Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not
by Arctic Monkeys
  • Record Label: Domino
  • Release Date: Feb 21, 2006
User Score
8.2

Universal acclaim- based on 907 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 763 out of 907
  2. Mixed: 64 out of 907
  3. Negative: 80 out of 907

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  1. AllanG
    Feb 28, 2006
    1
    Ruuuubish. It's all hype hype hype. As obnoxious as Oasis, but at least Oasis could write a few classic songs. This is pure redundant turgid music. Makes Jet seem like the Beatles. Music reviewers should stay off the coke, because I can't believe the reviews this band is getting.
  2. TheRealAlfonsoDeBong
    Feb 28, 2006
    8
    Yeah I didnt want to believe the hype either, but this one will get under your skin. Good raucous rock and roll with catchy lyrics - hardly thought provoking but hey you can't always get watcha waaant... I give them two albums...then BOOM! But in the meantime they are out there - go see them.
  3. MaxM
    Feb 3, 2006
    8
    Tom B.. (see above)... wrote that this was pumped up by a relentless British music press... (he's wrong) ...the real story here is that some talented, cocky, guys wrote songs that make you think of the Jam... and the Streets... and put the tracks online (free) where they got passed around (I got them early last year) like old fashioned mix tapes until the buzz burst out with 360,000 Tom B.. (see above)... wrote that this was pumped up by a relentless British music press... (he's wrong) ...the real story here is that some talented, cocky, guys wrote songs that make you think of the Jam... and the Streets... and put the tracks online (free) where they got passed around (I got them early last year) like old fashioned mix tapes until the buzz burst out with 360,000 people buying a copy in a week... was at their gig last night and the great thing is that they can still improve (!) but boy the atmosphere was electric... amazing... why do people who can't perform, sing, write consider it necessary to so flippantly damin those, at 19 (!) who can? It's like the Razorfish song "Golden Touch", that they mind because they can never do the things that you can I do so well.… Expand
  4. cristianp
    Feb 3, 2006
    10
    excelente disco con canciones increibles y altamente adictivas de principio a fin!
  5. mikep
    Feb 5, 2006
    9
    Original lyrics and excellent delivery help to make what would sound like quite a normal album into a great one. Not quite as great as the 'hype', but then what is. That said, does have some cracking tunes that will be filling indie dancefloors for years. Filling stadiums will be trickier, but that's their charm. Whether they will be able to cross over the countries that Original lyrics and excellent delivery help to make what would sound like quite a normal album into a great one. Not quite as great as the 'hype', but then what is. That said, does have some cracking tunes that will be filling indie dancefloors for years. Filling stadiums will be trickier, but that's their charm. Whether they will be able to cross over the countries that dont undertand the phrase 'mardy bum' remains to be seen!… Expand
  6. Mart
    Feb 6, 2006
    10
    Who reads Stylus Magazine?
  7. SeamusM
    Feb 7, 2006
    4
    Like Franz Ferdinand with more energy and weaker hooks.
  8. jordand
    Feb 7, 2006
    9
    Great sound. Fun and upbeat. Great album.
  9. MusicMaven
    Feb 7, 2006
    6
    The hype machine is in full effect. The album is not bad, but it's way overrated. It sounds a bit like the Libertines meet the Rakes. You want to hear the best of Britain? Check out Hard-Fi. Stars of CCTV is a great album that Metacritic completely missed. Maybe they'll finally list it since it's getting a U.S. release. Only 9 months late!
  10. Shantie
    Feb 8, 2006
    7
    very enjoyable album would probably have rated it 7 1/2 if that had been possible above par songwriting, some nice (early) Sonic Youth kinda music some great tracks not worth the great hype (but, let´s face it, no album is) but very enjoyable
  11. ChrisB
    Feb 9, 2006
    8
    Not as good as the Brits are saying it is but not as bad as the Americans are saying it is.
  12. JasonR
    Mar 10, 2006
    8
    Best record of it's type since "Up the Bracket". In response to the "don't let NME tell you what to think" rhetoric... Sure it's a whopping bucket of hype, but if this record deserves a 1, I'd like to know what you'd rate higher. Are you seriously saying that 90% of the music being released is be better than this. How about you think for yourself... Ignore the Best record of it's type since "Up the Bracket". In response to the "don't let NME tell you what to think" rhetoric... Sure it's a whopping bucket of hype, but if this record deserves a 1, I'd like to know what you'd rate higher. Are you seriously saying that 90% of the music being released is be better than this. How about you think for yourself... Ignore the hype and stop hangin with the holier than thou "backlash" kids. Don't believe the hype, but definately don't believe the backlash.… Expand
  13. barryq
    Mar 1, 2006
    9
    Buy it. Listen to it a few times. You will love it. It can be a bit spotty but the good bits are fantastic.
  14. Darren
    Mar 10, 2006
    7
    It's most certainly a good album, but it's inconsistent from song to song, and outside of 'When the Sun Goes Down', no track really blows me away. It doesn't live up to the hype it has received, but it's a decent album nevertheless.
  15. tylerl
    Mar 15, 2006
    9
    Say what you want about the English hype, just make shure to buy, listen to, and crank these lads to Eleven!!
  16. Rumpy05
    Mar 17, 2006
    8
    A very promising debut album. I for one cannot understand the backlash against this record. Yes, we all know that it had been hyped beyond all reason, but lets not forget this a a great effort. The saviour of british music?...no not really but why do we need a saviour? lets just enjoy what is one of better albums of the last ten years
  17. joseluizs
    Mar 2, 2006
    10
    Welcome to the Future....The Future is now !
  18. AlexC
    Mar 2, 2006
    9
    How anyone can give this less than a 7 is beyond me, and to the person that said 1)it was suited to imprssionable teenagers or 2)dads tring to be hip, you are probably the latter of the 2 buddy but prefer the osmonds or the carpenters. Quite simply outstanding for 19/20 year olds...... one for the yanks as much as the brits, turn it up loud!!!
  19. William
    Mar 2, 2006
    10
    Honestly- when you buy this album, listen to it straight through once and then walk away for a bit... its right wicked, the songs will stick in your head until you cant help but listen again, and again, and again. Best debut I've heard in years.
  20. Ann
    Mar 28, 2006
    10
    An absolutely great album. Not sure what the other voters are listening to. Can't get the tunes out of my head. Lyrics are great. Definitely a breath of fresh air.
  21. EskimonoBooYah
    Mar 4, 2006
    10
    This album is the best thing since sliced bread, which I invented. I was listening to this album the other day and this guy came up to me and asked me what I was listening to. I told him the arctic monkeys and then (because the album is so good) he tried to steal it from me but the album knew it's true owner and vaporized the man right in front of me with it's built in lazer This album is the best thing since sliced bread, which I invented. I was listening to this album the other day and this guy came up to me and asked me what I was listening to. I told him the arctic monkeys and then (because the album is so good) he tried to steal it from me but the album knew it's true owner and vaporized the man right in front of me with it's built in lazer system. It was CrAzY!!! Then the album said "I love you, Eskimono" and we hugged. If you want this or a similar experience, buy this album.… Expand
  22. RyanL
    Mar 5, 2006
    7
    Solid album. If you're a fan of somewhat frantic rock, pick it up. You'll probably find it's not as good as the hype, but not nearly as bad as the people backlashing are making it out to be.
  23. DanB
    Mar 8, 2006
    9
    Excellent debut album here. Extremely creative lyrics and melodies. Very catchy. Overall it's fun to listen to. Don't listen to the idiots who are saying it's no good. Those people are just saying that stuff because they think that they won't be "cool" if they listen to something that other people are listening to. The reason there is so much hype around these guys is Excellent debut album here. Extremely creative lyrics and melodies. Very catchy. Overall it's fun to listen to. Don't listen to the idiots who are saying it's no good. Those people are just saying that stuff because they think that they won't be "cool" if they listen to something that other people are listening to. The reason there is so much hype around these guys is because they have made a genuinely great album.… Expand
  24. MaxF
    Mar 9, 2006
    8
    You know what's worse than hype? The pretentious anti-mainsteam hordes who denounce any product getting massive critical acclaim. For if they were to admit that the hype was real, then that would affect their individualism. I am around music (popular and underground) nearly every waking moment of my life and consider myself very well versed in every genre. I usually don't post You know what's worse than hype? The pretentious anti-mainsteam hordes who denounce any product getting massive critical acclaim. For if they were to admit that the hype was real, then that would affect their individualism. I am around music (popular and underground) nearly every waking moment of my life and consider myself very well versed in every genre. I usually don't post ratings or discuss art on a message board because art/music means different things to different appreciators. However, any poster giving this album a zero or a 10 needs to check themselves. Save your scores below 5 for those that deserve it (Hillary Duff, Britney Spears, Backstreet Boys) and save your 10's and 9's for thos albums that change the landscape of popular music (Nevermind, London Calling, The Joshua Tree) This album might not be perfect, but it's a nice departure from the Shinedown's, Godsmacks, Seether's, Pop-Punk's and disposable teen acts of today's musical landscape. I haven't taken it out of my CD player for a week. It is truly an exceptional album. Anyone comparing it to Oasis should get their heads out of their a**es, it sounds nothing like it (unless anything british is Oasis). In fact, judge it on it's own merit. I don't recognize any rip off, just awesome riffs and great punkish sensibility. For God's sake...they're not JET. Don't get overrun by the hype either way, but definately buy this album. So far the best of 2006.… Expand
  25. BrianM
    Apr 11, 2006
    7
    It's amazing how this band went from underheard to SNL within a few weeks, but I still don't get it. Praise from tons of publications yet their sound isn't that original. Songs are kinda catchy I will admit. But why the hype?
  26. DLa
    Apr 13, 2006
    8
    it's pretty enjoyable beyond the ever-so-popular "i bet you look good on the dancefloor". they deserve more respect from music critics as they follow the tradition of grungy britt bands with catchy tunes. good record.
  27. JoeC
    Apr 18, 2006
    10
    This is a definitive album about moderbn day brittain told with comedy stories. It is the streets in rock and roll
  28. KevinR
    Apr 2, 2006
    7
    A formidable album, laced with very catchy, quick moving lyrics. However, they just don't live up to the overwhelming hype they received in Britain.
  29. DecepticonPom
    Apr 21, 2006
    7
    Get the beers in, grab yer mates by the scruff of the neck, have a good time with this albo and in five years time think back to great laughs but think how sad it is yer can't really sit through the whole album any more coz it reminds you of how great a crap band have become since. Or something.
  30. SimonA
    Apr 20, 2006
    10
    Brilliant. From Mardy morning to sunshine afternoon. Tops.
  31. FredericoM
    Apr 4, 2006
    9
    Great album all around.
  32. Mr.E
    Apr 4, 2006
    8
    Firstly, let me state I don't usually write reponses to what other people have said but, Frasier Crane wound me up a little. Since the 1990's many bands have been producing excellent music. Radiohead, RHCP, Muse, The Streets, Antony & the Johnsons, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, Franz Ferdinand, Eminem, Fat Boy Slim, The Prodigy, Bjork, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, Bloc Party, The Firstly, let me state I don't usually write reponses to what other people have said but, Frasier Crane wound me up a little. Since the 1990's many bands have been producing excellent music. Radiohead, RHCP, Muse, The Streets, Antony & the Johnsons, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, Franz Ferdinand, Eminem, Fat Boy Slim, The Prodigy, Bjork, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, Bloc Party, The White Stripes, QOSA, Daft Punk, Modest Mouse, the Arcade Fire, Kate Bush, and Regina Spektor. So Frasier Crane if you think new modern bands sound the same stop listening to NME and turn on to BBC Radio 2. As for the Monkeys album let the people decide if its a classic, I enjoyed it and who says an album needs to be varied to be a classic, after all The Sex Pistols debut is considered a classic.… Expand
  33. ChrisD
    Apr 5, 2006
    5
    Standard 21st century brit-pop.
  34. RobbH
    May 8, 2006
    9
    Although many have turned away from it due to "overhype", the Arctic Monkeys have put together the best dance rock album since "Silent Alarm"
  35. Jack.
    May 8, 2006
    5
    Not bad, but not good either. Arctic Monkeys are just amazingly average. It's hard to dislike them - but harder to like them. A band that, were it not for their internet success story, would probably have achieved only limited, mostly local, success.
  36. ktbronk
    May 9, 2006
    10
    love it all. well done monkeys. all i listen to.
  37. WilliamO
    May 9, 2006
    10
    Best new band!
  38. ThomasW
    Jun 6, 2006
    10
    Their the best in the genre. Great lyrics, drums and guitare. First I wasen't convinced, Iput it aside for a month and listende to it again and it suddenly clicked. My favourite song is "From the Ritz to the rubble"
  39. TheCritic
    Jul 17, 2006
    8
    While it is overrated, the Monkeys are really not as bad as some people say they are. Even though the album is not consistent and it falls short halfway through, the Monkeys show here that they are definately going to mature and they do have potential and talent. The best tracks are "Mardy Bum" "A View From the Afternoon" and the ever-so-popular single "I bet You Look Good on the While it is overrated, the Monkeys are really not as bad as some people say they are. Even though the album is not consistent and it falls short halfway through, the Monkeys show here that they are definately going to mature and they do have potential and talent. The best tracks are "Mardy Bum" "A View From the Afternoon" and the ever-so-popular single "I bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor." Another thing... if anybody saw Saturday Night Live with the Arctic Monkeys on it, who agrees with me that they sped the "Dancefloor" song up double the speed on the album. Am I right?… Expand
  40. SAVAGETOAST
    Aug 18, 2006
    7
    Good, but not the best of the year. Id say its third best behind Destroyer's Rubies and #1 and Return to Cookie Mt. at #2. Pretty good but his voice gets annoying for us americans and they sort of get repetitive. A 7.
  41. madelineh
    Aug 27, 2006
    10
    Awesome!
  42. BenG
    Jan 27, 2006
    10
    Some of the songs should probably have been b-sides but the quality of the rest more than makes up for a few dodgy ones. Brilliant album. Brilliant band. Can't wait to see them live!
  43. PaulW
    Jan 27, 2006
    10
    Uber cool album with great lyrics for such a young band, brilliant album!
  44. cdk
    Jan 27, 2006
    10
    best rock album in years, revitalizing and addictive and so very full of that brit swagger
  45. AaronS
    Jan 27, 2006
    2
    All hype and nothing else. Yet more proof the British indie scene is stagnant. I rank it lower than I should only because of the massive hype surrounding it.
  46. Kris
    Jan 27, 2006
    9
    This is truly a remarkable album. "Soon it'll be cool to hate the Arctic Monkeys" Alex Turner said in an interview, and to judge by some reviews, this is true. It's like they're being punished for NME's enthusiasm about the band. Arcitc Monkyes reviews often turn into an NME-frenzy, which is a pity, as this album is worth much more than e.g. the Stylus and Playlouder This is truly a remarkable album. "Soon it'll be cool to hate the Arctic Monkeys" Alex Turner said in an interview, and to judge by some reviews, this is true. It's like they're being punished for NME's enthusiasm about the band. Arcitc Monkyes reviews often turn into an NME-frenzy, which is a pity, as this album is worth much more than e.g. the Stylus and Playlouder reviews. Let's have some reviews about the Arctic Monkeys, please! Not about the hype.… Expand
  47. markc
    Jan 27, 2006
    10
    the best debut album in 15 years absolute class
  48. MachuzzlewitSweedlepipe
    Jan 28, 2006
    9
    Yes, they sound like a school band, but they sound like the best school band you'll ever hear. Grin inducing tunes, sharp, unpretentious lyrics. A rare case of the hype being true.
  49. FearghalL
    Jan 29, 2006
    10
    this band tell it like it is there lyrics are as clever as anything the smiths ever produced believe the hype these guys are set for world domination
  50. mattg
    Jan 29, 2006
    8
    the arctic monkeys have produced a superb album but to say they are on par with oasis is a little premature! out of all the tunes 1 or 2 let it down but overall superb!
  51. raulj
    Jan 29, 2006
    5
    really pathetic writing skills here and music that is far from interesting. don't believe the hype, boi!
  52. ChrisP
    Jan 29, 2006
    10
    I think the album deserves a nine, but I'm giving it ten simply to balance against the idiots who can only review a CD with reference to context or other bands. If you think AM sound like Libertines, then it's time for that yearly ear wash. As someone says earlier, the fact that Stylus and Playlouder review it only with reference to NME is hardly surprising, but it's still I think the album deserves a nine, but I'm giving it ten simply to balance against the idiots who can only review a CD with reference to context or other bands. If you think AM sound like Libertines, then it's time for that yearly ear wash. As someone says earlier, the fact that Stylus and Playlouder review it only with reference to NME is hardly surprising, but it's still quite sad that music journos of this type get any work whatsoever. The album itself is hurt by a couple of less than excellent translations from demo to professional studio, see Mardy Bum and Certain Romance. On the other hand, Red Lights..., Probably Couldn't See... and View from the Afternoon are stupendously good. I've seen them 6 times now (it helps being in Sheffield) and if you're lucky enough to have tickets for the NME tour, then you're in for a treat. But please please please, show some respect for the other bands on the bill, us Arctic Monkeys fans are getting quite the reputation. It's not the fifth best album of all time, but it's still outstanding and will be the best of the year at a canter.… Expand
  53. That'swhatthepointisnot
    Jan 31, 2006
    4
    Tedious pub-punk with awkwardly-worded football chants over the top. Grrrr.
  54. grahamd
    Jan 31, 2006
    10
    worthy of all hype, this album is brilliant from its first minute till its last.
  55. MattJ
    Jan 30, 2006
    10
    Anyone who says this is a bad album is entitled to their opinion, just its wrong!, 3 things that make this band great, lyrics, catchy riffs, and they maintain it live (i've seen em) an album that deserves the hype for a change
  56. GavinC
    Feb 1, 2006
    8
    I like it, and am pretty impressed at how much they seem to have polarised people, there are just as many scathing reviews as their are glowing ones on here.
  57. NickW
    Feb 11, 2006
    6
    Well..its not as awful as I expected considering this album has been scene raped beyond comprehension. I just couldn't get past the oldness of everything- it all sounds like a combination of every thing that's been big on the british scene in the last 10 years..plus, some songs just grate me.
  58. KeithW
    Feb 12, 2006
    0
    This isn't painful to the ears, but it is bland. The hype here earns this release a zero because it steals time from listeners that could be spent listening to superior album.
  59. David
    Feb 12, 2006
    9
    Very good debut album...At last a young band bridges the gap between good old Rock and Roll and Hip Hop.A change had to come and there it is!!!
  60. mckludge
    Feb 13, 2006
    0
    The Greatest Album in the History of Humanity. Period. No question about it. You will *never* hear anything better ii your lifetime!!! Go and buy it now!!!!! No score can truly do it justice. Therefore I'm giving it a 0. Ok?
  61. GarfieldC
    Feb 17, 2006
    0
    Really awful. Concrete proof that the NME no longer has a clue. Buy this and you are a total dork.
  62. jh
    Feb 19, 2006
    6
    I give it a 6.5 actually. Its definitly pretty good, but its no Up The Bracket.
  63. JoeD
    Feb 21, 2006
    1
    Incredibly overrated. Listened to it once over and wouldn't go threw that again. I dont understand the big deal. Sounds like everything else. Some critics dont have a clue.
  64. DrewK
    Feb 21, 2006
    1
    Damn...this album sucks shit. Terrible. How could anyone in their right mind give this a fucking "10"? I want my $15 back!!!
  65. Matt
    Feb 21, 2006
    4
    Their jams are repetitive, and the lead singer can't muster much energy.
  66. pAULG
    Feb 21, 2006
    9
    This is proper reet gudd. Imagine a Yorkshire version of Mike Skinner playing guitar like Franz Ferdinand. Not life changing, but bloody good!
  67. joeP
    Feb 20, 2006
    8
    decent, not spectacular
  68. jason
    Feb 21, 2006
    2
    I'm glad to know that 15yrs later, the UK finally got its own version of Sublime. With bands as generic & boring as the Strokes, why laud cut-rate imitators? This is just another crappy garage band feeding off the hype of the continually tone-deaf UK criitcs.
  69. willO
    Feb 21, 2006
    10
    Just proves that British rock keeps producing amazing albums. Alex Turner the leadman is fronting one of the greatest bands in the future. This album is totally amazing, and is a must have for sure!
  70. NickJ
    Feb 22, 2006
    9
    The other users on this site don't know anything about rock... this is a great, energetic debut that gets better the more you listen to it. Fans of the Smiths and The Clash will love it. Although these guys don't need any more support, show the U.K. that all American aren't void of taste.
  71. Zimbo74
    Feb 22, 2006
    7
    Its a pretty good album not the saviour of music some people are making it out to be but good nonetheless.
  72. StevePar
    Feb 22, 2006
    6
    Thinking it was all hype, I listened to this album only to prove that it sucks, so I can tell people who rave about it to shut up. Turns out it wasnt all that bad. Some of the songs are a bit repetitive, but there are some decent songs in here. I would give it more points if they had stronger vocals. 6.5.
  73. johnroberts
    Feb 22, 2006
    10
    i have listened to it 7 times through and i bought it yesterday. IT ROCKS!
  74. Joris
    Feb 22, 2006
    8
    FROM THE RITZ TO THE RUBBLE is for me the obvious Killertrack, simply amazing... but overall a good album and a very good debut, though very overhyped too... cmon better than Definitely Maybe??? I guess not! Apart from latter mentioned song, other favourites are I Bet you Look Good on the Dancefloor, Fake Tales of San Fransisco; Perhaps Vampires..., the solo in Dancing Shoes and the FROM THE RITZ TO THE RUBBLE is for me the obvious Killertrack, simply amazing... but overall a good album and a very good debut, though very overhyped too... cmon better than Definitely Maybe??? I guess not! Apart from latter mentioned song, other favourites are I Bet you Look Good on the Dancefloor, Fake Tales of San Fransisco; Perhaps Vampires..., the solo in Dancing Shoes and the haunting Riot Van... a well deserved 8, nothing less but nothing more… Expand
  75. TylerD
    Feb 23, 2006
    0
    Horribly pretentious album
  76. LewisG
    Feb 23, 2006
    10
    Excellent album which speaks the spot on truth about teenage chavs in england. A masterpiece
  77. Chris
    Feb 23, 2006
    9
    Fuckin' great rock'n'roll record!!
  78. robd
    Feb 24, 2006
    10
    i dont see how you cant like this album, honestly. It is probably the best cd i own. No not of recent time its up there with dark side of the moon.
  79. AdamL.
    Feb 25, 2006
    2
    NME's heralding this as one of the best albums you'll ever hear. Rolling Stone's calling them the new Oasis. Play "Definitely Maybe" next to this and join my hysterical laughter.
  80. ---GS---
    Feb 27, 2006
    10
    The best record of 2006 so far. Really great music!
  81. tommyph
    Feb 27, 2006
    10
    Brilliant lyrics.
  82. ProfionQuest
    Feb 28, 2006
    8
    I just keep playing this cd in my cd-player... I guess it must be good, yes?
  83. TravisS
    Feb 6, 2006
    8
    What kind of music do you like Rob R? I'm willing to bet that it's supremely gay. Bloc party and Arctic Monkeys are both really good bands. Anyway, this album solid throughout and doesn't disappoint. Worth the money.
  84. david
    Feb 6, 2006
    9
    excellent guitar, catchy lyrics that relate to their audience and highly upbeat. great 1st album, but new oasis? if theyre stil around hitting number1 spot in 10years then i would agree, until then just credit them for a well rounded album.
  85. jamesl
    Feb 6, 2006
    5
    The praise being given this effort is astounding. If it were half as good as the tastemakers say it would be ok. A major disappointment.
  86. JoshP
    Feb 7, 2006
    4
    Is it just me or has the "best of Britain" as of lately just sucked beyond belief. They always compare every band as the best post Libertines band. So if the Libertines = crap, where does that put the Arctic Monkeys? Actually better in my mind, but in no way similar to the the second coming of Christ. I dug When The Sun Goes Down and it raw approach to lyrics. Honestly though they are a Is it just me or has the "best of Britain" as of lately just sucked beyond belief. They always compare every band as the best post Libertines band. So if the Libertines = crap, where does that put the Arctic Monkeys? Actually better in my mind, but in no way similar to the the second coming of Christ. I dug When The Sun Goes Down and it raw approach to lyrics. Honestly though they are a flavor of the moment and may be a dull as American equivalents such as Fall Out Boy and Yellowcard. Rating: Buy at your own risks.… Expand
  87. EarlV
    Feb 9, 2006
    0
    Horrid cack. The hype surrounding this high school level band of jerks would be funny if it wasn't so sad and desperate. One of the greatest bands ever? Sure, and The Knack were the new Beatles, too. A year or so from now you won't be able to find anyone who admits they ever liked these chumps. Proof that rock music in the 00s is in sad shape indeed.
  88. douglasm
    Feb 9, 2006
    7
    sublimely witty lyrics, catchy melodies. not exactly the instant classic the british media is claiming it to be, but it could be a lot worse. it is what it is: a promising debut from a promising band. the demos sounded better, but the songs are still top-notch.
  89. paulm
    Mar 1, 2006
    10
    i heard about this album from my dad who read about them in rolling stone...he had never heard a lyric of their music and so i decided to check them out nonetheless...the first run through of the album i thought they were good...second run through i thought they were great and by the third time through, i thought they were the best band around today....every song is great besides maybe i heard about this album from my dad who read about them in rolling stone...he had never heard a lyric of their music and so i decided to check them out nonetheless...the first run through of the album i thought they were good...second run through i thought they were great and by the third time through, i thought they were the best band around today....every song is great besides maybe dancing shoes but seriously...these guys are great and i recommend for all you new fans like me, to download the song on one of their ep's called Settle for A Draw..one of the best songs they have and thats saying something… Expand
  90. MarkN
    Mar 1, 2006
    3
    I compleatly agree with Allan G. The album is only hype, and the only reason people like them is because people seem to think that this band is underground, and people try to like them in a "daring attempt to be different."
  91. RachelM.
    Mar 1, 2006
    7
    It's not a question of either "they sound great!" or "don't believe the hype!". It's both. I personally think that most songs in this album seem simply perfect. But that is because they sound just like a band said to be "the next big thing" would, at least nowadays. Riffs, carefully designed spontaneity & a more than usual dose of Liam's (but modernised) coming exactly It's not a question of either "they sound great!" or "don't believe the hype!". It's both. I personally think that most songs in this album seem simply perfect. But that is because they sound just like a band said to be "the next big thing" would, at least nowadays. Riffs, carefully designed spontaneity & a more than usual dose of Liam's (but modernised) coming exactly when one would expect. Something you think it's new, but just before realising The Strokes are already invented. But that's "what the point is not. The point is" that NME necessity of finding a "classic band" (usually several candidates) each year has become laughable (by the way, who continues to think seriously about NME after saying X&Y is Coldplay's classic and Heathen Chemistry Oasis return to form?). What do they think they're doing? They're leading lots of young bands to believe they can be classic if they just fit into the likes of that year... So what is it? Do I like this album? Or not? I'm sure I'd loved it, simply loved it, if we weren't told to love it all the time. Because I've also been a fan of every "next big British thing" & it's the same old story. At the same time, this album is hot (terribly), stylish, fresh, and the lyrics are brilliant sometimes. Best thing this year? Who can doubt it? But it's all industry as well. And the idea of a "classic band"...pf. It's not that they cannot be, only time will tell. But classic bands are those who were, are and always be. And this band "is", and just until NME finds a more profitable icon. … Expand
  92. TedJ
    Mar 13, 2006
    7
    7. that's it, that's all, so stop hating them or sucking their dicks because they aren't deserving of either.
  93. josephs
    Mar 13, 2006
    10
    this is a superb and refreshing album well done lads keep it up
  94. TomH
    Mar 20, 2006
    0
    A band that does nothing new and fills us once more with shallow meaningless lyrics about getting drunk. They even try to be different by devizing an unfeasibly long album name.
  95. KateD
    Mar 21, 2006
    5
    It's OK, but nowhere near as good as the hype would have us believe. When the Sun Goes Down is brilliant and inventive, but everything else is just a bit predictable and dull. The supposedly incisive lyrics are well-observed, sure, but hardly mind-blowing. A number of other bands, not least Pulp (also from Sheffield) have nailed modern Britain much better. Read the Pitchfork review It's OK, but nowhere near as good as the hype would have us believe. When the Sun Goes Down is brilliant and inventive, but everything else is just a bit predictable and dull. The supposedly incisive lyrics are well-observed, sure, but hardly mind-blowing. A number of other bands, not least Pulp (also from Sheffield) have nailed modern Britain much better. Read the Pitchfork review for the best analysis I have seen of the successes and failures of this record.… Expand
  96. Jess
    Mar 2, 2006
    1
    What a bucket of hype this is. Come on people , seriously, think for yourselves and don't let the NME tell you what is what.
  97. jdg
    Mar 31, 2006
    6
    Just average. I think all the hype spoiled it. At least for me.
  98. Simon
    Mar 30, 2006
    6
    Rule Number 1. No band is worth it's hype. These guys are the latest band to fucked up the arse by the NME. Sure, Alex Turner isn't too bad as a lyricist, but the band's music is a recycled version of the Libertines minus the controversy and drugs. Don't know where all the Oasis and Blur comparisions come from. There's plenty of better music out there that'll Rule Number 1. No band is worth it's hype. These guys are the latest band to fucked up the arse by the NME. Sure, Alex Turner isn't too bad as a lyricist, but the band's music is a recycled version of the Libertines minus the controversy and drugs. Don't know where all the Oasis and Blur comparisions come from. There's plenty of better music out there that'll beat this album to my stereo.… Expand
  99. NakulP
    Apr 1, 2006
    7
    A very good album. Not quite worth the NME hyperbole, but still very good. Sure beats all the other crap around at the moment, for example James Blunt, The Streets, Embrace, all rap (Kanye excepted).
  100. O
    Apr 12, 2006
    10
    Not nearly the 5th best British Album ever (NME). But it's still bloody brilliant and much better than anything else that's come out this year.
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Awards & Rankings

34
#34 Best Album of 2006
2
#2 Most Discussed Album of 2006
12
#12 Most Shared Album of 2006

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
82

Universal acclaim - based on 33 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 27 out of 33
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 33
  3. Negative: 0 out of 33
  1. BBC collective
    90
    It’s exciting stuff, simple yet deadly effective.
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  2. Dot Music
    90
    Such is the depth and quality of Turner's songwriting, it plays like a best of.
    Read full review
  3. musicOMH.com
    90
    It's not a totally perfect record, for which we should be thankful - remember what happened to The Stone Roses after they'd released their flawless debut? - but it is an excellent first album, and gives notice that Alex Turner is already one of this country's best lyricists.
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