Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not - Arctic Monkeys
Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not Image
Metascore
82 out of 100

Universal acclaim - based on 33 Critics What's this?

User Score
7.4 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 495 Ratings

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  • Summary: Not only the most-hyped band of early 2006, Sheffield, England's Arctic Monkeys (led by 19-year-old Alex Turner) managed to accomplish what the likes of Franz Ferdinand and The Libertines couldn't do before them: set the UK record for fastest-selling debut album of all time.

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 27 out of 33
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 33
  3. Negative: 0 out of 33
  1. New Musical Express (NME)
    100
    Even if you've been fortunate enough to live with these tracks over the last year or so, they still sound more vital, more likely to make you form your own band than anything else out there.
  2. Uncut
    100
    The thrill it provides will send a shiver of recognition through anyone who grew up with The Specials, The Smiths or Parklife. [Album of the Month, March 2006, p.86]
    All this publication's reviews
  3. Rolling Stone
    80
    A start-to-finish rush of invigorating riffs and pointed narratives that heightens with repeated exposure.
  4. Prefix Magazine
    60
    When the record's not playing, it's hard to miss it, and the tracks that aren't standouts are simply boring.

See all 33 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 216 out of 315
  2. Mixed: 30 out of 315
  3. Negative: 69 out of 315
  1. Vampire25
    10
    Whatever People Say is one of my favorite rock albums. The hooky guitar riffs and Alex's lyrics always get me in the mood. Every song feels like a single. Fake Tales From San Francisco, A Certain Romance, Riot Van, and I Bet That You Look Good On The Dance Floor are all amazing songs. All In All, Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not is an astonishing record that needs to be listened too as soon as possible. A… Expand
  2. j30
    8
    Stellar debut album by the kids from Sheffield and happens to be one of the best records of the past decade.
  3. CaleW
    7
    Really solid debut. The band's great sense of rhythm and Turner's endearing accent make it a winner. Still, the energy level remains too high too long, and you'll probably grow weary trying to listen to the whole thing in one sitting. Turner's lyrics are good, though his sketches of place and character seldom develop into complete portraits. Their next album will probably be a true classic or truly miserable, but I can't imagine a band this energetic simply treading water.… Expand
  4. ScottI
    4
    Mediocre and nothing more. An immature and bombastic slop. Disregard the hype. Whatever people say about them, they're not worthy. Look into bands that matter (Radiohead, The Flaming Lips, Sigur Ros) and wait for these Monkeys to grow up.… Expand

See all 315 User Reviews

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