essentially all of it

Something like this should be right up my alley, and I don't hate it, but there's just something about it that isn't clicking. The current hypothesis is that while the songs are fine-to-good, if they had just a slightly slower BPM they would elevate to good-to-great.

While different from their later stuff, I still liked it!

The Arctic Monkeys are phenomenal - but this is far from their best work. Even beyond AM. Favorite Worst Nightmare AND Tranquility Base both deliver more well-rounded and experienced performances. That being said, this is still the sound your Monkeys are known for, and it does still deliver those sweet sounds I crave.

Maybe I just wasn't listening to enough of this in my prime teenage angst years, but I don't really get bands that sound like this. Some solid songs for sure, but nothing that really grips me all that much. Also, British

I’m glad that some modern rock made it on the list, and Arctic Monkeys definitely have some bangers. It’s a good album overall. It’s only brought down by the fact that most of it all sounds the same (plus some unnecessary filler songs that contribute to the sameness), and the singing style occasionally is annoying. Overall though, it’s good. I’d say a 4 or 4.5.

I found the vocalist to be really grating on first listen, but the rest of the band sounded really fuckin great so I gave it a few more tries over the course of the day. Eventually I warmed up to the vocals and everything clicked. Today, the British won.

This was initially a 4 for the witty lyrics and excellent songs, but on my second listen I did realize the album contains a lot of filler and is not as strong as I initially thought. The highs are excellent, but there is too much dead weight.

Great band. I'm not familiar with all of their albums, but this one encompassed everything I like about them.

3.7, Good rock

Lyrics are intersting, but musically what was the fuss about? Truly meh

This album makes me want to play a Tony Hawk game set in Sheffield.

This album ripped - high energy, some great bass lines, generally awesome

I don’t know why but I didn’t expect to like this.. I did though! I’d heard one of the songs but didn’t realize it.

Perfection!

Nice album

Haven't heard this since high school, but this still holds up and I think it sounds better now.

"get off the bandwagon and put down the handbook" Feels very very 2006, like working through a checklist of what was hot then. Or what was hot just before then, really. Like a Green Day cover band pretending to be Oasis doing cheeky Strokes covers. Somehow this formula makes for The Walkmen, but annoying. The Walkmen at least bring showtune vibes, these guys are a little more Rohypnol® than theater kid. I mean, at least they want you to think that they might date rape you. Pretty sure a lot of 17 year old British kids got laid to this. The children born in the aftermath of that nation-building rut would be 18 today. Listenable, but boring. Production is flat. Dance songs should have bass that sounds richer than farting through a straw.

A good listen. Fun alt rock. Lots of energy. Will listen again.

Slog for me to get through.

I liked this album!! I have listened to Artic Monkeys before, but just a few songs.

Anybody else getting a bit of a White Stripes vibe?

Nostalgic but mid

I BET THAT YOU LOOK GOOD ON THE DANCEFLOOR DANCING TO ELECTRO POP LIKE A ROBOT FROM 1984, FROM NINETEEN EIGHTY FOUUUUURRRR Stars.

I really like some of the songs; I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor has been in my library for a couple years. However, a full album of this sound grates a little, as I'm not usually too into the punk/grunge style. They do a pretty good job at not just being pure noise the whole time, though. 3/5

Classic album, in retrospect maybe my favorite overall of their discography. They never really recreated the vibe inherent to this record. The highs aren't as high as fwn but it's still really solid album. My overall turn away from this era of britrock does take it down a bit

Like Spoon, but with energy and raw emotion.

1. The view from the afternoon: this fucks, kinda punky, kinda garage rock, kinda funky too, kinda straight alternative. Tricked me with a fake ending. 2. I bet you look good on the dancefloor: this one was good too. Kinda funky. 3. Fake tales of san Francisco: this one was super good. 4. Dancing Shoes: I like the bass on this one. Nice guitar work on this one. 5. You probably couldn't see for the lights but you were staring right at me: Jesus fucking christ long song title. Anyway good song. 6. Still take you home: forgot to mention how good of a frontman Alex is. Very confident. 7. Riot van: change of pace. Much quieter song here. 8. Red light indicates doors are secured: this one reminds me of The Clash a bit. In sound anyway. 9. Mardy Bum: this one is good too. 10. Perhaps vampires is a bit strong but...: this one is good as well. Super solid album so far. Another fake ending. 11. When the sun goes down: another solid track. 12. From the ritz to the rubble: damn he's spitting on this one. Another solid rock song. 13. A certain romance: This one has a pretty hype intro. Great track I really like this one.

Couple of good party sounds.

I vividly remember renting this CD from the library. Great album. Totally different from anything at the time (from what I remember). Many memories.

I really liked the song Riot Van but was meh about the rest. I much prefer the moody vibe of AM

Classic. Red Light indicated doors are secured, london taxi. Riot van is perfect.

Classic album

I understand the merit here but I don’t like punk, I don’t like indie, and I don’t like the British. Three strikes you’re out

Came into this expecting to hate it after being drowned in AM against my will by my friends when it came out 2013. This is not that album and I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed this. Get the sense this would've been a fantastic band to see live at the peak of their powers. Unbelievable energy, these guys know how to put a hammer down.

Not a punk fan, but the arctic monkeys have a unique style and add a slightly different flavor to each of their quick romps. Strong vibes. I don't know if I'll listen to many of these tracks again, but I enjoyed the listen.

Top 5 of all time.

Fine i suppose, but not essential. Their newer albums are so much better. 2

One of the greatest albums of all time and one of the most influential on my musical taste.

I really enjoyed this one. The first half has a ton of fun rocking riffs and the second still has great but softer songs. 0 bad songs.

Good but lots of songs sound similar, 3/5

I was OBSESSED with this album when it came out. I was in high school and I learned every word and even worked out a lot of the songs on guitar. I was so crazy about Arctic Monkeys that I even hunted down a leaked copy of their followup album, Favourite Worst Nightmare. So with my storied history with this band established, let me drop some hot takes: Favourite Worst Nightmare is the best Arctic Monkeys album by far. It takes what they did on this album to the next level, with a greater variety of songs, sounds, lyrics, dynamics, everything. Humbug through AM sucks, the songs are boring, the guitar parts are boring, the lyrics are boring, the drumming is super boring, etc etc etc. Their first two records had such a unique energy and then Josh Homme from QOTSA came in and ruined it (until Tranquility Base and The Car, yeah that's right fucking @ me bro). Okay onto this record: it's fantastic! Songs are hooky, lyrics are incredible, guitars are fun and playful, and the drumming cannot be topped. I mean, there's a reason that the video for The View From the Afternoon is just the guy ripping on the drums. Nothing will ever top jamming this record in the car with friends and everyone shouting "ALL YOU PEOPLE ARE VAMPIRES" at the top of your lungs. On When the Sun Goes Down, when the riff kicks in and the drums drop, and there's this cheeky bass slide...chills. So yeah, this is one of my favorite albums ever. And one of the rare times that Br*tish people could make good music again.

A perfectly good Little Rock album that nevertheless leaves something wanting. These dudes were hailed as the heirs apparent to Britrock and while they were great for a rave up back in the day it’s nothing groundbreaking. Still, there’s some certified bangers here and it starts and ends with a blast. Just wish there was a little more.

Listening to it in 2025 really doesn’t hit me like I know it would have when released. Good album but not for now me.

One of those bands that give me a hangover

This is a real good album. Has good energy, good lyrics, and some decent variety. I was into Cage the Elephant around 2010 and listening to this really brought some similarities to my head that I couldn't quite put my finger on. So I went back and listened to CTE's 2009 debut album and enjoyed that as well, for the first time in over a decade. An overall real nice experience with both albums.

Raw energy, actually loved it.

I coincidentally saw a kid wearing an Arctic Monkey's shirt.

Very good

Despite their forward looking reputation as pioneers of social media marketing this is good old fashioned pumped-up melodic punk, riffs and laden with attitude. It’s British working class culture set to music, much more so than the ponderous and repetitious band Oasis became. You can hear the Sheffield accent on Riot Van, which is pleasing. A top notch debut.

Pretty good, lots of energy, but i don't feel like I heard anything groundbreaking.

Hot take but Favourite Worst Nightmare has aged better than this. But if you want a comprehensive insight into what being a young adult experiencing Northern English Nightlife and navigating relationships was like in the mid 2000's, this is by far the best album to listen to. Alex Turner is a generational lyricist. 5 Stars.

i do not understand the arctic monkey hype

Not the best album in the world, and probably shouldn't be included in this list, but it's a good listen. I personally like their debut more than their subsequent albums.

Still a great album. I own this.

Jó lemez

I don’t know what it is, but I find a lot of rock albums from this time period to be lacking something. That said, the album was enjoyable at times but ultimately forgettable.

Listens: 1 (and countless others outside of this review) Standout tracks: From the Ritz to The Rubble. Added To Library: TRUE I love this album.

First of all, this is not a bad album. It is energetic and youthful... But not as much as too resonate with me. My main problem with this album is that it sounds very loud, to the point of feeling saturated (both my head and the songs). Either way, a decent album.

I guess I expected AM type stuff which I think I definitely used to like more than I do now, but its not really that same, kinda overproduced squeaky-clean stuff, I feel like this draws a lot from Oasis, and The Clash (the basslines), I love the way that most of the guitar parts sit with the bassline and the drums, it just creates this mischievous groove which I think they stopped doing. Lyrics make me proud to be British, as I guess some Americans probably don't know what he's talking about sometimes. The cheekiness is by far the best bit, as don't really think anyone else has quite done it like him. Favourite songs: I bet you look good on the dancefloor, you probably couldn't see for the lights but you were staring straight at me, still take you home, riot van, red light indicates doors are sealed, perhaps vampires is a bit strong but..., from the Ritz to the rubble. Overall around 8/10

Quite decent 4/5

Debut Album by Artic Monkeys apparently 1. The View From The Afternoon 2. I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor - Not bad. I could dance to this if I could dance. 3. Fake Tales Of San Francisco - Something about a bad band and people not enjoying themselves? Or fanboying over a band even if they are not good? Snazzy outro though 4. Dancing Shoes - Very upbeat. Feels like pregaming/getting ready and hitting the streets for some club/bars 5. e

Possibly one of the greatest debut albums of all time? The band announced themselves to the world with an original sound and a great lead singer accent and voice - not to mention the brilliant guitar playing and drummer. The lyrics are really strong too. An easy 5 stars.

>The Beatles Really enjoyed this

This one had a cool modern rock vibe.

Liked it enough, but it didn't feel like it had an overall cohesive theme. The songs were fun in an indie rock way, but they didn't captivate or hold my attention like some other albums or artists do. I enjoyed listening, but don't feel like I would listen again. 2/5

I loved you ever since getting to hear your songs in the 'indie slot' when dancing at Que Pasa in Chelmsford.

Still magic. This album is as old today as The Queen Is Dead was when this album was released. That seems strange. What do 19-year-olds think of songs that mention: "And she won't be surprised and she won't be shocked When she's pressed the star after she's pressed unlock"

From start to finish, a fine album. Lyrics are thoughtful, provoking, desperate, humorous & iconic of that period of time- the sound is energetic & raw. I still believe that this their debut album is the AM's best work.

Absolute classic. I remember the buzz before it came out and it still feels super relevant

Really good album 8/10

Quality album

Just no✨

My personal album of the year 2006. Full of fresh, energetic, fun and in a best way kind of spewed out songs.

It's okay

When I was in middle school I was good at math and science which meant that I was in classes with kids one year older than me. My biology lab partner's name was Sydney and she was a year older than me and had dyed orange red hair and one of the only things I knew about her was that she was really into the arctic monkeys. So I gave "Am" a listen. It wasn't really my thing, it was pretty close but I never really stuck with it. Coming back to the band with an album that I hadn't listened to, I was very impressed. They reminded me of the strokes but a little bit moodier. I think the instrumentation was great across the board, the drums stand out, the bass stands out, etc. It's all punchy and works together to be better than the sum of its parts which is a high bar. I had a great time listening to this album and while I never got to be an angsty indie kid, I still felt nostalgic for the idea of it.

I don't know why I ignored this band for so long, this was great. I found myself air drumming in several songs and the energy stayed high for nearly the whole thing. "Still Take You Home" is an absolute banger, instantly on more than one playlist. This was like if the strokes were just a little more talented and more fluid with their songwriting. Really good!

Love it. Smells like that basement live venue in Central Sq, Cambridge.

Great album, love the Arctic Monkeys

Some bangers, some fillers

absolute classic, heard this a billion times but gave it a re-listen, still brilliant except riot van

Reputation precedes itself. 40 minutes of hyperactive dynamic strokesy riffs and yelping about drinking, clubbing, and girls. This is what spending your twenties in the UK feels like.

not horrible.

10/10 melhor álbum da banda

Too british sounding. Not charming enough for how badly written. Edgy, but only if i had never tasted anything but beans on toast

They’ve done the fakeout ending trick 3 times, and most of the songs seem to be about

Makes anal cunt sound like the beatles

Good sounding record. High energy and interesting instrumental hooks and drum parts. Great debut album.

Never been a big fan but this is their best. At that I'm still not into this dive bar sound.

Arctic Monkeys make their debut with this album full of energy.

вайбово, претензий нет, но 5 не поставлю. две последние песни были добавлены. в 8 классе фанател больше чем сейчас. подойдет для пьяной драки в британском баре.

Listened to it already

Decent Alr rock. Many traxhd sound similar though

not a huge fan of this band overall, but there are some absolute bangers on this thing

Arctic monkeys always hits 🔥

Have on vinyl: Yes Rating: 9.2 Fav Song: Mardy Bum Notes: Fucking great. Pre-Hanna when this came out. A lot of Blackout (pinball), beer, and this with Kruz

Fantastic stripped down sound. Excellent storytelling. Definitely grabbed from The Strokes sound of the early oughts, not there's nothing wrong with that when it's done this well

Pretty normal alt. rock, nothing super special about it but I liked it

очень тяжко, очень крикливо и панково, два часа смогла

All sounded the same and honestly kind of forgettable. Was fun enough for the first couple songs but nothing stood out

When I started listening to this, I thought it was sounding fairly uninteresting. But, I ended up enjoying it quite a bit. I love Turner's lyrics and delivery (love his Sheffield accent) and the band kicks. I'm sure their live performances must be exciting and fun.

Fantastic album with amazing energy, true classic mid 2000s rock

Fine. Nothing really jumped out at me as an incredible song.

This is one of those albums that really made me love music, and started an obsession with finding more music like it. Some of the first songs I learned to play on guitar were from this record! That's why it pains me to listen to it again with more seasoned ears. In hindsight, I feel like this just doesn't hold up very well. It feels like very straightforward britpop pubrock - almost a step backward from where british music had been heading before this. Much of the songs are very similar, there's not much diversity among them beyond faster/slower, louder/quieter. With that said, the performances are solid, the production is great, the vibe is there. It just has a sense of immaturity to it that doesn't help its case at all. 7.5/10

How did I know that the Arctic Monkeys were making music for this long??? It's fine, but there's not one song I feel head over heels about. I still think AM is really the only album of theirs I truly like through and through.

Enjoy it didn’t realize how many songs I new 🙂

Very good 👍

I really like this band, but some of their songs can sound repetitive. Personal enjoyment: 4/5 Relevance to this list: 4/5

Not too bad

320/1001 🌕🌕🌕🌗🌑

this was too noisy and raw for my tired saturday head. “mardy bum” was basically the only song i enjoyed. i have heard it before, along with “i bet you look good..”. the last song was quite nice.

Got damn Arctic Monkeys up first I am impressed, I’ve got the entire album saved but i’ve never actually listened to it all at once. Here goes nothing !!! Ok now that i’ve listened to most of it all the way through, pretty good stuff. I see why I have all the songs saved they are all bangers.

Great music, sometimes the songs sound similar to each other, but very nice album

Best wel een paar lekkere nummers. Fijne energie. Tekst en thema zijn mij nietszeggend - de muziek verdwijnt naar de achtergrond en maakt enkel een subtiele indruk.

Okey yani artic monkey esintileri hep aynı şekil söylüyor bayıyor muse gibi

Well let’s hear what this is all about. Music sounds like The Hives but the vocals sound like British Guy At A Party You Wish You Hadn’t Started A Conversation With.

I've always deemed Arctic Monkeys as overrated but I think I'm basing that off their later stuff because I enjoyed this one Lovely basslines and even better riffs and hooks make this a really good album. Never been a fan of the vocals though. Thought the drumming was a bit naff too. Not a big fan of indie stuff but this was definitely one of the better ones I've heard

I like it. AM is just better

So aggressively British

Good energy but not that into the guitar tone and the frenetic energy. All the songs I like are on their AM album better apparently

ts ass avoid at all costs

I think it's solid. Songs can be kind of same-y. Riot Van and A certain Romance are highlights for me. I listened to it a second time, it's grown on me a bit more. The album is definitely weaker than the individual songs.

4 de manual, discazo de los monos que tienen frio

I've listened to Arctic Monkeys off and on for a while. Their style is a fun and they are a good diversion when you are listening to a large collection on shuffle, but I believe this is the first time I've sat down and listened to a full album and all the songs end up just blurring together, with the exception of Riot Van, which thankfully breaks up the album a bit. I enjoy their aggressively cockney accent and how much it comes through.

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.

I don’t get it. It sounds like all the worst parts of good genres smushed together. Not unlistenable but bleh.

Such a 90's sound but all the songs sound the same. Shame if you listen to this rather than The Strokes or even Franz Ferdinand. Though I wonder if FF all sounds the same now too. I bet it might.

relentless pop. A fast listen, if boring. 3.