"Suck It and See" stands as the fourth studio album by the English rock band Arctic Monkeys, hitting shelves on June 6, 2011, under Domino Recording Company. Penned by frontman Alex Turner in 2010, primarily on an acoustic guitar in his Brooklyn home, the album was produced in Los Angeles at Sound City Studios by longtime collaborator James Ford in early 2011, employing mostly live takes rather than overdubbing. While the album's title, a British expression meaning "give it a try," raised eyebrows in the United States for its perceived innuendo, it was censored in some regions. The artwork, with the album title in black against a cream-colored background, underscores its simplicity and directness.
Sonically, "Suck It and See" marks a departure from the darker tones of its predecessor, "Humbug" (2009), embracing a lighter guitar pop and psychedelic pop sound infused with influences from post-punk, country music, surf rock, and glam rock. Lyrically, the album delves into themes of romance, heartbreak, ageing, and loneliness, peppered with references to films and British colloquialisms.
Receiving generally positive reviews from music critics, "Suck It and See" was hailed as an improvement over its predecessor, with praise for the band's stylistic evolution, though opinions on Turner's lyrics varied. It achieved commercial success, debuting at number one in the UK and earning platinum certification. In the US, it became the band's second top 15 album. The album was promoted by singles like "Don't Sit Down 'Cause I've Moved Your Chair," "The Hellcat Spangled Shalalala," "Black Treacle," and its title track, along with a global tour and numerous television appearances.
