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Fourteen years ago, this month, Arctic Monkeys released their second studio album, Favorite worst nightmare.
The record hit the shelves on the 23rd of April 2007 and was a massive hit upon its release.
The alternative rock band’s first album, Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not, was also very successful and a tour of America soon followed afterward. However, original bass guitarist, Andy Nicholson, left the group shortly before the tour in June 2006 and was replaced with Nick O’Malley.
I Bet That You Look Good On The dancefloor, Dancing Shoes, and When The Sun Goes Down, all gave Arctic Monkeys their first taste of universal success. But their second effort built on this and proved to many that they could change their sound.
The group’s line-up for Favorite worst nightmare consisted of Alex Turner (lead vocals and guitar), Jamie Cook (guitar and keyboard), Matt Helders (drums), and the before mentioned Nick O’Malley on bass guitar.
Like their debut effort, favorite worst nightmare received very positive reviews upon release. The record was a bit more adventurous than the Sheffield groups’ debut album. The songs were a lot faster and much louder, with more meaningful lyrics, courtesy of Alex Turner. Matt Helders’ drumming received praise. His technique helped bring this masterpiece together.
The three singles from the album were also very successful. Brianstorm, Fluorescent Adolescent, and Teddy Picker, all received a positive reception in the UK and in America.
My personal favorite from this record, is 505, the album’s closing track. The organ at the beginning of the song replicates a sound from the soundtrack of the 1966 classic western, the good the bad, and the ugly. ‘505’ is a reference to a room in a hotel where Turner’s girlfriend is supposedly staying.
Other tracks on the album like This House Is A Circus, Only Ones Who Know, and D is for Dangerous, all also hit different with their manic pacings and witty lyrics.
The album was recorded at several recording studios in London and Liverpool and was produced by James Ford and Mike Crossey, under the Domino label.
Favorite Worst Nightmare went onto sell over 200,000 copies after a week. Meaning it climbed to the number 1 album spot in the UK. The record went onto win a BRIT award for the British album of the year.
Arctic Monkeys followed Favorite Worst Nightmare up with Humbug, which they released two years later, in the summer of 2009.
Review By Joe Strong