Arctic Monkeys

Favourite Worst Nightmare

Arctic Monkeys talk about what they know, which is why their songs ring true. The pithy and witty observations of vocalist Alex Turner carry to their second long-player, Favourite Worst Nightmare. Bouncing along punky power chords with a swagger that is trying to impress less than it was before, their sentiments haven’t started revolving around how hard rock-star life is. But there aren’t any outrageously clever comments either. Slowing down somewhat from their signature exuberant pogo-ing energy, Favourite turns introspective on “Do Me a Favor,” mournful on “If You Were There, Beware” and nostalgic on “505.” Failing to move forward an inch from the debut, Favourite is safe and reliable, but repetitive. Without the necessary variation, you might prefer to shuffle through Favourite on your iPod rather than listening in its entirety. 3 stars.