Why'd You Only Call Me When You're High?

A hazy, neon-soaked journey through late-night romance and psychedelic pop perfection.

Why'd You Only Call Me When You're High? stands as the third studio album by the Sheffield-based rock band Arctic Monkeys, marking a pivotal shift in their sonic identity. Released in 2013, this record moves away from the garage-rock swagger of their earlier work into a more psychedelic, lounge-pop influenced soundscape. It serves as the auditory backdrop for a late-night escape, capturing the hazy, neon-lit atmosphere of modern romance and intoxication that defines much of the band's later storytelling era.

Last updated 2026-09-28 from the source article.

Quick Facts

Artist

Arctic Monkeys

B-side

Stop the World I Wanna Get Off with You

Released

11 August 2013

Genre

Funk rock
blues rock
R&B

Label

Domino

Composer

Jamie Cook
Matt Helders
Nick O'Malley
Alex Turner

Lyricist

Alex Turner

Producer

James Ford

Facts from the source article.

Background

The atmosphere is thick with tension and desire, characterized by a production style that feels like looking through a kaleidoscope. It reflects a maturity in songwriting where the focus shifts from the energy of the crowd to the intimacy of a private moment gone slightly wrong. This era introduces a sense of danger and allure, suggesting that the characters are navigating relationships that are as volatile as they are captivating.

Track listing

CD single, digital download / (version 1)

No.	Title	Length
1	Why'd You Only Call Me When You're High?	2:41

7-inch vinyl, digital download / (version 2)

No.	Title	Length
1	Why'd You Only Call Me When You're High?	2:41
2	Stop the World I Wanna Get Off with You	3:11

Track listing from the source article.

Did You Know?

The album was recorded in Los Angeles and Paris, influencing its more international and psychedelic sound.
It features the shortest tracklist of any of their studio albums to date.
The production style was heavily inspired by the sounds of 1960s lounge music and surf rock.
Every song on the record is under four minutes long, emphasizing a concise, pop-oriented approach.