Humbug - Under Appreciated Album of the Week

Arctic Monkeys are now 7 Studio Albums deep into their illustrious career, with each release from the Sheffield boys seeming to be a sharp contrast to the last. Their latest experimental adventure, 'Tranquility Base Hotel + Casino' released last May, and harshly divided their fanbase, with a space themed piano-based Concept Album being too much of a change for some, compared to 'AM' (2014), which had Rock and Roll mixed with sex, drugs, sleepless nights and romance. But their 2009 release, 'Humbug' was met with the exact same reaction to 'TBH+C', and although it's praised as a whole amongst hardcore AM fans, it is easily their most overlooked masterpiece.

Arctic Monkeys - 'Humbug' (2009).

Humbug was released in August of 2009, and it showed that the band had really chosen to move forward in a new direction for their third album. Their first two records 'Whatever People Say I Am That's What I'm Not' (2006) and 'Favourite Worst Nightmare' (2007) were mainly driven by insanely catchy guitar riffs, mesmerising lyrics and elements of the 'Britpop' sound, that hadn't really been heard in 10 years. 'FWN' did feature some slower brilliant songs, but the album overall was fast paced. But Humbug featured slower riffs, a deeper voiced Alex Turner (Frontman), complicated drum patterns, and nonsensical lyrics that actually seemed to work. 'We really ought to think it through, would you like me to build you a Go-Kart?' (Lyrics from 'Potion Approaching, Track 5). Fans and Critics were at first confused, wondering where the Rock had gone, replaced with this 'Full Moon Music' as Alex later called it, but overtime it's proved to be a work of art.

AM Frontman Alex Turner with a new look on the Humbug Tour in 2009.

Humbug was produced by 'Queen's of the Stone Age' lead singer Joshua Homme, who fans think is responsible for guiding Alex through new musical avenues. I agree with that, as Homme changed the style of QOTSA numerous times, and seemed to act as a mentor of sorts to Turner, so he's responsible for that strangely brilliant 'Full Moon' Rock and Roll that we hear. The album features many Arctic Monkey's hits, like 'Crying Lightning' and 'Cornerstone' which are just magnificent songs. Even if you just listen to these two, you can tell how different they are, with 'Crying Lightning's' pounding drums and addictive riff very different to 'Cornerstone's' slow driven, story telling hypnosis. Yet side by side, they still work very well together.

Alex Turner (left) and Josh Homme (right) during the recording of 'Humbug' in 2009.'

Humbug is not my personal favourite Monkey's album, with their debut being unbeatable in my opinion, but it's Humbug that takes second place. But this isn't to it's detriment, as ranking every AM album is extremely difficult for any fan, as each one oozes with quality and brilliance, so I rank Humbug very high here. The album has it's hits, but I feel if you look past them, you'll be able to see why I praise this so much. The overall sound of every song here is very similar, but in theme and meaning they all differ, making the album like a book, it's different all the way but it all just looks the same from the outside. It's inside where the magic is. Key tracks for me here are 'Potion Approaching', a simple riff with wild lyrics and a bridge/breakdown that no other song ever could compete with, it's perfect. 'Dance Little Liar' is a slow piece that builds towards the explosion of a super fast riff that finishes the song. And 'My Propeller', which is probably a secret meaning for Alex's penis, but we'll look past that and just say it's a banger. Bad word choice there.

Arctic Monkeys 'Humbug' Photo Shoot in 2009.

But my favourite song on the album, is actually my favourite Arctic Monkeys song, ever. 'Pretty Visiors', is their finest piece of work in their catalogue in my opinion. It's unlike any of their other songs, with drummer Matt Helders pounding away with the greatest drum riff, yes riff, you'll ever hear, behind a piercing guitar, supersonic pace, and fantastic lyrics. It's such an amazing song, and live, it's so much better. Click Here to watch a video of them performing 'Pretty Visitors' in September 2018, as it's the best live version out there in my opinion. 'What came first, the chicken or the d*ckhead? Split sleep reaps through rewards and ill fitting thoughts. A twilight force, she doesn't walk. Your legs starts running and your head gets caught'. Also, below is a video for the Music Video for 'Cornerstone'. I won't even explain it, just experience it.

So overall, 'Humbug' is just fantastic and really should be appreciated in it's entirety. I find it funny how this was met with a lot of negativity upon release, the same treatment 'Tranquility Base Hotel + Casino' was/is currently getting. But hopefully the hate for their latest release will pass, and it'll be realised that it's also amazing. I can't praise Arctic Monkeys enough, 'Humbug' is brilliant. Thank you for reading.