Arctic Monkeys – Suck It and See (2011) Album Review
Released in 2011, Suck It and See is the fourth studio album by Arctic Monkeys, marking a stylistic shift toward a brighter, more melodic, and accessible sound. After the dark and heavy atmosphere of Humbug, the band embraced jangly guitars, classic rock influences, and more romantic, straightforward songwriting. The result is a diverse album that balances catchy hooks with lyrical charm and maturity.
Album Tracklist
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"She’s Thunderstorms" – 3:52
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"Black Treacle" – 3:35
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"Brick by Brick" – 3:43
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"The Hellcat Spangled Shalalala" – 3:00
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"Don’t Sit Down ’Cause I’ve Moved Your Chair" – 3:04
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"Library Pictures" – 2:22
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"All My Own Stunts" – 3:53
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"Reckless Serenade" – 2:42
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"Piledriver Waltz" – 3:25
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"Love Is a Laserquest" – 3:33
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"Suck It and See" – 3:45
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"That’s Where You’re Wrong" – 4:16
Album Credits
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Artist: Arctic Monkeys
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Release Year: 2011
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Label: Domino Recording Company
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Producer: James Ford
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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
Suck It and See showcases a more refined and melodic Arctic Monkeys. The album leans into classic rock and indie pop influences, with cleaner guitar tones and a warmer overall sound. Alex Turner’s lyrics shift toward romance and introspection, filled with clever wordplay and vivid imagery. Tracks like "Black Treacle" and "Reckless Serenade" highlight the album’s breezy charm, while "Don’t Sit Down ’Cause I’ve Moved Your Chair" retains some of the grit from Humbug. The closing track, "That’s Where You’re Wrong," delivers an uplifting and expansive finish, emphasizing the band’s growth and versatility.
Most Popular Tracks
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"Don’t Sit Down ’Cause I’ve Moved Your Chair" – One of the album’s most recognizable singles.
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"Black Treacle" – Catchy and melodic, a fan favorite.
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"Love Is a Laserquest" – Emotional and introspective.
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"Reckless Serenade" – Light, summery, and lyrically rich.
Grossing
The album debuted at #1 on the UK Albums Chart and achieved strong international sales. It was certified platinum in the UK, continuing the band’s streak of commercial success.
Awards
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NME Awards: Nominated in multiple categories
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Q Awards: Recognized among notable releases of the year
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Praised for its songwriting and stylistic shift
Fun Facts
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The album title caused controversy in the US due to its slang meaning, leading to censored promotional materials.
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Alex Turner focused heavily on lyricism, drawing inspiration from poetry and classic songwriting.
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The band aimed for a more “summer” feel compared to their darker previous album.
Trivia
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"Piledriver Waltz" originally appeared on Alex Turner’s Submarine soundtrack before being reworked for this album.
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The album cover features a simple white background with bold black text.
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The band explored more traditional song structures and melodies.
Did You Know?
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Suck It and See is often considered the band’s most accessible and melodic album.
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The album bridges the gap between the darker Humbug era and the more stylized sound of AM (2013).
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Many fans appreciate it more over time, calling it an underrated entry in their discography.
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