We revisit the Sheffield indie rock kingpins’ discography.
Arctic Monkeys emerged from the rough in 2018 with Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino, their sixth studio album and first since the universally treasured AM.
Boasting a catalogue littered with bangers, we took a look back at their discography to determine the British indie rockers’ 20 best tracks.
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20. ‘Don’t Sit Down ‘Cause I’ve Moved Your Chair’ (2011)
The first single off Arctic Monkeys’ fourth studio album, Suck It and See, is one of their heavier tracks and arose from a recording session frontman Alex Turner conducted for the 2010 film, Submarine. Turner takes such a daft concept so seriously – but before we laugh at his earnestness, we can’t help but dance, dance and dance some more.
19. ‘Piledriver Waltz’ (2011)
What is a piledriver waltz? It’s a riddle in a song name. Four albums in and Turner was more creative than ever with this song carrying several different metaphors – really, the plot is up to you.
18. ‘Black Treacle’ (2011)
The easy-swinging ‘Black Treacle’ consolidates Arctic Monkeys’ versatility – they can go full throttle, but know when to retreat and cool the tempo.
17. ‘Snap Out of It’ (2013)
From Arctic Monkeys’ incredibly single-driven fifth album, ‘Snap Out of It’ is probably the most forthright. Like ‘A Certain Romance’, it’s got that pop that converts so seamlessly to the bandroom. The sexy film clip that adjoins was given a similarly colourful varnish.
16. ‘One For The Road’ (2013)
Queens of the Stone Age frontman and Humbug producer Josh Homme arrives to provide eloquent backing vocals to a track that’s got blues and R&B influences. An instant classic.
15. ‘Fire And The Thud’ (2009)
The infectious tempo of ‘Fire And The Thud’ makes this stellar Humbug cut one to be remembered. This is Turner at his most cryptic; I’m still listening with a notepad and pen in hand.
14. ‘Why’d You Only Call Me When You’re High’ (2013)
Another late-night foray landed Turner in a relatable scenario. He turned it into a song and out came ‘Why’d You Only Call Me When You’re High’. The plucky bass tugs and pulls mimicking a frivolous Turner tiptoeing towards his companion’s door.
13. ‘Reckless Serenade’ (2011)
Whether I’m in a fish and chip shop, Gazman, on the train or running through a field of dandelions, I’ll stop and holler Turner’s lyrics “Reck-lessssss Serenade / Reckless Serenade / Reck-lessssss Serenade / Reckless Serenade” uttered at two minutes. It’s contagious.
12. ‘The View From The Afternoon’ (2006)
If you didn’t listen to the singles from Arctic Monkeys’ debut album Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not, this would have been your first taste of the burgeoning British quartet. This song’s all over the place and represents a band beaming with unrestrained vitality.
11. ‘Brianstorm’ (2007)
The drums on this song are next level. What kaleidoscopic world was Matt Helders on and how can I get there? It remains their highest charting single worldwide. Enough said.
10. ‘The Hellcat Spangled Shalalala’ (2011)
Some call this Suck It and See’s premier track. It’s the album’s most confusing, mind-bendingly peculiar offering. That’s why it’s so good. You only need to read the track name to know that only Turner could muster something so outrageous.
9. ‘Mardy Bum’ (2006)
British slang will tell you that a ‘mardy bum’ is someone that mopes and pouts for attention. For adolescent British folk, this is something that you joke about at recess – it captured the imaginations of a mass of high schoolers. This song went worldwide while many people didn’t know what it meant – that’s a testament to Arctic Monkeys.
8. ‘R U Mine?’ (2013)
There’s plenty of Queens of the Stone Age influence on this Harley Davidson of a track. Blister down Route 66 while listening to this walloping number and you’ll feel right at home. Josh Homme might even appear next to you in the passenger seat.
7. ‘Crying Lightning’ (2009)
Turner has a way of pointing the finger at those who deserve it, and makes himself heard in the process. ‘Crying Lightning’ goes out to all those who whine and whimper to get their way. The agitated guitar work perfectly mirrors Turner’s measured protests.
6. ‘I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor’ (2006)
Grungy and frenetic in all its glory, ‘I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor’ could be the band’s most recognisable track. It spruiked the attention of record companies far and wide when it arose in 2006 and it’s everything that makes Arctic Monkeys so great – arrogant and erotic.
5. ‘Do I Wanna Know’ (2013)
It’s now that I introduce you to AM’s 18-carat diamond, ‘Do I Wanna Know?’. Arctic Monkeys have made a habit of creating alluring intros to their songs and this track is no different. In fact, it’s probably the most charming and yet it only consists of a simple collection of drum kicks and handclaps. Of course, the rest of song is fucking brilliant, too.
4. ‘Fluorescent Adolescent’ (2007)
Iconic. Enough said.
3. ‘When the Sun Goes Down’ (2006)
‘When the Sun Goes Down’ gets us off our office chair and into a jive. It’s arguably their most danceable track. Thank you Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Whoops, I meant Alex, Jamie, Nick and Matt.
2. ‘505’ (2007)
The underlying organ arrangements of this song showcased a newfound sense of drama in Arctic Monkeys’ production. But it’s Turner’s anger and irritation which gives it another gear. He’s bloody fed up and why shouldn’t he be. The song climaxes into a rambunctious jam, thanks to guest Miles Kane’s unmatched guitar flourishes.
1. ‘A Certain Romance’ (2006)
It’s difficult to elect a king to the throne when it comes to Arctic Monkeys’ discography, however their debut album closer ‘A Certain Romance’ puts forward a stellar candidacy. Everyone loves a song about growing up and for indie rock lovers, this is the perfect paradigm. It will go down in history as an undeniable musical epoch. A new generation of indie rock started here, and we’ve got Arctic Monkeys to thank for that.
Head here for our track-by-track breakdown of Arctic Monkeys’ latest album Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino.
