Rating Arctic Monkeys albums from favorite to least favorite

Active since 2002, the Arctic Monkeys have released a total of seven studio albums. Photo collage by Trinity Chau.

By Trinity Chau

Arctic Monkeys are a British rock band formed in 2002 and have been active off and on since then. They are considered one of the most popular western bands today, being nominated for Grammys and winning the Brit Awards numerous times for British Album and Group of the Year. 

Being active for almost more than 20 years, the Arctic Monkeys have dabbled in a variety of genres, making each album unique. In the United States, they are mostly known for their album “AM,” which features hit songs like “Do I Wanna Know?” and “I Wanna Be Yours.” Since then, the band has gone on to release two more albums. 

To many, the Arctic Monkeys’ discography can seem overwhelming and hard to navigate, so here is my ranking of the band’s albums to help guide you. 

  1. “Suck It and See”

“Suck It and See” was released in 2011, and remains to be my favorite album. With songs like “Reckless Serenade” and “She’s Thunderstorms,” this album is more calm and can be considered a casual listen. 

This album can be described as poppy and vintage, which truly makes fans feel like they’re traveling back in time, away from a world of chaos. 

  1. “AM”

“AM” is one of Arctic Monkeys’ more mainstream albums and made them more well known worldwide. 

With fan favorite songs like “No. 1 Party Anthem” and “Arabella,” this album is the epitome of rock music. Out of all the albums, I think that “AM” really features their true sound. Loud and free, these songs will make you fall in love with the band.

  1. “Favorite Worst Nightmare”

“Favorite Worst Nightmare” is home to one of Arctic Monkeys’ most played songs: “505.” For many fans, this song is their favorite of the group’s and often overlooks other songs that are in this album.

I think that this album has many other notable songs like “Only Ones Who Know” and “If You Were There, Beware.” This album features a variety of sounds, and is a must listen for new fans. 

  1. “Humbug”

“Humbug” was released in 2009, this album could be described as sentimental and vintage. Many of the songs feel familiar and truly grasp any listener’s feelings. 

With songs like “Cornerstone” and “Secret Door,” this album has the perfect mix of rock and slower style songs. 

  1. “Tranquility Base Hotel and Casino”

Arctic Monkeys released this album in 2018 and it was their first album following “AM.” This album consists of genres like space pop, glam rock, psychedelic punk and elements of funk.

This album has songs like “Four Out Of Five” and “One Point Perspective.” This album makes you feel like you’re being transported to the 1960s.

  1. “The Car”

“The Car” is Arctic Monkeys’ most recent album, which was released this year. This album uses a wide variety of genres which include orchestral rock, lounge pop, baroque pop and funk. 

On the first listen, many can see that this album is similar to their last album, “Tranquility Base Hotel and Casino,” which features lounge pop and elements of jazz. Compared to “Tranquility Base Hotel and Casino,” this album is more calming.

  1. “Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not”

This album is the first studio album that Arctic Monkeys have released. This album contains rock and is louder compared to any of their other albums. 

Overall, the Arctic Monkeys are a diverse band, who can succeed in almost any genre they come across. All of these albums are great in their own way and each deserves a listen. 

You can listen to these albums on Spotify, Youtube, Apple Music, Deezer or Pandora.