‘AM’ is the fifth album of Arctic Monkeys’ incredible career. Bands releasing new albums is nothing new or special, it happens a lot but when Alex Turner emerged they did so, at least in terms of his song writing, a man.
Such has been the reception the album received in the British press the English dictionary is running out of superlatives.
When the English quartet first began recording just over 10 years ago who could’ve predicted the meteoric success ‘AM’ and ‘Suck It and See’ would have? I remember watching the Brit Awards a few years ago and they won an award but they were so drunk they had their microphones muted. Who’d of thought those 4 guys would grow into such mature songwriters who could thoughtful and moving songs like ‘Why’d You Only Call Me When You’re High?‘
The ironically titled ‘No1 Party Anthem‘ is a personal favourite and very strongly reminds of the work Alex Turner did for the soundtrack of Submarine; the lyrics, describing waiting for that perfect party anthem to come on so you can somehow make your move, when accompanied by the music arrangement, just seem to work perfectly. “So you’re on the prowl, wondering whether she has left already or not/ Leather jacket, collar popped like Cantona/ Sunglasses indoors, par for the course/ Lights in the floor and sweat on the walls.” They might not seem like Shakespearean lyrics when written down, but when sung by Turner and accompanied by the music, they work perfectly together.
For me this album will go down in musical history as the time 10+ years of songwriting on the part of Turner and co. was finally recognised. They’re getting the recognition they deserve, drawing comparisons with the likes of Bob Dylan and John Lennon.
If Arctic Monkeys feel they still have more to offer, I for one look forward impatiently to their next album.
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