What to do if your first record becomes the fastest-selling album in UK chart history? If you're the Arctic Monkeys, you don't sweat it ??? you just swagger back with a follow-up, Favourite Worst Nightmare, that pulls the same old tricks with a few new twists. But even as "Balaclava" and "Do Me A Favour" bandy along with that familiar mix of provincial Everyman lingo, spat rap cadence, and scuzzy guitars, Favourite Worst Nightmare is shot through with the prevailing feeling this is the sound of consolidation, not retread. So, what's new? Well, there's evidence of a heavier edge here ??? lead-off single "Brianstorm" veritably tears along, all galloping drums, strafing guitar lines and blistering bons mots: "Can't take my eyes off yer T-shirt and tie combination," spits Alex Turner, "Well see ya later, innovator". Like the White Stripes, though, Arctic Monkeys invest their cranked garage with splashes of melodic invention ??? see how "If You Were There" veers between jerky riffs and Hall Of Mirrors weirdness. And it doesn't let up from beginning 'til end ??? or at least 'til the closing "505", a departure lounge lament that's downbeat and tired, like conquering the world finally took its toll. --Louis Pattison

The acne ridden 'rockers' return for yet more monotonous bile. Is it me, or do ALL their songs sound the same? 'Brianstorm' is possibly the most uninspiring piece of music I've heard to date. They should try something new if they are to get any respect from me. Why not try orchestras or real singalong anthems, while still keeping the 'rock' tag. If these guys seriously want to become the new Oasis, then they will have to put some imagination and emotion into their songs, rather than this... well I was going to say music, but I just can't call it that.

However, saying that, this isn't exactly their 'Morning Glory', is it?

I'll admit, I don't really listen to the radio that often so I hadn't heard the singles off this album when it first came out, but my bro had this album & I liked what I heard so I decided to get it for myself. I've liked the whole of the album & there wasn't really a low point, but my fav tracks were Brianstorm, Teddy Picker, Fluorescent Adolescent & 505 was also good.

If there was only one problem I had with the album it was that coming in at 37.5 mins long it does a feel a bit short, but hey it's still 3 mins longer than Razorlight by.... Razorlight & it sure sounds better so as I said in the title, it's short but definately sweet.

The Arctic Monkey's second album is good, but it doesn't quite reach the dizzy heights of their debut. This isn't for lack of good songs - in my opinion, it's because the album doesn't provide as much variance, or as many hooks. Whereas with the first listen to Whatever People Say I Am... leads 70% of the songs on the album instantly sinking into your memory, a first listen to Favourite Worst Nightmare leads to great impressions of only a handful of tracks.

For me, those few tracks were: Flourescent Adolescent - possibly the best song they've ever released, it contains an immensely catchy melody, a great riff, and a soaring chorus; this will be a part of the live set for a long time. Teddy Picker, another single, has a great chorus in a different way - banging away with an incessent rhythm. And 505, the closer, is a wonderful low-tempo effort, more haunting than anything else Arctic Monkeys have produced.

The rest of the tracks certainly grow with every listen, and the album of a whole is really good. Indeed, the only reason this review has the slightest hint of criticism is because my favourite tracks from their initial release were Mardy Bum, A Certain Romance and When The Sun Goes Down, whereas the majority of the tracks here seem more influenced by ... Dancefloor.

Overall, this album is well worth picking up

Sheffield's internet phenomenon Arctic Monkeys return with a second album to prove that their first was no fluke and they do just that. With working-class seated lyrics and some raucous yet intricate guitar riffs and powerful but technically gifted drumming, they have produced a worthy follow-up to their very good debut. The pick of the tracks are 'Brianstorm', 'Teddy Picker' and 'Fluorescent Adolescent', but the whole of the album is rather good.

Often winning a BRIT award for 'Best Album' doesn't say a great deal about the album in question, given the calibre of the previous winners, but in 2007, the BRITs managed to give the title to a worthy piece of work for a change. Genuinely exciting and also quite funny - a listen to Favourite Worst Nightmare really does get the adrenaline rushing and the listener smiling frequently, often at the same time - so if you enjoyed their first album or are a fan of smart, well-written indie such as Franz Ferdinand or Kaiser Chiefs, you may just find this album a good investment.

One of the biggest Indie Rock bands return with a powerful energized sequel, that doesn't fail to please. Listeing to the singles 'Brianstorm', 'Fluorescent Adolescent' and 'Teddy Pciker' prove to you that this album is going to be good. For anyone who has their debut album, it may take a bit to get use to, as this is nothing like their previous one. It's that different, I can't compare and say which one is better. But believe me, it really is an outstanding album. One disapointment about it that I actually feel applies to their previous album, is that I feel that they rushed through it, as the twelve tracks seem to fly buy within twenty minutes. Overall, if you liked the singles, then you'll love this. If you like Arctic Monkeys, it'll take a bi to get use to their new style, but it truly is great.

Top Picks:
-505
-Do Me A Favour
-Teddy Picker