The Arctic Monkeys’ Changing Sound Pays Off: Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino
Arctic Monkeys 6th album was released one day ago and there have been very mixed feelings on it. Many say it doesn’t come close to topping their last album AM. Their sound is much different in this album than others too. But to change the sound of your band and for it to become “Galaxy Lounge Music” is interesting. I will deconstruct each song and give my opinion on the whole album at the end.
1 - Star Treatment
The opening song sets the tone for the opening album and brings in a chill jazz vibe from the start. When I first listened to this song my opinion was that it was very meh. I felt that Alex Turner’s voice was strange at first, but now it is one of my favorite songs. It is very unique and does have the catchy tone that much of the Arctic Monkeys songs have.
2 - One Point Perspective
The song starts with an interesting piano tune and picks up with Turner’s unique voice from the opener. The song slowly begins to flow together when all the aspects of the songs are applied (bass, guitar, drums) and give the audience the feel the album will have. While it is not one of the most memorable of the album is does set it up well.
3 - American Sports
“American Sports” leads in from where “One Point Perspective” ends off. It’s beat quickly changes to more upbeat. Turner’s voice is less extreme and sounds very good on the ears. The song feels like space music and I just learned I enjoy space music.
4 - Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino
“Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino” is the title track and I believe it holds up heavily to its name. By the end of the first listen you will be singing about the “Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino.” Thinking about what the song is even about after being just swept up in the strangeness of its aurora. If not by the first listen, most will be singing along by the second.
5 - Golden Trucks
This is one of the most mainstream songs of the album and I feel it blends too easily into other songs along the way. While the song is not bad, it does not captivate me like every other song does. “Golden Trucks” feel flat in the reach the Arctic Monkeys were going for.
6 - Four Out Of Five
“Four Out Of Five” is the closest the album will get to Arctic Monkeys other albums in terms of sound but it is still quite unique. This songs stands out as the most likely to be a radio hit. The rhythm of the song is very likable and I find myself swaying to it even when I am not singing. While I believe this song to be the most marketable I still see the risks the Arctic Monkeys took to make it.
7 - The World’s First Ever Monster Trunk Front Flip
The Arctic Monkeys showcase a sudden harmony that gives vibes of an old school barbershop quartet. It adds to a unique sound they haven’t achieved before, it also makes for a very good break in the album. This break changes the tone of the next song dramatically.
8 - Science Fiction
The song starts off very strong and after 0:45 into the song I began to realize the Arctic Monkeys are singing about what nearly none sing about, science. They interweave their own spin on the genre and it is clear they have passion for it. “Science Fiction” allowed me to relax like the majority of album but I came out of it with a want for a change of pace.
9 - She Looks Like Fun
From the beginning cords of this song “She Looks Like Fun” was just what I needed, fun. The change of pace is immediately apparent. Half way in we are greeted with a guitar solo that I didn’t know I wanted but now the need for it lingers. “She Looks Like Fun” became one of my favorites on the album not just because of the many great aspects, but the strategic placement in the album.
10 - Batphone
“Batphone” takes us back to the sound the Arctic Monkeys’ holds for the majority of the album. I feel that this is where opinions will differ a lot for those who enjoy the album. I felt that this ties us back into the album’s sound and is a strong choice to do so. I have heard that this song feels repetitive but I do dissagree.
11 - The Ultracheese
From the first cord or word sung I knew this would be my favorite song on the album. “The Ultracheese” is very lyric and piano heavy and it helps relay the songs meaning much easier than others. The song is also slower than most on the album which is fitting as it is the last. The song hits in the gut and leaves me wanting more of what I didn’t know I wanted, and I feel this sums up Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino
I applaud the Arctic Monkeys for their music over the years and I feel that Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino will make its place among the other hits. They took a risk and fans of Alt Rock need to support these risks because that is what makes music great. The ability to express change as a person through music is very difficult. The Arctic Monkeys easily pulled this off here. They have the ability to make an album about space and science, and they did. It is very good too.
Overall Rating: 8/10 — Buy on CD