What does Suck It and See sound like?

A melodic blend of jangly guitar riffs and introspective lyrics that captures a matured sound for the band. Rooted in alternative rock and indie rock. Start with "She’s Thunderstorms".

Is Suck It and See a good place to start with Arctic Monkeys?

Yes, Suck It and See is recommended as a starting point for new Arctic Monkeys listeners. A melodic blend of jangly guitar riffs and introspective lyrics that captures a matured sound for the band. Released in June 2011, Suck It and See is Arctic Monkeys' fourth studio album, following the commercially successful Humbug. At this point in their career, the band was transitioning from their early garage rock sound towards more nuanced songwriting and production, reflecting their evolution as artists after experimenting with different musical styles.

Who is Suck It and See for?

Suck It and See works well if you're into steady mid-tempo reflective moments, youthful angst and romance vibes and for casual afternoon hangs.

How many songs are on Suck It and See?

Suck It and See has 12 tracks, running approximately 40 minutes.

Suck It and See

Arctic Monkeys · 2011

40 min · 12 tracks · alternative rock

A melodic blend of jangly guitar riffs and introspective lyrics that captures a matured sound for the band.

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Top tracks — play these first

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She’s Thunderstorms Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Don’t Sit Down ’Cause I’ve Moved Your Chair — This track stands out with its infectious rhythm and clever wordplay, showcasing the band's ability to fuse wit with catchy melodies. The song's driving beat and playful lyrics reflect a confident yet mischievous tone.
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Piledriver Waltz — With its haunting melody and reflective lyrics, this song encapsulates the album's emotional depth while maintaining an air of nonchalance. The contrast between the somber themes and the upbeat instrumentation highlights the band's lyrical sophistication.
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Love Is a Laserquest — This track features poignant storytelling wrapped in a nostalgic soundscape, making it a quintessential example of the album's lyrical focus on relationships. Its introspective nature invites listeners into a contemplative space that resonates deeply.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

59 /100

Treeline

Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album blends catchy melodies with introspective lyrics, showcasing a shift in sound while maintaining strong songwriting.

What we noticed

The first half of the album features upbeat tracks with driving rhythms, while the second half shifts to more reflective and slower tempos.
Each song typically follows a verse-chorus structure, with lyrics that explore themes of love and self-reflection.
Several tracks incorporate jangly guitar riffs that create a bright, melodic sound, contrasting with the introspective lyrics.

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

Influence 4/10

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady mid-tempo reflective moments
youthful angst and romance vibes
for casual afternoon hangs
engaging narratives across tracks

Maybe skip if you

prefer instant gratification tracks
seek experimental or unpredictable sounds

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Deep Cut — Solid entry in their catalog, but not a standout for new listeners or critical acclaim.
Themes: British nightlife· playful cynicism
Moods: Introspective· Nostalgic
Career context: Released in June 2011, Suck It and See is Arctic Monkeys' fourth studio album, following the commercially successful Humbug. At this point in their career, the band was transitioning from their early garage rock sound towards more nuanced songwriting and production, reflecting their evolution as artists after experimenting with different musical styles.
Stylistic neighbors: The Strokes· Franz Ferdinand· Tame Impala