When Arctic Monkeys dropped Favourite worst nightmare in April 2007, they faced the almost impossible task of following up the fastest-selling debut album in British history. Instead of panicking or repeating themselves, the Sheffield lads locked themselves away and returned with a record that proved they were anything but a flash in the pan. It was the moment they solidified their place as indie royalty, introducing new bassist Nick O'Malley and showing off a massive leap forward in confidence and musical ambition.

The overall sound is a faster, meaner, and much heavier beast than its predecessor. It trades some of the breezy, observational pub-tales of the debut for a driving, aggressive cocktail of post-punk revival and breakneck indie rock. Matt Helders' drumming is absolutely relentless throughout, pushing the band into tighter, more complex grooves while Alex Turner's vocals begin to shift from rapid-fire northern storytelling into a smoother, darker croon. It captures a brilliant, high-octane energy that feels wonderfully nocturnal and intense.

The tracklist is completely packed with career-defining moments that still dominate their live sets today. You get the blistering, immediate punch of Brianstorm and the wonderfully infectious jangle of Fluorescent adolescent - a track that hides a beautiful, bittersweet nostalgia beneath its upbeat rhythm. But it is the epic closer 505 that gives the record its ultimate replay value, building from a quiet organ sample into a colossal, emotional crescendo. It is this balance of frantic pacing and deeper songwriting that makes the album a total joy to revisit.