Do you still feel younger than you thought you would by now?

Being the Artic Monkeys, it isn’t easy to release a new album. Expectations are skyhigh as the previous albums have been labeled as masterpieces. Nonetheless should a band be able to evolve and their music with them. That’s what being an artist is all about.

A little while ago, Alex Turner claimed that suck it and see would be more accessible dan Humbug (their previous musical child) which was darker and heavier than the firtst two albums. He didn’t lie. A lot of the songs on the record are very light, easy to listen to and a bit mellow.
They joined forces again with Josh Homme who helped them with the recording and did some backing vocals.

1. She's Thunderstorms

2. Black Treacle
3. Brick By Brick
4. The Hellcat Spangled Shalalala
5. Don't Sit Down 'Cause I've Moved Your Chair
6. Library Pictures
7. All My Own Stunts
8. Reckless Serenade
9. Piledriver Waltz
10. Love Is A Laserquest
11. Suck It And See
12. That's Where You're Wrong

The first track is called “She’s thunderstorms”. It’s a bit slow and dreamy, I like the concept of comparing someone’s personality with the weather. The solo on the end is a bit strange but very listenable. A good song if you ask me.
“Black Treacle” which actually means syrup is the next song. It’s a calm, happy but melancholich song about a girl and a cloudy, dark sky. 

If you can’t hear hommes influence on “Brick by Brick” you might as well cut your ears off. I really like the structure, the solo’s and the general atmosphere. One of the best songs on the record.

 “The hellcat Spangled Shalala” is again, a joyful song but you can’t argue with happy tunes. It’s easy to listen to and the guitar is very enjoyable although it hasn’t the wow effect the monkeys usually have on me.

I appreciate the way Turner sings on “Don’t sit down ‘cause I’ve moved your chair”. It’s a heavy song with a strong riff and a great flow too. Again you can hear the input from homme very well. Turner came up with the idea when he said “don’t sit down because I have moved you chair” to someone which isn’t rather special. I think this song will work very well when played live.

At last, some fast irregular beats ! “ Library Pictures” consists of what I like most about the monkeys: explosivity, good lyrics, speed and great guitar work.  Although the song fits in the frame of what the concept of the album should be, it reminds me a bit of their previous glory. Well done.

“All My Own Stunts” could have been a Queens Of The Stone Age song. Especially the riff. It’s a good song and a bit hypnotising sometimes, It took a few listens before I could appreciate it.

“Reckless Serenade” is a cool title and the guitar part is allright. It’s rather short but that’s for the best. I personally believe that it’s a bit calm and lacks a bit of kick. But I will forgive them.

I was familiar with “Piledriver Waltz” because it is also a track on “Submarine”. A brilliant 6 song Ep Alex Turner wrote for a movie. You should all check it out. . The number itself is very good. It has great lyrics and an emotional, sad atmosphere. What else do you need ?

 As we are nearing the end of the album, we reach a less interesting part “love is a Laserquest” and “Suck it and see” are a bit unnecessary. The songs don’t stand out and they lack a bit of identity. But it is cool to have a song which carries the name of the album. That’s for sure.

Thank god they finish whith a decent song. “That’s where you’re wrong” is very catchy, well sung and played. It automatically  reminds you of the people you love. A key ingredient all successful lovesongs must have.

If the Arctic Monkeys aimed at creating a more accesible album. They defenitly succeeded. It’s a decent record with some ups and downs but we should be gratefull for the fact that there are bands like the Arctic Monkeys who keep the spirit of great rock and roll alive and kicking.