It can’t be denied that the Arctic Monkeys had a huge task of their hands. The phenomenal success of their debut album, ‘Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not’, put them on the map as a fresh unique new band, but such success was closely followed by the question all their fans wanted answering, ‘Can they keep the originality flowing?
‘ I am glad to say that in fact, I feel the monkeys have not only held onto their niche in the music market with their instantly recognisable sound but have matured into depths of music writing which make their second album, ‘Favourite Worst nightmare’ a future classic in the industry.Their first and current single off the album ‘Brianstorm’ is fast paced and energetic and really does set the standard for the rest of the album. The standard is maintained though, with all of the tracks displaying some amazing hooks and catchy tempos. The album reflects a lot of their experiences in the public eye and how in some cases it has affected them for the worse. ‘505′ is a poignant track in which singer Alex Turner talks of the pressures of fame affecting relationships, and ‘Old yellow bricks’ talks about the glitzy life not always being the dream worth wanting and sometimes just wanting to go home. As the song suggests ‘Dorothy was right’.
Turner is a displaying the talents of a lyrical genius with lines in the songs that could rival the greatest songwriters, an amazing feat considering how young he still is. The music itself has matured, and it is evident that the other members of the band are a lot more confident in their playing, showing a lot more technique, and not playing it safe and simple, which some criticised them for in the first album.
In terms of crowd-pleasing songs, you are spoilt for choice, but they did make the right choice in releasing Brianstorm first because it has made people sit up and realise that the guys are back with a bang. ‘Flourescent Adolescent’ is bound to be another favourite with both mainstream and alternative crowds.
Overall this band has not disappointed. They have proved that they are not one trick ponies and there is a genuine sense that in a few years time the Arctic Monkeys will be up there with the greats. If they keep releasing albums, each time improving that bit more, they’ll quickly become a musical force to be reckoned with.
Recent Articles by Amy Lazell:
