Arctic Monkeys: Suck It & See

The overlooked one, Suck It & See is the album sandwiched in between 'Humbug' and 'AM' two of the most important albums the band ever made. 'Humbug' saw them step foot into the desert with Josh Homme and create an alternative desert rock masterpiece and 'AM' was the record that made them into bona fide Rockstars. The fourth effort 'Suck It & See' is a bit poppier and also a laugh. Turner is very very funny on this record. If the bands albums are acts  ‘Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino’, finds the frontman as a sleazy, washed up fiend sat at the back of the bar by the piano. ‘AM’ saw him embrace his leather-clad rock-god persona 'Whatever People Say I Am That's What I'm Not' sees the band embrace a concept of nights out and younger days. 'Suck It & See' is Turner being transparent and writing indie pop love anthems. 

Side One opens with ‘She’s Thunderstorms’ it’s not a stereotypical opening track, it doesn’t hit you in the face, the drums are a little more subdued and the lyrics do the talking. With intricate guitar work interwoven between the lyrics, it certainly makes for an interesting listen. ‘Black Treacle’ follows on and this track reminds me of a film soundtrack, from a western. Alex Turner himself has said he was inspired by these types of films when he was writing this track. Suck it And See is where we hear some of the best lyrics from the band, and Black Treacle has some brilliant lines within the verses and choruses. ‘Brick By Brick’ is the third track on Side One and many have called it the worst Arctic Monkeys song. I’ll admit it’s a weak track on this album, however the band themselves have kind of admitted that’s the point. It was written for a laugh and when you listen with that knowledge it’s actually quite catchy and makes for a change of pace. ‘The Hellcat Spangled Shalalala’ is the 4th track on Side One and may be my favourite track on the album, it’s another lyrical masterpiece, and has more of a psychedelic feel than the rest of the album, it also highlights each of the band and there role. They all work together brilliantly on this track to create a masterpiece. One of the bands most underrated and under appreciated tunes. ‘Don’t Sit Down Cause I’ve Moved Your Chair’ follows on another humorous song with witty lyrics but it’s heavy rock sound was a catalyst for the band, and the song became the albums first single. It’s a true stomper and a live favourite. Ending Side One is ‘Library Pictures’ a chaotic explosion of guitar and drums, unlike many Arctic Monkeys songs the words take a backseat on this track and the music does the talking. It’s a truly chaotic song.

Side Two opens with ‘All My Own Stunts’ a track featuring Josh Homme on backing vocals. Another lyrical masterpiece, with another cowboy reference. They are quite popular on this record. A brilliant album track. ‘Reckless Serenade’ is the next track on Side Two and it contains some of the best lyrics Alex has ever written. ‘Called up to listen to the voice of reason
And got his answering machine’
It’s a truly brilliant song. Where once again the lyrical ability of Alex is aloud to shine through. A true masterpiece. ‘Piledriver Waltz’ originally from the Submarine EP is given a full band make over and it’s a beautiful love song. With a twist it hints at a destructive relationship, between two people. The love song theme continues with ‘Love is A Laserquest’ a song that hints at another relationship, where immaturity leads to a break up. Alex has said he was listening to a lot of country music when writing this track. Although it doesn’t sound like a country song, lyrically I can hear a country influence. ‘Suck It and See’ is the penultimate track another lyrical masterclass, sonically it reminds me a lot of The Beach Boys in terms of melody and instrumentation, however lyrically it’s very British with references to Dandelion and Burdock and the Rain. I really wish the band would play this song more it’s a true classic. Ending the album is the stomper ‘That’s Where You’re Wrong’ this track had the potential to be a live staple forever. However the band didn’t quite make it work. It’s a blend of the all the bands work up until that point. It has the ferocious nature of the first two albums, and the lyrics of Humbug all packaged up in a brilliant pop song. This was the Arctic Monkeys brilliant best. A band who didn’t care what people thought. A band who were just about to take over the world. 

Thank you for reading x