Cornerstone
Arctic Monkeys · 2009
6 min · 2 tracks · alternative rock
A reflective blend of melodic hooks and wistful lyrics, infused with the band's characteristic garage rock energy.
Top tracks — play these first
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Cornerstone — The title track's narrative revolves around longing and memory, using vivid imagery to convey feelings of loss and desire for connection. Its poignant storytelling marks a mature turn in the band's songwriting.
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Catapult — This track captures a sense of urgency and raw energy that reflects the band's roots while also showcasing their evolving sound through its intricate guitar work and dynamic rhythm.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The single showcases strong songwriting but lacks the depth of the band's later work.
What we noticed
- The lead track features a steady mid-tempo beat with layered guitar melodies that create a reflective atmosphere.
- The lyrics are delivered in a conversational style, with a narrative structure that unfolds over the course of the song.
- The second track, 'Catapult', shifts to a more upbeat tempo and introduces a different rhythmic feel, contrasting with the first track.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. 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.
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Deep Cut — A notable single that showcases lyrical depth but isn't a primary entry point.
- Themes
- nostalgic longing· vivid memories· post-punk evolution
- Career context
- Released on November 16, 2009, Cornerstone is the lead single from Arctic Monkeys' third studio album, Humbug. At this point in their career, the band was transitioning from their early garage rock sound to a more polished and experimental style influenced by producer Josh Homme. This period marked a significant evolution after their breakthrough debut, Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Strokes· Franz Ferdinand· Tame Impala
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Cornerstone 3:21
- 2 Catapult 3:29
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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