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. RachelM.
    Mar 1, 2006
    7
    It's not a question of either "they sound great!" or "don't believe the hype!". It's both. I personally think that most songs in this album seem simply perfect. But that is because they sound just like a band said to be "the next big thing" would, at least nowadays. Riffs, carefully designed spontaneity & a more than usual dose of Liam's (but modernised) coming exactly It's not a question of either "they sound great!" or "don't believe the hype!". It's both. I personally think that most songs in this album seem simply perfect. But that is because they sound just like a band said to be "the next big thing" would, at least nowadays. Riffs, carefully designed spontaneity & a more than usual dose of Liam's (but modernised) coming exactly when one would expect. Something you think it's new, but just before realising The Strokes are already invented. But that's "what the point is not. The point is" that NME necessity of finding a "classic band" (usually several candidates) each year has become laughable (by the way, who continues to think seriously about NME after saying X&Y is Coldplay's classic and Heathen Chemistry Oasis return to form?). What do they think they're doing? They're leading lots of young bands to believe they can be classic if they just fit into the likes of that year... So what is it? Do I like this album? Or not? I'm sure I'd loved it, simply loved it, if we weren't told to love it all the time. Because I've also been a fan of every "next big British thing" & it's the same old story. At the same time, this album is hot (terribly), stylish, fresh, and the lyrics are brilliant sometimes. Best thing this year? Who can doubt it? But it's all industry as well. And the idea of a "classic band"...pf. It's not that they cannot be, only time will tell. But classic bands are those who were, are and always be. And this band "is", and just until NME finds a more profitable icon. … Expand
  2. TedJ
    Mar 13, 2006
    7
    7. that's it, that's all, so stop hating them or sucking their dicks because they aren't deserving of either.
  3. josephs
    Mar 13, 2006
    10
    this is a superb and refreshing album well done lads keep it up
  4. TomH
    Mar 20, 2006
    0
    A band that does nothing new and fills us once more with shallow meaningless lyrics about getting drunk. They even try to be different by devizing an unfeasibly long album name.
  5. 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
  6. Jess
    Mar 2, 2006
    1
    What a bucket of hype this is. Come on people , seriously, think for yourselves and don't let the NME tell you what is what.
  7. jdg
    Mar 31, 2006
    6
    Just average. I think all the hype spoiled it. At least for me.
  8. 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
  9. NakulP
    Apr 1, 2006
    7
    A very good album. Not quite worth the NME hyperbole, but still very good. Sure beats all the other crap around at the moment, for example James Blunt, The Streets, Embrace, all rap (Kanye excepted).
  10. O
    Apr 12, 2006
    10
    Not nearly the 5th best British Album ever (NME). But it's still bloody brilliant and much better than anything else that's come out this year.
  11. jnjgas.gn
    Apr 14, 2006
    0
    great
  12. JDWilliams
    Apr 26, 2006
    0
    Horrible overhyped shit!
  13. samanthav
    Apr 26, 2006
    10
    this band is what music is about. there is alot more great music coming from them in the future. we should applaud they're amazing achievements
  14. DT
    Apr 29, 2006
    8
    Not the ground breaking world beater it's hyped up to be, but it is a good Album with 5 or 6 strong tracks & a couple of poor ones.
  15. JorgeT
    Apr 29, 2006
    10
    Perfect!!!
  16. Ali/m
    Apr 5, 2006
    3
    Nothing annoys me more than this "ooh we got discovered on the internet so we're indie" crap. Along with the Kaiser Chiefs this is just another post-Oasis re-hashing of the same old guitar rock we've been listening to in the UK for the last 5 years. Dull and derivative, nothing on the likes of the Futureheads, Franz Ferdinand etc.
  17. AndyG
    Apr 6, 2006
    9
    Genius. F****ing love it. The little Yorkshire b*stards.
  18. AshL
    Apr 9, 2006
    9
    Believe the hype !
  19. 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
  20. Victoria
    May 14, 2006
    0
    SHIT
  21. House
    May 22, 2006
    8
    What would you get if Ray Davies had joined the Clash...Artic Monkeys? There EPs were smart and sharp and this, there first full length record is even better. Can't wait for their Sophmore effort. This one rocks and surprises and makes you laugh all the way through.
  22. Luis
    May 29, 2006
    9
    Awesome music & lyrics...so fresh
  23. BjørnB
    May 4, 2006
    9
    This is an excellent release. I'm honestly most curious as to what Mr. Prude and Williams is going at when they use the words "shit" and "bad" in an Arctic Monkeys review, but I guess I shouldn't be judging them like this. Back on topic though, Arctic Monkeys really has that kick-ass sound I've been longing for for months now. It's hype is well deserved. Their catchy This is an excellent release. I'm honestly most curious as to what Mr. Prude and Williams is going at when they use the words "shit" and "bad" in an Arctic Monkeys review, but I guess I shouldn't be judging them like this. Back on topic though, Arctic Monkeys really has that kick-ass sound I've been longing for for months now. It's hype is well deserved. Their catchy songs will have you jumping around your apartment screaming "oh, you don't know nothing!" My least favourite track has got to be Fake Tales of San Francisco, I quite honestly don't know what gets to me about it, and I will love it when im screaming it's lyrics half-drunk at Roskilde in denmark this summer, but it just isn't as... It's probably just a personal matter. Buy this CD!!!… Expand
  24. LoganM
    Jul 16, 2006
    7
    this album was ok, nothing higher than a seven because you cant listen to this whole album. Half the songs stink on this album and another minus to the band is that I saw them doing "I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor" on many different showes and they were pretty darn bad. It may have gotten good ratings from the critics but I don't get how people can enjoy and listen over and this album was ok, nothing higher than a seven because you cant listen to this whole album. Half the songs stink on this album and another minus to the band is that I saw them doing "I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor" on many different showes and they were pretty darn bad. It may have gotten good ratings from the critics but I don't get how people can enjoy and listen over and over to some of the tracks on this record. Oh yeah, Doesn't the guy on the cover of the cd look like Adam Sandler?????????… Expand
  25. JohnL
    Aug 16, 2006
    10
    The British Strokes.The libertines have nothing on these Monkeys.Best album of the year and debut since "Is This it".
  26. amuror
    Sep 27, 2006
    2
    Don't believe the evaluation of the mass communication. No CD that the rock lover should hear.
  27. GraceLC
    Sep 6, 2006
    0
    Arctic Monkeys? Mo' like the Average Monkeys! Seriously, though. These guys are a bunch of stale Jam rip-offs. Also: "Remember folks, these are the same people that brought us the Spice Girls." ... and Gang of Four, the Fall, the Associates, Joy Division, Jesus and Mary Chain, PiL, The Jam, The Who, Led Zeppelin, the Buzzcocks, the Rolling Stones, the Beatles and the Futureheads, Arctic Monkeys? Mo' like the Average Monkeys! Seriously, though. These guys are a bunch of stale Jam rip-offs. Also: "Remember folks, these are the same people that brought us the Spice Girls." ... and Gang of Four, the Fall, the Associates, Joy Division, Jesus and Mary Chain, PiL, The Jam, The Who, Led Zeppelin, the Buzzcocks, the Rolling Stones, the Beatles and the Futureheads, along with MANY other excellent bands. You were saying?… Expand
  28. juanp
    Jan 13, 2007
    10
    wow!! this album it's fantastic number 1 of the year
  29. ILOVETHEARTICMONKEYS
    Jan 25, 2007
    10
    What the hell is wrong with everyone!!!!! Average mark 6.9!!!!!!!! You got it all wrong!!!!!! They combine INCREDIBLY powerful and imaginative lyrics with a raw and unparallelled beat to it. The're one of a kind and i'll recommend this album to anyone who has been blessed with the gift of a pair of ears that work.
  30. MichaelR
    Mar 20, 2007
    0
    Based on the album's title, somebody must have said they were not absolute rubbish.
  31. CarlP
    Mar 21, 2007
    0
    Whoah, I thought that they were meant to be the next Oasis. Ummm... such a massive letdown I have to give it 0!
  32. RyanT
    Mar 21, 2007
    0
    Nothing compared to Oasis, Radiohad, Futureheads etc. These guys are fakers. Torture to listen through!
  33. MJPisces
    Mar 31, 2007
    10
    WOW, I'm really shocked and frankly pissed at all of the people that gave them a bad rating. There's a ton of Indie/Rock bands in England, and maybe these guys aren't up to par with the rest but let me tell you...in America...the ARCTIC MONKEYS ROCK!! They are so much better then so many other musicians out there... you guys have bad taste!! Go listen to your Elton John!!
  34. patrickM
    Apr 14, 2007
    10
    WOW!! who the hell gave this a bad rating??? These are the best lyrics that I have heard in a long time. The songs are right up there with the Arcade Fire, and the lyrics are as good as The Roots. This is the most accurate and amazingly non-emo depiction of the troubles of youth that I have ever heard.
  35. Tommy
    Apr 16, 2007
    9
    Not the greatest band since the Beatles, true, but they still got one hell of an album here! Situation's a little different where I am though.. Even now, one year after it came out, AM are (almost) never played on swedish radio. Whats positive is that with no hype-backlash, I can just sit back enjoy the killer songs instead!
  36. kt
    Apr 7, 2007
    10
    These lads are the most talented and exciting band for years and tower over any other band out there. It's not particularly hard to see that, i therefore pity the fools below who do not appreciate fine music.
  37. ChristopherD
    May 15, 2007
    10
    a true masterpiece. everything good about the strokes, franza ferdinand, the kinks, the who and more rolled into one record
  38. tonje
    Jun 5, 2007
    10
    I simply love every fucking song, and the lyrics are awesome.
  39. men59
    Jul 6, 2007
    10
    I love this. Bomb shit man. Sound never heard.
  40. KateB.
    Sep 20, 2007
    9
    An extremely good album indeed. I can see how his voice makes all the songs similar, but I also love the infectious melodies and witty lyrics. I also think it could wear thin very quickly though through more albums, and already has.
  41. Will
    Sep 25, 2007
    10
    A genius debut album that takes all the best bits of British rock music. The guitar work and drumming it stunningly good, especially when you consider the young age of the group members. Alex Turner's poetic lyrics really make the songs though. This is one of the best indie/pop rock debuts since time began.
  42. AlanB.
    Jan 6, 2008
    10
    The best alternative rock album in ages....and the best debut since Oasis.
  43. JackD.
    Feb 15, 2008
    10
    This album is amazing.
  44. ByronH.
    Feb 29, 2008
    10
    This album is great by all standards. It takes the music of its forebears and polishes it to a shine (it has its misses, but there is no such thing as a ABSOLUTELY perfect album. Even OK Computer has its similarities in songs like No Suprises and Let Down, and that album is a definite ten.) To people with their heads up their asses about them being overhyped and saying that the band is This album is great by all standards. It takes the music of its forebears and polishes it to a shine (it has its misses, but there is no such thing as a ABSOLUTELY perfect album. Even OK Computer has its similarities in songs like No Suprises and Let Down, and that album is a definite ten.) To people with their heads up their asses about them being overhyped and saying that the band is sub-par based on that, screw yourselves. I found this band by accident before I even had an idea what NME was. This album is great and takes music in agood direction.… Expand
  45. AndrewW
    Mar 13, 2009
    10
    This album is an absolute masterpiece. Too many people think brilliant lyricists are those where the words are so obscure noone can understand them (ala Radiohead). Alex Turner has started to go down this route with some of his most recent songs but this album has intelligent laugh out loud lyrics like no album anywhere and tells the story of a night out in northern England (from dancing This album is an absolute masterpiece. Too many people think brilliant lyricists are those where the words are so obscure noone can understand them (ala Radiohead). Alex Turner has started to go down this route with some of his most recent songs but this album has intelligent laugh out loud lyrics like no album anywhere and tells the story of a night out in northern England (from dancing at a nightclub in Dancing Shoes through to catching the cab home in Red Light Indicates Doors are Secure). There isnt a single filler track in here and I'm convinced this will be the best album the Arctic Monkeys will ever make and imo will go down as a true modern great.… Expand
  46. benedictb
    May 30, 2009
    10
    This is the album of the 21st century so far. every song is genius, a brilliantly relevant punk revival infused with dance and modern indie music. it takes from the past but never once looks back and everything is brilliantly modern. when im 50 this will have been my album, my generations album.
  47. AlonsoC
    Jun 27, 2009
    10
    Just one of the best albums of the new popular music.
  48. AlS
    Aug 24, 2009
    10
    This album is excellent.
  49. DERMOT
    Nov 27, 2006
    10
    people say they are too muck like the jam......wat pre-tel is the problem with this may i ask?????/ cant.make your own fukin music if it bothers u this much...or just dont listen...moan bags
  50. mikka
    Nov 27, 2006
    10
    really like this album, one of the best of 2006
  51. MaxB
    Oct 19, 2006
    7
    These songs are nice, pretty little morsels of raw, blunt but poppy rock n roll. The songs are fun, especially the single "I Bet You Look Good on the Dance Floor". But that song is about as good as they get, and towards the end they start to blend together.
  52. CaleW
    Dec 27, 2006
    7
    Really solid debut. The band's great sense of rhythm and Turner's endearing accent make it a winner. Still, the energy level remains too high too long, and you'll probably grow weary trying to listen to the whole thing in one sitting. Turner's lyrics are good, though his sketches of place and character seldom develop into complete portraits. Their next album will Really solid debut. The band's great sense of rhythm and Turner's endearing accent make it a winner. Still, the energy level remains too high too long, and you'll probably grow weary trying to listen to the whole thing in one sitting. Turner's lyrics are good, though his sketches of place and character seldom develop into complete portraits. Their next album will probably be a true classic or truly miserable, but I can't imagine a band this energetic simply treading water.… Expand
  53. ArcticMonkey
    Jan 26, 2006
    8
    Wicked cool album, these yougens have got some thing that can be huge!!
  54. PedroL
    Jan 26, 2006
    9
    Well... yes, they are really hyped by british media, but their record is still great. On 2005 we had Bloc Party and Hard-Fi as fantastic new bands (maybe Kaiser Chiefs also), now you can add Arctic Monkeys to that list.
  55. JulianJ
    Jan 31, 2006
    10
    Simply Brilliant. For a bunch of 19 year olds to bring this out as their first album is astonishing.
  56. Mark
    Jan 31, 2006
    10
    Amazing music and lyrics, I reckon this is the revolution of Indie Rock of today.
  57. 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!!
  58. NeilP
    Feb 13, 2006
    10
    This is already sounding like one of the top albums of 2006, they have the genius of Franz Ferdinand and The Futureheads. Im feelin' a new british invasion.
  59. 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.
  60. DavidGeorgeBarnyard
    Feb 16, 2006
    9
    I have only heard two songs and I am very impressed. I hear the Clash and Hot Hot Heat, some minimalized Strokes (which is good in this case), yet it's an original signature. I'd like to know from those that give this band low scores who they find exceptional. I'd like to know if we can trust such plummeted ratings. C'mon, boys and girls. Put it all out there. I have only heard two songs and I am very impressed. I hear the Clash and Hot Hot Heat, some minimalized Strokes (which is good in this case), yet it's an original signature. I'd like to know from those that give this band low scores who they find exceptional. I'd like to know if we can trust such plummeted ratings. C'mon, boys and girls. Put it all out there. Let's get philosophomoric.… Expand
  61. DavidS
    Feb 16, 2006
    7
    I'm just going to come out and say it, this release was a bit of a disappointment. I'd read the hype and was expecting something phenomenal. I was expecting caviar and instead I got salmon roe. You get the idea. When I listened to Oasis for the first time, or even Travis(Good Feeling) I was blown away. Those songs grabbed me by the jugular and didn't let go. Arctic I'm just going to come out and say it, this release was a bit of a disappointment. I'd read the hype and was expecting something phenomenal. I was expecting caviar and instead I got salmon roe. You get the idea. When I listened to Oasis for the first time, or even Travis(Good Feeling) I was blown away. Those songs grabbed me by the jugular and didn't let go. Arctic Monkey's on the other hand are a decent band. NOT A GREAT ONE! The songwriting lacks maturity, along with the lyrical content as well. Also, the vocalist is lacklustre at best. I heard these guys listen to a lot of hip-hop and it's evident in the vocalists delivery. Too much, too fast. His tone is boring, and he has absolutely no range. The first time I heard Liam Gallagher sing Live Forever it gave me goosebumps. This dude just doesn't do it for me. Most of the songs are good but there's no standout. Some are hummable but most are forgettable. I gave this a 7 because they have some potential, but realistically I think this band will be gone and forgotten in a year or two. Just a blip on the radar screen people. As for the next great rock band, I'm still waiting. P.S. NME needs to lay off the funky herb!… Expand
  62. gregh
    Feb 16, 2006
    9
    simply amazing. an impeccable debut album. lets just hope they don't pull an Oasis and fall short on us in the long run...
  63. AdamF
    Feb 17, 2006
    9
    This is the album I always wanted to hear from many of the UK bands. Futureheads' energy, Bloc Party's riffs and Oasis' lyrics mixed into one.
  64. PeterM
    Feb 21, 2006
    9
    they roxxor almost as much as CYHSY
  65. DSchultz
    Feb 21, 2006
    9
    Far superior and more enjoyable than Franz Ferdinand...this is an album that deserves to be the best selling UK album. They have an amazing amount of talent and energy...and for being so young, one can only hope that this debut isn't the peak of their creative talent.
  66. GaborA
    Feb 21, 2006
    1
    Uninspired talent free rubbish. Naturally its topping charts.
  67. 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.
  68. houseborders
    Feb 22, 2006
    10
    i Love it!
  69. JudStacer
    Feb 23, 2006
    3
    The only SArctic Monkeys do well is imitate all Brit rock groups before them. I'm actually quite depressed I bought the record -- it's so boring. A group of 20-year-olds got lucky with an internet phenomenon.
  70. RaulG
    Feb 23, 2006
    7
    I dig the album....The hype these guys are getting is a lil bit much...decent album from a cool band....hardly the second coming of Christ however....
  71. 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.
  72. DavidH
    Feb 24, 2006
    10
    one of best albums i have, and i have a 60GB ipod :-).
  73. adamw
    Feb 24, 2006
    9
    Brilliant, energetic and engaging album. Love the opener and a certain romance. Hard to find a poor track.
  74. WerdBomb
    Feb 26, 2006
    7
    Solid and entertaining. But shades of a hollow core, it's too early to get too excited. Actually nothing really new, just a damn fine crystallization of the proclivities of past 5 years or so.
  75. MattM
    Feb 27, 2006
    10
    This is one of the greatist albums of my time. Alex turner although only 19 has an amazing way of mixing goofy lyrics like"bop like a robot from 1984" and amazing lyrics like "There is no love, no Montagues or Capulets". This band also makes many interesting beats a feat that not many bands today can do. This band had to live up to an enormous ammount of hype and many people dont think This is one of the greatist albums of my time. Alex turner although only 19 has an amazing way of mixing goofy lyrics like"bop like a robot from 1984" and amazing lyrics like "There is no love, no Montagues or Capulets". This band also makes many interesting beats a feat that not many bands today can do. This band had to live up to an enormous ammount of hype and many people dont think they did. Its hard to live up to something like that and in every way they did.… Expand
  76. JoshuaMc
    Feb 27, 2006
    9
    It's funny when a really good album gets hated on for getting too much hype. The same thing happened to Clap Your Hands, and its really a shame because that was a great album. So is this, most listeners will have a hard time not enjoying the inventive lyrics and catchy tunes. Definetly worth a listen, if nothing else.
  77. DanP
    Mar 13, 2006
    8
    So, they're not the greatest band ever. But they're definately not in even the bottom 75%. The album's opening is a weak "View From the Afternoon" which has one almost worthwhile line of "Anticipation has a habit to set you up/for dissapointment" (basically suming up everyone who gave this album a rating of 2 or less). It follows with the now famous "I Bet You Look So, they're not the greatest band ever. But they're definately not in even the bottom 75%. The album's opening is a weak "View From the Afternoon" which has one almost worthwhile line of "Anticipation has a habit to set you up/for dissapointment" (basically suming up everyone who gave this album a rating of 2 or less). It follows with the now famous "I Bet You Look Good...", which is, while still very good, not quite worthy of all the hype it has been getting. The album carries itself very well for the next 7 songs (highlights include "You Probably Couldn't See the Lights...", "Red Light Indicates...", and "Mardy Bum") before falling flat on its face with "Perhaps Vampires Is A Bit Strong But...". Hands down, this is the worst song on the album. It also steals the thunder from the great "When the Sun Goes Down". "From the Ritz to the Rubble" is decent, but the closing, "A Certain Romance" is another great song. You can see that the Arctic Monkeys are onto something, but the style has been done better. Also, I wouldn't hesitate to give this a 9 if only "Perhaps Vampires Is A Bit Strong But..." wasn't horrendous. Top 3 (no particular order): "When the Sun Goes Down" "Mardy Bum" "A Certain Romance"… Expand
  78. 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.
  79. MartyM
    Mar 16, 2006
    9
    I have no idea why I love this CD. There is nothing new about the music nor are the lyrics in any way profound. But the thing is just compulsively listenable (not to mention dance-in-your- underwearable). Every track just reeks of good times.
  80. RH
    Mar 17, 2006
    3
    Boring, overhyped rubbish. Better than most of the mainstream pack, however.
  81. SamX
    Mar 31, 2006
    1
    Everyone at school was ranting about the Arctic Monkeys and this album. So, I ventured out and bought 'Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not'. Frankly, I was disgusted. What do people pass off as music these days? They bring nothing new to the genre, which is being soured by these bands which fill our heads with mind-numbing '70s style wallpaper lyrics... Everyone at school was ranting about the Arctic Monkeys and this album. So, I ventured out and bought 'Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not'. Frankly, I was disgusted. What do people pass off as music these days? They bring nothing new to the genre, which is being soured by these bands which fill our heads with mind-numbing '70s style wallpaper lyrics... They've been hyped unto Heaven, which raised my expectations, how wrong I was. Even the name of the album is shallow and a cliche. And 'Ann', I personally listen to The Rolling Stones and Pink Floyd. Listening to this album now, I recommend that you let music stand the test of time. If people are still listening to the Arctic Monkeys in 10, or even 5 years time, I'll eat my hat.… Expand
  82. FrasierCrane
    Mar 31, 2006
    2
    Music is an objective thing. One sound that I love may be the worst sound for another. Having said that, I warn you that I almost knew that I would not like this album. I am definately a member of Generation Y; I show a great interest in music that predates myself. In fact I hold the opinion that most music post 1990 is not good. Saying all that obviously stipulates that I am not going to Music is an objective thing. One sound that I love may be the worst sound for another. Having said that, I warn you that I almost knew that I would not like this album. I am definately a member of Generation Y; I show a great interest in music that predates myself. In fact I hold the opinion that most music post 1990 is not good. Saying all that obviously stipulates that I am not going to be the most objective reviewer of this album. Scrap that, I am going to be one of the least. I feel that this album represents all that is wrong with modern music and the scene in general. The bands that exist today do not have the same originality that the best of the old classics did. The difference between each Arctic Monkey song is minimal compared to the difference between, for example, Time and Money on the Dark Side of the Moon. And this is the main problem; the album "Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not" does not have enough difference between songs. There are differences, I do not deny that, but the variety is rather lacklustre to say the least. This is not just the Arctic Monkeys; the entire "Indie" scene, (I use the term to describe alternative rock), is rather too samey, too overtly similar to be as recognisably great as the Hard Rock/ Heavy Metal scene of the 1980s, or the Grunge scene of the 1990s. The album had too many songs which, while being enjoyable enough, were too samey, and therefore the album could never be, in my opinion, one that will be remembered in ten years time. This is another problem; the hype of the album was obviously too much to live up to. Were Led Zeppelin hyped before they released an album? Not really. Did they suffer because of it? 300 million albums says no. What the music scene needs now is something that gets released unknown but turns into a best seller, because it's good, not because of the hype. I believe that while hype doesn't make music sound better or worse, it can be counter productive; people will be disappointed with the product when they discover it is not original or different. "Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not" is a classic example of what is wrong with the modern music scene; mediocrity is rewarded, talent is supressed. Where's the next Led Zeppelin or the Who, where are the next innovators? I cannot see any anywhere. I just see a sea of the same old, recycled music, first spouted by Oasis and Travis, and nothing else.… Expand
  83. joeb
    Apr 13, 2006
    7
    catchy and cheeky with lyrics a lot of us can relate to. let me down with their belligerent and their typically "rock behaviour when they kicked their award around at a ceremony as thogh it meant nothing. guys, u have to be rock and roll before you act it. dont show yourself up!!
  84. EzraM
    Apr 17, 2006
    8
    I guess you can see the jackasses here... In any case, it's a great drinking album, well made, with good spirit. Not great, but you remember the Royal Tenenbaums...
  85. Louise
    Apr 18, 2006
    2
    I really wanted to like this. I am worried about the kids and where they are taking music This is terrible. I listen to bands like the Clash, Bad Brains and even stuff like Guided by Voices and worry when this is the best of today's music cos all those bands just peel this
  86. sajoo
    Apr 19, 2006
    10
    How people rate this cd badly is beyond me. Most of the songs the Arctic Monkeys play are really excellent. Sure, a few stand out, but they're all passable. Being someone who takes pride in listening to good music, I'd have to say this is something very different from the other crap thats out there. It sounds like a fresh-punk sound. After a few listens, it contiues to grow on How people rate this cd badly is beyond me. Most of the songs the Arctic Monkeys play are really excellent. Sure, a few stand out, but they're all passable. Being someone who takes pride in listening to good music, I'd have to say this is something very different from the other crap thats out there. It sounds like a fresh-punk sound. After a few listens, it contiues to grow on you with a heavy rocking sound and catchy tunes, lyrics and music. This is something for a more mature and sophisticated fan of good music.… Expand
  87. StephenS
    Apr 21, 2006
    8
    Well played catchy tunes. Nothing deep, but loads of fun. Would have fit nicely at one of my spring-time college keg parties. Cue this CD up for infectious good times!
  88. ChubbyD
    Apr 21, 2006
    9
    As an old man who remembers the Buzzcocks and Undertones fondly, this was a wonderful blast of smoky air.
  89. DustinPrude.
    Apr 26, 2006
    2
    Its a bad experimental Strokes album.
  90. DeanR
    May 11, 2006
    10
    For a debut album, this is second to none. It combines enigmatic lyrics with classic guitar riffs and great changes in pace, tone and musical amalgamation. Quality album.
  91. kk
    May 19, 2006
    10
    fucking brilliant. it puts any album to come out of america in the last 6 years to shame (bar jack whites efforts or Is This It). people want to put them down so muh as they dont want to beleive the hype but this album surpases expectations.
  92. Monkeyman
    May 19, 2006
    10
    The best British debut album since The Stone Roses. Absolutely essential.
  93. HackTheplanet
    May 22, 2006
    0
    Highly overrated.
  94. Ethan
    Jul 29, 2006
    9
    This cd is awesome nothig more.
  95. Rev.Rikard
    Aug 13, 2006
    9
    This is just great kickin rock and roll. The album reminds me of Grand Funk Railroad (at GFRs best). The driving bass and rythm section accompaned by guitar work that is intense. This album will not allow you to relax. It has the power to shake us out of complacency and awaken the ear to a sound long missed.
  96. BenB
    Sep 18, 2006
    7
    This is an honest try at something new that has a couple amazing songs (Mardy Bum, When The Sun Goes Down, that Dancefloor track)...it just becomes a little repetitive, more annoying, then just sucks. They aren't Oasis (better in fact)and have a completely different view than the Gallaghers (Oasis=depressed girls in Omaha, Arctic Monkeys=Liverpool club hoppers)
  97. KidA
    Mar 19, 2007
    0
    Who listens to this rubbish? There is nothing special here. No originality. No talent. This is why I don't pay attention to hype (excluding Arcade Fire). These monkeys are really bad. If you like pop and dance you will love this.
  98. AaronL
    Mar 23, 2007
    1
    I only give them one, because they are from my hometown os sheffield. This is an uninspired mess of an album. The lead singer cant even sing for gods sake! I dont know where this hype gets generated. I gave this album a huge chance but it is just not worth the money.
  99. Pukki-PukkiWoosabi
    Mar 23, 2007
    2
    I have to wonder about the type of people who rate this so highly. You are fully entitled to your (incorrect) opinion, but this is a terrible album. From start to finish it is devoid of beauty.
  100. DudeGuy
    Apr 23, 2007
    8
    Amazing stuff Buy and enjoy and no they're not Franz Ferdinand (they suck!) they're much better screw hype! can't wait for the new album
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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.
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  2. Dot Music
    90
    Such is the depth and quality of Turner's songwriting, it plays like a best of.
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  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.
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