Arctic Monkeys - Four Stars Out Of Five?

Arctic Monkeys fans rejoice! The band, which was on hiatus since 2014, has returned with their sixth album titled Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino, released on 11th May 2018. The band took on a different direction from their previous album AM released in 2013, which had tremendous success in the States. If you're looking for another AM album to rock out to, you might be a little disappointed with this album that doesn't seem to meet the standards of "save rock and roll".

All songs were written by the band's frontman, Alex Turner, who decided to ditch the guitar riffs and jazz it up instead. The album has a 70s David Bowie vibe to it. There are a total of 11 tracks in the album.

"Star Treatment" is the first track and also the longest song of this album. The song has a classy accompaniment to it. Turner narrates the song more than singing it. This track makes you feel like you're getting treated like a star, just as the title says. The next song "One Point Perspective", begins with a repetitive piano key and drums. There is a short but great guitar solo in the song.

"American Sports" is an upbeat song with a high school feeling to it with drums sounding like a marching band. But when you look at the lyrics, it's really something else. The next track "Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino" has a post-millennium indie vibe to it, with electronic sounds. "Golden Trunks" has grungy guitar riffs right from the beginning. The song is about fantasising someone, and comparing them with a wrestler that wears golden trunks? Apart from that, the harmony in this song is on point.

"Four out of Five" is the title track of this album. The David Bowie style track has the band's trademark snarky guitar riffs (and thank God for that!). This track is arguably the most easy-going for me to listen to because of the familiarity of past songs, while still sounding fresh and rich.

Next is "The World's First Ever Monster Truck Front Flip". When you think of monster trucks, you expect it to be loud and fast. This track however makes you feel kind of relaxed with the harmonies in the second half of the song. "Science Fiction" is straight up a song from the 70s and of course, having that sci-fi vibe to it. "She Looks Like Fun" is the next track on the album. Don't be fooled by the name — the song sounds more gloomy than fun with the somewhat scary intro.

What you gonna call on? A "Batphone". This track definitely has Gotham-style influences and something you might hear out of a German Expressionism film. Finally, the album ends off with "The Ultracheese". This song sounds more light-hearted as compared to the others, though it does sound like a funeral at the same time. This track came right out of the Golden Age and Turner's vocals sound magical.

Arctic Monkeys may have left us scratching our heads at the first listen of the album. Most songs sound like a lounge-themed track, and others sound a little haunted. While the songs do not sound unfamiliar to fans, Arctic Monkeys definitely had a change of pace with their music. The album however is their most intriguing record. In my opinion, there is always something about Arctic Monkeys which draws you to listen to them and do a little wave throughout their songs.

The question is, did their album score a four out of five (or better)?

As for me, I'd much rather stick to listening to AM.

Listen to the album here:

[Tags: #arcticmonkeys #band #rock #music #album]