Humbug
by Arctic Monkeys
  • Record Label: Domino
  • Release Date: Aug 25, 2009
User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 446 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 401 out of 446
  2. Mixed: 38 out of 446
  3. Negative: 7 out of 446

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  1. CG
    Dec 5, 2009
    9
    Arctic Monkeys continue to progress and Alex Turner continues to show that he is one of the best songwriters going at the moment.
  2. CamD
    Aug 29, 2009
    7
    As an album, it doesn't hold up too well. But there are a few select tracks that are quite strong on their own.
  3. AlC
    Sep 11, 2009
    10
    It really is a grower. My Propeller is a brilliant opener.
  4. idinahuiboi
    Feb 28, 2021
    10
    Not going to say much regarding this album (as with one listen you can understand why I am writing a review with a 10 score) this is by far Arctic Monkey's best album, from the instruments to the writing style.

    perfection.
  5. BrianH
    Nov 13, 2009
    10
    This entire album "Makes my head pirouette!!!".
  6. WoutN.
    Nov 29, 2009
    7
    Good album, good album. Unfortunately it is less good than the first two albums. Whatever People Say was the best, good rock en pop too. Favourite Worst Nightmare was okay, but less than their first. And this one... where is the real AM? This one is too soft. Not that it's bad! No, eally it is okay... but it could been better!
  7. Tsar
    Nov 8, 2009
    7
    Well, I used to love Arctic Monkeys. And I got so excited for the release of this album. So I bought one after the release date. To be honest, I'm looking for the fast drum beats, and awesome riffs that i didn't get with this album. Favorite Worst Nightmare and their style is the best. They are quite boring this time. And sort of recreating some of The Smiths songs.
  8. TwelveV.
    Sep 6, 2009
    9
    This is another great record, as usual takes a few listens but worth it. Could be album of the year.
  9. FredB
    Oct 16, 2009
    10
    Grown up a lot on this album with a darker and more mature sound. Each album they produce shows progression and Humbug is no different. Turner's lyrical turn of phrase is once again the highlight for this young band, and its backed up by his Shadow Puppets-esque vocal delivery. I'm looking forward to where they go next. Standout tracks: Cornerstone, Dance Little Liar, The Grown up a lot on this album with a darker and more mature sound. Each album they produce shows progression and Humbug is no different. Turner's lyrical turn of phrase is once again the highlight for this young band, and its backed up by his Shadow Puppets-esque vocal delivery. I'm looking forward to where they go next. Standout tracks: Cornerstone, Dance Little Liar, The Jeweller's Hand and excellent lead single Crying Lightning.… Expand
  10. franzc
    Aug 26, 2009
    9
    Great album, it grows every time i listen it!
  11. HelenH
    Sep 1, 2009
    10
    Superb, how gobsmackingly uneasily poignant is Cornerstone!!
  12. jyotirmayad.
    Sep 28, 2009
    7
    I immediately liked the pace and sound of it. ...a very smooth recording with hardly any ups or downs. ...evenly paced, it is undoubtedly influenced by the singer's other project - Last Shadow Puppets - which is a 60s shoegazer project.
  13. RobertoR
    Sep 3, 2009
    9
    Darker and more mature then the previous 2 albulms, but innovative and attractive... monkeys growing better every year!
  14. Joe
    Nov 4, 2009
    8
    Really good album, one of the best albums I've heard all year. It's a more mature release than Favorite Worst Nightmare. The music is dark and hard something you would expect from Josh Homme (Queens of the Stoneage). It'll be interesting to see where they go from here.
  15. JordanS.
    Oct 8, 2009
    10
    This is the Arctic Monkeys best album yet and one of the best of the year. Songs like "Cornerstone", "Dangerous Animals" and "Pretty Visitors" really showcase Alex Turner's exceptional writing ability, which is the reason why I love the Monkeys. I think that anybody will be able to enjoy this, but it takes ten to fifteen listens for it to grow on you. Even so, it is most definitely This is the Arctic Monkeys best album yet and one of the best of the year. Songs like "Cornerstone", "Dangerous Animals" and "Pretty Visitors" really showcase Alex Turner's exceptional writing ability, which is the reason why I love the Monkeys. I think that anybody will be able to enjoy this, but it takes ten to fifteen listens for it to grow on you. Even so, it is most definitely worth all the time you can put into it.… Expand
  16. HughTheAutomator
    Aug 25, 2009
    10
    This album needs time and commitment. If you do, you are subject to slavery. At first listened I missed the "fast" monkeys. What they lost in speed they double won it on depth.
  17. OmarC
    Aug 26, 2009
    8
    Turner remains a lyrical genius, and the music is darker and sexier than ever. It lacks an anthem, but that's easily compensated for with tracks like 'Cornerstone'. I'm not convinced that this sound will remain, but rather an example of the band looking to explore - and I rather like it.
  18. ScottM
    Aug 27, 2009
    10
    Tough to get into at first, but once it hits you its easily their best album.
  19. MateoG
    Aug 30, 2009
    9
    Definitely their best yet!!! They get even better with time, and this new sound fits them perfectly...You'll like it even more after repeating listenings....This a more mature and darker sound, with 60's psychedelic music influences ranging from The Doors, to Black Sabbath.
  20. jamesa
    Sep 1, 2009
    8
    Each album has its own style ,and heres another one very welcome to my ears! Gets better everytime i listen to it!!
  21. RickZ
    Sep 17, 2009
    8
    It takes a few listens to let it grow on you, but it sure does pay off. It is a nice thing to see the band really mature. All three albums were in a different style and I really like the direction they're heading right now. Give it a chance. Love it.
  22. DormánM.
    Sep 24, 2009
    10
    Thats the best tricky dark music.
  23. JanK.
    Sep 6, 2009
    9
    Love this album,and it just keeps getting better.
  24. JordanM.
    Sep 7, 2009
    9
    Their debut album was possibly the best album ever in my and many other peoples eyes, not many bands can please, no extremely excite people of all ages, race and religion, but the monkeys first album (WPSIATIWIAN) did this, Favourite Worst Nightmare was not too different from the first album, a few new effects on the mic and guitars and the monkeys decide to show their endless talent by Their debut album was possibly the best album ever in my and many other peoples eyes, not many bands can please, no extremely excite people of all ages, race and religion, but the monkeys first album (WPSIATIWIAN) did this, Favourite Worst Nightmare was not too different from the first album, a few new effects on the mic and guitars and the monkeys decide to show their endless talent by playing more interesting instruments. Both of the albums followed the same sort of formula, a fast and loud opening to the album where Matt Helders skillfull drumming pulls you in, followed by a few of the and just as enjoyable tune, usually including one of the hits, then slowing it down a bit in the middle of the album (WPSIATIWIAN - Riot Van), (Favourite Worst Nightmare - Only Ones Who Know) and then living the mood up again with more energetic teen pleasers then bunging another hit towards the end and then finishing with a long melodic ups and downs sort of song that leaves you humming the jangly guitar outa buzzing in your head... Humbug totally goes against their usually formula, the album starting with both catchy and calm yet aggressive songs and then just having the mood of the album change every song then ending with still a very long song but a very minor tone to the song and yes it does have a jangly guitar sound to finish but its not one that is supposed to keep you humming, one to let you know that they will be back, like a tune played into at the end of a hollywood film that expects to have a sequal when the main charachter vanishes into the horizon and your left wondering... whats going to happen? It cant end so sad! The alsbum is a very good album, an album i will probably cherish and love for the rest of my life like the other two, but just falls short of the quality of WPSIATIWIAN and Favourite Worst Nightmare.… Expand
  25. SteveH
    Sep 8, 2009
    10
    The first two albums were very good but this incredibly tops it, it is hard to put it down it is so good. Takes a few spins but it is well worth it.
  26. Yura
    Sep 9, 2009
    9
    Awesome darkness. Pure rock.
  27. VinnyG
    Jan 20, 2010
    9
    At first I thought this album was a bit too slow, moody,and hohum and borrowed too much frrom Josh Hommes/QOTSA, but after about 10 listens I've completely changed my opinion. At first listen, it sounds like they lost all of their energy and traded it for a sound with phony "depth." However, this album actually has real depth and is overall quite solid and mature. My Propeller, At first I thought this album was a bit too slow, moody,and hohum and borrowed too much frrom Josh Hommes/QOTSA, but after about 10 listens I've completely changed my opinion. At first listen, it sounds like they lost all of their energy and traded it for a sound with phony "depth." However, this album actually has real depth and is overall quite solid and mature. My Propeller, Crying Lightning, Cornerstone, Dangerous Animals, and Pretty Visitors are standout tracks. This one's definitely a grower. My other favorite albums of 2009: Muse "the resistance", Julian Casablancas "phrazes for the young," and Passion Pit "Manners."… Expand
  28. MihaiV
    Nov 6, 2009
    9
    Might be their most consistent album.
  29. NicholasM
    Aug 25, 2009
    10
    Most of the people downvoting it are doing so cause it's just not their debut album (Part II), the album shows them embracing new sounds and releasing an album with Alex Turner's finest lyrics to date, definitely a grower of an album, but a classic once you get past that
  30. Bman
    Aug 25, 2009
    9
    Not as catchy as their previous works. But a good album nonetheless. Turners lyrics have become more metaphorical and harder to decipher. The music is much looser when compared to the fast, tight sound they are known for. Stand-outs for me are Potion Approaching, The Fire and the Thud and Dance Little Liar. Hopefully their next album sounds just as unique.
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Awards & Rankings

12
#12 Most Discussed Album of 2009
10
#10 Most Shared Album of 2009

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 26 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 26
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 26
  3. Negative: 0 out of 26
  1. AllMusic
    70
    Since so much of Humbug is about its process, it's not always immediately accessible or pleasurable to an outside listener, nor is it quite the thickly colored freakout Homme's presence suggests.
    Read full review
  2. No Ripcord
    70
    Turner’s defense mechanisms are as honed and as vicious as his rather formidable bullshit detector has proven to be in albums past, and whatever Humbug lacks in middle fingers, or even thematic continuity, it makes up for with sinister gazes and scathing ambiguities.
    Read full review
  3. Pitchfork
    72
    Humbug isn't better than either of its predecessors, but it expands the group's range and makes me curious where it might go next.
    Read full review
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