AM, the fifth studio album by Arctic Monkeys, was recorded primarily at Sage & Sound Recording Studios in Hollywood, Los Angeles, with additional sessions at Rancho De La Luna in Joshua Tree, California, and Shangri-La Studios in Malibu. The album was produced by James Ford, who had collaborated with the band since their third album Humbug, alongside co-production from Ross Orton. Recording took place from late 2012 into 2013, with the album released on September 9, 2013 through Domino Records. The production was notably influenced by hip-hop and R&B, with frontman Alex Turner citing Dr. Dre and Black Sabbath as key inspirations, resulting in a heavy, riff-driven sound built around downtuned guitars, layered vocal harmonies reminiscent of 1960s doo-wop, and prominent use of drum loops and samples blended with live instrumentation. The album marked a significant sonic departure from the desert rock leanings of Humbug and Suck It and See, achieving massive commercial and critical success that solidified Arctic Monkeys' status as one of the defining rock bands of their generation.
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18 cataloged · sorted by audiophile score
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Domino — WIGLP317X
The limited deluxe UK vinyl pressing is generally well-regarded on SHF, considered the best standard vinyl option with a solid, punchy mastering that suits the album's production style.
Domino — WIGLP317
The standard European vinyl pressing is considered decent and faithful to the digital master; some SHF members note it doesn't offer a dramatically different experience from the CD but is a solid pressing.
Beat Records — BRC721
The Japanese HQCD pressing has drawn interest from collectors; audiophile forums note the HQCD format and Japanese attention to detail, though opinions vary on whether the sonic improvement over standard CD is meaningful for this modern, digitally-produce
Domino — WIGCD317
The standard European CD is the baseline release; SHF members acknowledge it's a loud, modern master by Ted Jensen but competent for the genre, with the album's intentionally compressed production leaving limited room for audiophile differentiation.
Hostess Entertainment Unlimited — HSE-10137 · Domino — WIGCD317J
Japanese first pressing with bonus tracks is sought by collectors; sonically believed to use the same master as the standard Domino CD but prized for packaging and bonus content.
Domino — 3747478
Australian CD pressing, generally assumed to share the same master as the standard Domino CD; not specifically discussed on SHF.
Domino — WIG317D1
Digital release assumed to be from the same Ted Jensen master; some SHF members note the 24-bit download option as a reasonable way to hear the album if vinyl is unavailable.
Domino — WIGLP317BR
Japanese 2023 vinyl reissue; not widely discussed on SHF but collectors note it as a readily available option in Japan.
Domino — WIGCD317S
Domino — 88883792872 · Hostess Entertainment Unlimited — 88883792872
Domino — WIGCD317E
Domino — 88883774702
Domino — R14E · NoPaper Records — R14E
Just Music — CDJUST648
Domino — 3772409
Domino Recording Co — 5034202016250
Domino Recording Co — 0887828031795
Domino Recording Co — 0887829133689