Formed in 2002 in the Yorkshire town Sheffield, Arctic Monkeys have released seven studio albums together becoming one of the biggest names in Rock music. The Arctic Monkeys rapidly rose to stardom in 2006 following the release of I Bet That You Look Good On The Dancefloor, quickly reaching number one on the UK singles chart. The band have won many awards over the years and have performed at major festivals, notably Glastonbury in 2007, 2013 and more recently 2023.
7. Suck it and See (2011)
Arctic Monkeys fourth studio album released in 2011 became a bit of a miss in their discography. Recorded in a Los Angeles studio, where other greats such as Nirvana and Fleetwood Mac have worked, it does not live up to their hype. This album features more romantic and playful lyrics compared to their other albums with their song She’s Thunderstorms making a notable mark. However this album does not live up to the success of Humbug and is in last place.
6. The Car (2022)
Arctic Monkeys’ most recent album, released in 2022, is more nostalgic, Alex Turner’s lyrics about heartbreak, fame, and the complexities of modern life take a more poetic and mature approach compared to their earlier albums. Accompanying this album, the Arctic Monkeys went on a world tour where Turner’s stage perception was critiqued for not living up to the standards he had set himself when he was younger. This album has a few good songs, most notably Body Paint and Sculptures Of Anything Goes.
5. Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino (2018)
While some fans were surprised by the album’s shift away from guitar-driven rock, critics praised its ambition as this album steps towards piano-driven melodies with influences from jazz music. This album showcases the band’s fluidity and creativity with music and genre. The most notable song from this album was originally released as a single, Four Out Of Five definitely is the best song on the album but it doesn’t have enough bangers to be in the top four.
4. Humbug (2009)
Released in 2009, Humbug slightly misses the top 3 spot. Arctic Monkeys third album takes a turn from their youthful punk, of getting into fights with bouncers and funky dancefloor hits, to indie stoner rock. It was co-produced by Josh Homme from the band Queens of the Stone Age, encouraging the band to experiment more with sounds. The highlights of this album are Crying Lighting and Cornerstone.
3. Favourite Worst Nightmare (2007)
Kicking off our top three is Favourite Worst Nightmare released in 2007. Building on the fast paced indie rock of their debut album, this album is darker and more aggressive, owing to its influence in garage-rock. Alex Turner’s lyrics are witty and observational, focusing on nightlife, relationships, and youth culture which is why it sold 225,000 copies in the first week. Fan favourites of this album are 505 and Fluorescent Adolescent but my personal favourite is Balaclava.
2. AM (2013)
In second place is one of Arctic Monkeys most famous and popular albums that was released in 2013. In total, AM won at least 10 awards and received numerous other nominations. It became one of the band’s most critically and commercially successful albums. It is one of their most consistent albums with only one or two songs that don’t hit their high bar. The best song on this album is definitely Snap out of it.
1. Whatever people say I am, that’s what I’m not. (2006)
Arctic Monkeys have been very consistent with their music and popularity through the years, but none of their albums can top their debut album released in 2006. Whatever people say I am, that’s what I’m not became the fastest-selling debut album in UK history, selling over 360,000 copies in its first week. Alex Turner’s lyrics capture the energy and chaos of British nightlife, which is reflected in the urgency and youthful tone of the tracks. A Certain Romance definitely takes the top spot as the best song on the album and no one can change my mind.