Tranquility Base Hotel + Casino
by Arctic Monkeys
  • Record Label: Domino
  • Release Date: May 11, 2018
User Score
7.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 701 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 504 out of 701
  2. Mixed: 103 out of 701
  3. Negative: 94 out of 701
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  1. chrislis1
    May 12, 2018
    7
    I would rather listen to Turner's half-arsed, pretentious, self-indulging songwriting than a lot of what the charts have to offer atm. Yes the album lacks great choruses, catchy hooks, and the songs do blend into one another a bit too much. But "Tranquility" still shows off Turner's profound songwriting ability, even if no-one's quite sure what he's on about this time. Plus, the group'sI would rather listen to Turner's half-arsed, pretentious, self-indulging songwriting than a lot of what the charts have to offer atm. Yes the album lacks great choruses, catchy hooks, and the songs do blend into one another a bit too much. But "Tranquility" still shows off Turner's profound songwriting ability, even if no-one's quite sure what he's on about this time. Plus, the group's range is ever expanded with this release.

    Probably the Arctic's weakest album yet, but still worth a few listens as this is far from a pop album. Not quite "Four Out Of Five" from me though Alex.    … Expand
  2. hrodgar
    May 12, 2018
    0
    Waited so long for this new album and I'm very surprised. I don't like it. It not what I expected from Arctic Monkes after AM and other ones. the songs are too similar to each other and there isn't the sound that made Arctic Mnkeys different from other bands.
    I'm lucky I didn't buy the ticket for the european tour.
  3. Alex016
    May 12, 2018
    2
    After five years of waiting, we got a bad album with boring music. The lyrics are interesting, but that's not enough.

    This is a very "The Emperor's New Clothes" situation. Only smart people see and understand beauty. Is that right? I say - the emperor is naked!
  4. A7sus4
    May 12, 2018
    5
    Sorry devotees and counter intuitive critics. I'll give it a few more spins but so far this is trash.
  5. filipehondrey12
    May 12, 2018
    7
    Not a good album, I'm sure it could be better, but maybe one day I'll enjoy it.
  6. AlexWaterwalk
    May 12, 2018
    10
    This is the break-free album that I had expected from the band. It's their Achtung Baby / Kid A / Low / Sgt. Pepper... I had mixed feelings at first, but it gets better with each listen, like any great album does !
    This is already my favorite album by them, and turning one of my favorite album ever.
    No weak song here. If I had to pick a few favorites out of it, it would probably be Star    This is the break-free album that I had expected from the band. It's their Achtung Baby / Kid A / Low / Sgt. Pepper... I had mixed feelings at first, but it gets better with each listen, like any great album does !
    This is already my favorite album by them, and turning one of my favorite album ever.
    No weak song here. If I had to pick a few favorites out of it, it would probably be Star Treatment, Tranquility Base Hotel + Casino and Four Out Of Five.    … Expand
  7. PrimaryConsumer
    May 12, 2018
    10
    An album like nothing else I've ever heard. Even if their next project is another Guitar Stadium Bangers collection (as it likely should be) at the very least this album will be remembered as a wonderful experiment.
  8. mccv
    May 12, 2018
    5
    The absence of the band was long so the expectations rose to a high values. i was prepared for something new but I also hoped that they might go back to their roots. After hearing all of the songs I must say there is a big change but this change is not good. There are maybe 3 songs that I actually enjoyed and as a fan, I'm dissappointed. The whole album seems to be too lazy, few songs areThe absence of the band was long so the expectations rose to a high values. i was prepared for something new but I also hoped that they might go back to their roots. After hearing all of the songs I must say there is a big change but this change is not good. There are maybe 3 songs that I actually enjoyed and as a fan, I'm dissappointed. The whole album seems to be too lazy, few songs are too slow and I felt that they had meant to be played much faster. There is one song that has enormous potential to be a worldwide hit but it was played too slow in this case. I'm talking about "She looks like fun". This meant to be short review so to sum up, I'm giving it 5 because if some of these songs were played with more power, it would be much more fun to hear some of them. And I can't stand that "She looks like fun" was played that way - it has so much potential.… Expand
  9. Itsamatt
    May 11, 2018
    4
    Yup...it uh... sure is Arctic Monkeys.

    I wish I could say this any other way but it was just dull. I was really hoping from the preview that the album would be a little more different. I was really hoping for some fast-paced, very music-centric songs. Instead, however, Alex's voice was still front and center and the lyrics were, at times, absolute gibberish that I think was just    Yup...it uh... sure is Arctic Monkeys.

    I wish I could say this any other way but it was just dull. I was really hoping from the preview that the album would be a little more different. I was really hoping for some fast-paced, very music-centric songs. Instead, however, Alex's voice was still front and center and the lyrics were, at times, absolute gibberish that I think was just supposed to "get you lost". It was exactly what I would expect an AM album to be. That's about all I can say. I was hoping for something more refreshing. Instead, I got more or less what they've previously supplied.    … Expand
  10. Droogle
    May 11, 2018
    8
    Not their best record yes, but defiantly a strong effort nevertheless. It is obvious that the band has matured, and Turner pushing AM to new limits. Lyrically, this is Alex Turner's swan song. It will be interesting to see where the band travels next. Also, to complain about Arctic Monkeys are abandoning their sound is ridiculous. The only two albums that sound vaguely similar are theNot their best record yes, but defiantly a strong effort nevertheless. It is obvious that the band has matured, and Turner pushing AM to new limits. Lyrically, this is Alex Turner's swan song. It will be interesting to see where the band travels next. Also, to complain about Arctic Monkeys are abandoning their sound is ridiculous. The only two albums that sound vaguely similar are the first two. Each record has tried a different sound, some failing (Suck it and See) and others succeeding (AM).… Expand
  11. sammyanthony
    May 11, 2018
    6
    Waited 4 years for this.

    The result? It's more like a spin-off, which may be indicating their new (yet still raw and unprepared) experimental project. Can't agree more than the fact that many songs remind me of David Bowie's era. The title theme is suited perfectly in each song; bringing passionless, lackluster mood and such. After all, it's still worth to get a listen, to hear their    Waited 4 years for this.

    The result? It's more like a spin-off, which may be indicating their new (yet still raw and unprepared) experimental project. Can't agree more than the fact that many songs remind me of David Bowie's era. The title theme is suited perfectly in each song; bringing passionless, lackluster mood and such. After all, it's still worth to get a listen, to hear their so-called 'growth' and the new ambiance of Arctic Monkeys.    … Expand
  12. harry909
    May 11, 2018
    10
    It feels like a '2001: A Space Odyssey' where it takes time to fully understand and overall accept it's greatness. Gives me major Bowie/ Radiohead vibes such as multiple listens add to the experience and you will get more out of the album as a whole on say the 10th listen. The lyricism is incredible with a brilliant concept. A very bold move with the success of AM and will surelyIt feels like a '2001: A Space Odyssey' where it takes time to fully understand and overall accept it's greatness. Gives me major Bowie/ Radiohead vibes such as multiple listens add to the experience and you will get more out of the album as a whole on say the 10th listen. The lyricism is incredible with a brilliant concept. A very bold move with the success of AM and will surely disappoint fans looking for their older sound but to say there are no guitars or drums is ridiculous, you just need to listen for them. An epic concept that truly succeeds… Expand
  13. aly23
    May 11, 2018
    2
    Amo Arctic Monkeys mas, esse album parece um álbum do Roberto Carlos.
    horrivel.
  14. televizyon7
    May 11, 2018
    10
    Arctic Monkeys’ sixth album, whose name is inspired by that landing spot, is not quite as towering an achievement as putting a man on the moon – but consider this the band’s boldest step yet. “Giant leap”? we can barely see them from here.
  15. MagicGnome
    May 11, 2018
    9
    I'm surprised at how divisive this album is been. It is the Arctic Monkeys most experimental album, but it's still not that experimental. I don't think it makes sense to compare it to Kid A, Kid A was far more experimental. It has some of their best lyrics and some of the best instruments by them in my opinion. Yea, there aren't many choruses, I don't miss them. I don't know what theI'm surprised at how divisive this album is been. It is the Arctic Monkeys most experimental album, but it's still not that experimental. I don't think it makes sense to compare it to Kid A, Kid A was far more experimental. It has some of their best lyrics and some of the best instruments by them in my opinion. Yea, there aren't many choruses, I don't miss them. I don't know what the reviewers that are giving this album a 5/10 and below are hearing. Maybe they're listing to the album once with earbuds, or maybe they just really like guitars and don't have an open mind?… Expand
  16. TheusFurler
    May 11, 2018
    8
    The more you listen to it, the better it gets. Yeah, Arctic Monkeys, The most interesting, personal and the deepest album.
  17. petrosv
    May 11, 2018
    0
    maybe the worst album of the year. such a same! listened to whatever people say I am to remember the old, glory days.
  18. kikifd
    May 11, 2018
    7
    Its hard to like it the first time you listen to. It gets better with the time, but compared with the previous albums, its just not enough. Liked they chagend their groove, its nice to change sometimes.
  19. thisisthesam
    May 11, 2018
    8
    Definitely a grower. It gets better with every listen. A drastic change from previous material but shows signs of a band progressing, taking risks and evolving. Each time you visit the album, you find something that you didn't before, giving the album replay value. Very excited to see how it translates live. Kudos should be given for a mainstream band putting something like this out thanDefinitely a grower. It gets better with every listen. A drastic change from previous material but shows signs of a band progressing, taking risks and evolving. Each time you visit the album, you find something that you didn't before, giving the album replay value. Very excited to see how it translates live. Kudos should be given for a mainstream band putting something like this out than the normal 'safe' drivel.… Expand
  20. DukeElli31
    May 11, 2018
    10
    What seems at first confusing and similar becomes richer and richer with every listen. Turner's lyrics have never been weirder and more interesting; the band has never been more intricate with the sound. As we have learned from Humbug and AM, the only thing you can really expect from this band is to do something completely unexpected.
  21. MShrouded
    May 11, 2018
    9
    For almost 5 years I have waited for a new Arctic Monkeys Album I could seriously get excited for. Against what it seems like the rest of the world, I despised the majority of their last album AM.
    In my opinion AM felt like a radio safe cash grab with plenty of gooey love songs to keep people who hadn't listened to any of their older albums listening for years. It felt like Alex Turner    For almost 5 years I have waited for a new Arctic Monkeys Album I could seriously get excited for. Against what it seems like the rest of the world, I despised the majority of their last album AM.
    In my opinion AM felt like a radio safe cash grab with plenty of gooey love songs to keep people who hadn't listened to any of their older albums listening for years. It felt like Alex Turner had lost his lyrical punch and wasn't willing to experiment anymore, like he had in Humbug and Favourite Worst Nightmare.
    Tranquility Base Hotel and Casino is a refreshing return to that feeling of "What did he mean by this?" because while listening I sometimes had no idea what he was singing about. Now that may sound like the worst endorsement for this album one could give. However, I used to wonder like that with every Arctic Monkeys' album and it was the most fun thing about their music. Some people may be off put by the fact this is a heavily sci-fi influenced concept album, but do not fear as there's plenty of tracks a casual listener would enjoy. Concept albums have always had a warm place in my heart, so this was a rare treat coming from my favorite band. The only really negative thing I can say is that some tracks do have such a similar sound that they don't feel distinct enough, and on occasion the album meanders in such a slow and homogeneous direction I caught myself tuning out. The lyrical content is still enough to suck me back in at these moments and that's always what I've loved about Alex Turner's writing.
    With great tracks like Four out of Five and Batphone being the biggest standouts, I will be listening to this for years to come. The pleasant ethereal sound, twisting words, smooth piano and simple but enjoyable bass rhythms give me so much to enjoy about Tranquility Base Hotel and Casino.

    Final side note: The lyric "What do you mean you've never seen Bladerunner?" is maybe the funniest thing I've heard on an Arctic Monkeys album and a great potential tattoo.    … Expand
  22. Gpuccetti
    May 11, 2018
    10
    Great album as a whole! There are only a few songs that stand out independently, but taken together it is the best album I have heard this year.
  23. nofilla
    May 11, 2018
    4
    I've read quite a few reviews on this album after listening to it three times. I'd have to agree with pretty much all of them. It is different, it is definitely unique, it does sounds like the arctic monkeys, but at the same time it sound like b-side Arctic Monkeys. I mean I'm sure they put a ton of effort into this but the effort falls flat. Extremely flat. The first few songs are justI've read quite a few reviews on this album after listening to it three times. I'd have to agree with pretty much all of them. It is different, it is definitely unique, it does sounds like the arctic monkeys, but at the same time it sound like b-side Arctic Monkeys. I mean I'm sure they put a ton of effort into this but the effort falls flat. Extremely flat. The first few songs are just boring. Sometimes I want to tell Alex to shut up, because all he's doing is singing nonsense. Maybe it makes since as a futuristic lounge act on the moon or whatever he's going for, but man, I wish he'd just stop singing and play guitar. I understand bands wanting to change things up, but this is polar opposite of everything they've done as Arctic Monkeys. I definitely hear a bit of The Last Shadow Puppets in this, which probably could have been avoided by having more input from the band as a whole. There are literally only two songs from this album I'd want to hear again - 4 out of 5 & She looks like fun. The other songs are just weak. I was a huge fan of their first album, Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not and AM. The albums in between had some pretty good songs, but they did not compare to these two albums. I was hoping with AM they were going back to their roots and were going to stick with it. Unfortunately I was wrong and as Alex said in an interview, I think he's run out of ideas.… Expand
  24. onlyroma
    May 11, 2018
    10
    There's no problem with a bit different from the previous albums, TBHC is very fresh and beauty with more piano and a bit guitar. overall TBHC is fresh, personal and with powerful details. Good job Arctic Monkeys.
  25. wilksojack14
    May 11, 2018
    6
    Arctic Monkeys return with perhaps their most thoughtful record yet. Sonically nostalgic, aesthetically futuristic and lyrically humourous, Tranquility Base is a smooth, listenable record that rewards the listener willing to dive deeper into the lyrics and instrumentation with a number of poignant and introspective moments, with obvious inspiration from artists like Bowie and The BeachArctic Monkeys return with perhaps their most thoughtful record yet. Sonically nostalgic, aesthetically futuristic and lyrically humourous, Tranquility Base is a smooth, listenable record that rewards the listener willing to dive deeper into the lyrics and instrumentation with a number of poignant and introspective moments, with obvious inspiration from artists like Bowie and The Beach Boys' Pet Sounds. However, the album is unwound by Turner's obvious dominance throughout all aspects, and the marked lack of real excitement or punch that has underpinned much of the Monkeys' success, leading it to drag on a little, as Turner continues to drawl over the tracks like some sort of Sheffield/1960s US radio host hybrid. Overall, it seems more like a luxurious and extravagant Alex Turner album than a true Arctic Monkeys' project, and far from their best work.

    Favourite track: Four Out Of Five.
    Least favourite track: The Ultracheese    … Expand
  26. lamlung
    May 11, 2018
    7
    Tranquility Base is an ambitious, if flawed, progression from previous Arctic Monkeys albums. Slower and more introspective, the album shows that the five year departure has not dulled the band's sense of musicianship, and the production values have never been better. Its meandering piano and baselines solidify a space age feel throughout the entirety of the album, looking back to theTranquility Base is an ambitious, if flawed, progression from previous Arctic Monkeys albums. Slower and more introspective, the album shows that the five year departure has not dulled the band's sense of musicianship, and the production values have never been better. Its meandering piano and baselines solidify a space age feel throughout the entirety of the album, looking back to the science fiction classics of the 1960's and 1970's. Guitar is used sparsely, but to good effect throughout, much like the slower songs contained in AM. However, the complexity and layering of the sound is what really shines, and the album lends itself to multiple listens.

    That being said, the album suffers lyrically. The band's albums have never really tried to say much, and that common sensibility ensured a grounded, timeless rock feel. This album tries too hard to make a point, but the lyrics are so muddled and occasionally nonsensical that it is hard to parse what that may be. While this isn't true of every track, it is a running theme throughout the album, and one that distracts from the music itself.

    Overall, this album is one that is certainly deserving of a listen, but will not be for every fan of the Arctic Monkeys. If you cared for AM, then it is at least worth a shot, but even fans of that album will find that five years can do a lot to change the style of a band, and that not all of the changes were for the better.    … Expand
  27. jarjarbinkz
    May 11, 2018
    10
    What a change from the previous albums, but a very good change in my opinion. There are some very good tracks on here, with Four out of five as my personal favourite.

    Give this album a fair chance and you'll love it.
  28. GhigiRomero
    May 11, 2018
    6
    No es un mal álbum pero le faltó mayor variedad porque cae muy fácilmente en la monotonía.
    Por consiguiente da la impresión de ser muy largo y muy pesado, Se vale intentó de experimentar pero eso no significa que saliera bien.
  29. RMAIA505
    May 11, 2018
    0
    Should have been released as Alex Turner solo record. There are no drums and 0 guitars in this, that becomes a snooze fest after the third track
  30. MarioIrmaos
    May 11, 2018
    0
    This is not bad. A bad album has at least one or two decent tracks, this has NONE.
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Awards & Rankings

14
#14 Most Discussed Album of 2018
5
#5 Most Shared Album of 2018

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 32 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 32
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 32
  3. Negative: 0 out of 32
  1. Austin Chronicle
    Oct 5, 2018
    100
    The Monkeys' most anti-rock album, Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino proves their most adventurous, pop accessibility be damned.
    Read full review
  2. PopMatters
    May 24, 2018
    80
    The first listen may be surprising, but repeated listens illuminate that Arctic Monkeys remain progressive and energetic even when style and mood shift dramatically.
    Read full review
  3. Pretty Much Amazing
    May 23, 2018
    58
    Tranquility Base Hotel and Casino is the best possible kind of average record, one that goes out swinging. One that goes for it on every level. A record that, although it isn’t great by any typical metric, is extremely curious and entertaining.
    Read full review
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