Have you heard of Arctic Monkeys? Of course, you have, if not where have you b
een?
The Arctic Monkeys were formed in 2002 and their debut album, ‘Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not,’ became a global sensation spawning anthemic tunes like “I Bet You Look Good On the Dance Floor”, “Mardy Bum, and “When The Sun Goes Down”. Since their debut and with seven albums now spanning 21 years of work, RRC wanted to talk about one of their most iconic yet overlooked albums, ‘Suck It And See’.
The fourth record from the Arctic Monkeys catalogue, ‘Suck It and See’ was released in 2011 with the album marking the beginning of a new era for the four-piece rock outfit, which saw the band return to witty lyrics and infectious guitar riffs after a much darker look at relationships in their previous album ‘Humbug’.
When writing ‘Suck It and See’, the Arctic Monkeys were inspired by artists from the LA sound school such as Neil Young, The Doors, and The Beach Boys. Alex Turner, the band’s lead vocalist and songwriter, has said he was “getting into some of the songwriters of that time and realizing the importance of great lyrics.” This transitional style can be heard throughout the album and really acts as a precursor to the hugely influential release ‘AM’.
One thing here at RRC that we have always loved about the Arctic Monkeys is their ability to blend different genres of music into their rock sound, you can hear bits of punk, indie, and even some psychedelic rock in their songs.
Their fourth album’s title references an old British saying, “Suck It and See,” meaning to try something before you judge it which the band took to heart, exploring new sounds, and musical styles on this record, while experimenting with different instruments and incorporating more harmonies than in previous albums.
‘Suck it and See’ is an album that is both intimate and epic. The opening track, “She's Thunderstorms,” sets the tone for the rest of the record. The song begins with a soft, gentle guitar riff before the drums come in and the tempo picks up.
Another standout track on the album is "Don't Sit Down 'Cause I've Moved Your Chair." This song has a groovy bassline that will get you moving. It also has some of my favourite lyrics on the album and is a fun and playful track that showcases Arctic Monkeys' creativity.
One of the best songs on ‘Suck It and See’ is “Piledriver Waltz,” a song that Turner wrote for the soundtrack of the film ‘Submarine.’ The song is stripped back, with just Turner’s voice and an acoustic guitar. The lyrics are poetic and introspective, painting a picture of a couple dancing in the rain.
“The Hellcat Spangled Shalalala,” is a song about a girl who is hard to read. A catchy chorus and upbeat tempo make it one of the album’s most memorable tracks, and being another perfect example of the band’s ability to mix quirky lyrics with infectious melodies.
And unlike some Arctic Monkeys albums, ‘Suck It and See’ finishes off with a bang. "That's Where You're Wrong" is a high-energy track that leaves you wanting more. It's the perfect way to end an album full of surprises and twists.
Overall, ‘Suck It and See’ shows the Arctic Monkeys embracing new sounds and styles. It’s an album that celebrates experimentation and is a testament to the band’s creative genius. With its mix of catchy hooks, thoughtful lyrics, and diverse musical influences. The band took a big leap forward with this record, proving they are capable of creating something truly special.
‘Suck it and See’ is a musical masterpiece that showcases the Arctic Monkeys’ growth as artists. The album is full of experimentation and risk-taking, yet it still manages to maintain the band’s signature sound. It’s a record that as music fans we have appreciated for its depth and complexity. If you haven’t listened to ‘Suck it and See’ yet, we hope you enjoy it - you might just love it as much as we do.
Take care,
Stu
RRC
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