The 10 Best Arctic Monkeys Songs For New Fans

Aiden Dobens ’17 / Emertainment Monthly Staff Writer

The Arctic Monkeys have been releasing album after album of some of the best British rock of the 2000’s. Yet, their most recent album AM, released in September of 2013, finally has mainstream attention. After being rock icons for so long in England, the Arctic Monkeys have actually been living in Los Angeles for the past few years, and even recorded AM in studios in California.
Such singles as “R U Mine”, “Why’d You Only Call Me When You’re High”, and the ubiquitous “Do I Wanna Know” are now well loved by millions of American fans. But, there are four albums of pure magic that many may not be familiar with.
For those who aren’t familiar with those albums, I’ve compiled a starting list that will help you acclimate yourself with the Arctic Monkeys. Without further ado, I present the 10 best Arctic Monkeys songs that aren’t on AM, or as I like to call it, the best of the rest.
Songs are ordered chronologically, starting with the oldest.

1. “Mardy Bum” – Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not (2006)

This hit off their debut album is just lovely. The guitar riff is intoxicating, and lead singer Alex Turner is brilliant, with his nonchalant/effortless/ I-don’t-really-care-but-I’m-still-amazing vocals keep you enthralled for the entirety of the song. Turner slowly taking his time saying “argumentative” will be ringing in your ears days after you’ve listened.

2. “Riot Van” – Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not (2006)

This is not classic Arctic Monkeys. “Riot Van” is a slow moving masterpiece that simply needs to be listened to to be understood. This song shows the range of their ability, in addition to leaving you pondering life afterwards.

3. “A Certain Romance” – Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not (2006)

Considered by many fans as the best Arctic Monkeys song of all time, “A Certain Romance” is breathtaking. Starting off with a raucous fervor, it settles into a soothing guitar riff that immediately hooks you. Then the bass guitar comes in which, no matter how high you put the volume, you feel like you never get to hear enough of. Enter Alex Turner’s storytelling time and you’ve got all the elements for a good song. But, about 4 minutes in, we get an explosive catharsis which the entire songs seems to have built towards. This is a work of art in 5 minutes and 31 seconds. Enjoy.

4. “Teddy Picker” – Favourite Worst Nightmare (2007)

This songs throws you right in the deep end from the first second, the energy it emits is palpable. The guitar riff is one of their most famous, and the ending to the song is stellar. This song may be short, but it packs a hell of a punch.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z3phULqA9Qc

5. “505” – Favourite Worst Nightmare (2007)

A truly beautiful song. From the start, “505” has an ominous sound that almost foreshadows its explosive ending. This song is a journey, and the number 505 ends up meaning something sentimental for every person who listens.

6. “Fluorescent Adolescent” – Favourite Worst Nightmare (2007)

Another one of the instantly recognizable guitar riffs by the Arctic Monkeys, this song exposes another facet of Alex Turner’s vocal ability. The way he weaves phrases quickly together in parts of this song is almost rap-esque: “flippin’-through-a-little-book-of-sex-tips” takes a few listens to understand what he’s saying, but there’s something beautiful how he strings words together that shouldn’t be said at such a pace: “Was it a Mecca Dauber or a betting pencil?” and then decides to take his sweet time with others.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s7but85TbV0

7. “Crying Lighting” – Humbug (2009)

The first verse of this song is deceiving. It opens up fairly simple, with Turner’s vocals more subdued than normal and a catchy enough guitar riff. Yet, the bridge enters, the drums begin to build, the tempo speeds up, and we’re thrown into an infectious energy with an inexplicable desire to scream “The next time I caught my own reflection it was on its way to meet you!”.

8. Cornerstone” – Humbug (2009)

“Cornerstone” is a deeply engaging song that allows you to connect to the speaker in ways other songs don’t. Turner’s repetition of the phrase “I asked her if I could call her your name” intrigues the listener, and his tone is alarmingly sincere. We just want those girls to let him call them a different name. The emotional resolution to the song comes quickly and mysteriously. This song is beautiful, compelling, and, in the context of this band, very unique.

9. “Don’t Sit Down ‘Cause I’ve Moved Your Chair” – Suck It and See (2011)

Easily the most famous song of their 4th album, this is a little more punk-esque. The heavy guitar and banging drums are more jarring than normal, but the “oohs” and “yeah yeah yeahs” of the chorus nicely offset that.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x3cJI2guApk

10. “Black Treacle” – Suck It and See (2011)

This song has a basic guitar riff and is easy to follow. Some psychedelic lyric references, in accordance with the album theme, overall a high quality song with lingering vocals.