Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not
by Arctic Monkeys
  • Record Label: Domino
  • Release Date: Feb 21, 2006
User Score
8.2

Universal acclaim- based on 907 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 763 out of 907
  2. Mixed: 64 out of 907
  3. Negative: 80 out of 907

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  1. ScottI
    Apr 4, 2006
    4
    Mediocre and nothing more. An immature and bombastic slop. Disregard the hype. Whatever people say about them, they're not worthy. Look into bands that matter (Radiohead, The Flaming Lips, Sigur Ros) and wait for these Monkeys to grow up.
  2. NickR
    May 10, 2006
    5
    Really boring, derivative Brit-pop. Blur perfected this about 11 years ago wtih "Parklife"- even though the British press will turn blue in the face telling you how great these guys are, they really aren't. In all fairness, however, "I Think You'd Look Good on the Dancefllor" is a very solid track. Besides that, just listen to non-singles Oasis, and you've pretty much got it.
  3. TomB
    Jan 30, 2006
    5
    I challenge anyone to follow your heart musically for a year, really listen to what's out there ... take some chances, take some recommendations, etc - and then come back to this one. It just doesn't add up. This is a very average album pumped up by a relentless British music press. There are less ideas in this album than the first Strokes album, and anyone with half an ear knew I challenge anyone to follow your heart musically for a year, really listen to what's out there ... take some chances, take some recommendations, etc - and then come back to this one. It just doesn't add up. This is a very average album pumped up by a relentless British music press. There are less ideas in this album than the first Strokes album, and anyone with half an ear knew they'd be utterly out of ideas by album #3.… Expand
  4. RichardW
    Feb 20, 2006
    4
    Considering that I do like Franz Ferdinand's sound, and even enjoy a bit of Oasis now and then, I was sure I would like this one...but, eh... It's only so, so. A few catchy tunes here and there, but the lyrics are flat and forgettable, and it really starts to grate on your ears after a while...
  5. raulj
    Jan 29, 2006
    5
    really pathetic writing skills here and music that is far from interesting. don't believe the hype, boi!
  6. That'swhatthepointisnot
    Jan 31, 2006
    4
    Tedious pub-punk with awkwardly-worded football chants over the top. Grrrr.
  7. ChristopherM
    Sep 7, 2006
    5
    I'd give it more but this sure seems like it's been done a few times before.....and the name really bites...sheesh..arctic monkeys..??????
  8. RhysE
    Apr 12, 2007
    5
    Obviously, this album his horribley over hyped, which, will give the Monkey's a disadvantage as people will buy the album, expecting an album of Revolver or OK Computer quality. Whilst they aren't particularly bad, they aren't great. After the first couple of songs, it will just seem like the whole album is one long song. There is no change in tone on the guitars, no real Obviously, this album his horribley over hyped, which, will give the Monkey's a disadvantage as people will buy the album, expecting an album of Revolver or OK Computer quality. Whilst they aren't particularly bad, they aren't great. After the first couple of songs, it will just seem like the whole album is one long song. There is no change in tone on the guitars, no real change in pace (except for Riot Van, which is quite slow) and no change in the style of music. All just barre chords being played in a regular 4/4 time signature. Nothing that hasn't been heard before, by the other mainstream bands such as Razorlight, The View, The Fratellis, The Kooks etc. What you get, is a repetetive, unremarkable and moderately bland (although not quite as bland as Razorlight) album, that, if it had not sold so many copies, would be forgotten in the coming years. Unfortunatley, NME is still around, so alot of this stuff will probably be around for a while. Saviours of rock, I hope not.… Expand
  9. GarrisonF
    Jan 27, 2006
    5
    Almost as overrated as the new Franz Ferdinand. They got alot potential. Personally I feel artists like The New Lows, Bark Bark Bark, and Harley Goldstein deserve the spotlight. No one deserves hype for one quality single. Music should sell itself. Download "Dancefloor" and check out those other artists and you be the judge.
  10. Monkeyseemonkeydoo
    Jan 28, 2006
    4
    i read Q magazine and there was this voting is done by their readers to pick their most favourite album of all times..and the readers dare to put this album in the top 10 list..don't tell me this one is better than the jesus & mary chain's Psychocandy or how about The Cure's Pornography...don't believe the hype, warns Chuck D !
  11. bernardoc
    Sep 26, 2006
    5
    is not so awful and not so awesome...just common whit a few sparks...that is easily forgotten
  12. MarkD
    Feb 18, 2007
    5
    If you ever needed proof that the British music press are a bunch of sheep who know nothing about music then just look at the bandwagon jumping hype that this album got. Ther's nothing exceptional or even slightly original about this music, just a few simple yet catchy pop/punk songs with smug "how clever are we" (despite the awful grammer) lyrics. In fact it's borderline middle If you ever needed proof that the British music press are a bunch of sheep who know nothing about music then just look at the bandwagon jumping hype that this album got. Ther's nothing exceptional or even slightly original about this music, just a few simple yet catchy pop/punk songs with smug "how clever are we" (despite the awful grammer) lyrics. In fact it's borderline middle of the road. The bottom line is this - i've heard it all before and i've heard it done a thousand times better. I hate the critics, i hate the Artics self satified attitude and (mark my words) in 10 years time everyone will wonder what all the fuss was about. DON'T BELIEVE THE HYPE!!!… Expand
  13. JozefD
    Feb 10, 2006
    5
    To be honest, I've only heard this album all the way through a couple of times, but it sounds no different to any other NME-hyped flavour of the month thang (see also the Libertines, Franz Ferdinand). Pretty mediocre then, but with haircuts...
  14. MikeK
    Feb 23, 2006
    6
    Decent. But WAY overpraised. The album has a lot of sameness to it that gets very repetitive after a listen or two. Not bad, just not the second coming. I predict a critical backlash in about, oh, 4 months.
  15. RalphP
    Feb 3, 2006
    6
    They are not bad, but they are not very good too. They are just like 10000 other bands, i.e. average. Certainly, being the most-hyped band ever is not going to help them. The Strokes had enough talent to live up to the hype surrounding them. This is not the case with Arctic Monkeys. I doubt anybody will be talking about them in 2 years.
  16. JimD.
    Mar 2, 2006
    5
    I heard a lot about this band, and thanks to the overwhelmingly positive reviews, I bought the album without ever hearing the band. In retrospect, it would be worth downloading (i.e. stealing) but I wouldn't pay for it again. What drives me nuts is when people review a debut album and give it a 9 or 10, and its NOT EVEN REMOTELY ORIGINAL!!! Its not a terrible album, but what's I heard a lot about this band, and thanks to the overwhelmingly positive reviews, I bought the album without ever hearing the band. In retrospect, it would be worth downloading (i.e. stealing) but I wouldn't pay for it again. What drives me nuts is when people review a debut album and give it a 9 or 10, and its NOT EVEN REMOTELY ORIGINAL!!! Its not a terrible album, but what's to love? The musicianship is what you'd expect from a teenage garage band, the vocals border on grating. It does have a certain honesty and rawness, but if you like this type of music, listen to the White Stripes.… Expand
  17. marks
    Apr 20, 2006
    5
    i'll admit it ; i usually go for the hyped indie bands, especially the english ones. but this one has little going for it ,least of all originality or consistency. it sounds terribly like iit was written by 19 year olds, which is fine. just dont call this something its not.
  18. AdrianK
    Jan 29, 2006
    6
    Above average. The hype may have had something to do with it, but this album certainly does NOT deserve the #5 spot on NME's GREATEST BRITISH ALBUMS OF ALL-TIME. You mean to tell me that this is musically/llyrically superior to Radiohead's OK Computer?? I'm sorry to all you British folks but this is far from "ground-breaking."
  19. MichaelK
    Feb 15, 2006
    5
    'Dancefloor' apart, this is mediocre and forgettable. Completely overhyped.
  20. AlecG
    Feb 27, 2006
    4
    It gets a 4 because it's.. listenable. People who I've heard say "they're the next Beatles" don't seem to understand what made the Beatles so good.
  21. Gah
    Feb 28, 2006
    4
    Now, I wont Lie, I've been a fan of every other 'next big british thing' in the history of 'big british things' and this time, there is something missing. It's hollow shallow and David H 60GB Ipod What the fuck?
  22. SeamusM
    Feb 7, 2006
    4
    Like Franz Ferdinand with more energy and weaker hooks.
  23. MusicMaven
    Feb 7, 2006
    6
    The hype machine is in full effect. The album is not bad, but it's way overrated. It sounds a bit like the Libertines meet the Rakes. You want to hear the best of Britain? Check out Hard-Fi. Stars of CCTV is a great album that Metacritic completely missed. Maybe they'll finally list it since it's getting a U.S. release. Only 9 months late!
  24. ChrisD
    Apr 5, 2006
    5
    Standard 21st century brit-pop.
  25. Jack.
    May 8, 2006
    5
    Not bad, but not good either. Arctic Monkeys are just amazingly average. It's hard to dislike them - but harder to like them. A band that, were it not for their internet success story, would probably have achieved only limited, mostly local, success.
  26. NickW
    Feb 11, 2006
    6
    Well..its not as awful as I expected considering this album has been scene raped beyond comprehension. I just couldn't get past the oldness of everything- it all sounds like a combination of every thing that's been big on the british scene in the last 10 years..plus, some songs just grate me.
  27. jh
    Feb 19, 2006
    6
    I give it a 6.5 actually. Its definitly pretty good, but its no Up The Bracket.
  28. Matt
    Feb 21, 2006
    4
    Their jams are repetitive, and the lead singer can't muster much energy.
  29. StevePar
    Feb 22, 2006
    6
    Thinking it was all hype, I listened to this album only to prove that it sucks, so I can tell people who rave about it to shut up. Turns out it wasnt all that bad. Some of the songs are a bit repetitive, but there are some decent songs in here. I would give it more points if they had stronger vocals. 6.5.
  30. jamesl
    Feb 6, 2006
    5
    The praise being given this effort is astounding. If it were half as good as the tastemakers say it would be ok. A major disappointment.
  31. JoshP
    Feb 7, 2006
    4
    Is it just me or has the "best of Britain" as of lately just sucked beyond belief. They always compare every band as the best post Libertines band. So if the Libertines = crap, where does that put the Arctic Monkeys? Actually better in my mind, but in no way similar to the the second coming of Christ. I dug When The Sun Goes Down and it raw approach to lyrics. Honestly though they are a Is it just me or has the "best of Britain" as of lately just sucked beyond belief. They always compare every band as the best post Libertines band. So if the Libertines = crap, where does that put the Arctic Monkeys? Actually better in my mind, but in no way similar to the the second coming of Christ. I dug When The Sun Goes Down and it raw approach to lyrics. Honestly though they are a flavor of the moment and may be a dull as American equivalents such as Fall Out Boy and Yellowcard. Rating: Buy at your own risks.… Expand
  32. KateD
    Mar 21, 2006
    5
    It's OK, but nowhere near as good as the hype would have us believe. When the Sun Goes Down is brilliant and inventive, but everything else is just a bit predictable and dull. The supposedly incisive lyrics are well-observed, sure, but hardly mind-blowing. A number of other bands, not least Pulp (also from Sheffield) have nailed modern Britain much better. Read the Pitchfork review It's OK, but nowhere near as good as the hype would have us believe. When the Sun Goes Down is brilliant and inventive, but everything else is just a bit predictable and dull. The supposedly incisive lyrics are well-observed, sure, but hardly mind-blowing. A number of other bands, not least Pulp (also from Sheffield) have nailed modern Britain much better. Read the Pitchfork review for the best analysis I have seen of the successes and failures of this record.… Expand
  33. jdg
    Mar 31, 2006
    6
    Just average. I think all the hype spoiled it. At least for me.
  34. Simon
    Mar 30, 2006
    6
    Rule Number 1. No band is worth it's hype. These guys are the latest band to fucked up the arse by the NME. Sure, Alex Turner isn't too bad as a lyricist, but the band's music is a recycled version of the Libertines minus the controversy and drugs. Don't know where all the Oasis and Blur comparisions come from. There's plenty of better music out there that'll Rule Number 1. No band is worth it's hype. These guys are the latest band to fucked up the arse by the NME. Sure, Alex Turner isn't too bad as a lyricist, but the band's music is a recycled version of the Libertines minus the controversy and drugs. Don't know where all the Oasis and Blur comparisions come from. There's plenty of better music out there that'll beat this album to my stereo.… Expand
  35. BMikols
    May 11, 2006
    6
    Gotta say, I've given the album several listens since early Jan, and I find it to be enjoyable, but overall rather simplistic and totally conscious of itself. If the NY Times really believed a better album would not come out this year, they certainly underestimate The Strokes and The Yeah Yeah Yeahs. It will be interesting to see how The Monkeys evolve for their second offering
  36. EastVillage
    Feb 11, 2006
    5
    Meh ...it's O.K. Well executed but one has the feeling that they've already heard this album done by at least a dozen other bands. The NME hype proves that the Brits are as gullible we Americans ...CHEERS!!
  37. Tbone
    Feb 14, 2006
    5
    Yeah it' overhyped. I'm glad I only bought a couple songs. Whatever other reviewer compared them to a British Fall Out Boy is dead on.
  38. JakeM.
    Feb 22, 2006
    4
    Just heard the absolutely brilliant Sugababes cover of "I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor" - I think if THEY rerecorded the entirety of the Arctic Monkeys' debut I'd be inclined to give the album a 9 or 10, but as it stands it is just hopelessly mediocre.
  39. RobertR
    Feb 24, 2006
    4
    I remember putting on the CD and I remember taking it off, but I don't remember anything in-between. Pleasurable but utterly forgettable.
  40. AlekM
    Mar 14, 2006
    5
    Catchy but uninspired and very shallow lyrics. Didn't get all of the hype over here in the US. An impulse buy for sure, but of those probably one of the best I've heard.

Awards & Rankings

34
#34 Best Album of 2006
2
#2 Most Discussed Album of 2006
12
#12 Most Shared Album of 2006

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
82

Universal acclaim - based on 33 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 27 out of 33
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 33
  3. Negative: 0 out of 33
  1. BBC collective
    90
    It’s exciting stuff, simple yet deadly effective.
    Read full review
  2. Dot Music
    90
    Such is the depth and quality of Turner's songwriting, it plays like a best of.
    Read full review
  3. musicOMH.com
    90
    It's not a totally perfect record, for which we should be thankful - remember what happened to The Stone Roses after they'd released their flawless debut? - but it is an excellent first album, and gives notice that Alex Turner is already one of this country's best lyricists.
    Read full review
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