Crying Lightning
Arctic Monkeys · 2009
8 min · 2 tracks · alternative rock
A blend of haunting melodies and sharp lyrical wit, layered over gritty guitar riffs and pulsating rhythms.
Top tracks — play these first
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Crying Lightning — The title track serves as a prime example of the band's evolved sound, featuring intricate lyrics that paint vivid, cinematic imagery while maintaining an infectious energy.
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Red Right Hand — This cover adds a dark, brooding aspect to the album, paying homage to Nick Cave's original while showcasing the Arctic Monkeys' ability to reinterpret classic songs with their unique style.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The single showcases strong writing and production, marking a notable evolution in the band's sound.
What we noticed
- The title track features a dynamic shift in intensity, starting with a slow build that culminates in a powerful chorus.
- Lyrically, the verses employ vivid imagery and storytelling, contrasting with the more abstract themes of the B-side.
- The guitar riffs are layered with effects, creating a gritty texture that complements the haunting melodies.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- 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
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.
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — Established wider recognition following earlier commercial success.
- Themes
- gritty nightlife· cinematic storytelling· post-punk disillusionment
- Career context
- Released as the lead single from their third album, 'Humbug', Arctic Monkeys were navigating a shift in sound after their earlier work. Following the commercial success of 'Favourite Worst Nightmare', this period marked a move towards darker, more complex themes under the production of Josh Homme.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Strokes· Franz Ferdinand· Tame Impala
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Crying Lightning 3:42
- 2 Red Right Hand 4:19
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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