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. Rev.Rikard
    Aug 13, 2006
    9
    This is just great kickin rock and roll. The album reminds me of Grand Funk Railroad (at GFRs best). The driving bass and rythm section accompaned by guitar work that is intense. This album will not allow you to relax. It has the power to shake us out of complacency and awaken the ear to a sound long missed.
  2. Ethan
    Jul 29, 2006
    9
    This cd is awesome nothig more.
  3. 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
  4. LoganM
    Jul 16, 2006
    7
    this album was ok, nothing higher than a seven because you cant listen to this whole album. Half the songs stink on this album and another minus to the band is that I saw them doing "I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor" on many different showes and they were pretty darn bad. It may have gotten good ratings from the critics but I don't get how people can enjoy and listen over and this album was ok, nothing higher than a seven because you cant listen to this whole album. Half the songs stink on this album and another minus to the band is that I saw them doing "I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor" on many different showes and they were pretty darn bad. It may have gotten good ratings from the critics but I don't get how people can enjoy and listen over and over to some of the tracks on this record. Oh yeah, Doesn't the guy on the cover of the cd look like Adam Sandler?????????… Expand
  5. antoniop
    Jun 23, 2006
    3
    I really don't understand why the music media talk so much about these guys. Their sound is so previsible and boring.
  6. jasonm
    Jun 8, 2006
    10
    fukin great
  7. 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"
  8. laxNSnaxK
    May 31, 2006
    3
    Well, this album is not as good as anything put out by the White Stripes, or Franz Ferdinand, or Super Furry Animals, or Flaming Lips, or Kaiser Chiefs. While it may be about as good as the highly overated The Strokes, that's nothing to be overly proud of. All the songs sound the same and the singing is terrible, in fact it's hard to find anything good about the album, but I Well, this album is not as good as anything put out by the White Stripes, or Franz Ferdinand, or Super Furry Animals, or Flaming Lips, or Kaiser Chiefs. While it may be about as good as the highly overated The Strokes, that's nothing to be overly proud of. All the songs sound the same and the singing is terrible, in fact it's hard to find anything good about the album, but I have to admit I have heard much worse, so I'll give it a 3.… Expand
  9. Luis
    May 29, 2006
    9
    Awesome music & lyrics...so fresh
  10. House
    May 22, 2006
    8
    What would you get if Ray Davies had joined the Clash...Artic Monkeys? There EPs were smart and sharp and this, there first full length record is even better. Can't wait for their Sophmore effort. This one rocks and surprises and makes you laugh all the way through.
  11. HackTheplanet
    May 22, 2006
    0
    Highly overrated.
  12. Monkeyman
    May 19, 2006
    10
    The best British debut album since The Stone Roses. Absolutely essential.
  13. kk
    May 19, 2006
    10
    fucking brilliant. it puts any album to come out of america in the last 6 years to shame (bar jack whites efforts or Is This It). people want to put them down so muh as they dont want to beleive the hype but this album surpases expectations.
  14. Victoria
    May 14, 2006
    0
    SHIT
  15. BMikols
    May 11, 2006
    6
    Gotta say, I've given the album several listens since early Jan, and I find it to be enjoyable, but overall rather simplistic and totally conscious of itself. If the NY Times really believed a better album would not come out this year, they certainly underestimate The Strokes and The Yeah Yeah Yeahs. It will be interesting to see how The Monkeys evolve for their second offering
  16. DeanR
    May 11, 2006
    10
    For a debut album, this is second to none. It combines enigmatic lyrics with classic guitar riffs and great changes in pace, tone and musical amalgamation. Quality album.
  17. NickR
    May 10, 2006
    5
    Really boring, derivative Brit-pop. Blur perfected this about 11 years ago wtih "Parklife"- even though the British press will turn blue in the face telling you how great these guys are, they really aren't. In all fairness, however, "I Think You'd Look Good on the Dancefllor" is a very solid track. Besides that, just listen to non-singles Oasis, and you've pretty much got it.
  18. WilliamO
    May 9, 2006
    10
    Best new band!
  19. ktbronk
    May 9, 2006
    10
    love it all. well done monkeys. all i listen to.
  20. 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"
  21. 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.
  22. ClaytonC
    May 5, 2006
    8
    A BritPop classic... worth all the hype!
  23. BjørnB
    May 4, 2006
    9
    This is an excellent release. I'm honestly most curious as to what Mr. Prude and Williams is going at when they use the words "shit" and "bad" in an Arctic Monkeys review, but I guess I shouldn't be judging them like this. Back on topic though, Arctic Monkeys really has that kick-ass sound I've been longing for for months now. It's hype is well deserved. Their catchy This is an excellent release. I'm honestly most curious as to what Mr. Prude and Williams is going at when they use the words "shit" and "bad" in an Arctic Monkeys review, but I guess I shouldn't be judging them like this. Back on topic though, Arctic Monkeys really has that kick-ass sound I've been longing for for months now. It's hype is well deserved. Their catchy songs will have you jumping around your apartment screaming "oh, you don't know nothing!" My least favourite track has got to be Fake Tales of San Francisco, I quite honestly don't know what gets to me about it, and I will love it when im screaming it's lyrics half-drunk at Roskilde in denmark this summer, but it just isn't as... It's probably just a personal matter. Buy this CD!!!… Expand
  24. RobbieM
    May 3, 2006
    10
    I can´t remember to anything better than this (maybe except White Stripes)
  25. DT
    Apr 29, 2006
    8
    Not the ground breaking world beater it's hyped up to be, but it is a good Album with 5 or 6 strong tracks & a couple of poor ones.
  26. JorgeT
    Apr 29, 2006
    10
    Perfect!!!
  27. AliB
    Apr 28, 2006
    10
    This album rocks!! An album that has you gripped right until the very end deserves all the acclaim in the world, and this is certainly one that falls into that category.
  28. DustinPrude.
    Apr 26, 2006
    2
    Its a bad experimental Strokes album.
  29. JDWilliams
    Apr 26, 2006
    0
    Horrible overhyped shit!
  30. samanthav
    Apr 26, 2006
    10
    this band is what music is about. there is alot more great music coming from them in the future. we should applaud they're amazing achievements
  31. 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.
  32. ChubbyD
    Apr 21, 2006
    9
    As an old man who remembers the Buzzcocks and Undertones fondly, this was a wonderful blast of smoky air.
  33. StephenS
    Apr 21, 2006
    8
    Well played catchy tunes. Nothing deep, but loads of fun. Would have fit nicely at one of my spring-time college keg parties. Cue this CD up for infectious good times!
  34. Coniseuer
    Apr 20, 2006
    3
    Don't bother with this. Reviewers are way off with their scores.
  35. SimonA
    Apr 20, 2006
    10
    Brilliant. From Mardy morning to sunshine afternoon. Tops.
  36. marks
    Apr 20, 2006
    5
    i'll admit it ; i usually go for the hyped indie bands, especially the english ones. but this one has little going for it ,least of all originality or consistency. it sounds terribly like iit was written by 19 year olds, which is fine. just dont call this something its not.
  37. JimmyR
    Apr 20, 2006
    9
    very good album, full of catchy tunes. Probably the highlight of the album is the vocals. if your unsure on whether getting this album or not i'd have a listen to "mardy bum" from the album. if you like that you should like the album and vice versa.
  38. sajoo
    Apr 19, 2006
    10
    How people rate this cd badly is beyond me. Most of the songs the Arctic Monkeys play are really excellent. Sure, a few stand out, but they're all passable. Being someone who takes pride in listening to good music, I'd have to say this is something very different from the other crap thats out there. It sounds like a fresh-punk sound. After a few listens, it contiues to grow on How people rate this cd badly is beyond me. Most of the songs the Arctic Monkeys play are really excellent. Sure, a few stand out, but they're all passable. Being someone who takes pride in listening to good music, I'd have to say this is something very different from the other crap thats out there. It sounds like a fresh-punk sound. After a few listens, it contiues to grow on you with a heavy rocking sound and catchy tunes, lyrics and music. This is something for a more mature and sophisticated fan of good music.… Expand
  39. Louise
    Apr 18, 2006
    2
    I really wanted to like this. I am worried about the kids and where they are taking music This is terrible. I listen to bands like the Clash, Bad Brains and even stuff like Guided by Voices and worry when this is the best of today's music cos all those bands just peel this
  40. 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
  41. EzraM
    Apr 17, 2006
    8
    I guess you can see the jackasses here... In any case, it's a great drinking album, well made, with good spirit. Not great, but you remember the Royal Tenenbaums...
  42. CatM
    Apr 15, 2006
    3
    I found the album dull, monotonous, and lacking in musical creativity. Loads more room for expansion though.
  43. jnjgas.gn
    Apr 14, 2006
    0
    great
  44. joeb
    Apr 13, 2006
    7
    catchy and cheeky with lyrics a lot of us can relate to. let me down with their belligerent and their typically "rock behaviour when they kicked their award around at a ceremony as thogh it meant nothing. guys, u have to be rock and roll before you act it. dont show yourself up!!
  45. 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.
  46. 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.
  47. 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?
  48. KristenB
    Apr 10, 2006
    3
    Trite drivel that lacks substance. It's a thoroughly immature effort. The lyrics are empty and the music sounds recycled. Don't believe the hype. If you want better indie music, I recommend the following bands: Wolf Parade, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, Metric, Shout Out Louds or Grandaddy.
  49. ak
    Apr 10, 2006
    0
    They suck lol
  50. AshL
    Apr 9, 2006
    9
    Believe the hype !
  51. AndyG
    Apr 6, 2006
    9
    Genius. F****ing love it. The little Yorkshire b*stards.
  52. Ali/m
    Apr 5, 2006
    3
    Nothing annoys me more than this "ooh we got discovered on the internet so we're indie" crap. Along with the Kaiser Chiefs this is just another post-Oasis re-hashing of the same old guitar rock we've been listening to in the UK for the last 5 years. Dull and derivative, nothing on the likes of the Futureheads, Franz Ferdinand etc.
  53. snilsen
    Apr 5, 2006
    8
    This is not just a good record, it's really quite good, and if it had any real originality to it I'd score it higher. Basically, to me it sounds like an amalgam of current trends: Franz Ferdinand, The Strokes and White Stripes. Roll it all together and add in some Built to Spill riffing, i.e. control and quality is solid, that';s what you've got. Lyrics are pretty This is not just a good record, it's really quite good, and if it had any real originality to it I'd score it higher. Basically, to me it sounds like an amalgam of current trends: Franz Ferdinand, The Strokes and White Stripes. Roll it all together and add in some Built to Spill riffing, i.e. control and quality is solid, that';s what you've got. Lyrics are pretty decent, if not good. Most importantly, there's sarcasm or awareness in the band's delivery, with the closer being an over rip off of a Strokes tune that they riupped off from something more obscure. Talant doing what's cool and doing it well. The album is pretty much 100%. If you liked Radio 4 - Gothem, you should like this too.… Expand
  54. ChrisD
    Apr 5, 2006
    5
    Standard 21st century brit-pop.
  55. FredericoM
    Apr 4, 2006
    9
    Great album all around.
  56. ScottI
    Apr 4, 2006
    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.
  57. 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
  58. johnseth
    Apr 4, 2006
    1
    CRAP!!!
  59. 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.
  60. 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).
  61. jdg
    Mar 31, 2006
    6
    Just average. I think all the hype spoiled it. At least for me.
  62. FrasierCrane
    Mar 31, 2006
    2
    Music is an objective thing. One sound that I love may be the worst sound for another. Having said that, I warn you that I almost knew that I would not like this album. I am definately a member of Generation Y; I show a great interest in music that predates myself. In fact I hold the opinion that most music post 1990 is not good. Saying all that obviously stipulates that I am not going to Music is an objective thing. One sound that I love may be the worst sound for another. Having said that, I warn you that I almost knew that I would not like this album. I am definately a member of Generation Y; I show a great interest in music that predates myself. In fact I hold the opinion that most music post 1990 is not good. Saying all that obviously stipulates that I am not going to be the most objective reviewer of this album. Scrap that, I am going to be one of the least. I feel that this album represents all that is wrong with modern music and the scene in general. The bands that exist today do not have the same originality that the best of the old classics did. The difference between each Arctic Monkey song is minimal compared to the difference between, for example, Time and Money on the Dark Side of the Moon. And this is the main problem; the album "Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not" does not have enough difference between songs. There are differences, I do not deny that, but the variety is rather lacklustre to say the least. This is not just the Arctic Monkeys; the entire "Indie" scene, (I use the term to describe alternative rock), is rather too samey, too overtly similar to be as recognisably great as the Hard Rock/ Heavy Metal scene of the 1980s, or the Grunge scene of the 1990s. The album had too many songs which, while being enjoyable enough, were too samey, and therefore the album could never be, in my opinion, one that will be remembered in ten years time. This is another problem; the hype of the album was obviously too much to live up to. Were Led Zeppelin hyped before they released an album? Not really. Did they suffer because of it? 300 million albums says no. What the music scene needs now is something that gets released unknown but turns into a best seller, because it's good, not because of the hype. I believe that while hype doesn't make music sound better or worse, it can be counter productive; people will be disappointed with the product when they discover it is not original or different. "Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not" is a classic example of what is wrong with the modern music scene; mediocrity is rewarded, talent is supressed. Where's the next Led Zeppelin or the Who, where are the next innovators? I cannot see any anywhere. I just see a sea of the same old, recycled music, first spouted by Oasis and Travis, and nothing else.… Expand
  63. SamX
    Mar 31, 2006
    1
    Everyone at school was ranting about the Arctic Monkeys and this album. So, I ventured out and bought 'Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not'. Frankly, I was disgusted. What do people pass off as music these days? They bring nothing new to the genre, which is being soured by these bands which fill our heads with mind-numbing '70s style wallpaper lyrics... Everyone at school was ranting about the Arctic Monkeys and this album. So, I ventured out and bought 'Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not'. Frankly, I was disgusted. What do people pass off as music these days? They bring nothing new to the genre, which is being soured by these bands which fill our heads with mind-numbing '70s style wallpaper lyrics... They've been hyped unto Heaven, which raised my expectations, how wrong I was. Even the name of the album is shallow and a cliche. And 'Ann', I personally listen to The Rolling Stones and Pink Floyd. Listening to this album now, I recommend that you let music stand the test of time. If people are still listening to the Arctic Monkeys in 10, or even 5 years time, I'll eat my hat.… Expand
  64. 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
  65. 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.
  66. 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
  67. 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.
  68. RH
    Mar 17, 2006
    3
    Boring, overhyped rubbish. Better than most of the mainstream pack, however.
  69. 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
  70. MartyM
    Mar 16, 2006
    9
    I have no idea why I love this CD. There is nothing new about the music nor are the lyrics in any way profound. But the thing is just compulsively listenable (not to mention dance-in-your- underwearable). Every track just reeks of good times.
  71. 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!!
  72. AlekM
    Mar 14, 2006
    5
    Catchy but uninspired and very shallow lyrics. Didn't get all of the hype over here in the US. An impulse buy for sure, but of those probably one of the best I've heard.
  73. DanP
    Mar 13, 2006
    8
    So, they're not the greatest band ever. But they're definately not in even the bottom 75%. The album's opening is a weak "View From the Afternoon" which has one almost worthwhile line of "Anticipation has a habit to set you up/for dissapointment" (basically suming up everyone who gave this album a rating of 2 or less). It follows with the now famous "I Bet You Look So, they're not the greatest band ever. But they're definately not in even the bottom 75%. The album's opening is a weak "View From the Afternoon" which has one almost worthwhile line of "Anticipation has a habit to set you up/for dissapointment" (basically suming up everyone who gave this album a rating of 2 or less). It follows with the now famous "I Bet You Look Good...", which is, while still very good, not quite worthy of all the hype it has been getting. The album carries itself very well for the next 7 songs (highlights include "You Probably Couldn't See the Lights...", "Red Light Indicates...", and "Mardy Bum") before falling flat on its face with "Perhaps Vampires Is A Bit Strong But...". Hands down, this is the worst song on the album. It also steals the thunder from the great "When the Sun Goes Down". "From the Ritz to the Rubble" is decent, but the closing, "A Certain Romance" is another great song. You can see that the Arctic Monkeys are onto something, but the style has been done better. Also, I wouldn't hesitate to give this a 9 if only "Perhaps Vampires Is A Bit Strong But..." wasn't horrendous. Top 3 (no particular order): "When the Sun Goes Down" "Mardy Bum" "A Certain Romance"… Expand
  74. 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.
  75. josephs
    Mar 13, 2006
    10
    this is a superb and refreshing album well done lads keep it up
  76. 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.
  77. 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
  78. 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
  79. 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
  80. JMcCartha
    Mar 6, 2006
    7
    May be the best at what they do, the personal factor is whether or not you care about what they do.
  81. JohnH
    Mar 5, 2006
    10
    Uhhh... Clash..... Class.... rock... Beatles... what more can be said... great.
  82. 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.
  83. 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
  84. davidm.
    Mar 3, 2006
    1
    maybe we should take the album title to heart, right? all these reviews are praising how wonderful the record is. but, you know what they say... whatever they say you are, that's what you're not. BOOYAH
  85. 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.
  86. joseluizs
    Mar 2, 2006
    10
    Welcome to the Future....The Future is now !
  87. Jabu
    Mar 2, 2006
    10
    My album of the year so far, a must buy! I know there is alot of hype and i too was sceptical but simply its brilliant.
  88. 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.
  89. 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!!!
  90. JimD.
    Mar 2, 2006
    5
    I heard a lot about this band, and thanks to the overwhelmingly positive reviews, I bought the album without ever hearing the band. In retrospect, it would be worth downloading (i.e. stealing) but I wouldn't pay for it again. What drives me nuts is when people review a debut album and give it a 9 or 10, and its NOT EVEN REMOTELY ORIGINAL!!! Its not a terrible album, but what's I heard a lot about this band, and thanks to the overwhelmingly positive reviews, I bought the album without ever hearing the band. In retrospect, it would be worth downloading (i.e. stealing) but I wouldn't pay for it again. What drives me nuts is when people review a debut album and give it a 9 or 10, and its NOT EVEN REMOTELY ORIGINAL!!! Its not a terrible album, but what's to love? The musicianship is what you'd expect from a teenage garage band, the vocals border on grating. It does have a certain honesty and rawness, but if you like this type of music, listen to the White Stripes.… Expand
  91. 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.
  92. 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
  93. 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."
  94. 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
  95. oliveri
    Mar 1, 2006
    2
    the stupidly immature album title only rings true if they're referring to people lavishing them with praise.
  96. ProfionQuest
    Feb 28, 2006
    8
    I just keep playing this cd in my cd-player... I guess it must be good, yes?
  97. 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.
  98. 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.
  99. Gah
    Feb 28, 2006
    4
    Now, I wont Lie, I've been a fan of every other 'next big british thing' in the history of 'big british things' and this time, there is something missing. It's hollow shallow and David H 60GB Ipod What the fuck?
  100. JoshuaMc
    Feb 27, 2006
    9
    It's funny when a really good album gets hated on for getting too much hype. The same thing happened to Clap Your Hands, and its really a shame because that was a great album. So is this, most listeners will have a hard time not enjoying the inventive lyrics and catchy tunes. Definetly worth a listen, if nothing else.
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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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