What does AM sound like?

A sultry blend of heavy riffs and hypnotic grooves that encapsulates late-night desire and introspection. Rooted in alternative rock and indie rock. Start with "Do I Wanna Know?".

Is AM a good place to start with Arctic Monkeys?

Yes, AM is recommended as a starting point for new Arctic Monkeys listeners. A sultry blend of heavy riffs and hypnotic grooves that encapsulates late-night desire and introspection. AM marked Arctic Monkeys' fifth studio album, following the commercial success of Suck It and See in 2011. By this point, they had evolved from their early garage rock roots into a more polished sound, embracing elements of hip-hop and R&B. The album solidified their status as one of the leading bands in the UK music scene.

AM works well if you're into steady mid-tempo groove exploration, moody vibes for evening relaxation and catchy sing-alongs with friends.

How many songs are on AM?

AM has 14 tracks, running approximately 47 minutes.

AM

Arctic Monkeys · 2013

47 min · 14 tracks · alternative rock

A sultry blend of heavy riffs and hypnotic grooves that encapsulates late-night desire and introspection.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Do I Wanna Know? Start here — This track features a distinctive guitar riff that establishes a mood of longing and uncertainty, making it an anthem for modern romance.
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R U Mine? — The track's driving beat and sharp lyrics embody the band's exploration of desire and vulnerability, delivering a punchy yet reflective commentary on relationships.
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I Wanna Be Yours — A reinterpretation of John Cooper Clarke's poem, this song stands out with its romantic urgency and minimalist arrangement, showcasing the band's lyrical prowess.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

66 /100

Alpine

Higher than 89% of albums we've rated

AM blends heavy riffs with hip-hop influences, creating a distinctive sound that resonates with late-night themes.

What we noticed

The first four tracks feature heavy guitar riffs and a consistent mid-tempo groove, establishing a sultry atmosphere.
Tracks like 'No. 1 Party Anthem' and 'Why'd You Only Call Me When You're High?' incorporate hip-hop-inspired rhythms and vocal delivery.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady mid-tempo groove exploration
moody vibes for evening relaxation
catchy sing-alongs with friends
swaggering energy for social gatherings

Maybe skip if you

prefer fast-paced, instant gratification
favor experimental, sprawling compositions

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — AM solidified Arctic Monkeys' reputation with commercial success and critical acclaim.
Themes: late-night longing· modern romance· hypnotic grooves
Moods: Chill· Nostalgic
Career context: AM marked Arctic Monkeys' fifth studio album, following the commercial success of Suck It and See in 2011. By this point, they had evolved from their early garage rock roots into a more polished sound, embracing elements of hip-hop and R&B. The album solidified their status as one of the leading bands in the UK music scene.
Stylistic neighbors: The Strokes· Franz Ferdinand· Tame Impala