The two songs that always make Alex Turner cry: “Incredible vocals”
Alex Turner has revealed the two songs that emotionally move him to tears. The Arctic Monkeys frontman discussed his musical influences in a 2022 Entertainment Weekly interview, highlighting how filmic, orchestral pieces without lyrics or with simple, beautifully delivered words have increasingly shaped his songwriting approach. This reveals the artistic foundation behind Arctic Monkeys' evolution from their Sheffield post-punk roots into more cinematic, ballad-focused arrangements.
Turner cited "Les Choses de la Vie" by Philippe Sarde, the main theme from a film of the same name, praising its ability to stir emotions through "gorgeous swells of strings" without lyrics. His second tearjerker is "Where Did Everybody Go?" by Nat King Cole, which he described as having "incredible, incredible vocals" and a sweeping instrumental arrangement that transitions seamlessly. These timeless pieces exemplify the soft, romantic songwriting style that has increasingly defined Arctic Monkeys' recent work, though fans have found this shift hit-and-miss compared to their earlier cheeky post-punk identity.
- Alex Turner's two most emotionally moving songs are orchestral pieces emphasising instrumental beauty.
- The songs feature stirring arrangements and simple or absent lyrics.
- These musical influences explain Arctic Monkeys' shift to cinematic, romantic songwriting.
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Arctic Monkeys is a rock band from Sheffield that emerged in the early 2000s as one of the UK's biggest musical acts. They began with raw, energetic post-punk songs but have gradually shifted towards a more orchestral, cinematic sound over recent years.
Lead singer Alex Turner's artistic evolution has been shaped by his appreciation for lush instrumental film soundtracks and beautifully sung ballads rather than purely guitar-driven rock. This influence is evident in the band's recent albums, which feature softer arrangements and more romantic lyrics than their earlier work.
The band's transformation has divided fans, with some appreciating the lush, orchestral sound whilst others prefer the raw energy of their earlier records. Understanding Turner's musical influences helps explain why the band has taken this new direction.