As the kick drum sets in and the first few chords are strung in "Do I Wanna Know?", the album's opening track and lead single, it sounds like the same Arctic Monkeys that took over the U.K. with the highest selling debut album in British history, but it feels different. That's because it is. Although the 12 track setlist sounds light, you'll get to the end wanting more and find yourself starting the album right back up from the beginning. The Monkeys' deliver their distinct late-night promiscuity with a bigger and bolder sound than ever before, with Alex Turner's vocal range becoming more impressive as the album goes along. Drawing from various hip-hop references while putting together the rhythms for the tracks, the heavy bass lines and steady drum beats of songs like "Arabella" and "Why'd You Only Call Me When You're High?" hook the listener in with a vicious intensity. Even Turner's lyrics, although they present similar messages as in previous albums, with subjects like getting wasted and trying to hook up with a girl, any girl, at the bar, are sleeker and more mature. It's as if he's found a more poetic way to say "I Bet That You Look Good on the Dance Floor." Overall the entire album is a large leap forward for a band who really was already rather successful, especially across the pond. I hope to see this song in the conversation for Album of the Year at the Grammys this year, because in my opinion they certainly deserve it.
4.5/5 Stars
- Jared
4.5/5 Stars
- Jared