The five best Arctic Monkeys covers
Covering another musician’s material is not easy, especially when it concerns Arctic Monkeys. From the start, despite drawing heavily from British indie rock, the Sheffield quartet crafted a sound and atmosphere that feels entirely their own, with lyrics and storytelling that are so distinctive that transforming them into something different seems nearly impossible.
A major reason for this is, no doubt, the vocals of Alex Turner. Throughout history, there are some singers whose tone, approach, and delivery are almost entirely unique, servicing the sound of the band in a way that makes them instantly recognisable. Over the years, he has also transformed his style from teenage enthusiasm to one with more of a dramatised belt, almost like becoming a parody of the rock frontman by choice.
Many of their songs fall more into rock pop, especially in the more delicate love ballads throughout albums like Suck It And See, but there still remains an inexplicable essence that feels uniquely Arctic Monkeys. On top of this, the lyrics are often so deeply layered with unexpected poetic beauty, making it difficult to capture the intended meaning unless it’s coming from Turner’s lips.
That said, these qualities also present the perfect opportunity for other musicians to rise to the challenge and put their own spin on some of rock’s best-untouched classics. Arctic Monkeys covers are rare, but the ones done well shouldn’t be overlooked, especially when certain lyrics take on whole new meanings when sung by someone else.
The best covers of Arctic Monkeys:
Hozier – ‘Do I Wanna Know?’
One of the most popular Arctic Monkeys songs of all time, ‘Do I Wanna Know?’ is its own beast. Not only is it immediately recognisable from the opening notes with a riff that claws its way into the soul, but the lyrics are some of Turner’s most memorable, particularly in the second verse as he yearns for a significant other: “Been wonderin’ if your heart’s still open and if so, I wanna know what time it shuts”.
For this reason, among many others, covering it is almost easily a no-go. However, Hozier‘s popular spin in 2014 made it seem as though the song could still resonate with a lighter touch like more of a resigned, lovelorn beckon rather than an angst-fuelled frustrated outcry. Perhaps that’s just Hozier, though, who seems to turn everything to gold with a mere touch.
Chvrches – ‘Do I Wanna Know?’
Most covers by Chvrches are gold dust. For instance, they managed to take something as monumental as Echo and the Bunnymen’s ‘The Killing Moon’ and do it exceptionally well, proving themselves as forerunners in the covers department. With this Arctic Monkeys classic, it feels more bouncy and electronic than the original, making it feel immediately detached from the original.
However, this spin works in their favour, keeping a light hand on the magic of the original while bringing a unique Chvrches feel to it. It’s mesmerising, and Lauren Mayberry’s lead vocals make it feel even more vulnerable, almost as though the words are being let out after floating in her mind for so long.
Kate Nash – ‘Fluorescent Adolescent’
As we venture back in time, earlier Arctic Monkeys songs feel somewhat harder to master because they feel so ingrained in a specific moment in time that they’re best left exactly where they are. This, on top of the fact that their sound feels tighter in a general sense, makes covers almost nearly impossible to do well.
However, Kate Nash feels more equipped than most to take on the challenge as someone who rose to fame during a time when indie rock and pop were having their ultimate convergence. One great thing about the Monkeys’ version of ‘Fluorescent Adolescent’ is that it encompasses almost every feeling, and Nash manages to do the same while placing her unique spin on it.
Queens of the Stone Age – ‘Why’d You Only Call Me When You’re High’
Of all musicians close to Arctic Monkeys, it feels most fitting that Queens of the Stone Age would try their hand at taking on one of their songs. With Josh Homme shaping a significant aspect of their sound, his understanding of what makes their music so great is undeniably what made their cover of ‘Why’d You Only Call Me When You’re High’ work so well.
Although it dithers at times, this version feels entirely warranted in its directness, presenting a more stripped-back version where all elements are completely laid bare. Nothing will beat the punch of the original, but something about this one feels weirdly off-kilter, though in a way that pushes you to revisit again and again.
Caitlin Rose – ‘Love Is A Laserquest’
‘Love Is A Laserquest’ is one of Arctic Monkeys’ best and most overlooked gems. Lurking in the walls of Suck It And See, the heartfelt ballad highlights everything soft and delicate about Turner’s fragile heart and mind, wrapped up neatly with some of the most hard-hitting poetic strokes in rock. Naturally softer than most other songs, it carries a nostalgic aura that lingers, even if it feels somewhat surprising in its intimacy.
This gorgeous reinterpretation by Caitlin Rose almost matches the original while achieving the impossible feat of establishing new meaning, highlighting the poignancy of words like: “Do you still feel younger than you thought you would by now? Or, darling, have you started feeling old yet?”
