Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino

Arctic Monkeys

2018

3.05

Rating

304

Votes

22%

38%

25%

Distribution

Genres: Rock Styles: Indie Rock, Garage Rock, Alternative Rock

User Submitted Album

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Album Summary

Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino is the sixth studio album by English rock band Arctic Monkeys, released on 11 May 2018 by Domino Recording Company. The album was written by frontman Alex Turner in 2016 on a Steinway Vertegrand piano in his Los Angeles home. It was produced in Los Angeles, Paris and London by frequent Arctic Monkeys collaborator James Ford and Turner, alongside a wide array of guest musicians including Tom Rowley, Loren Humphrey, James Righton, Zach Dawes, Tyler Parkford and Cam Avery. Turner designed the album artwork himself, which depicts the resort with cardboard cut-outs and a tape recorder. Its title refers to Tranquility Base, the site of the 1969 Apollo 11 Moon landing. Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino is a major departure from the band's previous guitar-heavy work, being considered less accessible than its internationally successful predecessor, AM (2013). It features a rich sound that embodies psychedelic pop, lounge pop, space pop, and glam rock, as well as elements of jazz. It also draws influence from soul, progressive rock, funk, French pop and film soundtracks of the 1960s. Instrumentally, it incorporates vintage synthesisers and keyboards, including organs, pianos, harpsichords and the dolceola, as well as the Orchestron, Farfisa and RMI Rocksichord. Baritone and lap steel guitars are introduced by the band on multiple tracks, in addition to the electric and acoustic guitars typically used by the band, as well as a variety of percussion instruments, including rotary timpani and vibraphones. Its lyrical content draws heavily from science fiction and film, exploring consumerism, politics, religion and technology through the concept of a luxury resort on the Moon told from the perspective of various characters, such as the singer in the in-house band on "Star Treatment" or the hotel's receptionist on the title track. Despite its stylistic deviation polarising listeners, Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino was released to generally positive reviews and was named the best album of 2018 by Q magazine. It was nominated for the 2018 Mercury Prize and the Grammy Award for Best Alternative Music Album. The single "Four Out of Five" was nominated for Best Rock Performance. It became the band's sixth consecutive number-one debut in the UK, the country's fastest-selling vinyl record in 25 years, and the band's third top 10 album in the US. It also topped the charts in Australia, Belgium, the Netherlands, France, Greece, Portugal, Scotland and Switzerland.

Reviews

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Length: All Short Long

Feb 15 2024 Author

I kept feeling like this was about to click for me, but unfortunately Alex Turner makes a pretty inferior Bowie no matter how hard he tries.

Mar 13 2024 Author

A band I just have not been able to get into. The lyrics are a little too clever (sometimes at the expense of metrical rationality) and too trending into "the woes of being a great big star" territory. While this neo-lounge music is a departure from what else I've heard it still didn't do a whole lot for me.

Nov 02 2023 Author

Used to have this on repeat. I remember reading about how a lot of people didn't like this AM album, but I think it's great. It was just a taste of the direction they were headed. Kind of heartbreaking scifi vocals, fun little space "opera" in a sense.

May 30 2024 Author

Yoooooo lets fucking go 5th favorite album of all time 5 Almost can't resist giving it 4 stars out of five, but that's unheard of

Feb 21 2024 Author

Channeling Bowie and T Rex really hard. Sounds like a fuzzy outer space lounge act. Just a Iittle too samey by the end to earn a full five from me

Feb 09 2024 Author

Not bad. Not great either. Perhaps I'm missing something which would rank this among the more brilliant efforts from Artctic Monkeys, but I basically hear one single song of 40 minutes and 57 seconds.

Feb 15 2024 Author

Yeah, I don't get this addition unfortunately, I think Arctic Monkey's work was best summed up by their debut.

Apr 05 2024 Author

I remember being disappointed with this one after a few skims on release, and while I have a deeper appreciation for the artistry on a re-listen, it still just doesn't sit right in the Monkeys' catalog for me. Following the massive success of the swaggering rock revival of 'AM,' this LP takes such a sudden left turn into crooner territory that you'd be forgiven for thinking this is a different Alex Turner project entirely. It's not that it's poorly done – the production is smooth and clean, and the instrumentals are perfectly executed. It's more so the stunning lack of the characteristic swagger, snarl, and cocksure attitude that's ever-present throughout Arctic Monkeys catalog, the band seemingly aged overnight and now singing to fellow geriatrics at the nursing home. Artists are allowed (and encouraged in my book!) to take big leaps and departures from their characteristic sound, but this changeover hits so poorly that it still leaves a bitter taste in my mouth today.

Jan 13 2024 Author

I unapologetically adore Arctic Monkeys, and TBH&C has only intensified this affection. Daring to create a concept album that completely transforms their well-known style—especially after having one of the most successful rock LPs in recent times—is a bold move. And for me, it works brilliantly. The ever-evolving Arctic Monkeys are truly one of the greatest bands of our time, and TBH&C is a testament to that. Unheard of.

Nov 26 2023 Author

When I spent time with this album after it came out i remember liking, not loving it. I can't put a finger on why this is the case, but I loved it on this re-listen. I would have given it 5 stars, but i went with 4 stars out of 5 because I don't know if it could be better than a taqueria on the moon.

Jan 15 2024 Author

I didn't expect to enjoy this so much, but I was almost instantly charmed by the mood of this album. Very different from their earlier output, which I'm somewhat more familiar with. I'd say this is a mature record, and I mean that as a compliment. It's not to say it isn't fun and playful - more that it has a refined production style and compelling arrangements. A pleasant surprise that makes me reconsider this band and their talents.

Feb 03 2025 Author

Divided opinion at the time. I am with those who didn’t rate it.

Mar 17 2024 Author

Fantastic album!

Feb 15 2024 Author

Well, so far I'm two for two on the user submitted albums. Another good one. I've always liked the Arctic Monkeys, but never delved too far into their catalog beyond their first album, so happy to have the opportunity to listen to this. It's mellow, but really nice and interesting. Strangely evocative of David Bowie at times. Will listen again. 4 stars.

Feb 19 2024 Author

I think the space lounge thing is pretty cool, even if it wears a bit thin by the end of the album. 7/10

Feb 29 2024 Author

My only TBHC regret is that I liked it right away and the project isn't a great grower from there. The album does a lot of character work, though it's hardly a solo effort with the band's characteristic turn at three-quarters. The listed experiences are out there and familiar enough to feel by turns, and this time out there is literal space.

Jan 27 2025 Author

I can see why this is added to the list, but personally it would be my 5th maybe even 6th after the Car now, favourite Arctic Monkeys album. But I do agree it’s an important album for them, and should be on the list for that reason alone. I don’t agree with the hate it gets from Arctic monkeys fans complaining they don’t make music like what ever people say I am any more. The same people probably also moan that all Catfish and the Bottlemens albums sound the same.. but also I don’t think this is a masterpiece that die hard fans of the album make out to be. I admire they took and risk and tried something different. Overall I would give this 3 stars, but the temptation to give it four stars out of five was just too much. Id say that’s unheard of, but I won’t be the first or the last to make this joke…..

Jan 11 2024 Author

This was better than expected, and Four out of Five is a nice crowd pleaser.

Jan 15 2024 Author

A bit more sophisticated than most Arctic Monkeys I've heard. Star Treatment was surprisingly funky and had some interesting musical changes. I remember hearing Four Out of Five before. Overall it's a pretty good album, but for some reason it doesn't quite jive with me a ton. I think it's the vocal style, it just isn't my thing. Very close to a 4* though.

Feb 19 2024 Author

6/10. Was pretty good, but not super memorable. Maybe it's something that would grow on me. I liked "The Worlds First Ever Monster Truck Front-Flip".

Feb 21 2024 Author

I can get behind some Arctic Monkeys

Feb 22 2024 Author

Not a bad record, but AM or Favourite Worst Nightmare should be way ahead, as they are not in the list

Dec 15 2024 Author

I remember hearing this was an insane, left field turn by the Arctic Monkeys, but it really isn't. It's Alex Turner indulging his love of Scott Walker again and it is good enough, but not any more than that.

Apr 27 2025 Author

This was a lot worse than the other Arctic Monkeys album that was already on the list. This really felt like discount David Bowie. Maybe it can work but here it really doesn't. My personal rating: 3/5 My rating relative to the list: 3/5 Should this have been included on the original list? No. Stick with the original.

Sep 03 2023 Author

lol who chooses an Arctic Monkeys album when there’s already one in the official list? It’s ok, I mean they’re not a bad band. But this was your chance to show me something I’d never heard before, and instead you chose one of the most popular rock bands of the last 20 years. And from their “ageing coke fiend” period, by the sounds of things. Minimal guitars, all jazzy arrangements, self-indulgent, arrogant and drawn out. Definitely the worst AM album I know of. Ah well. 2/5.

Jan 15 2024 Author

Rock

Feb 15 2024 Author

I remember listening this album when it came out. I don't really like this 'crooner'-version of Arctic Monkeys. And now, at the re-listen, it didn't change that much.

Mar 02 2024 Author

... or when Arctic Monkeys went from being the best hope for classic rock, surpassing themselves with each album, to become a bland and uninspired group, trying to fulfill Alex Turner's goal of becoming a young crooner...

Apr 15 2024 Author

How the mighty have fallen.

May 01 2024 Author

It was just kind of there. I didn't really get into it. The songs could have been edited down.

Aug 20 2024 Author

Really quite dull. Someone said the Alex turner is like David Bowie but not as good, but a lot of this felt like a pulp cosplay but just lacking that pulp magic.

Dec 27 2024 Author

I like the Arctic Monkeys, but not a fan of this album really. More of a cabaret vibe than what I enjoy from them. 2.5/5

Sep 16 2024 Author

This feels completely unnecessary. Arctic Monkeys already have their biggest and best album in the original 1001 rotation, and this album is a sucky candy ass departure from that awesome sound. This suuuucks. Omg, it’s just the same song the whole way through. I will say, very very cool album artwork though. I’m digging it. I just wish I liked any one of these songs.

Nov 06 2024 Author

I don't really like the more conventional Arctic Monkeys stuff, not much anyway. I knew this album was considered something of a departure for them so maybe it would be more up my alley. Nope. I actually hate this. Did Alex Turner stick is face in a pile of blow, hit record and then just start talking about whatever stream of consciousness bullshit popped into his head?

May 27 2024 Author

Rating: 9/10 Best songs: Star treatment, American sports, Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino, Four out of five, She looks like fun

Jun 01 2024 Author

Arctic Monkeys had two other albums on the 1001 list, they were good, but this one is exceptional. I liked it much better than the others. I think every song is brilliant. Cheers to the submitter of this one! Standouts: Four out of Five, Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino, World's First Ever Monster Truck, Front Flip, Star Treatment, She Looks Like Fun, Golden Trunks, The Ultracheese Rating: 4.5

Aug 05 2025 Author

Love the Arctic Monkeys version 2

Sep 01 2025 Author

Arctic Monkeys are one of my favorite bands. I think this album is a real highlight in their creativity. It's super different for them but full of charm and a lot of whimsy. Turner's vocals are really at the top of their game here.

Jul 21 2024 Author

Not bad at all. This album has a lounge feel with some doo-wop through a British alternative framework. The result is an album with a sense of movement and mystery. It’s fitting that I got this album on the 55th anniversary of the moon landing.

Sep 28 2024 Author

Not my favorite AM album, but it is good. I am giving them 4 stars because of them, not because of the album

Nov 17 2024 Author

One of the albums after the Arctic Monkeys slowed the music down and Alex Turner became a smooth operator. I has a chique plastic mood making me almost feel guilty about loving it.

Dec 07 2024 Author

I just wanted to be one of the strokes

Dec 08 2024 Author

This album isn’t like previous arctic monkeys albums which definitely was a shock first time listening to it. It’s a unique lounges rock album but the lyricism is vastly different. I still prefer AM to this album but this is still solid. Its uniqueness makes it its own but this is pretty good. Very fittingly 4 stars out of 5. 8.2/10

Feb 17 2025 Author

Put this on for a long walk and so it looped around and I listened to it twice. Then I had to go back and listen to selections from Whatever People Say, That’s What I Am Not because this did not sound anything like I was expecting. Turns out this is a very different sounding iteration of Arctic Monkeys. I loved the strange, spacey, easy sound. It grew on me more and more as I got further along. I can see why someone might suggest this in addition to the album from the original list.

Feb 24 2025 Author

A more mature monkeys

May 06 2025 Author

Like "This is Hardcore" by Pulp, it was a huge departure following a highly successful album. Sounds like a band bored of churning out the same old stuff, but taking their first steps into a new world of sound. Very Bowie and Scott Walker influenced, and very self-indulgent, and sounds more like Last Shadow Puppets than AM - did Alex get confused who he was writing for? I liked it but didn't love it at first listen (seven years ago now), and fully expected this to change over repeated listening. Unfortunately, it never did.

Jun 27 2025 Author

Lots of loungey atmosphere but it retains that trademark Arctic Monkeys swagger. Good times.

Jun 30 2025 Author

July 7, 2025 HL: "Star Treatment", "American Sports", title track, "Four Out of Five", "Batphone" Orbital's version of "The Saint" played after this and I completely believed it was a bonus track. Kooky 60's melody and everything. I've never been THAT big on Arctic Monkeys, despite them having the greatest band name on Earth. However, between this, The Car and The Last Shadow Puppets, they have more range than I initially gave them credit for, back when all I knew them for was "R U Mine" and "I Bet You Look Good On the Dancefloor". (Also I really loved "Do I Wanna Know" in high school but that's besides the point.) Tranquility Base doesn't really have the element of surprise if one listened to The Car first, but its flirtations with retrofuturism and languid art pop mesh really well. Next to The Age of the Understatement and Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not- ehh, it's redundant on the list. But it's also some of the best tunes I've heard from Alex Turner & co.

Jul 15 2025 Author

Reminds me a lot of Pulp's "This is Hardcore:" sleazy lounge music delivered with a northern twang. Not sure it quite reaches the lofty heights of Pulp's dirtiest album, but it's still interesting and diverting.

Jul 16 2025 Author

Clear evidence that mid-career reinventions are possible, though exceedingly rare. This is delightful, even if one doesn’t buy into the full story and narrative (another artist exploring stories of prog-rock-esque complexity), which really should be left to the novelists anyway. But the dry sense of humor and assured thoughtful (and occasionally glimmery) playing. That they continued on with their next album, too, confirms that they were up for this shift. One once conceived of them as the British Green Day, but this record (and the next) prove that that’s a far too narrow a comp. One knows it's divisive among AM fans, but it brought in at least one new fan, who'd be happy to see it replace the existing AM album (which is strong) on the list proper (but this one is a bolder statement with a higher degree of difficulty). Good choice recommender.

Sep 02 2025 Author

first listen this annoyed me but it grew on me after a couple more

Oct 29 2025 Author

It’s a long way from the dancefloor but a great album in its own way. Just not quite a master

Nov 03 2025 Author

Overall positive thoughts about the album. For me, no great standout track, but substantial reason for me to listen to more

Nov 17 2025 Author

I keep trying to place the vocals. At first I was thinking Bono, but now I think it's more of a cross to Geoff Tate's lower register and Elvis Costello. I dig it, though. The more I listen to it, the more I enjoy it. I do think it's good. Seriously, I liked the one AM that was in the original list, so sure, more of this. please. Top songs: "The Ultra Cheese," "Four Out Of Five," "One Point Perspective"

Feb 16 2026 Author

Big fan of the Arctic Monkeys!

Mar 16 2026 Author

Enjoyable, but such a shame that they switched styles from that edgy sound in "Whatever People Say I Am..."

Jul 07 2024 Author

Good lyrics and poetry as usual. Much more subdued musically from the fun guitar pop and rock normally associated with the band.

Aug 12 2024 Author

Never hit the heights of their first album again 2.9

Aug 16 2024 Author

Well-crafted and richly arranged. I would not have guessed Arctic Monkeys had this kind of album in them, so this is a pleasant surprise. The shtick wears a bit thin by the time all is said and done, but I enjoyed it. Fave Songs: Four Out of Five, Star Treatment, One Point Perspective, American Sports, Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino

Oct 06 2024 Author

Fair play to Arctic Monkeys for radically changing their sound. With the lounge music stylings and lyrics such as "quantitative easing" it is difficult to avoid an impression that Alex Turner is doing a parody of his own voice. Rating: 3.5 Playlist track: Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino Date listened: 05/10/24

Oct 14 2024 Author

Art rock, psychedelic pop, lounge pop, space pop, glam rock. Ni fu ni fa.

Oct 30 2024 Author

Arctic Monkeys have had a fun career trajectory, huh? From garage rock, to an album clearly indebted to Bowie and lounge music. I find this one more of a curiosity, than anything. I was very into early AM, but fell off shortly after the second record, and it's crazy to come back and find them here. It's good, it's just... Nothing spectacular. It does work as space-age lounge music, floating lazily over the anti-gravity cocktails. Don't forget to tip your waitstaff. Favorite track: "One Point Perspective"

Nov 14 2024 Author

Góð tónlist, textar oft ekki að ná pari.

Nov 29 2024 Author

For coming out in 2018, this sounds quite a bit like a Covid album. Stripped back production with the lead singer just singing about whatever problems they see in the world. Wasn’t a huge fan of this and honestly am just waiting until AM shows up.

Dec 31 2024 Author

Surprisingly boring. It isn't a collection of songs as much as just a arctic monkeys vibe going on for forty minutes. Subdued somewhat non-descript music with a talky singy voiceover. One stops and the next track is pretty much the same thing. The best track, Four out of Five, is amazingly similar... it just seems to add a little more melody/inflection into the title of the song that makes me anticipate and want to single along with that line. Wish there was more here.

Dec 31 2024 Author

Sounds very typical of their music. I didn't really get too much of the title track. Seems like it was difficult for them to make it flow with title.

Apr 23 2025 Author

Mellifluous.

Apr 29 2025 Author

Only heard the first 2 AM albums and this feels light years away. At times it feels like French lounge chanson type stuff. It may be brilliant, it may be really indulgent. The overall production is sumptuous. Prob needs more than one listen..not 4 out of 5 for me.

May 30 2025 Author

Funny lounge vibes here and there

Jun 09 2025 Author

The album on which Alex Turner finally discovers that his true passion lies in LARPing as a 50s crooner. Much more of a grower than the other Arctic Monkeys albums, especially since everyone's first thought when hearing this is: "What the fuck is this. Why are they doing this." But it's not that bad and actually has some very nice songs like the opener and title track. This is them mid-air doing a somersault while jumping the shark. The shark only gets fully jumped on their next album, "The Car", because what the fuck was that. Why are they doing that.

Jun 18 2025 Author

It’s not my fav

Jul 14 2025 Author

The lyrics one the first track are kinda wild. Like most Arctic Monkeys work, watch it as it goes way waaaaaaaaaaaaaaay over my head.

Jul 23 2025 Author

Quite nice

Aug 26 2025 Author

A far cry from the early days of Arctic Monkeys, this album sounds like it's trapped in another dimension of space and time (not unlike the album cover). As fascinating as the production is, it gets a little tired after a while as I was waiting for something to pick up the slack. It certainly isn't vocalist Alex Turner, who's poetic waxing actually detracts from much of the vibe. This is an album with heaps of potential but needs a bit more work to be fully realized. CONTENDER FOR THE LIST: Not really a highlight for the genre or even the band. AM might be a better pick.

Sep 11 2025 Author

Alex Turner being arch is OK but is so much more interesting with the energy of the early stuff

Sep 18 2025 Author

Art rock, psychedelic pop, lounge pop, space pop, glam rock. Demasiado glam. Bonito, aburrido ... no sé, me esperaba más. Además, ya hay un disco de ellos en la lista original. ¿Necesario 2?

Sep 18 2025 Author

Art rock, psychedelic pop, lounge pop, space pop, glam rock. Ni fu ni fa.

Sep 22 2025 Author

Trading in some rock for smoothness, but I still can’t quite get there with Arctic Monkeys

Sep 27 2025 Author

Good record. Not sure why I don’t listen to more of them.

Oct 06 2025 Author

Ecstatic to see an Arctic Monkeys album on the user list, furious that it is Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino. It's a drag and should have been an Alex Turner solo album, 100%. Best track (and title) is 'The World's First Ever Monster Truck Front Flip'. What really grinds my gears though is that Matt Helders is a fucking generational talent behind the drums, and he gets close to zero opportunities to show this on the record. Ranking of Arctic Monkeys albums: 1. Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not 2. Favourite Worst Nightmare 3. AM 4. Humbug 5. Suck It And See 6. The Car 7. Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino

Oct 12 2025 Author

The style shift here was the thing I liked most. I appreciate when artists take a new direction, and Arctic Monkeys certainly did that. But Tranquility Base Hotel + Casino feels more like an Alex Turner solo project than an Arctic Monkeys album. I really tried with this album on several occasions since 2018 and I appreciate the ambition and the inventive arrangements. There are beautiful melodies and clever moments, but it never really connects for me. The charm of the opening line “I just wanted to be one of The Strokes. Now look at the mess you made me make.” starts to feel too true by the end. It all sounds too forced. I like laid-back albums, but this style has been done better by others.

Oct 14 2025 Author

I had a pretty strong negative reaction to Arctic Monkeys the first time I got them on this list, and my reaction to this album is similar, if a bit more muted. I think that liking this band must depend to some level on liking the lyrics. I don't find them meaningful, but I think I would enjoy this a lot more if I did. As it is, this album feels self-indulgent to me, and I didn't get very far through it before abandoning the effort. I don't think this album is bad like I did with the previous album, but this was clearly not for me 3/5

Nov 18 2025 Author

Nothing against artists growing and changing, evolving their sound. Nothing against Arctic Monkeys pushing beyond the styles of their first decade. But much of the style they developed during and after "Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino" doesn't work for me. The lounge pop vibe, in particular, feels pretentious.

Dec 13 2025 Author

Why is it that all the best bands decide to try their hand at Lounge-Pop? In all seriousness it really does sound like Alex has changed into a Lounge Lizard but then I'd probably slag him off for copying the formula that gave him a Los Angeles pad so he can't win.

Dec 13 2025 Author

Honestly, probably the best album in this genre I've listened to, and easily the best Arctic Monkeys album. Hell, it would have actually been good if it was instrumental only.

Jan 01 2026 Author

Not as good as their previous album, but not as bad as their next. It’s just a shame how boring it is given what we know they can do. I appreciate they’re trying a new direction, but it feels like they don’t know what the goal is. Again, that’s more true on their next album, but it’s evident here as well. Genuinely hope they can pull out something exciting next time. 3/5

Feb 07 2026 Author

Un rock moderno, suave y elegante, cercano al indie. Agradable de escuchar, sin mucha intensidad ni canciones especialmente épicas. Me ha gustado, pero no me ha llegado.

Dec 27 2024 Author

I've really wanted to be the guy that likes the Arctic Monkeys. I tried really hard on the album that had "I bet you look good on the dancefloor", a song I like, but I just can't get into them. I think this is our third album of theirs and it hasn't hit yet.

Apr 06 2025 Author

Not a huge fan tbh

May 16 2025 Author

Arctic Monkeys’ first two albums lit a firework under the UK indie scene and pioneered a new wave of pub rock bands. Their two following albums were a bit moodier and more psychedelic - they showed they had range and that they were friend with Josh Homme now. Then came AM, a staggeringly huge record which was inescapable for years, and solidified the Monkeys as one the biggest rock bands of the 21st century. It would have been so easy to follow it up with AM 2 and live off the diminishing returns for another few albums, but instead they took the left-field option. I’m really glad they did as Tranquility Base is so so much more interesting and exciting than if they tried to just recycle their already quite derivative brand of blues rock revival. Shame it fucking sucks though. It’s a pretty wild concept - Turner is this lounge singer on a luxury resort on the moon, and this gives them an excuse to chuck in a load of sci-fi references and then not really do anything else with the concept. It’s so wild it could just about work, but Turner doesn't have the self-awareness to play into the silliness of it all and pull it off Richard Cheese style, and instead it’s a pretentious half-baked mess. A lot of the vocals are out of his range as well and he just doesn’t have the mic presence to carry it - his swagger from AM is weirdly gone and he struggles his way through song after song. It’s not all bad - the instrumentation is often fun and plays into the spacy concept even if the songs often meander and don’t deliver. Some of the tracks that do hit are the cool scene-setting opener Star Treatment, Four Out of Five which is the closest this has to a single, and She Looks Like Fun which is the only song where Turner seems to be in on the gimmick - it’s got this haunted funfair vibe and sounds absolutely batshit and is just a lot of fun. I guess my main issue with the album is that so much of it just sounds like nothing. It has this really unique and actually quite fruitful concept that is just not played into enough. If they leaned into the silliness more, it would make the experimentation worth it - if they had more fun with it, it would be more fun to listen to. As it stands it’s a failed experiment and ultimately quite forgettable - and no concept album about a lounge singer on the fucking moon should be forgettable! - and while AM endured for many years after its release, I think Tranquility Base is already starting to be lost in time… like tears in the rain

Jul 20 2025 Author

A bit dull tbh!

Sep 10 2025 Author

Kinda groaned seeing this one (although I do like the cover) - not at all a fan based on what I've previously heard from them. But in reading that this was a massive departure I thought ok ... open mind... And as the music starts with the first track I'm immediately liking it more, until the loungey-vocals come in and it just turns me right off. Every song. A nice effort, and I can see why people could dig this - but I'll never get by the horrible voice, vocal effects, and dumb lyrics. I don't like Bowie at all and this is ... a far worse imitation - I'd rather have the 8 Bowie albums again. 4/10 2 stars.

Sep 10 2025 Author

I have never listened to their non extremely famous gongs (like a whole album at a time) and tbh this was nothing fancy. I do see influence and recognize why they are famous, but just not my cup of tea.

Oct 06 2025 Author

This is an Alex Turner solo album and should never have been released under the Arctic Monkeys name. It feels very long (even at only 40 minutes) and the songs all have the exact same sound and tempo… But the worst part of it all? The fact that Matt Helders, one of his generation’s most underrated drummers, is being held hostage on this bore of an album. Hell, he isn’t even the drummer on every track! It’s not quite a 1 in itself, but it’s a disgrace that this is a Monkeys-album.

Nov 17 2025 Author

There was a Scott Walker album on the 1,001 list where I said his style must've inspired guys like Interpol and The Arctic Monkeys. I immediately thought of Walker when I heard the first song. I also thought of Richard Hawley's entry on the 1,001 list and Alex Turner's side project The Last Shadow Puppets. All of those other artists and bands were better than this though. Couldn't wait for the album to end and not going to listen again.

Dec 04 2025 Author

I couldn't tell you anything about this album aside from the fact that it blended seamlessly into the background to the point I didn't even realize it was over for at least 10 minutes.

Dec 15 2025 Author

Still not really into this version of the Arctic Monkeys. AM was the right amount of mixing their old sound with this lounge singer thing they're doing in this album. So I find it hard to give this album a good rating, unfortunately because of the band name attached to it. It's a decent album l, but just not the sound I'd expect when listening to the Arctic Monkeys.

Jan 17 2026 Author

Jag har aldrig förstått mig på Arctic Monkeys.

Mar 16 2026 Author

Trying too hard. Just sounds pretentious

Apr 16 2026 Author

I'm a big fan of their debut album as well as A.M so I was excited for this since I hadn't heard it yet. Now I know why I haven't heard it. Sorry. This was really boring.