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. FredB
    Oct 16, 2009
    10
    Grown up a lot on this album with a darker and more mature sound. Each album they produce shows progression and Humbug is no different. Turner's lyrical turn of phrase is once again the highlight for this young band, and its backed up by his Shadow Puppets-esque vocal delivery. I'm looking forward to where they go next. Standout tracks: Cornerstone, Dance Little Liar, The Grown up a lot on this album with a darker and more mature sound. Each album they produce shows progression and Humbug is no different. Turner's lyrical turn of phrase is once again the highlight for this young band, and its backed up by his Shadow Puppets-esque vocal delivery. I'm looking forward to where they go next. Standout tracks: Cornerstone, Dance Little Liar, The Jeweller's Hand and excellent lead single Crying Lightning.… Expand
  2. HelenH
    Sep 1, 2009
    10
    Superb, how gobsmackingly uneasily poignant is Cornerstone!!
  3. JordanS.
    Oct 8, 2009
    10
    This is the Arctic Monkeys best album yet and one of the best of the year. Songs like "Cornerstone", "Dangerous Animals" and "Pretty Visitors" really showcase Alex Turner's exceptional writing ability, which is the reason why I love the Monkeys. I think that anybody will be able to enjoy this, but it takes ten to fifteen listens for it to grow on you. Even so, it is most definitely This is the Arctic Monkeys best album yet and one of the best of the year. Songs like "Cornerstone", "Dangerous Animals" and "Pretty Visitors" really showcase Alex Turner's exceptional writing ability, which is the reason why I love the Monkeys. I think that anybody will be able to enjoy this, but it takes ten to fifteen listens for it to grow on you. Even so, it is most definitely worth all the time you can put into it.… Expand
  4. HughTheAutomator
    Aug 25, 2009
    10
    This album needs time and commitment. If you do, you are subject to slavery. At first listened I missed the "fast" monkeys. What they lost in speed they double won it on depth.
  5. ScottM
    Aug 27, 2009
    10
    Tough to get into at first, but once it hits you its easily their best album.
  6. DormánM.
    Sep 24, 2009
    10
    Thats the best tricky dark music.
  7. SteveH
    Sep 8, 2009
    10
    The first two albums were very good but this incredibly tops it, it is hard to put it down it is so good. Takes a few spins but it is well worth it.
  8. NicholasM
    Aug 25, 2009
    10
    Most of the people downvoting it are doing so cause it's just not their debut album (Part II), the album shows them embracing new sounds and releasing an album with Alex Turner's finest lyrics to date, definitely a grower of an album, but a classic once you get past that
  9. dx
    Aug 25, 2009
    10
    It's sort of hard to believe that this is the same band that wrote songs like "I Bet You Look Good On the Dancefloor". Their songs are a bit moodier now, but show that the lads are heading in a great new direction. It's definitely a grower!
  10. AdamK
    Aug 25, 2009
    10
    Great album. Arctic Monkeys best effort so far. I really like Pretty Visitors, My Propeller, Cornerstone and the best track on the album The Jewellers Hands.
  11. Xoip
    Aug 26, 2009
    10
    I prefer this album to the other two, it's a grower yes, but a really solid great album.
  12. RobertP.
    Sep 9, 2009
    10
    they began there saying that famous phrase:"WHatever people say i am, that's what i'm not...", no words to say if you realize that they can be whatever they want, you cant classify them as anythin but that won't be what they are... THis album shows they are not stupid enough to follow that "hype" groups are always looking for, just enjoy them, they are no contaminated they began there saying that famous phrase:"WHatever people say i am, that's what i'm not...", no words to say if you realize that they can be whatever they want, you cant classify them as anythin but that won't be what they are... THis album shows they are not stupid enough to follow that "hype" groups are always looking for, just enjoy them, they are no contaminated "jet". Every song in this album is a grower, that's why I give it a ten, not because of the first words.… Expand
  13. BrianH
    Nov 13, 2009
    10
    This entire album "Makes my head pirouette!!!".
  14. RobD
    Aug 26, 2009
    10
    I loved the first album, really changed my whole style of music for the past four years. Second album was great too, was surprised that they didn't have the sophomore slump. This album!, brilliant. I think i like it better then both the previous ones. Granted, i have had it for over a month and have listened to it non stop. After about ten listens, you will see how truly amazing this I loved the first album, really changed my whole style of music for the past four years. Second album was great too, was surprised that they didn't have the sophomore slump. This album!, brilliant. I think i like it better then both the previous ones. Granted, i have had it for over a month and have listened to it non stop. After about ten listens, you will see how truly amazing this album is.… Expand
  15. AlC
    Sep 11, 2009
    10
    It really is a grower. My Propeller is a brilliant opener.
  16. 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
  17. 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
  18. 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
  19. 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!
  20. 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.
  21. 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
  22. 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
  23. 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.
  24. 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.
  25. JJ2FAS4U
    Jan 1, 2022
    10
    -----------------------------------10/10-----------------------------------
  26. 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
  27. TwelveV.
    Sep 6, 2009
    9
    This is another great record, as usual takes a few listens but worth it. Could be album of the year.
  28. franzc
    Aug 26, 2009
    9
    Great album, it grows every time i listen it!
  29. RobertoR
    Sep 3, 2009
    9
    Darker and more mature then the previous 2 albulms, but innovative and attractive... monkeys growing better every year!
  30. MateoG
    Aug 30, 2009
    9
    Definitely their best yet!!! They get even better with time, and this new sound fits them perfectly...You'll like it even more after repeating listenings....This a more mature and darker sound, with 60's psychedelic music influences ranging from The Doors, to Black Sabbath.
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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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