Back at it! Now that I’ve thoroughly listened to Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not, it’s time for me to move onto the Arctic Monkeys’ sophomore effort, Favourite Worst Nightmare. Although it’s a sophomore effort, there was certainly no slump here! In fact, it’s sort of mind-boggling that the band was able to release something so strong in just a little over a year after their debut record.
The album kicks off with a few tracks that, while they do sound different, I think could have easily fit into their first album’s track list. With that being said, as the record rolls along, the songs start to transition into something new and completely unique sounding. Alex Turner’s vocals do a nice job sort of flitting between the brashness of older tunes, but then straight into a type of mature crooning. Maturity is something else that really stood out to me. I recognize that they were all still insanely young when this record came out compared to the first one, but I suppose they’d gotten a bit more worldwide experience touring and performing all over. It’s very clear that the songs here weren’t telling a contained story, but more about life on the road and fame.
Similar to the first album, Favourite Worst Nightmare really has no stinkers on it, which is always an impressive feat for any band. I’ll start with ones that I didn’t really connect with as well, but they are still solid songs. “Only Ones Who Know” is a bit too slow for my taste, where “Do Me a Favour” and “The Bad Thing” are slightly forgettable. Although, of course as I’m typing that I’m reciting the choruses in my head. I digress. Several other songs fall into the good category, like “Teddy Picker” and “D is for Dangerous,” but you all probably want to know about my favorites! Me, too!
I swear I’ve heard “Fluorescent Adolescent” in a show or film before, but I can’t place it. Also, back in the day I did actually like “Brainstorm” when it came out! I think it was recommended to me because I was listening to Klaxons’s debut at the time. Either way, those are two solid tracks, along with “This House is a Circus,” but my absolute favorites fall to the last two tracks of the album. “Old Yellow Bricks” has a guitar lick that I cannot get out of my head! I love when that happens! The lyrics are also superb. And speaking of superb lyrics, the closing track “505” has an incredible climax with the phrase, “but I completely crumble when you cry,” that’s wailed out so, so good it gives me chills. It also probably helps that Miles Kane (Turner’s partner in The Last Shadow Puppets) lends his guitar skills on this track. Chef’s kiss!
As my trek into the Arctic Monkeys discography continues, I can’t help but get really excited about how good the rest of the albums will sound! I know in my prior review I had my reservations, but I think the transition from here to there will be smoother than I’m expecting. And I love a band with some growth! As before, please got listen to Favourite Worst Nightmare!