Humbug
by Arctic Monkeys
  • Record Label: Domino
  • Release Date: Aug 25, 2009
User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 446 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 401 out of 446
  2. Mixed: 38 out of 446
  3. Negative: 7 out of 446

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  1. ING45
    Apr 16, 2023
    8
    The arctic monkeys have changed their sound into a much more mature, metal inspired, psychedelic one
  2. pietropeitos
    Oct 22, 2022
    10
    album foda mto incrivel serio simplesmente amo dms mto mto bom e me lembra da menina mais linda desse mundo(jess
  3. JJ2FAS4U
    Jan 1, 2022
    10
    -----------------------------------10/10-----------------------------------
  4. larissa26
    Apr 9, 2021
    9
    Humbug is a very unique piece of art. Another amazing Arctic Monkeys album.
  5. idinahuiboi
    Feb 28, 2021
    10
    Not going to say much regarding this album (as with one listen you can understand why I am writing a review with a 10 score) this is by far Arctic Monkey's best album, from the instruments to the writing style.

    perfection.
  6. MARXENZOLOPES
    May 26, 2020
    9
    unique album, with amazing music this is humbug, another masterpiece of arctic monkeys. giving another good sequence
  7. mellowclam
    Jan 27, 2020
    10
    I didn't get it until a few listens. I had heard so many fans saying humbug is the best by far, and I just didn't get it. I liked some of the songs, but it just seemed so it there to me. But after like 3 listens I can say it is a complex masterpiece.
  8. normanthebest
    Sep 3, 2019
    10
    Pefeito melhor album deles amo todas as musicas não sei o que seria de mim sem secret door bateria maravilhosa do matt helders e as letras do alex tem metáforas totalmente inusitadas que junto com a sonoridade traz uma atmosfera sombria
  9. LtCooper
    Jun 19, 2019
    10
    for me, is the best Arctic Monkeys album, i'm reviewing this years later cuz i remember to do this today :v, but for me is a 99 score album
  10. CarlosSpicyWien
    Dec 20, 2016
    10
    The band's most lyrically focused album in my opinion. Each song is pure poetry and exudes style and grace. It took me a while to check out this album, but I'm really glad I did. There's not one song I don't like on this album.
  11. ramonmarquezine
    Sep 18, 2015
    10
    Humbug was the best work of the group. The lyrics, the instrumental and the sound were sensational. The group works hard creating new and genius songs, which always remain so!
  12. jamesfoye
    May 19, 2015
    10
    A breath of fresh air from the rowdy style of Arctic Monkey's two previous albums. Every track on this album is killer, especially lyrically. Alex Turner is a lyrical genius, and really steps it up from the more straight-forward lyrics from the other albums. Sometimes you've really got to decipher what he's saying, as he uses his well plotted metaphors to his advantage. Overall an amazingA breath of fresh air from the rowdy style of Arctic Monkey's two previous albums. Every track on this album is killer, especially lyrically. Alex Turner is a lyrical genius, and really steps it up from the more straight-forward lyrics from the other albums. Sometimes you've really got to decipher what he's saying, as he uses his well plotted metaphors to his advantage. Overall an amazing album, and a personal favorite of mine.… Expand
  13. jotaeseche
    Jan 3, 2015
    9
    Most people could argue that after two energetic and fantastic albums, Humbug feels tasteless or too passive to be rock (or at their level). In my opinion, it just serves as a departure; a sign of maturation, and something the Arctic Monkeys could never manage before: produce slow songs with substance and true depth. This effort, then, has ultimately turned out to be their most cohesiveMost people could argue that after two energetic and fantastic albums, Humbug feels tasteless or too passive to be rock (or at their level). In my opinion, it just serves as a departure; a sign of maturation, and something the Arctic Monkeys could never manage before: produce slow songs with substance and true depth. This effort, then, has ultimately turned out to be their most cohesive album so far.… Expand
  14. sonic4president
    Nov 11, 2014
    9
    Bro at first I wasn't a massive fan of this album at first but after I listened to it a second time I thought it was great. Crying Lightning just brought this album alive.
  15. WadeVS
    Sep 1, 2013
    4
    This album feels an sounds like a quarter life crisis. Are the tunes, riffs and songwriting strong? Yes. But at the end of it all they fail to make me care or connect as a listener. A few strong tracks would have made a memorable EP, but they really couldn't afford to make yet another one of those. Yawn. Next please Monkeys.
  16. axelkoch
    Aug 8, 2012
    7
    For my opinion, 10 songs on one album are just too few. Even more, when half of them are soft, boring and unspectacular. As you see with "My Propeller", "Crying Lightning", "Secret Door" or "Cornerstone", they still have the ability to write good songs. Unfortunately all other songs are just fill-ins for this disappointing third creation by the impressive English indie rock band. Could'veFor my opinion, 10 songs on one album are just too few. Even more, when half of them are soft, boring and unspectacular. As you see with "My Propeller", "Crying Lightning", "Secret Door" or "Cornerstone", they still have the ability to write good songs. Unfortunately all other songs are just fill-ins for this disappointing third creation by the impressive English indie rock band. Could've been much better!… Expand
  17. maxjtotsky
    Jan 20, 2012
    6
    'Humbug' has many strong moments ('Crying Lighning' and 'Secret Door' are some of their best) but is a much more confusing and difficult album than Arctic Monkeys are able to pull off. A very daring and dangerous move than doesn't exactly crash and burn but probably wasn't worth all the experimentation. Not dreadful but a bit on the boring side from a band who are at their best with'Humbug' has many strong moments ('Crying Lighning' and 'Secret Door' are some of their best) but is a much more confusing and difficult album than Arctic Monkeys are able to pull off. A very daring and dangerous move than doesn't exactly crash and burn but probably wasn't worth all the experimentation. Not dreadful but a bit on the boring side from a band who are at their best with energetic riffs and exciting beats that 'Humbug' doesn't really present.… Expand
  18. Ricko
    Oct 20, 2011
    6
    Not all that bad an album but I have to say it was a disappointment after the class of the Arctic Monkeys first 2 albums. It's not without it's moments - Crying Lightning and Pretty Little Visitors are as good as they've produced but there are a lot of tracks on this that are dreary, dull and boring. In fairness, the band did try out a different sound here and perhaps the production is toNot all that bad an album but I have to say it was a disappointment after the class of the Arctic Monkeys first 2 albums. It's not without it's moments - Crying Lightning and Pretty Little Visitors are as good as they've produced but there are a lot of tracks on this that are dreary, dull and boring. In fairness, the band did try out a different sound here and perhaps the production is to blame for the dreary feeling of the album. The bands poorest album I think and one I'd rarely play in full any more.… Expand
  19. ramona
    Sep 14, 2011
    5
    The energy of the Monkeys have gone away in this album (and luckily came back in the following "Suck It And See") and they seem to be carrying a rock. Still, some songs as "My Propeller", "Secret Door" and "Dance Little Liar" have interesting melodies as well as lyrics. Not their best, but now we know Arctic Monkeys recovered.
  20. j30
    Aug 15, 2011
    9
    They haven't reached these dark territories up to this point. This was my favorite album from 2009. You can hear Josh Homme's production all over this record (which isn't a bad thing). Alex Turner's lyrics/social commentary is a revolution (he progresses every album). Can't wait to see where they go from here.
  21. osker
    Jun 13, 2011
    6
    I was expecting so much from this album and couldn't help but be disappointed. There are some decent tracks but as an album it just doesn't seem to come together. The first 2 albums have this quality that demands you listen to the albums over and over while Humbug just doesn't. Overall, overproduced and underwhelming.
  22. Maxx_official
    Jun 8, 2011
    8
    A menacing, foreboding and psychedelic record, the Monkeys really show a desire to push the boundaries on Humbug (that is, if they had any). Spin it several times and you'll find it growing on you, as it doesn't replicate the hooks and melody of the first two albums, but pulls you in with the atmosphere and talented songwriting.
  23. Forestgravy
    May 28, 2011
    8
    Never has an album grown on me so much. On the first listen I was extremely disappointed, thought it seemed restrained and lacking ideas and the energy which made them such an exciting band to love. After repeat listens you realise the hidden depths that the CD has, the time signatures, the lyrical crypticness which can tug at your heart and the mature influence from Josh Homme is at timesNever has an album grown on me so much. On the first listen I was extremely disappointed, thought it seemed restrained and lacking ideas and the energy which made them such an exciting band to love. After repeat listens you realise the hidden depths that the CD has, the time signatures, the lyrical crypticness which can tug at your heart and the mature influence from Josh Homme is at times clear. What initially seemed like restraint, is actually refinement and progression. STILL, possibly their worst album. (Says it all)… Expand
  24. luxembourgerque
    Apr 8, 2011
    9
    Excellent album, great experimentation and growth from the first two albums. Opens up a whole new area for them and expands them from being an amazing catchy witty band into a fully fledged rock band.
  25. Rosco
    Mar 22, 2011
    9
    This album is different. If you were expecting the same old stuff from Arctic Monkeys then you were proved very wrong with 'Humbug.' It has caused division but its a progressive album signalling that the Monkeys are maturing and delivering a more assured and darker sound than before. While some might dislike it, its a grower! And this album is the best evidence of all (if you needed anyThis album is different. If you were expecting the same old stuff from Arctic Monkeys then you were proved very wrong with 'Humbug.' It has caused division but its a progressive album signalling that the Monkeys are maturing and delivering a more assured and darker sound than before. While some might dislike it, its a grower! And this album is the best evidence of all (if you needed any more) that Alex Turner is the greatest songwriter on the planet just now. His lyrics on this album are amazing. Cornerstone is genius, and his songwriting ability is fulfilled to the maximum in particular on this and Dangerous Animals and Pretty Visitors. Don't expect any anthems aboard here just pure innovative sound of the Monkeys exploring different sounds. My Propeller is probably as close to the previous outings as you will get. Secret Door and Potion Approaching are amongst some of the best songs on the album but make no mistake the Monkeys are evolving, exploring and maturing just give Humbug the chance to shine and you wont regret it!… Expand
  26. diogoferreira
    Feb 10, 2011
    9
    For the two previous albums it is very easy to see the change to a more melodic song but this is not necessarily bad, and songs like "Secret Door" prove it. Album that easily addictive.
  27. MusicIsMyFriend
    Nov 30, 2010
    10
    This is just a solid album throughout. I hadn't payed much attention to this band due to my fear (heh) that they'd sound like every other band out there, minus the semi-regular few that put out original and interesting music. Well I gave Humbug a shot, and after the first play through I found a couple tracks that immediately stuck, but it didn't quite stick with me, alot of the tracksThis is just a solid album throughout. I hadn't payed much attention to this band due to my fear (heh) that they'd sound like every other band out there, minus the semi-regular few that put out original and interesting music. Well I gave Humbug a shot, and after the first play through I found a couple tracks that immediately stuck, but it didn't quite stick with me, alot of the tracks sounded the same and I didn't quite like the song structure. Well it took a couple more plays through, but it's finally gotten a hold of me and it is fair to say this is one of my favourite albums in rotation curently.… Expand
  28. Vampire25
    Nov 26, 2010
    8
    Humbug is a very strange album opposed to the Arctic Monkeys predecessors. Instead of the hooky guitar riffs and Alex Turner's witty lyrics, we get a more dark, psychedelic album that you either love or you hate. As for me, I loved it. These songs are dark and have a great tune to them. The opening track "My Propeller" is a great way to start the album off with. And the second trackHumbug is a very strange album opposed to the Arctic Monkeys predecessors. Instead of the hooky guitar riffs and Alex Turner's witty lyrics, we get a more dark, psychedelic album that you either love or you hate. As for me, I loved it. These songs are dark and have a great tune to them. The opening track "My Propeller" is a great way to start the album off with. And the second track "Crying Lightning" is easily the best song on the album. You can tell throughout the album that Alex Turner's voice has matured. All In All, Humbug is a very different kind of sound from Favourite Worst Nightmare and Whatever People Say, but it's a turn for the best. B+… Expand
  29. Deadsarow
    Nov 6, 2010
    10
    For all of those people who claim that the Monkeys have lost their luster have a very low appreciation for music. The Arctic Monkeys are showing a mature, artsy, pure Rock side of them that I can safely say is genius. I hope they stay on this course, but being the Monkeys fan that I am, I'm sure they can't disappoint.
    Humbug is a beautiful album, enveloped with soul and energy. I recommend    For all of those people who claim that the Monkeys have lost their luster have a very low appreciation for music. The Arctic Monkeys are showing a mature, artsy, pure Rock side of them that I can safely say is genius. I hope they stay on this course, but being the Monkeys fan that I am, I'm sure they can't disappoint.
    Humbug is a beautiful album, enveloped with soul and energy. I recommend it to the open minded.    … Expand
  30. VinnyG
    Jan 20, 2010
    9
    At first I thought this album was a bit too slow, moody,and hohum and borrowed too much frrom Josh Hommes/QOTSA, but after about 10 listens I've completely changed my opinion. At first listen, it sounds like they lost all of their energy and traded it for a sound with phony "depth." However, this album actually has real depth and is overall quite solid and mature. My Propeller, At first I thought this album was a bit too slow, moody,and hohum and borrowed too much frrom Josh Hommes/QOTSA, but after about 10 listens I've completely changed my opinion. At first listen, it sounds like they lost all of their energy and traded it for a sound with phony "depth." However, this album actually has real depth and is overall quite solid and mature. My Propeller, Crying Lightning, Cornerstone, Dangerous Animals, and Pretty Visitors are standout tracks. This one's definitely a grower. My other favorite albums of 2009: Muse "the resistance", Julian Casablancas "phrazes for the young," and Passion Pit "Manners."… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

12
#12 Most Discussed Album of 2009
10
#10 Most Shared Album of 2009

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 26 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 26
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 26
  3. Negative: 0 out of 26
  1. AllMusic
    70
    Since so much of Humbug is about its process, it's not always immediately accessible or pleasurable to an outside listener, nor is it quite the thickly colored freakout Homme's presence suggests.
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  2. No Ripcord
    70
    Turner’s defense mechanisms are as honed and as vicious as his rather formidable bullshit detector has proven to be in albums past, and whatever Humbug lacks in middle fingers, or even thematic continuity, it makes up for with sinister gazes and scathing ambiguities.
    Read full review
  3. Pitchfork
    72
    Humbug isn't better than either of its predecessors, but it expands the group's range and makes me curious where it might go next.
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