AM by Arctic Monkeys

Arctic Monkeys certainly have evolved a lot these past seven years or so. They've gone from awkward teenagers to these indie rock gods that could fill up a stadium or seven. This latest album entitled “AM” sees Arctic Monkeys going back to Rancho De La Luna in the Californian desert, where they recorded their third album “Humbug”. The fact that the album has been recorded in the desert seems to have had an effect on the music. A lot of the songs on “AM” have a lot more of a bluesy, more American feel to them. There is even some hip hop and rap influences at times.  However some of the songs also have British influences so overall you've got a very diverse album here.

The first third of the album kicks off superbly. “Do I Wanna Know?” is a great track that revolves heavily around a bluesy guitar riff and stomping drums. It’s the sort of song that you would listen to whilst riding around on your Harley Davidson on route 66. We then get “R U Mine?” which again revolves around a guitar riff, but this guitar riff sounds a lot more like Black Sabbath rather than something bluesy. The song has a cool swagger about it and it’s not surprising that it was the first single to be released from the album. The duo of “One for the Road” and “Arabella” are pretty similar to each other. They both have hip hop style drum beats and front man Alex Turner sings about the general rock and roll lifestyle. You know: girls, drugs, alcohol and all that. Another thing that these two songs have in common is that they are two of the most interesting tracks on the album lyrically and vocally. The line “a helter skelter 'round her little finger and I ride it endlessly” from “Arabella” creates some fantastic imagery for the listener. Alex Turner spits out these lyrics in his distinct northern singing style that we are all familiar with. Drummer Matt Helders also provides some falsetto backing vocals to give the songs more of an edge. Overall these two songs pretty much sum up the vibe of this album.

However there are some moments on this album where Arctic Monkeys try and do something a little different and it falls completely flat. For example “I Want It All” is clearly a homage to British glam rock bands such as T Rex and it just doesn't work. Alex Turner’s rising falsetto vocals just sound awkward and slightly off. The repetitive guitar riff is also quite corny as it sounds like Arctic Monkeys have tried to create this air guitar riff that drunken uncles will dance along to at weddings. It just sounds wrong. “No 1 Party Anthem” is another homage to British artists from the past and this time it’s John Lennon who’s the influence here. The song is a tongue in cheek piano ballad but unfortunately it doesn't really go anywhere. There isn't really a memorable hook on this track, which is a shame as it could have been one of the most interesting tracks on the album. It’s a lot like another track on the album entitled “fireside”, which is quite a clever track rhythmically, however, it doesn't really produce any exciting melodies that blow your mind.

Other highlights on the album include “Mad Sounds” which is a track that wouldn't sound out of place on The Beatles “White Album”. It’s just got beatle-esque dripping from every pore and the chord changes sound really sweet on the ear. Then to top it all off you get a really infectious “Ooo la la la” backing vocal towards the end of the track which is just the icing on the cake. “Why’d You Only Call Me When You’re High” is a dark, moody hip hop influenced track. It’s the sort of thing that would soundtrack the streets of Los Angeles at night when all the drug gangs come out. However Arctic Monkeys still manage to stick to their well known guitar sound at the same time and this is probably what makes it the strongest out of the three singles that have been released so far (the other two are “R U Mine?” and “Do I Wanna Know?” in case you didn’t know). “Knee socks” is quite a funky track that weirdly, has a Destiny’s Child type bridge section and it sounds absolutely brilliant. It’s one of the most pleasant surprises on the album. “I Wanna Be Yours” is a down beat song that closes the album well.

Overall this album is a British indie rock band taking a lot of influences from the past 50 years of American music and making it into something genuinely fresh and interesting. However it is a little over ambitious, maybe slightly cocky at times and this where the album has its faults. But still, this is a fantastic record that deserves to be listened to if you want something that constantly keeps you on your toes with all the changing styles. Has this album lived up to the huge hype that has surrounded it? Well no, but that’s OK because Alex Turner says that you “Shouldn't believe the hype” anyway.   

OVERALL RATING: 7/10

BEST SONGS: Arabella, Mad Sounds, Why’d You Only Call Me When You’re High.
WORST SONG: I want it all.