Tuesday 7 June 2011

Arctic Monkeys Fool Everyone


After two successful albums Arctic Monkeys were heavily criticized for 'Humbug'. Their radical change in sound and production proved to be too much for many. But it was clear the boys were becoming men and were moving into a more mature direction. I thought that album wasn't bad at all but merely a logical part of that transition. And then a while ago there was 'Brick By Brick', a somewhat cheesy but at the same time catchy rock song with drummer Matt Helders on vocals. Combined with a minimal and empty album cover many feared the worst. But the band told everyone to suck it and see.

Arctic Monkeys - Suck It And See (Ronald Says 9 out of 10)

Listening to the album it's clear they played a joke on all of us. They must have been laughing their heads off when they thought this one up. Critics were already sharpening their knives to write them off for good. But the song and album cover are by no means representative for this album. The songs show that the band is still growing. It differs from 'Humbug' but also isn't a return to the sound of their début.

Instead it sometimes reminds of singer Alex Turner's side project The Last Shadow Puppets. But the songs do contain the twists that they are so good at. Turner once again proves he's one of the most talented song writers today. They are full of intelligent and creative lines that at the same time are smart and witty. The songs are less dark than the ones on 'Humbug' but have a lighter touch.

At the time of 'Humbug' with its radical change in direction my guess was that within two albums the Arctic Monkeys would come up with a master piece. 'Suck It And See' isn't brilliant enough to earn that title, but it certainly is very good and proves the band is coming close. I'm sure in a few years time their fifth album will be an instant classic.

Listen to 'Suck It And See' on Spotify

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