11 Underrated Arctic Monkeys Songs: Secret Playlist

Hey fellow music lovers and aspiring DJs! I’ve got something special for you today – a curated list of the 17 best Pearl Jam songs that’ll make a fantastic addition to your playlists.

Here are the underrated Arctic Monkeys songs that you can check out:

List Of Underrated Arctic Monkeys Songs

Underrated Arctic Monkeys songs in a list format:

1. “The Jeweller’s Hands” – Humbug (2009, Domino Recording Company)

“The Jeweller’s Hands” is a true Arctic Monkeys masterpiece, tucked away at the end of their 2009 album, Humbug. Authored by the band’s frontman, Alex Turner, this song is a haunting blend of psychedelic rock and intricate lyricism. It’s a departure from their earlier, more straightforward rock sound, showcasing a mature, experimental side of the band. The eerie atmosphere is amplified by Turner’s cryptic lyrics and the band’s evolving musical complexity. Released under Domino Recording Company, this track features the classic lineup of Turner, Jamie Cook on guitar, Nick O’Malley on bass, and Matt Helders on drums. It’s a song that encapsulates the band’s willingness to explore new territories, making it a hidden gem in their discography.

2. “Secret Door” – Humbug (2009, Domino Recording Company)

Another underrated track from Humbug is “Secret Door.” This song, written by Alex Turner, is a lyrical enigma wrapped in a melody that’s both whimsical and melancholic. It’s a perfect example of Turner’s songwriting prowess, where he paints vivid pictures with his words. The song’s intricate arrangement, coupled with the band’s tight performance, creates a dreamlike quality. The subtle build-up leading to the chorus is simply mesmerizing. “Secret Door” stands out for its poetic lyrics and the way it seamlessly blends the band’s rock roots with a more experimental sound. It’s a testament to the Arctic Monkeys’ ability to evolve their music while maintaining their unique identity.

3. “Fire and the Thud” – Humbug (2009, Domino Recording Company)

“Fire and the Thud” is a deep cut from the Arctic Monkeys’ third album, Humbug. Authored by Alex Turner, this track is a slow-burning, introspective piece that showcases a different side of the band. The song’s moody ambiance is complemented by Turner’s reflective lyrics, which delve into themes of love and loss. The minimalist arrangement allows the vocals and lyrics to take center stage, creating an intimate listening experience. The inclusion of Alison Mosshart from The Kills in the backing vocals adds an extra layer of depth to the track. Released under Domino Recording Company, “Fire and the Thud” is a standout song for its emotional depth and shows the band’s range beyond their more upbeat hits.

4. “Piledriver Waltz” – Suck It and See (2011, Domino Recording Company)

“Piledriver Waltz” is a gem from the Arctic Monkeys’ fourth album, Suck It and See. This song, penned by Alex Turner, was initially featured in his soundtrack for the film “Submarine” before being reworked for the album. It’s a whimsical, melancholic tune that combines Turner’s witty lyricism with a waltz-like rhythm. The song’s cinematic quality is enhanced by its vivid imagery and Turner’s expressive vocals. The band’s performance, especially the subtle yet effective drumming by Matt Helders, adds to the song’s charm. Released by Domino Recording Company, “Piledriver Waltz” is a testament to Turner’s versatility as a songwriter and the band’s ability to craft songs that are both introspective and melodically engaging.

5. “That’s Where You’re Wrong” – Suck It and See (2011, Domino Recording Company)

“That’s Where You’re Wrong” is an underrated closing track from the Arctic Monkeys’ album Suck It and See. Written by Alex Turner, this song is a refreshing blend of jangly guitars and upbeat rhythms, reminiscent of the Britpop era. The optimistic tone of the music contrasts beautifully with the introspective lyrics, creating a bittersweet feeling. The song showcases the band’s ability to create catchy, yet thought-provoking music. The energetic guitar work by Jamie Cook and the solid rhythm section of Nick O’Malley and Matt Helders make this track a standout. Released under Domino Recording Company, “That’s Where You’re Wrong” is a hidden gem that captures the essence of the Arctic Monkeys’ sound during this period.

6. “Love is a Laserquest” – Suck It and See (2011, Domino Recording Company)

“Love is a Laserquest” is a poignant ballad from the Arctic Monkeys’ Suck It and See album. Authored by Alex Turner, this song is a heartfelt exploration of unrequited love and longing. Turner’s tender vocals and evocative lyrics are front and center, backed by a minimalist, yet effective musical arrangement. The song’s emotional resonance is amplified by its simple melody and Turner’s introspective songwriting. Released by Domino Recording Company, “Love is a Laserquest” stands out for its raw emotion and showcases Turner’s ability to convey deep feelings in a relatable way. It’s a song that resonates with anyone who has experienced the highs and lows of love.

7. “Mad Sounds” – AM (2013, Domino Recording Company)

“Mad Sounds” from the Arctic Monkeys’ critically acclaimed album AM is a soothing, soulful track that often gets overshadowed by the album’s bigger hits. Written by Alex Turner, this song is a departure from the heavier sound of the rest of the album, offering a moment of calm introspection. The gentle melody, combined with Turner’s smooth vocals, creates a dreamy atmosphere. The song’s simple yet profound lyrics about the power of music to heal and inspire make it a standout track. Released under Domino Recording Company, “Mad Sounds” is a testament to the band’s versatility and Turner’s skill as a songwriter who can craft both high-energy rock songs and tender ballads.

8. “No. 1 Party Anthem” – AM (2013, Domino Recording Company)

“No. 1 Party Anthem” is a hidden treasure in the Arctic Monkeys’ AM album. Authored by Alex Turner, this track is a satirical take on the club scene, wrapped in a slow, melodic tune that contrasts with the album’s more upbeat songs. The song’s ironic title belies its melancholic tone and introspective lyrics. Turner’s crooning vocals and the piano-driven melody give it a timeless quality. The band’s performance, particularly the subtle guitar work, adds to the song’s nostalgic feel. Released by Domino Recording Company, “No. 1 Party Anthem” showcases the Arctic Monkeys’ ability to blend irony with sincerity, creating a song that’s both reflective and subtly humorous.

9. “I Wanna Be Yours” – AM (2013, Domino Recording Company)

“I Wanna Be Yours” is a unique track on the Arctic Monkeys’ AM album, as it adapts the words of poet John Cooper Clarke into a song. Alex Turner’s interpretation of Clarke’s poem is both respectful and innovative, turning it into a languid, romantic ballad. The song’s slow tempo and Turner’s seductive vocals create a hypnotic atmosphere. The minimalist instrumentation allows the poetic lyrics to shine, making it a standout track for its lyrical beauty. Released under Domino Recording Company, “I Wanna Be Yours” is a brilliant example of the band’s ability to merge different art forms, showcasing their artistic depth and versatility.

10. “The Bakery” – Fluorescent Adolescent EP (2007, Domino Recording Company)

“The Bakery” is a lesser-known track from the Arctic Monkeys’ Fluorescent Adolescent EP. This song, written by Alex Turner, is a charming, understated tune that captures the essence of everyday life and fleeting moments. The song’s narrative style and Turner’s detailed storytelling make it a captivating listen. The simple, acoustic arrangement highlights the strength of the lyrics and Turner’s vocal delivery. Released by Domino Recording Company, “The Bakery” is a hidden gem that demonstrates the band’s ability to create vivid, relatable stories through their music, making it a favorite among fans who appreciate their more low-key, introspective work.

11. “Too Much to Ask” – Fluorescent Adolescent EP (2007, Domino Recording Company)

“Too Much to Ask” from the Fluorescent Adolescent EP is an often overlooked Arctic Monkeys track. Authored by Alex Turner, this song is a melancholic, introspective piece that delves into themes of regret and longing. The song’s reflective mood is complemented by its melodic guitar lines and Turner’s emotive vocals. The intimate nature of the song, with its heartfelt lyrics and simple arrangement, showcases a different side of the band. Released under Domino Recording Company, “Too Much to Ask” is a testament to the Arctic Monkeys’ ability to craft songs that are not only catchy but also deeply moving, making it a must-listen for fans who appreciate the band’s quieter moments.

Fun Facts: Underrated Arctic Monkeys Songs

“The Jeweller’s Hands” – Humbug (2009)

• Intriguing Ending: “The Jeweller’s Hands” is notable for its unexpected ending. The song concludes with an eerie, psychedelic outro, which is quite different from the rest of the album. This outro has been praised for its atmospheric sound, adding a mysterious quality to the track.
• Lyric Depth: Alex Turner’s lyrics in this song are considered some of his most cryptic and poetic. Fans and critics alike have delved deep into interpreting the song’s meaning, with theories ranging from metaphors about relationships to commentary on fame.

“Secret Door” – Humbug (2009)

• Live Favorite: Despite its status as an underrated track, “Secret Door” has become a favorite in live performances. Fans often praise the song’s energy and emotional depth when played live, showcasing the band’s ability to connect with their audience.
• Film Inspiration: The song’s title and some of its imagery were reportedly inspired by the 2001 French film “Amélie.” This connection adds a layer of whimsical and romantic charm to the track, reflecting Turner’s knack for cinematic storytelling in his songwriting.

“Piledriver Waltz” – Suck It and See (2011)

• Double Feature: “Piledriver Waltz” first appeared in Alex Turner’s solo EP for the film “Submarine” before being re-recorded for the Arctic Monkeys’ album. This makes it a unique entry in their discography, existing in two different versions.
• Turner’s Favorite: Alex Turner has mentioned in interviews that “Piledriver Waltz” is one of his favorite songs he’s written, highlighting its personal significance and the pride he takes in its composition.

“Love is a Laserquest” – Suck It and See (2011)

• Acoustic Charm: This song is often highlighted for its acoustic arrangement, which is a departure from the band’s usual electric sound. The stripped-back style adds to the song’s emotional vulnerability and has been a highlight in acoustic sets.
• Fan Interpretations: “Love is a Laserquest” has sparked numerous fan interpretations, with some seeing it as a commentary on fleeting romance, while others view it as a nostalgic look back at past love. This range of interpretations speaks to the song’s lyrical depth.

“Mad Sounds” – AM (2013)

• Lou Reed Tribute: The song’s title and style are often seen as a nod to Lou Reed’s work, particularly his song “Pale Blue Eyes.” This connection showcases the band’s influences and their ability to pay homage to music legends.
• Soothing Presence: Amidst the more upbeat and heavier tracks of the AM album, “Mad Sounds” stands out for its soothing, almost meditative quality. This contrast has been praised for adding a dynamic range to the album.

“No. 1 Party Anthem” – AM (2013)

• Ironic Title: The song’s title is intentionally misleading, as it’s actually a slow ballad. This irony is a classic example of Turner’s clever wordplay and the band’s penchant for subverting expectations.
• Music Video Connection: The music video for “Why’d You Only Call Me When You’re High?” features a brief snippet of “No. 1 Party Anthem” at the beginning, creating a thematic link between the two songs.

“I Wanna Be Yours” – AM (2013)

• Poetic Roots: The song is based on a poem by John Cooper Clarke, a punk poet admired by Alex Turner. This adaptation from poetry to music highlights Turner’s diverse artistic influences.
• Fan Favorite: “I Wanna Be Yours” quickly became a fan favorite, especially among those who appreciate the romantic and poetic aspects of the band’s music. It’s often cited as a perfect closing track for the AM album.

“The Bakery” – Fluorescent Adolescent EP (2007)

• Everyday Inspiration: The song was inspired by a real bakery that Alex Turner used to pass by. This mundane inspiration speaks to Turner’s ability to find poetic beauty in everyday life.
• Acoustic Rarity: “The Bakery” is one of the few Arctic Monkeys songs that heavily features an acoustic guitar, showcasing a different side of the band’s musical abilities.

“Too Much to Ask” – Fluorescent Adolescent EP (2007)

• B-Side Gem: Originally released as a B-side, “Too Much to Ask” has gained recognition over time for its emotional depth, becoming a beloved track among the more dedicated fans.
• Narrative Style: The song is noted for its narrative storytelling style, a hallmark of Turner’s songwriting. Fans often praise the vivid imagery and relatable themes present in the lyrics.

And there you have it, music lovers! A journey through the Arctic Monkeys’ lesser-known tracks, each a hidden gem in its own right. These songs showcase the band’s versatility and lyrical genius, proving there’s much more to them than just their chart-toppers. Keep exploring and keep rocking!

Thanks for reading.

TBone