English indie rock band, Arctic Monkeys, released their fourth album “Suck It and See” on June 7, 2011. After the promise of their new CD and their world tour, the band gained hundreds of new fans awaiting the new release. This post-punk revival group sets standards for “Suck It and See”, promising it won’t be quite as similar as their previous album. The new album has several weak songs but it is definitely an improvement than “Humbug”, the album’s predecessor. The band tries a new sound with it, aiming for a vintage style to please their listeners, a majority being an Internet fan base. The band is much about sharing music and letting people hear it instead of solely making money. They streamed their entire album several days before its scheduled release on the audio distribution website, Soundcloud. Their tracks instantly earned popularity with the tracks receiving over 100,000 hits a week after being made public. Arctic Monkeys’ “Suck It and See” falls short of being a great album because of the standards they’ve set, but it is still enjoyable, nevertheless.
The album is impressive compared to the others, even if it falls short of the Monkeys’ second album, “Favourite Worst Nightmare”. With an impressive opening song, “She’s Thunderstorms”, Arctic Monkeys already fulfilled their promise of an alternative, pop sound. The fourth track, “The Hellcat Spangled Shalalala” is catchy, and certainly joyful, despite lyrics of a devilish ex-girlfriend. It is certainly one of the best on the album, but maybe that’s because this track comes after the dreadful and weak “Brick by Brick”. Luckily, “Brick by Brick” is not a memorable song and is out-shined by the beautiful and creative lyrics “I took the batteries out my mysticism and put them in my thinking cap” in “The Hellcat Spangled Shalalala”. Songwriter, vocalist, and guitarist, Alex Turner, expands on his talents for lyrical writing, beginning with the early songs of the album. “The Hellcat Spangled Shalalala” is an oxymoron of a song, supporting an upbeat tune and chorus, but it drags with melancholy lyrics about an affair. Turner carries the tune into the chorus with “She’s got a telescopic hallelujah hanging up on the wall for when it gets too complicated in the eye of the storm”. His deviceful and ingenious lyrics contribute to the quality of the song, making it a favorable and noteworthy track on the album.
Masquerading itself as a furious rock song, “Don’t Sit Down ‘Cause I’ve Moved Your Chair” is nothing special on the album. With lyrics like “Kung fu fighting on your rollerskates” and “Do the marcerena in the devils lair”, it is definitely disappointing to hear Turner’s song writing take a sharp turn downhill. Arctic Monkeys released this as a single two months before the album’s official release, which could explain the disaster that became sandwiched between two great songs on the track list. Maybe the producers were hoping the audience wouldn’t mind the calamity of “Don’t Sit Down ‘Cause I’ve Moved Your Chair” if it was stuck between the better songs.
The ending song, “That’s Where You’re Wrong” is possibly the best on the album. Captivating lyrics keep the listener’s attention and guitarist, Jamie Cook, maintains a steady guitar riff that absorbs the audience. Turner brings his lyrics to life with the line, “All the old flames fastened on. Make a wish that weighs a ton. There are no handles for you to hold and no understanding where it goes”. Turner’s voice brings delight to the band’s name, and he is certainly an asset to their prosperity. The mystery behind the lyrics makes the song relatable to a variety of situations but Turner focuses the song on an ex-girlfriend whom he was quick to spite. Turner provides closure in his relationship with his ex, and also for the album with “That’s Where You’re Wrong”.
Overall, Arctic Monkeys has made improvements to every aspect of their palette. With the release of “Suck It and See”, they have set themselves up for future success, giving the hope for a seamless transition into their next album. They are a great contribution to the indie rock genre, following the footsteps of The Strokes and possibly even The Beatles. It’s possible Arctic Monkeys have created the number one British rock album of the year with “Suck It and See”. Their talents expanding and fan base multiplying, Arctic Monkeys has paved the way to their musical stardom.
