Arctic Monkeys had somewhat of a second coming with their fifth studio album AM in that they did what has been nearly impossible for British rock bands over the last 40 years– completely take over American radio stations well over a decade into their career. The journey began years earlier when they harnessed the power of MySpace (remember that!) to build a fanbase with their debut album Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not, transforming from teenagers in Sheffield’s gritty music scene to one of the UK’s most electrifying bands. By the time AM arrived Arctic Monkeys had already shaken up the music world in their home country, but hadn’t fully made their mark stateside. This album marked a complete departure– the opening track “Do I Wanna Know” was legitimately EVERYWHERE for about two years, from retail stores packed with moms to second-hand sedans where teenagers were packing bowls. You couldn’t avoid it and it didn’t matter because it was that damn good.
What set AM apart was its seductive blend of rock and R&B, creating a sound that was intoxicating. With Alex Turner’s smoky vocals and sharp songwriting, the album exuded a late-night allure, exploring themes of lust, heartbreak, and hazy self-reflection with a confidence that made it feel like a midnight drive through the neon-lit streets of Los Angeles to an exclusive party you happened to get the invite to. The hip-hop-inspired beats, slinky basslines, and reverberating guitar riffs were a perfect pair with Turner’s vocals. Critics and fans alike were hooked, and the album’s infectious vibe resonated worldwide, making it Arctic Monkeys’ biggest commercial success to date. It solidified Arctic Monkeys as one of the most inventive forces in modern rock and (amazingly) still sounds fresh and new ten years after it’s release.
Standout Songs: “Do I Wanna Know?”, “Why’d You Only Call Me When You’re High?”, “One For The Road”, “R U Mine?”, “Mad Sounds”, “I Wanna Be Yours”
