Arctic Monkeys

Four teenagers from the High Green suburb of Sheffield. 2005. I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor. They didn't just announce themselves — they detonated. Alex Turner, Matt Helders, Jamie Cook, Nick O'Malley became the definin' British guitar band of the twenty-first century. Their rise fuelled by the then-novel power of internet word-of-mouth and file-sharin'. I remember hearin' that first album and thinkin' — these lads get it. They get modern Britain.

Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not (06) became the fastest-sellin' debut album in British chart history — a record that still stands. Over 350,000 copies in its first week. A vivid witty snapshot of British youth culture — nights out, taxi queues, weekend fights, the mundanity of provincial life. Lyrical sharpness that recalled Ray Davies and Jarvis Cocker. When the Sun Goes Down and Fake Tales of San Francisco showcased Turner's gift for storytellin' and his keen sometimes scathin' observation. Won the Mercury Prize.

Favourite Worst Nightmare (07) proved they were no one-album wonder. Fluorescent Adolescent and 505 became anthems for a generation. But AM (13) elevated 'em to global superstars. Do I Wanna Know? — that bassline, one of the most recognisable in modern rock. Arabella, R U Mine? Crossed over to audiences that rarely touched guitar music. Number one on both sides of the Atlantic. Never left the cultural bloodstream.

Their willingness to evolve has been key. Humbug (09) ventured into desert rock with Josh Homme producin'. Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino (18) was a divisive lounge-pop concept album set on the moon. Daring. The Car (22) continued that orchestral vein, earnin' 'em the Brit Award for British Group.

Seven number-one albums in the UK. From punk energy to desert rock to orchestral pop. They stand alongside Oasis and the Beatles as one of this country's most beloved and endurin' bands. The journey from teenage upstarts to elder statesmen of British indie rock — one of the great success stories in UK music history.