ARTIST: Arctic Monkeys
TITLE: Favourite Worst Nightmare
YEAR RELEASED: 2007
CHART ACTION: #7 US, #1 UK
SINGLES: Brainstorm (#114 US, #2 UK), Fluorescent Adolescent (#5 UK), Teddy Picker (#20 UK)
OTHER SONGS YOU MAY KNOW: Probably not, unless you bought it
LINEUP: Alex Turner, Matt Heiders, Jamie Cook, Nick O’Malley
WHAT’S IT ALL ABOUT: Faster and louder than their debut. It wears you out a bit but still is pretty decent.
SOME WORDS, PHRASES AND CLAUSES ABOUT THIS RECORD: You’re always worried about the second album by a new band, especially if the first one had critics gushing. The Arctic Monkeys avoided the sophomore slump, by seemingly going faster and more frenetic, but still containing hooks that absorb all of the energy.
The lead single, “Brainstorm”, sets the scene, but “D Is for Dangerous”, which contains the title in its rambling lyrics, is really their call to action. Unabashed accents, clattering guitars, and a subtle yet infectious hook gives this record the pulse that pumps it throughout. The rhythm section of O’Malley and Heiders is the backbone, allowing the songs to rush over their foundations. Without them, it wouldn’t work as well.
So much of this energy may wear out the listener, because of the energy the band exudes. Still, a worthy follow-up that solidified their credentials as on the best UK bands of the 2000’s
NOTES & MINUTIAE: This was named one of the “50 Best Second Albums of All Time” by Gigwise magazine.
IS THERE A DELUXE VERSION: Yes. Japanese bonus tracks.
GRADE: A-: If you need a rush of energy, this is one for you.