• Record Label: Domino
  • Release Date: Apr 24, 2007
User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 617 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Negative: 25 out of 617

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  1. Jun 23, 2023
    9
    They explored a lot of new ways to make indie music sound nice and they did it, this album have a lot of hits with easy, but good guitar riffs and i have to admit that i was really surprised with the drums, that is an awesome album and one of their best
  2. Apr 16, 2023
    9
    An amazing sophomore album that delivers tracks that are just as good and iconic as the debut album , making you wonder where the monkeys will go with their music next
  3. CaitlinS
    Apr 24, 2007
    8
    Just a month ago I despised this band calling them over-rated and unoriginal. After hearing this CD, I've changed my mind. 505 and Brianstorm are key tracks, and a CD well worth your listen.
  4. JosephA
    Apr 26, 2007
    8
    Better than the first. Nice work, nice to see one of these megahyped bands not over or underestimating themselves. Straight forward growth and evolution with out loosing touch with what made them great the first time around. Kudos
  5. yanivv
    May 14, 2007
    8
    excluding 2 songs this album is mind blowing. its a pure youth potion. hate or love it you just cant stay indeference to it
  6. AndrewA
    Oct 22, 2007
    8
    It's simply more original and better crafted that their first album.
  7. ShunsukeN
    Apr 23, 2007
    8
    This second album is a step forward without forgetting what they did good on the first one.
  8. DavidM
    Apr 26, 2007
    8
    ITs like Turner drank some crunk juice after he kicked that guy out of the band. Good rhythm thru out the album. Very enjoyable. their still trying to find thier sound though. if they were only to blend the influence of the first record, with the rhythm of this album. I have alot of hope for the monkeys.
  9. EmmanuelP.
    May 16, 2007
    8
    "Worst favourite nightmare" is a good follow-up, has some great songs like "Teddy Picker", "Fluorescent Adolescent" or "Old Yellow Bricks". Not as great as some critics claim, but certainly a good record. There are just a few monotone moments that bring the record down, but the Monkeys did it again.
  10. LorenzoS
    May 7, 2007
    8
    personally i thin this cd isnt as good as the previous Arctic Mokeys cd. but if i had to rate it more specifically i would give it a 7.5, simply because it only has 2 really good songs...the last 2. i aslo feel like the band TRIED to make their cd sound like the 1st one too much, because they use alot of the same sound effects then they did in their previous album. i have to say thought personally i thin this cd isnt as good as the previous Arctic Mokeys cd. but if i had to rate it more specifically i would give it a 7.5, simply because it only has 2 really good songs...the last 2. i aslo feel like the band TRIED to make their cd sound like the 1st one too much, because they use alot of the same sound effects then they did in their previous album. i have to say thought that they really spread their wings in this cd, in the sense that they go from cool mellowy songs to rocking out songs. anyways its good, its def worth getting Expand
  11. BarryR
    Jun 18, 2007
    8
    On first listen some tracks may feel a bit samey but give it a bit of time and the brilliantly layeres hidden depths of this excellent album come to light...and I wasn't even a huge fan of the first one! "Do Me a Favour" may possibly be the best song written all year...
  12. IlyaR
    May 16, 2007
    8
    Great album, even superior to their (terrific) debut. "Fluorescent Adolescent" shows that ska infusion can still be fun, and "If You Were There, Beware" has one of the shortest great guitar solos I have ever heard. These guys build atmosphere and tell stories like few of their contemporaries.
  13. May 31, 2011
    8
    A very good album from a very good album. "Brainstorm" is a pure classic, and is supported by great tracks such as "Teddy Picker" and "Fluorescent Adolescent". Overall, this album has more than enough of the Arctic Monkeys we got to know and love from they first album to make this a worthwhile buy.
  14. j30
    Sep 22, 2011
    8
    Great follow-up to their debut. Musically they've improved as well.
  15. Oct 20, 2011
    8
    Alex Turner and co had a big job to follow up their outstanding debut "Whatever People Say I am...". Their sophomore album was put out just over a year after their debut but rather than sounding rushed, is actually quite assured. While it doesn't have any tracks that compare to the high points of their debut, as an album it's solid from start to finish. Starting with the blisteringAlex Turner and co had a big job to follow up their outstanding debut "Whatever People Say I am...". Their sophomore album was put out just over a year after their debut but rather than sounding rushed, is actually quite assured. While it doesn't have any tracks that compare to the high points of their debut, as an album it's solid from start to finish. Starting with the blistering Brianstorm, the first third of the album is over before you know it before giving way to calmer moments. One of the most admirable things about the record is that it is a different sounding record to it's predecessor and lots of credit is due to the band that were so young when it came out for this. It's a much heavier affair and the band carry off the change with ease. In my humble opinion the band have struggled to reproduce their initial brilliance seen on the first 2 albums. Expand
  16. Apr 4, 2015
    8
    Many of the tracks at the start and middle of the album are simply stunning but where the debut album didn't let up it feels like FWN does. 'This House Is A Circus' and 'The Bad Thing' are not on the same extremely high level of the other songs. 505 is a fitting conclusion however.
  17. Sep 9, 2016
    8
    Where "Whatever People Say I Am..." took place in and around a raving London Club, "Nightmare" is of another location, perhaps the alley behind it. It's darker, moodier, more adventurous, and therefore, that much more enjoyable than it's predecessor.
  18. Mar 23, 2021
    8
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  19. federicor
    Apr 23, 2007
    7
    Not bad, Monkeys. But honestly I'd have expected a better album from such a considered band.
  20. Mick
    Apr 23, 2007
    7
    A strong second album - Brianstorm, Do me a favour, This house is a circus, and old yellow bricks are the songs that I like best on first listen. Unfortunately its just not as consistant as the first and it doesn't include songs nearly half as good as; a view from the afternoon, I bet you look good on the dancefloor, or when the sun goes down
  21. JosephM
    May 30, 2007
    7
    Their debut was a 9, maybe a 10. This doesn't live up. Still a good album and I will come back to it in the future I am sure.
  22. wander
    Apr 18, 2007
    7
    so so. No so good, no so bad.
  23. knomi
    Apr 24, 2007
    7
    the arctic monkeys are hardly rock's new saviours (that title goes to the white stripes, at least ostensibly). they're about as "groundbreaking" as, say, the libertines or maybe franz ferdinand, and the three groups share the same distinctly british sense of humour. um, anyway, if you liked their first record, breath easy: this is everything you could've hope for. for the the arctic monkeys are hardly rock's new saviours (that title goes to the white stripes, at least ostensibly). they're about as "groundbreaking" as, say, the libertines or maybe franz ferdinand, and the three groups share the same distinctly british sense of humour. um, anyway, if you liked their first record, breath easy: this is everything you could've hope for. for the rest of us, it's still pretty good (if overhyped) britpop aping jarvis cocker, blur, and so on. if it "WOWs" you, maybe you should buy some pulp and smiths recordings. Expand
  24. fmangas
    May 6, 2007
    6
    I'm surprised about the way the press rates this album. Alex Turner has confirmed he is a great lyricist, but the songs are just not good. As you listen to the album you expect it to get better, but it never does, it's just the same plain songs again and again. I still like Brianstorm, Fluorescent Adolescent and Do Me a Favour. Remember: they are the Arctic Monkeys, don't I'm surprised about the way the press rates this album. Alex Turner has confirmed he is a great lyricist, but the songs are just not good. As you listen to the album you expect it to get better, but it never does, it's just the same plain songs again and again. I still like Brianstorm, Fluorescent Adolescent and Do Me a Favour. Remember: they are the Arctic Monkeys, don't believe the hype... Expand
  25. Brian
    May 16, 2007
    6
    I really don't get how people think this band is great, oh well. Be Here Now was awesome!
  26. DuncanT
    Apr 26, 2007
    6
    I really wanted it to be good, but its not! well over-rated and everyone has jumped on the band wagon oblivious to the album not living up to the hype. In my opinion at least!
  27. Jan 10, 2021
    6
    Another thoroughly underwhelming Arctic Monkeys album; perhaps even a smidgen duller than the first one. I'm afraid I just don't "get" it, despite liking a lot of this "kind" of music (the vocals reminding me of a male Lily Allen probably doesn't help)!

    Definitely not a "favourite" for Yours Truly, but each to their own as always.
  28. ToddW
    Apr 27, 2007
    5
    I'm sorry, I've never understood the hype behind this quaint little British pop band. Did the same PR person who once beheld Oasis as the next Beatles get hired by these guys? The music is fine, the lyrics are O.K., but it's nothing to run to the nearest computer and download. Or pillage music shops as the British youth have done. Anyone who thinks different needs to I'm sorry, I've never understood the hype behind this quaint little British pop band. Did the same PR person who once beheld Oasis as the next Beatles get hired by these guys? The music is fine, the lyrics are O.K., but it's nothing to run to the nearest computer and download. Or pillage music shops as the British youth have done. Anyone who thinks different needs to seriously question their musical acumen. The precious spelling of the album title should alert you to all you need to know about these guys. THEY'RE TRYING TOO HARD! Perhaps if they dial it back a wee bit they'll become almost as good as Oasis. Now that would truly be one's worst nightmare. Expand
  29. JohnB
    May 6, 2007
    5
    There just isn't a whole lot here to chew on. It seems like there is a formula to this whole album that really makes me question how much time was spent perfecting these songs. By no means is Favourite Worst Nightmare boring, but it feels like some of the songs were just taken from the first album and redone here. When the band moves into new territory, the result is a stripped down There just isn't a whole lot here to chew on. It seems like there is a formula to this whole album that really makes me question how much time was spent perfecting these songs. By no means is Favourite Worst Nightmare boring, but it feels like some of the songs were just taken from the first album and redone here. When the band moves into new territory, the result is a stripped down sound with not a whole lot going on. At just 37 minutes over 12 songs, this is an album of a band that is either running out of fresh ideas or are not bothering to extend themselves enough. Expand
  30. WinnieJ
    May 7, 2007
    5
    I listened all the songs in this album,but really, not as good as people said,maybe it's not my cup of tea or people just overrated.
  31. barryq
    Apr 27, 2007
    5
    I think it is an average effort. The first record was miles better, it had an effortless quality to it. This one feels forced and seems to have lost that fantastic sense of pacing the band had the first time out. Lisening to some songs you feel lost . not knowing where it is headed and not in a good way. There really are few if any stand out songs, and nothing as witty, direct or I think it is an average effort. The first record was miles better, it had an effortless quality to it. This one feels forced and seems to have lost that fantastic sense of pacing the band had the first time out. Lisening to some songs you feel lost . not knowing where it is headed and not in a good way. There really are few if any stand out songs, and nothing as witty, direct or infectious as the first outing. ALSO don't believe the crap about this being heavier, it isn't. It just lacks the light spots the first record had. (The Ritz, Vampires, or clever like Fake tales) Like Arcade Fire the have produced good but I think ultimately fogettable second records. Expand
  32. elmo.
    Aug 12, 2007
    5
    this album is the biggest dissapointment of the year! some where in the last year since their First album the arctic monkeys seem to have forgotten the meaning of the word song because i struggle to find one. the lyrics are quite good but there are no catchy choruses in fact there arent any at all!
  33. DBag
    Apr 20, 2007
    4
    A crushing dissapointment, especially after a very solid debut. This just doesn't have that great vibe that there previous album had. This only has 3 good songs.
  34. jonb
    May 10, 2007
    4
    so disapointed they have rushed this poor album, it has sold loads but so did Be hear now by oasis
  35. joep
    May 7, 2007
    4
    overrated.
  36. NickC
    Apr 30, 2007
    4
    Lame, contrived brit-pop. No one will remember this band in two years. It's a shame that such mediocrity recieves such high praise. Listen to the Bends if you want brit-pop. This shit is BUNK.
  37. ToddS
    Apr 25, 2007
    4
    How about including some TUNES on your third album, guys? Oasis wrote crap lyrics with great melodies. The Monkeys write great lyrics with crap melodies. Maybe the two bands should merge their strong points. Arctic Oasis anyone?
  38. [Anonymous]
    Apr 25, 2007
    1
    it's not THAT good. Gettin overhyped. My vote is to bring the average down to a reasonable level
  39. JohnU
    Apr 21, 2007
    0
    More crappy music, dude
  40. TiagoR.
    Oct 19, 2007
    0
    Shit.
  41. NoSurprises
    Apr 27, 2007
    0
    This album is horrible.
  42. poo
    Apr 30, 2007
    0
    YAWN!! over hyped repetative shite!
  43. hooner
    Apr 25, 2007
    0
    Dull as arse from an over-rated band who are only getting such recognition becasue the state of British music at the moment is so poor in general. Everything is relative you know!
  44. Lucky
    Apr 26, 2007
    0
    This might be the most overated band in music right now. I just don't see the fascination people have with them. Crap, crap, from start to finish.
  45. HeatherW
    Jun 4, 2007
    0
    Worst CD i have ever spent money on. Way to much hype for such a blah CD. The only reason ppl like this is b/c it was trendy to like it.
  46. joep
    Apr 24, 2007
    0
    overrated.
  47. EdwardM
    May 27, 2007
    0
    By far the most overated album of the year!
  48. DontrelleM
    Apr 16, 2007
    0
    Wow!! Another bad album from an overated band. This pure garbage, sometimes it's almost to painful to listen.
  49. TimS
    Apr 17, 2007
    0
    wow i never thought it could any more repetitive than they're debut...i was wrong. well at least i have a new coaster!
  50. jontyb
    Apr 21, 2007
    0
    Bag of feces. Avoid.
  51. tristant
    Apr 23, 2007
    0
    music for lager swiging chavs. utter shit!!!!!
  52. DEE
    Apr 24, 2007
    0
    Not my cup of tea. Very, very overated and all over place song wise.
  53. JohnS
    Apr 28, 2007
    0
    An absolutely horrible album from an absolutely horrible band.
  54. Nickj
    May 19, 2007
    0
    WORST album of the band FAVOURITE ALBUM of the critics (still i don't get why) Waaaay overrated. This one just makes me wanna go back to the store and ask my money back!!!
Metascore
82

Universal acclaim - based on 38 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 31 out of 38
  2. Negative: 0 out of 38
  1. Under The Radar
    60
    Favourite moves forward not one inch from Whatever, which is safe and reliable, but also repetitive. [#17, p.82]
  2. 60
    In the tradition of thorny newbie bands that get scarily too big (Nirvana, Radiohead, Weezer), they’ve followed their funny, catchy debut with a less funny, less catchy second record to prove how little they trust the good times their music obviously inspires.
  3. Uncut
    80
    Favourite Worst Nightmare is a near-triumph, a far superior Album #2 than Meat Is Murder, The Libertines, or Second Coming. Yet some doubts nag, partly because of the subject matter. [May 2007, p.84]