Twenty years ago, a group of young musicians from Sheffield, England, shook the music industry with the release of their debut album, “Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not.” This iconic record, produced by Alan Smythe, went on to become the fastest-selling debut album by a British band in chart history, selling 360,000 copies in its first week and 2.5 million copies worldwide.
Smythe, one of the album’s producers, reflects on the experience with immense pride, recalling the band’s infectious energy and raw talent. “I knew we were working with something very impressive,” he says. “The lyrics are astounding – don’t forget they were 17.”
The album’s success was a testament to the band’s musical prowess and the producer’s ability to capture their live energy in the studio. Smythe, who had previously worked with fellow Sheffield band Pulp, employed a unique technique to ensure the Arctic Monkeys played in time and “tight.” He used a click track for the first minute of each song, acting as a timing reference point to prevent the band from accelerating.
The release of the album was celebrated with a “not so secret” unofficial launch at the Leadmill in Sheffield, where the band was supported by other local acts such as Milburn, Harrison, and Reverend and the Makers. According to Omar Solliman, a student at the time, the gig was “rammed all night from seven all the way until midnight,” with the crowd feeling a sense of celebration for the Sheffield music scene.
The album’s impact on the city and the band’s subsequent rise to fame is undeniable. Arctic Monkeys went on to headline Glastonbury Festival three times, cementing their status as one of the most influential British bands of the 21st century. With seven more albums under their belt and over 8 million albums sold worldwide, their legacy continues to inspire new generations of musicians.
As Smythe reflects on the album’s 20-year anniversary, he remains in awe of the band’s talent, particularly lead singer Alex Turner’s ability to sing and play guitar simultaneously. “The songwriting is great, and you can’t really go wrong with good songs,” he says. “The way Alex sings over the top and plays his guitar at the same time, I don’t know how he does that.”
The legacy of Arctic Monkeys’ debut album is a testament to the enduring power of music, the impact of a local scene, and the timeless appeal of a group of talented young artists who captured the hearts and minds of music fans around the world.
