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. RachelL.
    Jun 23, 2007
    9
    This album is amazing Alex Turner's unique voice and clever lyrics combined with catchy hooks and melodies make for a fantastic album.
  2. ScottM
    Jul 16, 2007
    10
    Did any of the people who gave this a bad review even listen to the freakin CD....I'm American and nothing from the US comes close to the music coming out of England...these kids are great...keep it up so I don't have to listen to the rap/pop/hip-hop crap from the US.
  3. MikeW.
    Sep 19, 2007
    10
    I bet that string of zero scores all come from the same looser putting in different names. Anyway, if you are into rock music this album is essential. There isn't a bad track on it. Its a powerhouse of energetic beats and infectious lyrics. This will be remembered as one of the great albums of the decade. Don't listen to the haters, make your own mind up. Oh, and Favourite Worst I bet that string of zero scores all come from the same looser putting in different names. Anyway, if you are into rock music this album is essential. There isn't a bad track on it. Its a powerhouse of energetic beats and infectious lyrics. This will be remembered as one of the great albums of the decade. Don't listen to the haters, make your own mind up. Oh, and Favourite Worst Nightmare is even better!… Expand
  4. EricL
    Dec 17, 2006
    1
    We get it. You go to a club. Every song is absolute filth. The music is not only lackluster but sloppy, the lyrics uninspired. And this is what the Brits think is the 5th best Brit album of all time. Pathetic.
  5. MusiclyMade
    Aug 9, 2012
    10
    All I can say is, "Where did it all go wrong?" Arctic Monkeys burst on to the scene here with some of the ballsiest, catchiest, most energetic rock music to come out of Britain's housing estates. This is the type of album you can attach memories to; the type of album that encourages repeated listening, and the type of album Arctic Monkeys haven't created in some time.
  6. muzziklover
    Jun 4, 2011
    10
    An album full of infectious and compelling pop songs. Brilliant hooks and riffs, sophisticated drumming, clever lyrics and amazing composition. A complete and utter indie classic.
  7. Rosco
    Mar 22, 2011
    9
    This is one of the greatest albums of modern times! The fact that this is the fastest selling debut album in British history tells you everything. Alex Turner is just a genius with his lyrics. For a debut album the quality of each is song is outstanding. The standout singles from the album are When The Sun Goes Down, a real anthem and catchy as hell, I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor,This is one of the greatest albums of modern times! The fact that this is the fastest selling debut album in British history tells you everything. Alex Turner is just a genius with his lyrics. For a debut album the quality of each is song is outstanding. The standout singles from the album are When The Sun Goes Down, a real anthem and catchy as hell, I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor, features some terrific riffs and Matt Helders on the drums owns this track. The View From The Afternoon is another great track, Fake Tales of San Francisco is an under rated track. From the Ritz To Rubble is a nice alternative on the album and the incredible Dancing Shoes is short and sweet. A more softer sound is showing in the awesome Mardy Bum and particularly A Certain Romance. Still remains one of the greatest debut albums ever.… Expand
  8. Watermelon789
    Aug 23, 2011
    9
    I most say the Monkeys are a hard version of The Strokes far ahead stronger musical scores and a superior lyric. If you're into the inde/alternative genre or simply love The Strokes ( or anything related to them) try to see if they fit you. Because really, I think you will like them.
  9. alexwrands
    May 31, 2011
    9
    What a fantastic album. Arctic Monkeys have a real talent. They combine great indie rock with far from subtle, yet genius lyrics by front man Alex Turner. Tunes such as "When the Sun Goes Down" and "I Bet That You Look Good on the Dance Floor" are my favourite, but I think the majority of the tracks on this album are very well worked to make a great album
  10. smilso20
    Sep 5, 2011
    10
    Uno dei più bei album di sempre, sound fresco ed originale.
    Ogni canzone potrebbe essere un singolo.
    C'è poco da dire questo è un album che tutti gli amanti del rock devono possedere.
  11. peterdoherty
    Sep 15, 2011
    10
    Just wonderful. Alex turners ability as a wordsmith is truly magnificent with his dissection of youth turning simple daily experiences into exhilarating tales . Well Done Mr turner.
  12. Pep_D
    Dec 10, 2011
    9
    Very nice, upbeat album with many catchy song. "Riot Van" provides a breather in all of the loud songs. One of the rare moments when the band is as good as the hype. Except for the song "Perhaps Vampires is a Bit Strong But.." That's a bad song.
  13. Ricko
    Nov 23, 2017
    9
    One of the great British rock records of the 00's and an amazing debut album considering how young the band were when this came out. The Arctic Monkeys came along out of relatively nowhere with their own unique style and blew the competition of the time out of the water (does anyone even remember the likes of Maximo Park/The Futureheads). The opening and closing tracks are epic. SandwichedOne of the great British rock records of the 00's and an amazing debut album considering how young the band were when this came out. The Arctic Monkeys came along out of relatively nowhere with their own unique style and blew the competition of the time out of the water (does anyone even remember the likes of Maximo Park/The Futureheads). The opening and closing tracks are epic. Sandwiched in between is the tale of a night out in Sheffield told through some of the catchiest melodies and cleverest lyrics to come out of that city since Pulp. This was so good that at the time it came out I wondered were they the real deal or in fact a cleverly manufactured record company trick. Far from it and Alex Turner and co have gone on to prove their greatness multiple times since. It still sounds great a decade on and I have no doubt this will still be regarded as a classic for decades to come.… Expand
  14. AgileBeast
    Apr 6, 2012
    10
    One of my favourite albums ever. I would love to go back in time and listen to this album for the first time once more, it has lots of great songs; in conclusion... one of the best records of the last 10 years.
  15. axelkoch
    Aug 7, 2012
    9
    This debut album from the British Indie Rock band is really good, like it's seldomly seen for debut albums. Rough garage rock with this specially voice (meant in a good way!) from Alex Turner. 'Riot Van' tells a interesting story with smooth guitar sounds in the back. 'Mardy Bum' gives us one great chorus and a really great guitar solo like you don't see it anywhere nowadays. The firstThis debut album from the British Indie Rock band is really good, like it's seldomly seen for debut albums. Rough garage rock with this specially voice (meant in a good way!) from Alex Turner. 'Riot Van' tells a interesting story with smooth guitar sounds in the back. 'Mardy Bum' gives us one great chorus and a really great guitar solo like you don't see it anywhere nowadays. The first three songs are cool start for the disc; the last three songs are a cool ending for it. Between this are also good songs - some better, some less.… Expand
  16. jotaeseche
    Jan 3, 2015
    9
    This debut album must have been a great surprise and achievement back in 2006: a young band with a new yet known rocky sound, very powerful and fearless, with a bunch of great songs and a rebel spirit. And it may turn into a modern classic also. Though their slower songs are not as good, this a great and enjoyable work of art that will certainly be positioned in several Best Of... lists inThis debut album must have been a great surprise and achievement back in 2006: a young band with a new yet known rocky sound, very powerful and fearless, with a bunch of great songs and a rebel spirit. And it may turn into a modern classic also. Though their slower songs are not as good, this a great and enjoyable work of art that will certainly be positioned in several Best Of... lists in the near future.… Expand
  17. rjmacready
    Nov 28, 2020
    7
    Eh.

    I'm not quite sure what all the fuss was about, but I've listened to this album about once a year for the past however many years that I've owned it and...yeah, it's alright. Decent, even. Though I honestly prefer The Wombats, who sound awfully similar, so...no, I'm not really sure why this album stood out so spectacularly to others, in a world frankly brimming with a lot of    Eh.

    I'm not quite sure what all the fuss was about, but I've listened to this album about once a year for the past however many years that I've owned it and...yeah, it's alright. Decent, even. Though I honestly prefer The Wombats, who sound awfully similar, so...no, I'm not really sure why this album stood out so spectacularly to others, in a world frankly brimming with a lot of similar-sounding bands.

    Oh, and people who don't like unapologetically British accents really need not apply.    … Expand
  18. Charlyrockstar
    Apr 30, 2014
    10
    the first album of arctic monkeys, is the best album since parachutes of coldplay & hopes & fears of keane, in this new era, remian like one of the best brithis albums of the new era, great album, an instant classic
  19. usherd369
    Feb 26, 2014
    8
    Absolute, sheer rock-and-roll fun from start to finish, but Turner was right in stating 'don't believe the hype' as this album is only the aforementioned definition. They're not here to save the world; they're here to have a good time, and that's okay.
  20. MusicPro
    Jan 2, 2015
    8
    A fun, cool rock album by Arctic Monkeys. At this time they were very young.

    I think it's a fun album. I've liked it.

    FAV TRACKS:

    - The view From the Afternoon
    - I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor
    - Riot Van
  21. sonic4president
    Nov 11, 2014
    10
    Favourite album to be honest. Arctic monkeys started off great and although they're music is a little different today, they still know how to make good tunes that'll stick with you.
  22. chris_g95
    Nov 17, 2014
    9
    A brilliant debut album which shows that there is still hope for good old British Rock 'n' Roll.
    Best Tracks : Fake Tales of San Francisco, When the Sun Goes Down, A Certain Romance
    Worst Track : Perhaps Vampire is a Bit Strong But...
  23. Nivek
    Dec 10, 2016
    10
    The Arctic Monkeys debut album is not only my favorite album from them but it is also my favorite album ever. AM deliver with their most energetic rock album where there isn't one bad song. The guitars on this album are loud and prominent and Alex Turner delivers both fast paced rocking songs and soft songs that are beautiful and some that have a mix of both. Songs, like I Bet You LookThe Arctic Monkeys debut album is not only my favorite album from them but it is also my favorite album ever. AM deliver with their most energetic rock album where there isn't one bad song. The guitars on this album are loud and prominent and Alex Turner delivers both fast paced rocking songs and soft songs that are beautiful and some that have a mix of both. Songs, like I Bet You Look Good On the Dancefloor and Fake Tales of San Fransico, are some of the most energetic and the best songs. However my favorite song on the album is When The Sun Goes Down which starts off soft and then goes hard and then ends soft and is just fantastically beautiful.

    There isn't much to say about this album as every song is great and none are bad which is why it gets a 10/10 from me.
    Fantastic Songs: When The Sun Goes Down
    Great Songs: Literally all of them    … Expand
  24. BiscuitBuff
    Dec 23, 2017
    10
    This album is absolutely flawless, each track is fun, fast, and catchy. Besides Riot Van, which is a more slowed cut but still a good one. Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not is a classic album, probably Arctic Monkey's best album, you have the very grand "A Certain Romance" and then the very fast-paced chaotic "The View From The Afternoon". This album details the things youThis album is absolutely flawless, each track is fun, fast, and catchy. Besides Riot Van, which is a more slowed cut but still a good one. Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not is a classic album, probably Arctic Monkey's best album, you have the very grand "A Certain Romance" and then the very fast-paced chaotic "The View From The Afternoon". This album details the things you notice in the lifestyle of nightlife, and does it in such a comedic way. I would totally recommend this album to anyone who loves the Alternative Rock… Expand
  25. Mayfieldja
    Sep 12, 2017
    10
    It’s gritty in its presentation but you will always find yourself bobbing your head while listening to the distortion and unique vocals of Alex Turner. The album has surprisingly strong songwriting and only seems to get better with every listen. At it’s core, it is fun, exciting, and the perfect anthem for partying youth. It also is the fastest selling debut album in the UK ever so, thatIt’s gritty in its presentation but you will always find yourself bobbing your head while listening to the distortion and unique vocals of Alex Turner. The album has surprisingly strong songwriting and only seems to get better with every listen. At it’s core, it is fun, exciting, and the perfect anthem for partying youth. It also is the fastest selling debut album in the UK ever so, that means something right?
    Favorite Tracks: “Dancing Shoes”; “Riot Van”; “From the Ritz To The Rubble”    … Expand
  26. borntoultra
    Dec 21, 2018
    10
    Nunca decepcionam né queridos, foi o primeiro trabalho oficial deles e já entregaram essa obra-prima do indie rock. Mesmo depois de 12 anos nunca fica ruim.
  27. emilyc
    Sep 1, 2019
    10
    amazes me how they managed to be so good at such a young age a fantastic debut
  28. relicofficial
    Apr 18, 2020
    10
    One of Arctic Monkeys’ best albums. The amount of nostalgia I have for this album...
  29. Lhorkaven
    Jul 11, 2020
    10
    Rare rock albums in 21st century that's actually good. Hell, it's amazing. Alex Turner's lyrics are genius and the musical style is so unique. Those users who gave it negative rating in 2006 need to be smacked in the face and ears. Look how good they have become.
  30. callaway_thiago
    Feb 8, 2021
    0
    It is really a fantastic album. I can't even believe it was their first one. Some tracks, such as "Mardy Bum" and "I Bet You Look Good On The Dance Floor" are on my all time favourites. I hope that someday I'll be able to listen to it on vinyl.
  31. RETDAV4
    May 21, 2021
    9
    In my opinion, a great debut, i pretty much like all the songs in the album and i do think they are where they should, when they should.
  32. Aboodash56
    Aug 14, 2021
    9
    Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not is not only a great introduction to the Arctic Monkeys, it's without a doubt one of the greatest debut albums ever. Featuring post-punk revival, indie rock and punk rock as the main musical styles of the album, the band do a terrific job in keeping the listener hooked from start to finish while tackling the subjects of the London nightlife,Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not is not only a great introduction to the Arctic Monkeys, it's without a doubt one of the greatest debut albums ever. Featuring post-punk revival, indie rock and punk rock as the main musical styles of the album, the band do a terrific job in keeping the listener hooked from start to finish while tackling the subjects of the London nightlife, such as clubbing, drinking and romance. The incredible guitar riffs, the brilliant bass line and Alex Turner's introspective songwriting manage to get the listener into the album's mood. Every single song feels like a banger, from the fast-paced single I Bet You Look Good on The Dance Floor to the slower ballad Riot Van. While there are a couple of weak tracks, none of the detract from the experience and this album still remains a classic debut album. This album needs to be listened to more than once and I highly recommend it to any music lover.… Expand
  33. dante2404
    Aug 20, 2022
    10
    not even AM is this good. this one being a debut album is impeccable. the guitar goes harddddd
  34. blue-intended
    Feb 13, 2023
    10
    Easily one of my favourite records. I think it really manages to capture youth in a way that is unqiue and interesting. The songs are all amazingly written and executed. Absolute classic :)
  35. j444cks
    Mar 2, 2023
    8
    Packed with great songs! Perhaps one of the best debuts ever. Fake Tales of San Francisco is a highlight
  36. ING45
    Apr 16, 2023
    9
    Outstanding debut album from one of the best bands of the century with blood pumping tracks that are the embodiment of punk rock chaos.
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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.
    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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