Arctic Monkeys - Humbug (2009)
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Arctic Monkeys – Humbug (2009) Album Review
Released in 2009, Humbug is the third studio album by Arctic Monkeys, marking a dramatic shift in their sound and artistic direction. Moving away from the fast-paced indie rock of their earlier work, the band embraced darker tones, heavier riffs, and a more psychedelic desert-rock influence. With production contributions from Josh Homme of Queens of the Stone Age, Humbug stands as one of the band’s most atmospheric and experimental records.
Album Tracklist
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"My Propeller" – 3:28
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"Crying Lightning" – 3:43
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"Dangerous Animals" – 3:30
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"Secret Door" – 3:44
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"Potion Approaching" – 3:32
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"Fire and the Thud" – 3:57
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"Cornerstone" – 3:17
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"Dance Little Liar" – 4:43
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"Pretty Visitors" – 3:40
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"The Jeweller’s Hands" – 5:42
Album Credits
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Artist: Arctic Monkeys
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Release Year: 2009
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Label: Domino Recording Company
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Producer: James Ford, Josh Homme
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Band Members:
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Alex Turner – vocals, guitar
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Jamie Cook – guitar
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Nick O’Malley – bass
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Matt Helders – drums
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Mini Review
Humbug is a bold reinvention. The album trades youthful urgency for brooding atmosphere, drawing heavily from desert rock and psychedelic influences. Slower tempos, heavier grooves, and layered production dominate the sound. Alex Turner’s lyrics become more cryptic and surreal, moving away from straightforward storytelling into abstract imagery. Tracks like "Crying Lightning" and "Pretty Visitors" showcase the band’s darker edge, while "Cornerstone" offers a rare moment of emotional clarity. The closing track, "The Jeweller’s Hands," is one of their most ambitious compositions, highlighting the band’s growing maturity and willingness to experiment.
Most Popular Tracks
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"Crying Lightning" – Lead single with a dark, hypnotic groove.
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"Cornerstone" – A melodic and emotionally resonant standout.
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"Pretty Visitors" – Chaotic and energetic with a gothic feel.
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"My Propeller" – Slow-burning and atmospheric opener.
Grossing
Humbug debuted at #1 on the UK Albums Chart and performed strongly internationally. Although slightly less commercially explosive than its predecessors, it still achieved platinum status in the UK and reinforced the band’s global presence.
Awards
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Mercury Prize (2009): Nominated
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NME Awards: Multiple nominations
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Widely praised for artistic progression and risk-taking
Fun Facts
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Parts of the album were recorded in the Mojave Desert, influencing its sound and atmosphere.
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Josh Homme’s involvement brought a heavier, more desert-rock-inspired style.
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The band intentionally slowed down tempos to explore a darker mood.
Trivia
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"Cornerstone" is one of the few Arctic Monkeys songs with a straightforward narrative on this album.
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The album marked a significant stylistic departure that initially divided fans.
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Many critics later re-evaluated Humbug as one of the band’s most important works.
Did You Know?
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Humbug laid the groundwork for the band’s later stylistic experimentation.
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The album introduced a more mysterious and mature lyrical approach from Alex Turner.
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Over time, it has gained a strong cult following and is often considered underrated within their discography.
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