Lyrics No.1 Party Anthem by Arctic Monkeys meaning

No.1 Party Anthem by Arctic Monkeys – Song analysis

Introduction

Thesis statement

“No.1 Party Anthem” by Arctic Monkeys serves as a sophisticated critique of modern nightlife culture, examining the performative nature of social interactions in contemporary party environments. The song presents a narrative that oscillates between attraction and detachment, revealing the underlying emptiness beneath glamorous surface appearances. Through Alex Turner’s characteristic observational lyricism, the track explores themes of superficial connections, social posturing, and the search for authentic human connection within artificial environments. The composition demonstrates Arctic Monkeys’ evolution from their early garage rock roots toward a more polished, AM-era sound that incorporates elements of hip-hop influenced rhythms and sleek production techniques. The song’s title itself functions as both literal description and ironic commentary, suggesting both celebration and critique of party culture. Turner’s vocal delivery maintains a cool detachment that mirrors the emotional distance described in the lyrics, creating a sonic representation of the themes explored. The track represents a mature artistic statement about the complexities of modern social interaction, particularly within nightlife settings where authenticity often becomes performance. This analysis will examine how musical elements, lyrical content, and cultural context combine to create a multifaceted commentary on contemporary social dynamics.

Brief introduction to the song and artist

Arctic Monkeys emerged from Sheffield, England in the early 2000s, becoming one of the most influential British rock bands of their generation. The band, led by frontman and primary songwriter Alex Turner, gained initial recognition through their raw, energetic debut album “Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not” in 2006. “No.1 Party Anthem” appears on their fifth studio album “AM” (2013), which marked a significant stylistic departure from their earlier garage rock sound. The AM album showcased the band’s evolution toward a more mature, R&B-influenced aesthetic that incorporated elements of hip-hop production and smoother vocal delivery. Alex Turner’s songwriting had developed from observational tales of British youth culture to more sophisticated explorations of relationships, nightlife, and emotional complexity. The band’s American breakthrough came with the AM album, which achieved significant commercial success in the United States market. By 2013, Arctic Monkeys had established themselves as headliners at major festivals and venues across America, appealing to both indie rock enthusiasts and mainstream audiences. The song reflects Turner’s growing fascination with Los Angeles culture and American nightlife, themes that would become central to the AM album’s identity. Their sound had evolved to incorporate influences from The Black Keys, Queens of the Stone Age, and classic rock acts, creating a distinctive blend of British songwriting sensibility with American rock production values.

Context of the song’s creation and release

“No.1 Party Anthem” was recorded during the AM album sessions in 2012-2013, a period when Arctic Monkeys were transitioning between their British indie rock origins and their growing American audience. The song was created during a time when the band was spending considerable time in Los Angeles, absorbing the city’s party culture and nightlife scene. Alex Turner’s lyrics reflect his observations of Hollywood and West Coast social dynamics, particularly the performative aspects of party culture in entertainment industry circles. The recording process took place at various studios, including Rancho De La Luna in Joshua Tree, California, known for its desert rock sound and association with Queens of the Stone Age. This geographical context influenced the song’s production, incorporating elements of desert rock and American alternative rock traditions. The AM album was released in September 2013, coinciding with a period of renewed interest in guitar-driven music and indie rock’s commercial viability. The band’s decision to embrace a more polished, radio-friendly sound reflected broader trends in alternative rock during the early 2010s. “No.1 Party Anthem” served as a deep cut on the album, showcasing the band’s ability to craft atmospheric, mid-tempo tracks alongside their more upbeat singles. The song’s creation occurred during a period when social media was transforming nightlife culture, adding layers of performance and documentation to party experiences. The track reflects the cultural moment when traditional rock music was adapting to influence from hip-hop production techniques and R&B vocal styles.

Overview of the song’s reception and impact

“No.1 Party Anthem” received positive critical reception as part of the widely acclaimed AM album, which became Arctic Monkeys’ most commercially successful release in the United States. The song was praised for its sophisticated production and Turner’s evolved vocal delivery, demonstrating the band’s artistic growth and maturity. While not released as a single, the track became a fan favorite and frequently appeared on streaming playlists focused on modern alternative rock and indie music. The song’s influence can be heard in subsequent indie rock acts who adopted similar approaches to combining British songwriting with American production aesthetics. Music critics noted the track’s effective blend of observational lyricism with atmospheric instrumentation, highlighting Turner’s development as a songwriter. The AM album’s success in American markets helped establish Arctic Monkeys as a major festival headliner, with “No.1 Party Anthem” becoming a regular feature in their live performances. The song’s reception contributed to broader discussions about the evolution of British rock music and its adaptation to international, particularly American, audiences. Streaming platforms data showed consistent listener engagement with the track, indicating its enduring appeal beyond its initial release period. The song’s impact extended to influencing fashion and aesthetic trends associated with the AM era, particularly the leather jacket and slicked-back hair imagery referenced in the lyrics. Academic and cultural critics have referenced the song in discussions about contemporary nightlife culture and the commodification of social experiences.

Lyrical analysis

Breakdown of the song’s lyrics

The opening verse establishes a scene of nocturnal hunting and social navigation, with the protagonist “on the prowl” seeking connection in an urban nightlife environment. The imagery of leather jackets and “collar popped like Cantona” references both fashion choices and cultural signifiers, connecting contemporary party culture to broader masculine archetypes. The line “Never knowing when to stop” suggests both the compulsive nature of nightlife participation and the lack of clear boundaries in modern social interaction. “Sunglasses indoor is par for the course” critiques the performative aspects of party culture, where image maintenance takes precedence over practical considerations. The physical environment description – “Lights in the floors and sweat on the walls / Cages and poles” – creates a vivid nightclub setting while potentially referencing more exotic entertainment venues. The central metaphor “Call off the search for your soul / Or put it on hold again” suggests that authentic self-discovery becomes impossible or postponed in these artificial environments. The female character’s introduction as having “a sly indoor smoke” and calling venue staff “her oldest friends” establishes her as an experienced navigator of this social landscape. The chorus’s repetitive “Come on, come on, come on” functions as both invitation and urgency, reflecting the pressured nature of party social dynamics. The phrase “Number one party anthem” serves as both literal description and ironic commentary on the commodification of social experiences. The bridge section’s rapid-fire imagery – “The look of love, the rush of blood” – creates a montage effect that mirrors the overwhelming sensory experience of nightclub environments.

Top five most used words in the lyrics

Analysis of the lyrical content reveals recurring thematic elements through word frequency patterns. “Come” appears most frequently, emphasizing the song’s themes of invitation, urgency, and social pressure within party environments. “Party” and “anthem” appear prominently, reinforcing the song’s central metaphor and its commentary on the ritualistic nature of nightlife culture. “Number” and “one” reflect the competitive and hierarchical aspects of social positioning within party contexts. “On” appears frequently in various contexts, suggesting movement, continuation, and the ongoing nature of social performance. These word patterns create a linguistic landscape that mirrors the repetitive, circular nature of party culture and social interaction. The frequency analysis reveals how Turner uses repetition to create hypnotic effects that mirror the experience of being caught in cyclical social behaviors. The predominance of action words and commands reflects the urgent, directive nature of party social dynamics. Word cloud visualization would show these terms clustered around themes of invitation, social hierarchy, and cultural performance. The repetitive structure mirrors the way party culture creates loops of behavior and social expectation.

Exploration of themes and motifs

The primary theme of performative identity runs throughout the song, examining how individuals construct personas for social consumption in nightlife environments. A secondary theme focuses on the tension between authentic connection and superficial interaction, exploring how party culture both facilitates and inhibits genuine human relationships. The motif of searching and seeking appears repeatedly, from “on the prowl” to “call off the search for your soul,” suggesting both desire and futility in social pursuit. Fashion and appearance serve as recurring motifs, with references to leather jackets, sunglasses, and visual presentation highlighting the importance of image in party culture. The theme of time and momentary experience emerges through phrases like “before the moment’s gone,” emphasizing the ephemeral nature of party encounters. Social hierarchy and status consciousness appear through references to being “certified” and achieving “number one” status. The motif of performance and spectacle runs through descriptions of the physical environment and social behaviors. Themes of intoxication and altered consciousness appear both literally and metaphorically throughout the lyrics. The exploration of masculine identity and social positioning reflects broader cultural conversations about gender roles in nightlife settings.

Use of literary devices

Metaphor appears prominently in “call off the search for your soul,” transforming spiritual seeking into a detective investigation that can be abandoned. Simile functions in “collar popped like Cantona,” connecting contemporary fashion choices to specific cultural references and masculine archetypes. Alliteration enhances the musical quality of phrases like “sly indoor smoke” and “shutterbugs, the Camera Plus.” Visual imagery creates cinematic scenes through descriptions of nightclub environments and social interactions. Repetition builds hypnotic effects through the chorus structure and repeated phrases, mimicking the cyclical nature of party experiences. Juxtaposition contrasts authentic emotion with performed behavior, highlighting the song’s central tensions. Personification appears in references to signals being sent and eyes inviting approach, giving agency to non-human elements. Irony functions through the title itself, as the “anthem” simultaneously celebrates and critiques party culture. Stream-of-consciousness techniques appear in the rapid-fire bridge section, creating impressionistic effects.

Emotional journey mapping

The song begins with anticipation and hunting energy, establishing a sense of purposeful social navigation. Tension builds through descriptions of environmental stimuli and social pressure, creating anxiety beneath the surface excitement. The chorus releases this tension through repetitive invitation, but the relief is temporary and cyclical. Mid-song reflection introduces doubt and self-awareness, questioning the authenticity of the social pursuit. The bridge section creates sensory overload, representing the overwhelming nature of party environments. The emotional arc concludes with resignation and acceptance of the cyclical nature of these social experiences. Overall, the journey maps the movement from hope and anticipation to recognition of emptiness and performative behavior.

Musical composition

Technical analysis

“No.1 Party Anthem” is constructed in the key of D minor, providing a melancholic foundation that contrasts with the upbeat party imagery. The song follows a verse-chorus-verse-chorus-bridge-chorus structure, utilizing traditional pop song architecture while incorporating extended atmospheric sections. The tempo sits at approximately 125 BPM, creating a mid-tempo groove that suggests both relaxation and underlying tension. The chord progression primarily moves between Dm-Bb-F-C, creating a sense of circular motion that mirrors the lyrical themes of cyclical social behavior. Guitar work features clean, reverb-heavy tones that create spatial depth and atmospheric texture rather than driving rhythmic energy. The bass line provides a steady, prominent foundation that anchors the song’s groove while allowing other instruments to create textural layers. Drumming incorporates hip-hop influenced patterns with crisp snare hits and subtle hi-hat work that creates contemporary rhythmic feels. The arrangement builds through strategic instrumentation additions, creating dynamic contrast between intimate verses and fuller choruses. Alex Turner’s vocal melody utilizes a limited range but creates memorable hooks through rhythmic phrasing and tonal inflection. The song’s harmonic structure supports both the melancholic undertones and the surface-level party atmosphere through careful chord selection and voice leading.

Instrumentation breakdown

Electric guitar serves as the primary melodic instrument, utilizing clean tones with substantial reverb and delay effects to create atmospheric textures. The guitar work focuses on chord voicings and melodic fragments rather than traditional rock riffing, supporting the song’s sophisticated aesthetic. Bass guitar provides rhythmic foundation through steady, prominent lines that incorporate both root notes and melodic movement. Drum kit programming combines acoustic and electronic elements, creating crisp snare sounds and controlled dynamics that support the song’s hip-hop influenced groove. Additional percussion elements include subtle tambourine and programmed elements that enhance the rhythmic texture without overwhelming the mix. Synthesizer pads create atmospheric backdrop, filling harmonic space and adding textural depth to the overall sonic landscape. Alex Turner’s lead vocals are double-tracked and processed with subtle effects that enhance their smooth, crooning quality. Background vocals provide harmonic support during chorus sections, creating fuller textures during the song’s most anthemic moments. The instrumentation creates a balance between organic and programmed elements, reflecting the song’s themes of authentic versus performed experience.

Vocal analysis

Alex Turner’s vocal delivery demonstrates significant evolution from Arctic Monkeys’ earlier aggressive style toward a more sophisticated, crooning approach. The vocal tone incorporates influences from classic rock and R&B traditions, creating smooth, controlled delivery that matches the song’s atmospheric production. Pitch control remains consistently accurate throughout the song’s range, demonstrating Turner’s development as a vocalist. Rhythmic phrasing creates much of the song’s memorable quality, with Turner using syncopation and rhythmic displacement to create interest. Vocal dynamics range from intimate verse delivery to more powerful chorus sections, creating emotional contrast that supports the song’s narrative arc. The use of vocal effects includes subtle reverb and double-tracking that enhance the dreamy, atmospheric quality of the performance. Articulation remains clear throughout, ensuring lyrical content remains intelligible despite the atmospheric production treatment. The vocal melody creates memorable hooks through strategic use of repetition and rhythmic variation rather than wide intervallic leaps. Emotional expression balances detachment with underlying vulnerability, reflecting the song’s themes of social performance versus authentic feeling.

Production techniques

The recording utilizes modern digital production techniques combined with analog warmth to create a polished yet organic sound. Reverb and delay effects create spatial depth throughout the mix, supporting the song’s atmospheric and cinematic qualities. Compression techniques smooth dynamic ranges while maintaining punch in rhythmic elements, creating contemporary radio-friendly sonics. EQ choices emphasize clarity in vocal frequencies while providing substantial low-end support for the bass and kick drum elements. Stereo imaging creates width and depth through careful panning of instruments and effects, enhancing the immersive quality of the listening experience.

Cultural and social context

Historical context

“No.1 Party Anthem” emerged during the early 2010s, a period marked by significant changes in popular music consumption and social media integration into daily life. The song was created during the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis, when nightlife culture served as both escape and economic necessity for entertainment venues. Social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook were transforming how people documented and shared party experiences, adding layers of performance to social interaction. The early 2010s saw a resurgence of guitar-based music in popular culture, with Arctic Monkeys leading a wave of British bands gaining American mainstream success. Dating apps and social media were beginning to reshape how people met and interacted, creating new forms of social navigation that the song captures. The period reflected growing awareness of superficiality in social media culture, themes that Turner explores through his nightlife observations. American alternative rock was experiencing a revival, with bands like The Black Keys and Queens of the Stone Age influencing Arctic Monkeys’ sound evolution. The song reflects a cultural moment when traditional rock music was adapting to incorporate hip-hop production techniques and contemporary urban influences. Economic recovery was creating new forms of conspicuous consumption and social display, particularly in nightlife and entertainment sectors. The early 2010s marked a transition period between traditional nightlife culture and social media-influenced party experiences.

Artist’s personal context

Alex Turner’s experiences living between Sheffield and Los Angeles provided crucial perspective for the song’s observations about different cultural approaches to nightlife. The songwriter’s growing fame and access to high-end party culture informed his ability to critique these environments from both insider and outsider perspectives. Turner’s romantic relationships and personal experiences with celebrity culture during this period influenced the song’s exploration of authentic versus performed emotion. The band’s touring experiences in American markets exposed them to different forms of party culture and social interaction than their British origins. Turner’s interest in film noir and American cultural references influenced the song’s cinematic approach to describing social scenes. The songwriter’s evolution from working-class Sheffield origins to international rock star provided unique perspective on social performance and authenticity. Personal experiences with media attention and public scrutiny informed the song’s themes of performance and social positioning. Turner’s collaborations with other artists and producers during this period expanded his musical vocabulary and production approaches. The songwriter’s relationship with American popular culture, from hip-hop to classic rock, influenced the song’s musical and lyrical content. Turner’s growing confidence as a vocalist and performer allowed him to explore more sophisticated emotional territory in his songwriting.

Societal impact

“No.1 Party Anthem” contributed to broader cultural conversations about authenticity in social media-influenced nightlife culture. The song’s critique of performative behavior resonated with audiences experiencing similar tensions between online persona and authentic self-expression. The track influenced other artists to explore similar themes of social performance and nightlife culture in their own work. The song’s success helped establish Arctic Monkeys as cultural commentators capable of sophisticated social observation. The track’s aesthetic influenced fashion trends, particularly the leather jacket and slicked-back hair imagery associated with the AM era. The song contributed to discussions about the commodification of social experiences and the transformation of nightlife into performance. The track’s reception helped validate alternative rock’s continued relevance in addressing contemporary social issues. The song’s influence extended to academic discussions about popular music’s role in cultural criticism and social commentary. The track contributed to Arctic Monkeys’ role as cultural ambassadors, bringing British perspectives to American audiences and vice versa. The song’s impact on streaming culture demonstrated how non-single album tracks could achieve significant cultural influence through digital platforms.

Legacy and covers

“No.1 Party Anthem” has been covered by numerous indie and alternative artists, demonstrating its enduring appeal and influence within the genre. The song’s influence can be heard in subsequent releases by bands adopting similar approaches to combining British songwriting with American production aesthetics. Cover versions often emphasize different aspects of the song, from its atmospheric production to its lyrical social commentary. The track has appeared on numerous “best of” lists and streaming playlists, indicating its continued relevance years after its initial release. The song’s legacy includes its influence on Arctic Monkeys’ subsequent releases and their continued exploration of similar themes. Notable covers include acoustic versions that highlight the song’s melodic and lyrical strengths, stripped of its atmospheric production. The track has been referenced in academic papers and cultural criticism discussing contemporary nightlife culture and social performance. The song’s influence extends to visual artists and filmmakers who have drawn inspiration from its cinematic approach to social observation. Live performances of the song have become highlights of Arctic Monkeys’ concerts, often extended with atmospheric jams and improvisation. The track’s legacy includes its role in establishing Arctic Monkeys as mature artists capable of sophisticated cultural commentary.

Philosophical comparison

Western philosophy connections

The song’s exploration of authentic versus performed identity connects to existentialist themes found in Jean-Paul Sartre’s work on bad faith and self-deception. The concept of “calling off the search for your soul” relates to Nietzschean ideas about the death of traditional meaning-making systems and the need for self-creation. The party environment as a space where individuals lose themselves echoes Heidegger’s concept of “das Man” (the They) and the loss of authentic being in social conformity. The song’s critique of superficial social interaction reflects Simmel’s analysis of metropolitan life and the protective mechanisms individuals develop in urban environments. The tension between individual desire and social performance connects to Foucault’s theories about the social construction of identity and the disciplinary power of social norms. The cyclical nature of party culture and social seeking reflects Sisyphean themes of repetitive, potentially meaningless activity that nonetheless defines human experience. The song’s examination of appearance and reality connects to Platonic themes about the distinction between surface phenomena and deeper truth. The track’s exploration of social positioning and status relates to Bourdieu’s theories about cultural capital and social distinction. The song’s portrayal of modern alienation echoes themes found in critical theory, particularly the Frankfurt School’s analysis of mass culture and social control. The tension between freedom and conformity in party culture relates to classical liberal philosophy’s concerns about individual autonomy versus social pressure.

Eastern philosophy connections

The song’s theme of cyclical social behavior connects to Buddhist concepts of samsara and the repetitive nature of unenlightened existence. The idea of “calling off the search for your soul” relates to Zen concepts about the futility of seeking and the importance of present-moment awareness. The party environment as a space of illusion and distraction echoes Hindu concepts of maya and the veiling of ultimate reality by surface appearances. The song’s exploration of desire and social seeking reflects Buddhist teachings about tanha (craving) and its role in perpetuating suffering. The temporary nature of party experiences and social connections relates to the Buddhist concept of impermanence and the futility of attachment. The performance of identity in social settings connects to Daoist ideas about the artificial nature of social roles and the importance of wu wei (natural action). The song’s critique of social competition and status-seeking reflects Confucian concerns about the proper ordering of social relationships. The cyclical nature of party culture relates to Hindu concepts of eternal recurrence and the cyclical nature of time and experience. The search for authentic connection amid social performance echoes Zen teachings about the distinction between conventional and ultimate truth. The song’s exploration of social masks and performed identity relates to concepts found in Hindu philosophy about the layers of self and social conditioning.

Religious and spiritual themes

The phrase “call off the search for your soul” directly references spiritual seeking and the postponement of authentic self-discovery for social gratification. The party environment functions as a kind of secular temple where individuals gather for collective experience, though the song questions the authenticity of this communion. The song’s exploration of temptation and social pressure relates to religious themes about moral choice and the difficulty of maintaining authentic values in corrupting environments. The cyclical nature of party culture reflects religious concepts about cycles of sin and redemption, though the song offers no clear path to salvation. The search for transcendent experience through social interaction echoes religious themes about the human need for connection to something greater than individual existence. The song’s critique of materialism and surface appearance relates to religious teachings about the dangers of attachment to worldly pleasures. The temporary nature of party experiences and social connections reflects religious themes about the impermanence of earthly pleasures compared to spiritual fulfillment. The performance of identity in social settings relates to religious concepts about the false self and the authentic self that exists beyond social roles. The song’s exploration of collective gathering and shared experience relates to religious themes about community and congregation.

Psychological perspectives

The song’s exploration of social performance relates to Goffman’s dramaturgical analysis of social interaction and the presentation of self in everyday life. The party environment as a space for identity experimentation connects to developmental psychology theories about identity formation and social learning. The cyclical nature of party behavior relates to psychological concepts about addiction and compulsive behavior patterns. The song’s portrayal of social anxiety and performance pressure connects to clinical psychology research on social anxiety disorders and performance fears.

Conclusion

Summary of findings

“No.1 Party Anthem” emerges as a sophisticated examination of contemporary nightlife culture that operates on multiple levels of meaning and interpretation. The song’s lyrical content provides detailed social observation while maintaining artistic distance, allowing listeners to recognize both the appeal and emptiness of party culture. Musically, the track demonstrates Arctic Monkeys’ successful evolution from garage rock origins toward a more mature, internationally appealing sound that incorporates diverse influences. The song’s production techniques create atmospheric depth that supports its thematic content, using reverb and spatial effects to mirror the disorienting nature of party environments. Cultural analysis reveals the song’s relevance to broader discussions about social media, performance, and authenticity in contemporary social interaction. The track’s philosophical implications connect to both Western and Eastern traditions of thought about identity, authenticity, and social performance. The song’s influence on subsequent artists and cultural discussions demonstrates its lasting impact beyond its initial release context. The analysis reveals how Arctic Monkeys successfully adapted their observational songwriting approach to address universal themes of social interaction and personal authenticity. The track’s technical and artistic achievements establish it as a significant work within the band’s catalog and contemporary alternative rock more broadly.

Personal interpretation

“No.1 Party Anthem” functions as both celebration and critique of party culture, capturing the simultaneous attraction and repulsion many feel toward nightlife social dynamics. The song’s emotional core lies in its recognition of the human need for connection and the ways that contemporary social environments both facilitate and inhibit authentic relationship. Turner’s vocal delivery and lyrical approach suggest a narrator who is both participant and observer, engaged in the culture while maintaining critical distance. The track’s musical sophistication supports its thematic complexity, creating a listening experience that mirrors the multilayered nature of social interaction. The song’s lasting appeal stems from its ability to articulate feelings and observations that many listeners recognize from their own social experiences. The track serves as a time capsule of early 2010s culture while addressing timeless themes about human social behavior and the search for authentic connection. The song’s success demonstrates the continued relevance of guitar-based music in addressing contemporary social issues and emotional experiences. The track’s influence on both musicians and listeners suggests its effectiveness in capturing and articulating shared cultural experiences. The song’s artistic achievement lies in its ability to transform specific social observations into universal statements about human nature and social interaction.

Critical evaluation

“No.1 Party Anthem” stands as one of Arctic Monkeys’ most accomplished compositions, demonstrating significant artistic growth and cultural insight. The song’s technical execution, from performance to production, meets high standards of contemporary popular music while maintaining artistic integrity. The track’s lyrical content provides substantial depth for analysis while remaining accessible to casual listeners, achieving a balance between accessibility and sophistication. The song’s musical arrangement effectively supports its thematic content, creating unity between form and content that enhances the overall artistic statement. The track’s cultural relevance and lasting influence demonstrate its success in capturing and articulating significant aspects of contemporary social experience. The song’s integration of diverse musical influences creates a distinctive sound that advances the band’s artistic development while remaining recognizably Arctic Monkeys. The track’s production values meet contemporary standards while avoiding the over-production that can diminish emotional impact. The song’s contribution to broader cultural discussions about authenticity and social performance establishes its significance beyond pure entertainment. The track’s artistic achievement lies in its successful combination of social observation, musical sophistication, and emotional resonance. “No.1 Party Anthem” represents a high point in Arctic Monkeys’ artistic development and stands as a significant contribution to contemporary popular music.

Keywords

lyrics, meaning, song meaning, lyrics meaning, be song be you, lyrics, songs, Arctic Monkeys, No.1 Party Anthem, lyrics No.1 Party Anthem by Arctic Monkeys, party culture, nightlife analysis, social performance, authenticity, Alex Turner, AM album, contemporary social commentary