Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not review

The first album by the Arctic Monkeys who are one of the better British bands from the 21st century. The title is taken from a quote from Saturday Night and Sunday Morning, which is a 1958 novel that was adapted into a kitchen sink film starring a young Albert Finney in 1960.

Tracks:

1. The View from the Afternoon: 8/10 not only is this a thoroughly enjoyable rock song, it's also a remarkably accurate account of how disappointing nights out can be.

2. I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor: 9/10 this is as electrifying, catchy and fun to dance to as ever.

3. Fake Tales of San Francisco: 9/10 a lyrically excellent and thoroughly enjoyable song which captures the feeling of being at a lame gig remarkably well.

4. Dancing Shoes: 8/10 like The Inbetweeners: highly entertaining yet oh so truthful.

5. You Probably Couldn't See for the Lights But You Were Staring Right at Me: 8/10 the unusually long title really works. As for the song, it's another banger.

6. Still Take You Home: 8/10 an electric and thought-provoking bit of storytelling.

7. Riot Van: 8/10 a quieter one and a nice change of pace. It carries on the album's winning streak.

8. Red Lights Indicates Doors are Secured: 8/10 a tiny bit messier in its writing, but no less fun.

9. Mardy Bum: 9/10 a fan favorite for good reason. This is always a great song to dance to.

10. Perhaps Vampires is a Bit Strong But...: 8/10 more similar to songs by other bands, but the Arctic Monkeys inject their energy, flair and emotion into a familiar song topic- the dark side of fame.

11. When the Sun Goes Down: 8/10 a melancholy bit of poetry  which still manages to be catchy despite its depressing subject matter.

12. From the Ritz to the Rubble: 8/10 not the album's best, but an absolutely solid penultimate track.

13. A Certain Romance: 9/10 a beautifully written and excellently played conclusion to the album.

Best song: I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor
Worst song: Red Light Indicates Doors are Secured  

Summary: Wow, has this album aged well or what? The album's fiery, intense and rollicking music remains an exhilarating blast to this day, and even better it's rock music you can really dance to (I know from Monday night at The Haunt in Brighton). There's a real coolness yet vulnerability to the album, as it has plenty of psychological complexity to back up the riffs. It's a pleasingly angst-filled work but perhaps the most impressive thing is how brilliantly it captures the psychological experience of clubbing. In other words, so many will be able to relate to this. A hugely successful record, and I'll be impressed if the band ever top this.




Final rating: 9/10