Arctic Monkeys - A Track By Track Guide To 'Suck It And See'

When the Arctic Monkeys went back to the desert following their critically acclaimed but generally muted ‘Humbug’ record, the feeling was that Turner and co would continue down the path set them by Josh Homme. Sheffield and fighting with chavs were a thing of the past and now it’s all beards, long hair and brooding ballads.

The Monkeys’ first two albums made them mainstream heroes and it felt like ‘Humbug’ was the kick back, the message that all the adoration wasn’t particularly welcome anyway. Despite the atmospheric album sales, the band wanted credibility. All of this has led to their fourth record and a crossroads. Do they go back to their roots or do they continue down the broody path?

This is Gigwise's track by track guide to which way they have turned and where they have ended up with ‘Suck It and See’:

‘She’s Thunderstorms’

The Monkeys welcome us back with a classic opener. Immediately noticeable is Alex’s admission that traditional song structures play a key role. It’s all chorus and verse, break-down and finale. Heavily led by bass, it has shuddering drums but subtle vocals – more of an anthem than a tub thumper.

‘Black Treacle’

‘Black Treacle’ is as textbook Monkeys as they come. The second track always seems to be the pop-rock number (see ‘I bet you look Good...’, ‘Teddy Picker’, ‘Crying Lightning’). The guitar wailing in the verse punctuates a perfectly timed number. Turner’s lyrics stand out for the first as he croons “Now I’m out of place and I’m not getting any wiser / I feel like the sun dance kid behind a synthesiser.”

‘Brick by Brick’

You’ve all probably heard it and yes it does what it says on the tin. It’s a straight up rock belter, with the added bonus of showcasing Matt Helder’s vocals.

‘The Hellcat Spangled Shalalala’

The best pop song on the album, ‘Hellcat’ is a wonderful bass-led anthem. Chiming guitars and a truly climatic finale ensure it’ll be a live favourite and you can ink it in as the next single too. Euphoric.

‘Don’t Sit Down ‘Cause I’ve Moved Your Chair’

A song which excels on the strength of the lyrics - it could be a poem really if it wasn’t for the crushing guitars. Just remember the moral of the story is you can go into business with a grizzly bear but for god sakes don’t fall on your arse. I bet Alex Turner is laughing at that now infact.

‘Library Pictures’

This is a 2 minute hellraiser that breaks from the traditional song structures, starting and ending in a blur of fast paced chords with a laid back chorus wedged in between. “Give me an eeny / meany, miney, mo / And an Ip, Dip, Dogshit Rock and Roll” is easily the most amusing line on the album.

‘All My Own Stunts’

This is not as instantaneous as most of the album, lurking rather than lunging if you will. Cowboy films and John Homme’s backing vocals form the focus – but it rather brushes over you without note. It’s only after five or six listens that you begin to notice the entrancing guitar effects. A hidden gem if you dig deep enough.

‘Reckless Serenade’

This sounds like the Arctic Monkeys of old - chewing gum verses and real punctuation in the instruments. It would sit easily on the first two albums but sounds like most like Cornerstone.

‘Piledriver Waltz’

Where to start? A deep, powerful ballad with offbeat lyrics like “If you’re gonna walk on water, make sure you wear your comfortable shoes”. The guitars are truly anthemic and showcase the band’s knack for writing a slow song which makes the hairs on your neck stand up. Truly a stand out.

‘Love is a Laserquest’

Perhaps a deliberately slow burner, but it’s the one track which doesn’t really captivate. The breakdown is the highlight with slow, echoing chords drifting across a backdrop of background noise. Aside from that it brushes over you again - perhaps to prepare you for the tremendous finale of...

‘Suck It and See’

Any song which compares girls to Dandelion and Burdock and Post-Mix Lemonade is a winner in my eyes. The offbeat lyrics are again a highlight, but this is a true anthem for the live set. The guitars are epic and the chorus is gentle but reverberates deep in you. Gloriously poetic for a title track.

‘That’s Where Your Wrong’

Remember ‘A Certain Romance’ and how it rounded off their debut so beautifully? This is part two in everything but name. It’s got soaring choruses, emotion and a stunning finish that leaves you with a smile on your face. Simple and traditional but utterly stunning.

And in that, the key to the success of ‘Suck it and See’ lies. Tradition. Yes they have used the tried and tested formulas but very few bands can reproduce those structures into such perfect pop songs. This is 100 times more accessible than Humbug and yet retains credibility by being razor sharp lyrically and musically. It will bring the masses back yes, but it will also satisfy those fans who fell in love with Humbug. ‘Suck It and See’ is 2011’s great pop album.