No Nightmares here - Dreams Are Made Of This (Favourite Worst Nightmare - Arctic Monkeys)

Member Name: NikkiH

Product:	Favourite Worst Nightmare - Arctic Monkeys
Date:	13/01/08 (74 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Brilliant tracks, lyrically amazing

Disadvantages: 1 weak link

The Arctic Monkeys exploded onto the UK music scene in 2006 with the fastest selling debut album in history, and they seemed to have The Midas Touch, so this 2nd album was either the proof of their talent or it would prove the doubters right that they had a lucky break but did not have staying power.

For me, the single that they chose as the first release from this album was all important as it had to be something that would meet the standards set by the first album, which although a huge success is most likely a weight around their necks. They chose "Brianstorm", which if the stories are to be believed is about a guy they met on tour, whose style and attitude was so individual it inspired pen being put to paper. The intro is fast paced and heavy on the guitars, very much the signature sound of the band, and once Alex Turner's sarcastic vocals kick in the song really takes off.

It is followed by the Duran Duran sampling "Teddypicker", and here the band just show how much disdain they have for the macho preening men who are the complete opposite of them, and I have to wonder how someone just entering their 20's can have such an observant viewpoint on the world. "D Is For Dangerous" pushes the album along, and it seems like a filler track just making you salivate waiting and wondering what will come next, and what you get is the swaggering peformance of "Balaclava", but nothing really new. Is this a bad thing? Why mess with a tried and tested formula? I would agree to a limit, and as long as they mix it up for part of their albums, then they can include the familar trademark songs without fear of negativity.

"Flourescent Adolescent" is a song about loss and what was, which for the band is quite deep and unexpected, but quite heartwarming. It is my standout track on the album, and I love the story of the woman past her sexual prime recalling the days when she used to be more desirable. It would be so easy for the band to take their usual cutting approach, but they deal with the subject of the song as if they care about her.

"Only Ones Who Know" has a western/country feel to the opening few bars, and then you realise this is a ballad. No high speed music, witty one liners....the boys are doing a ballad, and it just meanders along. It is nice, an interlude to catch your breath maybe, but I am sure they could do better, like they did with "Riot Van" on their debut. They do just that with "Do Me A Favour" which picks up the pace slightly, as does "This House Is A Circus", which even cranks it up a notch, and gives a chorus which will be swimming round in your head for days to come.

Trademark frantic guitar riffs open "If You Were There Beware", so much so you can imagine them being the soundtrack to a scary movie. I loved this song. This is the guys at the very top of their game, where they are mature and effortless but produce such brilliance as this. "The Bad Thing" showcases Turner's clever, confident and sharp narrative at it's finest. You don't even have to be watching him to imagine his swagger whilst performing this attitude fuelled song. "Old Yellow Bricks" strongly brings the album towards it's close. It is a good solid track which lines up the finale "505" brilliantly. It is a matter of fact song, but this is what the band do so well. It has a dream like quality. They make cool look so easy.

So, what did this album prove? For me, it proved that they are supremely talented and the growth in this 2nd album was good to hear. They are no longer fight seeking, drink fuelled teenagers, but authentic musicians whose art is their only focus. My expectations were high, and the band met, in fact exceeded them with their witty storytelling, and great musicality. Not a lot changed, but it didn't really need to. It has more depth than their debut, and in the long run will probably stand the test of time.

Summary: Outstanding follow up