#346 of 500
· Rolling Stone
“Past 300, every pick is an argument worth having. AM is Arctic Monkeys's statement piece (2013) — locked in from the first groove. The Domino pressing does justice to a record that defined its corner of rock.”
Arctic Monkeys formed in Sheffield, England in 2002 and emerged as one of the defining bands of the 2000s indie rock movement. Their debut album 'Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not' (2006) became the fastest-selling debut in UK history and established them with sharp lyrics, angular guitars, and energetic performances. Subsequent albums like 'Favourite Worst Nightmare' (2007) and 'Humbug' (2009) showcased their ability to evolve, incorporating darker tones and experimental production. The band continued their artistic trajectory with 'AM' (2013), which achieved mainstream success by blending rock with hip-hop influences, followed by 'Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino' (2018), a more introspective, lounge-influenced album that demonstrated their willingness to challenge expectations.
Style
Arctic Monkeys are characterized by indie rock with elements of post-punk revival, featuring rapid-fire lyrics, intricate guitar work, and dynamic production that has evolved from raw garage rock to more sophisticated arrangements across their discography.
Significance
As one of the most critically acclaimed bands of their generation, Arctic Monkeys' vinyl releases are highly sought after by collectors, particularly their early albums which capture the energy of the 2000s indie rock revival and represent key albums in modern vinyl collecting culture.
AM, Arctic Monkeys' fifth studio album, was recorded primarily at Electric Lady Studios in New York and Cage Studios in Los Angeles during 2012-2013. Working with producer Rick Rubin, the band embraced a more hip-hop influenced sonic palette, moving away from the guitar-driven sound of previous records. Alex Turner drew inspiration from West Coast rap, particularly Kendrick Lamar and Tyler, The Creator, weaving samples and beats throughout the album. The creative process was deliberately exploratory—Rubin encouraged the band to experiment with loops, funk basslines, and layered production. Key collaborators included James Ford, who had worked with the band before, alongside Rubin's minimalist production approach. The result was darker, more atmospheric, and surprisingly dance-oriented compared to their earlier work.
Historical Context
AM was released in September 2013 during a period of significant shift in rock music, as indie and alternative bands increasingly incorporated electronic and hip-hop elements. The album arrived as mainstream listeners were discovering artists like The Black Keys and Jack White's experiments with modern production. Critics were divided—some praised the reinvention and bold sonic choices, while others felt it departed too far from the band's guitar-pop roots. Commercially, AM was hugely successful, debuting at number one in the UK and performing strongly worldwide. It became one of the best-selling albums of 2013 and helped establish Arctic Monkeys as innovators willing to evolve rather than repeat their earlier formula.
Pressing Notes
The initial UK and US vinyl releases came on 180-gram black vinyl via Domino Recording Company, standard for major releases of that era. Various colored vinyl variants were released in different markets—silver, red, and limited edition pressings in select territories. The album's dense production and layered arrangements translate reasonably well to vinyl, though some mastering variations exist between pressing runs. Collectors should seek early 2013 pressings from Domino for optimal sound quality. The album saw multiple reissues and anniversary editions; quality can vary significantly depending on pressing plant and year, so checking discography details is recommended for serious collectors seeking superior pressings.
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