• Record Label: Domino
  • Release Date: Jun 7, 2011
User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 367 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Negative: 7 out of 367
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  1. Jun 11, 2011
    5
    Although the majority here will disagree with me, I think the album relies on a sound that doesn't really expand. Some songs I would not be able to tell apart due to the same single plucked notes at the start followed by verse/chorus/ verse etc songwriting. Some cracking tunes such as Piledriver waltz and She's Thunderstorms, cant however stop me from being just merely impressed.
  2. Jun 9, 2011
    6
    I dont think it's fair to compare this album to any previous Monkeys release whether or not you loved or hated them, this new album to me feels like the Arctic monkeys are definitely trying to move on. There are some very strong hooks and riffs on this album, however, that are very reminiscent of the monkeys earlier work as they keep their trademark style, and im definitely glad of this asI dont think it's fair to compare this album to any previous Monkeys release whether or not you loved or hated them, this new album to me feels like the Arctic monkeys are definitely trying to move on. There are some very strong hooks and riffs on this album, however, that are very reminiscent of the monkeys earlier work as they keep their trademark style, and im definitely glad of this as for me thats what keeps drawing me back to them. However other trademarks such as Turner's clever lyrics seem much thinner on this album which makes repeat listening of their first two albums thoroughly engaging every time. The sound on this album is noticeably softer, it reminds me more of earlier rock and roll as opposed to the monkeys previous post punk sound, and therefore I didnt find this album to be inventive in its sound (albeit very polished and nice to listen to). My personal favourites on this album were Hellcat and Piledriver waltz which i found quite engaging in sounds and vocals, both with strong verses (I feel many of the verses on this album perhaps let many of the songs down).
    Overall I just felt this album was a good, solid album, nothing really stands out and makes me feel its brilliant and there is no real exploration or inventiveness and I found the singles a little weak. Thats not to say I didnt enjoy this album, for me it just sits on the fence a bit.
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  3. Sep 6, 2011
    6
    Hooky ("Black Treacle," "Brick by Brick," "Don't Sit Down 'Cause I've Moved Your Chair"), poppy ("She's Thunderstorms," "Black Treacle"), c ock-rocking ("Brick by Brick," "All My Own Stunts") ballads (The second half of the album, beginning with "Reckless Serenade") with silly, impenetrable psychedelic lyrics ("The Hellcat Spangled Shalalala," "Library Pictures," "Piledriver Waltz"). AtHooky ("Black Treacle," "Brick by Brick," "Don't Sit Down 'Cause I've Moved Your Chair"), poppy ("She's Thunderstorms," "Black Treacle"), c ock-rocking ("Brick by Brick," "All My Own Stunts") ballads (The second half of the album, beginning with "Reckless Serenade") with silly, impenetrable psychedelic lyrics ("The Hellcat Spangled Shalalala," "Library Pictures," "Piledriver Waltz"). At least it's better than Humbug. Expand
  4. Sep 14, 2011
    6
    The energy of arctic Monkeys have come back in this album, but in a different way (which it's not bad). Irony and aggression is left apart to leave its place to love and sweet melodies. Who would imagine this change? Sometimes a change is good, it rejuvenates the band sound, it gives a base for their next album. But if you still want to listen the heavy Arctic Monkeys you have songs suchThe energy of arctic Monkeys have come back in this album, but in a different way (which it's not bad). Irony and aggression is left apart to leave its place to love and sweet melodies. Who would imagine this change? Sometimes a change is good, it rejuvenates the band sound, it gives a base for their next album. But if you still want to listen the heavy Arctic Monkeys you have songs such as "Brick By Brick" and "Don't Sit Down 'Cause I've Moved Your Chair" that'll make you remember the old Monkeys. I think Arctic Monkeys in "Humbug" didn't pay much attetion to the guitar, but in this albums, again their sound is focused on strings and I think the piano isn't involved in the songs. "She's Thunderstorms" has a remarcable percussion by Matt Helders and a nice solo guitar. You'll hum the "shalala" od "The Hellcat Spangled Shalala" all day long. With lovely songs such as "Reckless Serenade", "Piledriver Waltz" (that Alex wrote for the "Submarine" soundtrack) and "Love Is A Laserquest" you'll close your eyes to enjoy Alex's mellow voice. Finally the happy melodies of "Suck It And See" and "That's Where You're Wrong" will make you move in your chair (or dance and jump if you're standing up!) Maybe it's not an improve, but it's a change that will lead to an improve. Expand
Metascore
74

Generally favorable reviews - based on 32 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 26 out of 32
  2. Negative: 0 out of 32
  1. Jul 6, 2011
    70
    If that score at the top of this review seems unfriendly, it's not because they've grown boring or predictable; it's just another step in an ongoing process.
  2. 80
    While the design is a bit different, the result is still another awesome album to add to Arctic Monkeys' arsenal.
  3. Jun 21, 2011
    80
    On its fourth LP, Arctic Monkeys combines its clever, tongue-in-cheek wordplay with a wider variety of sounds than it ever used on its other releases.