English indie rock band Arctic Monkeys climb to new heights with AM, their fifth studio album, named by Rolling Stone as the ninth-best album of last year. With the release of AM, the Arctic Monkeys became the first independent-label band to debut at No1 in Britain with each of their first five albums, according to the Official Charts Company.
Alex Turner (vocals and guitar) said the album "sounds less like four lads playing in a room this time". The band moved past its previous rough and raw sounds into more careful and professional rhythms, while maintaining their distinctive late-night club groove.
Five of the 12 songs were released as singles, including Do I Wanna Know?, R U Mine? and One for the Road. The band also registered two top 20 singles, with Do I Wanna Know? peaking at No11 on the British singles chart. However, the band couldn't replicate the success of their No1 single from 2005, I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor.
The driving, distorted guitar riffs - punctuated by piercing vocals - are unique. The album is haunting and strangely addictive, as Turner's sly, powerful lyrics explore, with a smirk, emotional and social issues.