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. RhysE
    Apr 12, 2007
    5
    Obviously, this album his horribley over hyped, which, will give the Monkey's a disadvantage as people will buy the album, expecting an album of Revolver or OK Computer quality. Whilst they aren't particularly bad, they aren't great. After the first couple of songs, it will just seem like the whole album is one long song. There is no change in tone on the guitars, no real Obviously, this album his horribley over hyped, which, will give the Monkey's a disadvantage as people will buy the album, expecting an album of Revolver or OK Computer quality. Whilst they aren't particularly bad, they aren't great. After the first couple of songs, it will just seem like the whole album is one long song. There is no change in tone on the guitars, no real change in pace (except for Riot Van, which is quite slow) and no change in the style of music. All just barre chords being played in a regular 4/4 time signature. Nothing that hasn't been heard before, by the other mainstream bands such as Razorlight, The View, The Fratellis, The Kooks etc. What you get, is a repetetive, unremarkable and moderately bland (although not quite as bland as Razorlight) album, that, if it had not sold so many copies, would be forgotten in the coming years. Unfortunatley, NME is still around, so alot of this stuff will probably be around for a while. Saviours of rock, I hope not.… Expand
  2. patrickM
    Apr 14, 2007
    10
    WOW!! who the hell gave this a bad rating??? These are the best lyrics that I have heard in a long time. The songs are right up there with the Arcade Fire, and the lyrics are as good as The Roots. This is the most accurate and amazingly non-emo depiction of the troubles of youth that I have ever heard.
  3. Tommy
    Apr 16, 2007
    9
    Not the greatest band since the Beatles, true, but they still got one hell of an album here! Situation's a little different where I am though.. Even now, one year after it came out, AM are (almost) never played on swedish radio. Whats positive is that with no hype-backlash, I can just sit back enjoy the killer songs instead!
  4. kt
    Apr 7, 2007
    10
    These lads are the most talented and exciting band for years and tower over any other band out there. It's not particularly hard to see that, i therefore pity the fools below who do not appreciate fine music.
  5. ChristopherD
    May 15, 2007
    10
    a true masterpiece. everything good about the strokes, franza ferdinand, the kinks, the who and more rolled into one record
  6. tonje
    Jun 5, 2007
    10
    I simply love every fucking song, and the lyrics are awesome.
  7. men59
    Jul 6, 2007
    10
    I love this. Bomb shit man. Sound never heard.
  8. KateB.
    Sep 20, 2007
    9
    An extremely good album indeed. I can see how his voice makes all the songs similar, but I also love the infectious melodies and witty lyrics. I also think it could wear thin very quickly though through more albums, and already has.
  9. Will
    Sep 25, 2007
    10
    A genius debut album that takes all the best bits of British rock music. The guitar work and drumming it stunningly good, especially when you consider the young age of the group members. Alex Turner's poetic lyrics really make the songs though. This is one of the best indie/pop rock debuts since time began.
  10. AlanB.
    Jan 6, 2008
    10
    The best alternative rock album in ages....and the best debut since Oasis.
  11. JackD.
    Feb 15, 2008
    10
    This album is amazing.
  12. ByronH.
    Feb 29, 2008
    10
    This album is great by all standards. It takes the music of its forebears and polishes it to a shine (it has its misses, but there is no such thing as a ABSOLUTELY perfect album. Even OK Computer has its similarities in songs like No Suprises and Let Down, and that album is a definite ten.) To people with their heads up their asses about them being overhyped and saying that the band is This album is great by all standards. It takes the music of its forebears and polishes it to a shine (it has its misses, but there is no such thing as a ABSOLUTELY perfect album. Even OK Computer has its similarities in songs like No Suprises and Let Down, and that album is a definite ten.) To people with their heads up their asses about them being overhyped and saying that the band is sub-par based on that, screw yourselves. I found this band by accident before I even had an idea what NME was. This album is great and takes music in agood direction.… Expand
  13. AndrewW
    Mar 13, 2009
    10
    This album is an absolute masterpiece. Too many people think brilliant lyricists are those where the words are so obscure noone can understand them (ala Radiohead). Alex Turner has started to go down this route with some of his most recent songs but this album has intelligent laugh out loud lyrics like no album anywhere and tells the story of a night out in northern England (from dancing This album is an absolute masterpiece. Too many people think brilliant lyricists are those where the words are so obscure noone can understand them (ala Radiohead). Alex Turner has started to go down this route with some of his most recent songs but this album has intelligent laugh out loud lyrics like no album anywhere and tells the story of a night out in northern England (from dancing at a nightclub in Dancing Shoes through to catching the cab home in Red Light Indicates Doors are Secure). There isnt a single filler track in here and I'm convinced this will be the best album the Arctic Monkeys will ever make and imo will go down as a true modern great.… Expand
  14. benedictb
    May 30, 2009
    10
    This is the album of the 21st century so far. every song is genius, a brilliantly relevant punk revival infused with dance and modern indie music. it takes from the past but never once looks back and everything is brilliantly modern. when im 50 this will have been my album, my generations album.
  15. AlonsoC
    Jun 27, 2009
    10
    Just one of the best albums of the new popular music.
  16. AlS
    Aug 24, 2009
    10
    This album is excellent.
  17. DERMOT
    Nov 27, 2006
    10
    people say they are too muck like the jam......wat pre-tel is the problem with this may i ask?????/ cant.make your own fukin music if it bothers u this much...or just dont listen...moan bags
  18. mikka
    Nov 27, 2006
    10
    really like this album, one of the best of 2006
  19. MaxB
    Oct 19, 2006
    7
    These songs are nice, pretty little morsels of raw, blunt but poppy rock n roll. The songs are fun, especially the single "I Bet You Look Good on the Dance Floor". But that song is about as good as they get, and towards the end they start to blend together.
  20. AndyS
    Dec 18, 2006
    3
    Extremely overrated.
  21. CaleW
    Dec 27, 2006
    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 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
  22. BenB
    Sep 18, 2006
    7
    This is an honest try at something new that has a couple amazing songs (Mardy Bum, When The Sun Goes Down, that Dancefloor track)...it just becomes a little repetitive, more annoying, then just sucks. They aren't Oasis (better in fact)and have a completely different view than the Gallaghers (Oasis=depressed girls in Omaha, Arctic Monkeys=Liverpool club hoppers)
  23. bernardoc
    Sep 26, 2006
    5
    is not so awful and not so awesome...just common whit a few sparks...that is easily forgotten
  24. MarkD
    Feb 18, 2007
    5
    If you ever needed proof that the British music press are a bunch of sheep who know nothing about music then just look at the bandwagon jumping hype that this album got. Ther's nothing exceptional or even slightly original about this music, just a few simple yet catchy pop/punk songs with smug "how clever are we" (despite the awful grammer) lyrics. In fact it's borderline middle If you ever needed proof that the British music press are a bunch of sheep who know nothing about music then just look at the bandwagon jumping hype that this album got. Ther's nothing exceptional or even slightly original about this music, just a few simple yet catchy pop/punk songs with smug "how clever are we" (despite the awful grammer) lyrics. In fact it's borderline middle of the road. The bottom line is this - i've heard it all before and i've heard it done a thousand times better. I hate the critics, i hate the Artics self satified attitude and (mark my words) in 10 years time everyone will wonder what all the fuss was about. DON'T BELIEVE THE HYPE!!!… Expand
  25. KidA
    Mar 19, 2007
    0
    Who listens to this rubbish? There is nothing special here. No originality. No talent. This is why I don't pay attention to hype (excluding Arcade Fire). These monkeys are really bad. If you like pop and dance you will love this.
  26. AaronL
    Mar 23, 2007
    1
    I only give them one, because they are from my hometown os sheffield. This is an uninspired mess of an album. The lead singer cant even sing for gods sake! I dont know where this hype gets generated. I gave this album a huge chance but it is just not worth the money.
  27. Pukki-PukkiWoosabi
    Mar 23, 2007
    2
    I have to wonder about the type of people who rate this so highly. You are fully entitled to your (incorrect) opinion, but this is a terrible album. From start to finish it is devoid of beauty.
  28. DudeGuy
    Apr 23, 2007
    8
    Amazing stuff Buy and enjoy and no they're not Franz Ferdinand (they suck!) they're much better screw hype! can't wait for the new album
  29. RachelL.
    Jun 23, 2007
    9
    This album is amazing Alex Turner's unique voice and clever lyrics combined with catchy hooks and melodies make for a fantastic album.
  30. ScottM
    Jul 16, 2007
    10
    Did any of the people who gave this a bad review even listen to the freakin CD....I'm American and nothing from the US comes close to the music coming out of England...these kids are great...keep it up so I don't have to listen to the rap/pop/hip-hop crap from the US.
  31. MikeW.
    Sep 19, 2007
    10
    I bet that string of zero scores all come from the same looser putting in different names. Anyway, if you are into rock music this album is essential. There isn't a bad track on it. Its a powerhouse of energetic beats and infectious lyrics. This will be remembered as one of the great albums of the decade. Don't listen to the haters, make your own mind up. Oh, and Favourite Worst I bet that string of zero scores all come from the same looser putting in different names. Anyway, if you are into rock music this album is essential. There isn't a bad track on it. Its a powerhouse of energetic beats and infectious lyrics. This will be remembered as one of the great albums of the decade. Don't listen to the haters, make your own mind up. Oh, and Favourite Worst Nightmare is even better!… Expand
  32. EricL
    Dec 17, 2006
    1
    We get it. You go to a club. Every song is absolute filth. The music is not only lackluster but sloppy, the lyrics uninspired. And this is what the Brits think is the 5th best Brit album of all time. Pathetic.
  33. smilso20
    Sep 5, 2011
    10
    Uno dei più bei album di sempre, sound fresco ed originale.
    Ogni canzone potrebbe essere un singolo.
    C'è poco da dire questo è un album che tutti gli amanti del rock devono possedere.
  34. relicofficial
    Apr 18, 2020
    10
    One of Arctic Monkeys’ best albums. The amount of nostalgia I have for this album...
  35. callaway_thiago
    Feb 8, 2021
    0
    It is really a fantastic album. I can't even believe it was their first one. Some tracks, such as "Mardy Bum" and "I Bet You Look Good On The Dance Floor" are on my all time favourites. I hope that someday I'll be able to listen to it on vinyl.
  36. RETDAV4
    May 21, 2021
    9
    In my opinion, a great debut, i pretty much like all the songs in the album and i do think they are where they should, when they should.
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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.
    Read full review
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