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Humbug
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Humbug Image
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 26 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 446 Ratings

  • Summary: The third album for the British band was co-produced by Josh Homme and James Ford.

Top Track

Crying Lightning
Outside the cafe by the cracker factory You were practicing a magic trick And my thoughts got rude, as you talked and chewed On the last of your pick... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 26
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 26
  3. Negative: 0 out of 26
  1. Paste Magazine
    89
    Arctic Monkeys collect their darkest impulses and put them on stark display; it’s another massive step forward in a career that seems marked for greatness.
  2. Rolling Stone
    80
    Their ace third album is full of Turner's snide observations on human behavior.
  3. The Guardian
    80
    You can either keep chasing an elusive past, relying on your fans' nostalgia, or you can press on, keeping your gaze fixed forward. The first option is easier, but Humbug admirably takes the second, with a confidence that suggests that if their days at the eye of the storm are behind them, Arctic Monkeys' best might be yet to come.
  4. MSN Consumer Guide (Robert Christgau)
    75
    Talented lad, Turner. Not on this evidence incapable of ever writing quick, clever, cynical little songs again.
  5. 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.
  6. Drowned In Sound
    70
    Humbug is a pretty good album that’s pleasingly incongruous amongst the pre-fab boredom of much modern Brit indie. It’s eminently not astounding but it is inventive, and likeably so.
  7. The A.V. Club
    58
    More often than not on Humbug, they sound like a less inspired version of themselves.

See all 26 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 68 out of 81
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 81
  3. Negative: 2 out of 81
  1. BrianH
    Nov 13, 2009
    10
    This entire album "Makes my head pirouette!!!".
  2. 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 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
  4. 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.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 amazing album, and a personal favorite of mine.… Expand
  5. Courtney
    Aug 27, 2009
    9
    This album is not love at first listen. But I found that about the end of Favourite Worst Nightmare and those are the songs I still listen to This album is not love at first listen. But I found that about the end of Favourite Worst Nightmare and those are the songs I still listen to off that album. You'll be rewarded by repeat listens, which is something most of the reviewers here aren't going to do. The catchiness isn't immediate but definitely will grab you strongly.… Expand
  6. Yura
    Sep 9, 2009
    9
    Awesome darkness. Pure rock.
  7. jamesa
    Sep 1, 2009
    8
    Each album has its own style ,and heres another one very welcome to my ears! Gets better everytime i listen to it!!
  8. TiagoA
    Aug 26, 2009
    0
    I don't Like this band , they get worse and worse. This album it's ridiculous.

See all 81 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

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

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