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. NoToSheep
    Dec 2, 2018
    0
    They used to be great but this is slow tripe :(. Sad to say but it's probably time they gave up.
  2. brockcheese
    May 12, 2018
    8
    Definitely an interesting listen. The lyrics are cryptic and often time feels a bit off the music weaves in and out of melodic tunes to weirdly disjointed drums.
  3. dogii
    May 13, 2018
    9
    Very smooth and sexy album from the one and only Arctic Monkeys. It is very true that this album sounds much much different from their other tunes but there's no denying that this one is an absolute banger like the others. Album theme fit perfectly with the music setting you into the feeling of listening to the boys in a casino on the moon.
  4. CORNROWKENNY
    May 14, 2018
    7
    Although it's very different from earlier Arctic Monkeys albums, it's very intruiging, thanks to slick instrumentation and production and Alex Turners clever lyrics and songwriting.
    There are seemingly no hits and not even many choruses, but it fits the albums overall concept. Definitely grows on you.
  5. mokshaj
    May 18, 2018
    1
    listening to this is like inducing your ears to an endless torture that can get to sleep your auditory sense or damage it.
  6. WillgdRogers
    May 13, 2018
    6
    "Hasn't this song already played?" I repeatedly think as each song is as boring and lackluster as the last. The lyrics are washed up, careless and insipid. A sad vision of their former charm and excitement. You can appreciate their attempts to explore a different sound (only reason I think its worth a 6 rather than a 5), like many great bands have done to create masterpieces. However this"Hasn't this song already played?" I repeatedly think as each song is as boring and lackluster as the last. The lyrics are washed up, careless and insipid. A sad vision of their former charm and excitement. You can appreciate their attempts to explore a different sound (only reason I think its worth a 6 rather than a 5), like many great bands have done to create masterpieces. However this is not one of them. I just feel sorry for the poor souls who have had to take out a second mortgage to afford a ticket to see them.… Expand
  7. rbeezyfosheezy
    May 14, 2018
    9
    A complete departure from AM, LP6 finds Alex Turner and Co. on the moon (literally) exploring themes of consumerism, social media overload, and an overall disconnect from the world around them. The album evokes space oddity era Bowie with the bright production work of Brian Wilson's Pet Sounds. Sure to divide the already massive fan-base, Tranquility Base Hotel + Casino is a major shift inA complete departure from AM, LP6 finds Alex Turner and Co. on the moon (literally) exploring themes of consumerism, social media overload, and an overall disconnect from the world around them. The album evokes space oddity era Bowie with the bright production work of Brian Wilson's Pet Sounds. Sure to divide the already massive fan-base, Tranquility Base Hotel + Casino is a major shift in the band's sound that is mostly successful. Repeat listens uncover new ideas and sounds, and the cohesiveness of the album makes for an increasingly enjoyable experience.… Expand
  8. joshneedhelp
    May 16, 2018
    9
    The albums is amazing, but it takes multiple listens to really dig it. Favourite tracks are Four Out Of Five, (of course) American Sports, One Point Perspective and the title track. This is probably my 3rd favourite Arctic Monkey's album after Favourite Worst Nightmare and their debut at number one. Obviously, the different style takes a while to get used to but after a few replays andThe albums is amazing, but it takes multiple listens to really dig it. Favourite tracks are Four Out Of Five, (of course) American Sports, One Point Perspective and the title track. This is probably my 3rd favourite Arctic Monkey's album after Favourite Worst Nightmare and their debut at number one. Obviously, the different style takes a while to get used to but after a few replays and loops, it's charming. Easily one of the best albums of the year so far!… Expand
  9. quinngarside
    May 17, 2018
    8
    An album which you grow to understand with every listen. Arctic Monkeys evolve once again to provide us with a unique, lush new sound which makes them feel like the coolest band on planet Mars. Modern but old school, it makes you think Bowie could be the co producer, co writer and co singer! Definitely worth a listen, but make sure you listen to it again.
  10. reviewsbardas
    May 16, 2018
    8
    Ok, I see why you think this album is boring, however, I found it truly interesting both lyrically and melodically.
    Lyrically is just as good as Humbug, is very different from previous albums in a good way, the vibe is nice and after two or three good listens you realise that is a lot more complex than you might think at first, bass is great here and despite the lack of guitars, when it    Ok, I see why you think this album is boring, however, I found it truly interesting both lyrically and melodically.
    Lyrically is just as good as Humbug, is very different from previous albums in a good way, the vibe is nice and after two or three good listens you realise that is a lot more complex than you might think at first, bass is great here and despite the lack of guitars, when it appears, it's always fantastic. Overall, even though I miss a heaviest song to be a highlight from the almost environmental vibe it has, is a very well thought album.    … Expand
  11. jdgatti
    May 17, 2018
    10
    Tranquility Base is a brilliant album that is powerful and cinematic - and taking me deeper into it's world with each play. A natural progression for the band. Perhaps not for everyone, though the trick is you have to listen to it. Ten out of ten, and that's unheard of!
  12. JAFitt
    May 17, 2018
    8
    Wasn't sure from the first listen. After a few plays it starts to click. Good album overall.
  13. LordNicoll
    May 25, 2018
    5
    As with humbug, I felt that Arctic Monkeys drifted away from me, quite a bit. They followed up that experiment with AM, which really blended their more usual rock sound and great lyrics with that more earthy, moody sound. I liked how they gained experience from Humbug. I don't feel myself liking Tranquility Base and Casino as much as even Humbug. I'm not so sure if I'll like the resultingAs with humbug, I felt that Arctic Monkeys drifted away from me, quite a bit. They followed up that experiment with AM, which really blended their more usual rock sound and great lyrics with that more earthy, moody sound. I liked how they gained experience from Humbug. I don't feel myself liking Tranquility Base and Casino as much as even Humbug. I'm not so sure if I'll like the resulting fusion of sounds so much either, but I am hopeful. I can understand the panning, the album is rather bland compared to compared to their other work, little variety from the genre. However within the niche they have made, there is variety. Maybe not as much as we've come to expect, but it's there. The songs do seem to meld a bit between transitions but that's not always a bad thing, a seamless album is good too. Alex seems to be trying to tell a more narrative based story here, looking at the lyrics, he seems to be using a lot of metaphors and inside there seems to be some deep meaning. This is very much divergence being lead by Alex largely, however I look forward to seeing what the rest of Arctic Monkeys sounds like down this path, with their more usual sound being employed there.… Expand
  14. vmaciel
    Jun 4, 2018
    1
    Don't take me wrong, I am a huge fan of the band, love every simple album so far ... except TBH+C ...

    This album is boring as hell! this looks like elevator music!

    I am just sad now that their incoming presentations I will have to listen to those tunes :/
  15. larslarson
    Jul 27, 2018
    1
    This album is complete **** Turner's embarrassed the band and tarnished their rep for sure
  16. All_ButTrU4
    Jun 21, 2022
    6
    Really enjoyed this sharp twist. When they detour into the extremes of their new sound they strike gold consistently such as the fun thud of "she looks like fun" or the epic crooning of "star treatment ". This record will be divisive as most experiments are but it really flourishes with time. I prefer it to the inconsistent meandering "AM" as this has no bad songs and executes it's conceptReally enjoyed this sharp twist. When they detour into the extremes of their new sound they strike gold consistently such as the fun thud of "she looks like fun" or the epic crooning of "star treatment ". This record will be divisive as most experiments are but it really flourishes with time. I prefer it to the inconsistent meandering "AM" as this has no bad songs and executes it's concept exceptionally well… Expand
  17. BrunoHSB
    Nov 12, 2019
    2
    Álbum horrível, a única música que presta é Four Out Five.
    Perdeu toda a essência do rock alternativo
  18. bhsmall
    Sep 10, 2020
    0
    Arctic Monkeys had 5 albums that were bangers throughout. This album fails to capture the best moments of their previous albums. In fact, it fails to be good at all. This is not an Arctic Monkeys album, but a sad excuse of an attempt to experiment with no memorable music or lyrics. In addition, the vocal delivery that Alex does so well is completely gone and we get singing that sounds likeArctic Monkeys had 5 albums that were bangers throughout. This album fails to capture the best moments of their previous albums. In fact, it fails to be good at all. This is not an Arctic Monkeys album, but a sad excuse of an attempt to experiment with no memorable music or lyrics. In addition, the vocal delivery that Alex does so well is completely gone and we get singing that sounds like we are stuck in the 50s at a lounge that we can not escape from.… Expand
  19. Ricko
    Sep 20, 2018
    7
    It took me a good 10 listens to "Tranquility Base Hotel + Casino" before I started to enjoy to any extent. For those who find it hard to get into, I reckon it's worth persevering with for a dozen listens at least. It is worth it once you break into it. Going off on a tangent like this as a follow up to "AM" is both brave and yet safe for a band like Arctic Monkeys. They are not going to beIt took me a good 10 listens to "Tranquility Base Hotel + Casino" before I started to enjoy to any extent. For those who find it hard to get into, I reckon it's worth persevering with for a dozen listens at least. It is worth it once you break into it. Going off on a tangent like this as a follow up to "AM" is both brave and yet safe for a band like Arctic Monkeys. They are not going to be critically slated for taking risks and trying something different. I like most of the songs. The whole album has a consistent feel in terms of tempo and arrangements with very few notable choruses to be found. As a result many of the songs are hard to tell apart. Lyrically, Alex Turner is on form if a bit rambling and weird. For the first time in his career his delivery, which is primarily non singing here, reminds me of his fellow Sheffield man Jarvis Cocker. I think "Tranquility Base Hotel + Casino" will find its place alongside "Humbug" as a solid Arctic Monkeys album that fans will revisit in certain moods without regularly rubbing shoulders with their best work.… Expand
  20. TI490M
    May 15, 2018
    7
    I understand why people don't like this, well most of the people who disliked this are those who found the band in the AM era and ofc the Do I Wanna Know big hit, this record is slower and really very different from their previous records, but if you listen to this record more than twice believe you will like it, each time i listen to the album i find new patterns of sounds and melodiesI understand why people don't like this, well most of the people who disliked this are those who found the band in the AM era and ofc the Do I Wanna Know big hit, this record is slower and really very different from their previous records, but if you listen to this record more than twice believe you will like it, each time i listen to the album i find new patterns of sounds and melodies and it's amazing, but yes i still think this is a weak record from them, sometimes i find hard to listen to the whole album cuz it seems like a only giant song every song sounds like the same, the same melodie, pattern etc... but Four Out of Five and Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino are a pretty good tracks.
    Maybe this will grown on me with me or maybe no.    … Expand
  21. CiphirSol
    Sep 10, 2018
    10
    Divisive to say the least and "too weird" based on what people were expecting of Alex Turner. I think it hits the notes on the head exceedingly well, it's just not straightforward with anything. I still am finding new things to like about this project 4 months out. If you can relate to anything that Mr. Turner is singing about, then it will resonate with you hard. If not... well you'reDivisive to say the least and "too weird" based on what people were expecting of Alex Turner. I think it hits the notes on the head exceedingly well, it's just not straightforward with anything. I still am finding new things to like about this project 4 months out. If you can relate to anything that Mr. Turner is singing about, then it will resonate with you hard. If not... well you're outta luck. I'm sure there's something else out there for you.

    Critically underrated as well, i predict people will come back to this one with a lot of love in due time.

    Highly recommended.    … Expand
  22. Ruskinick
    Jul 21, 2018
    9
    It's fitting for a relaxed environment. Fast, exciting riffs should not be expected: that's where I think the negativity on this album comes from. Like Arctic Monkey's previous album Humbug, it takes multiple listens to the songs to appreciate the melodies more.
  23. peterspato
    May 14, 2018
    7
    ‘Tranquility Base Hotel + Casino’ -que toma su nombre de la Base Tranquilidad, el lugar de alunizaje del Apolo 11 allá por 1969- es un disco que requiere de muchas escuchas, y que crece con cada una de ellas. Es un álbum con canciones que coquetean con el pop, con el jazz, con la música lounge, y que traen una marcada influencia de las décadas de los años 60 y los 70. Encuentro mucho de‘Tranquility Base Hotel + Casino’ -que toma su nombre de la Base Tranquilidad, el lugar de alunizaje del Apolo 11 allá por 1969- es un disco que requiere de muchas escuchas, y que crece con cada una de ellas. Es un álbum con canciones que coquetean con el pop, con el jazz, con la música lounge, y que traen una marcada influencia de las décadas de los años 60 y los 70. Encuentro mucho de Bowie por ahí.

    Compuesto en piano por Alex Turner, se acerca más a un proyecto solista del cantante, o a una extensión de The Last Shadow Puppets -la banda que tiene con su amigo Miles Kane- antes que a un nuevo capítulo en la cambiante historia de Arctic Monkeys. Si bien con cada disco el sonido del cuarteto inglés fue mutando, desde aquel post-punk o rock garage de su debut hasta aquella elaborada propuesta sexy, moderna y psicodélica de ‘AM’, ‘Tranquily Base’ es un giro a la izquierda en una autopista que la propia banda se encargó de construir durante algo más de 10 años.

    Este nuevo álbum está interesante… Tiene momentos gloriosos, altos, fascinantes, pero carece -por completo- de aquellas memorables canciones que marcan su pasado, esos himnos que hicieron que la expectativa haya sido así de enorme por escuchar lo nuevo que traían los nativos de Sheffield.
    'Tranquility Base Hotel + Casino’ es un buen disco; es fresco (pese a esos guiños al pasado); es original, y quizá hoy estaría deshaciéndome en halagos si llevara solo el nombre de Turner, o si vendría como algún nuevo proyecto suyo; ya me imagino alguna charla, “- ¿Oye, escuchaste el nuevo proyecto de Alex Turner? - Sí, está buenísimo, es un capo, no podía esperar menos de él”. Pero ya en el estándar de la banda, me animo a decir que es su peor disco (no es que eso sea malo), y con más razón tras cinco años de espera y tras la alta vara auto-impuesta con el brillante ‘AM’ de 2013.

    Arctic monkeys -para mí- es la última gran banda de rock, aquella que estaba llamada a poner el nombre del género muy en alto con este esperado disco, en una época en la que distintos estilos musicales comienzan a tomar la corona que por muchos años llevó puesta ese género. Con su sexto álbum, Turner y compañía se alejan de la corriente -o se extravían de ella- y encuentran su base de la tranquilidad, en el que será el material más divisivo de su historia.    … Expand
  24. brandonb7
    May 14, 2018
    6
    Literally couldn't tell when one song ended and another began, it sounds the same the whole way through. Not their best work. Hopefully it grows on me, they are one of my favorite bands.
  25. Caleb37804
    Oct 3, 2018
    10
    "Have I told you all about the time that i got sucked into a hole?" An album for the transcended and the enlightened. There's no other way to put it. If you don't get this album... then you've got a long way to go. Yes, this album is about a hotel and casino on the moon... and yes, there's a song about a taco restaurant on the top... but the vocals, piano, guitar, bass, and other subtle"Have I told you all about the time that i got sucked into a hole?" An album for the transcended and the enlightened. There's no other way to put it. If you don't get this album... then you've got a long way to go. Yes, this album is about a hotel and casino on the moon... and yes, there's a song about a taco restaurant on the top... but the vocals, piano, guitar, bass, and other subtle sounds meld what is my favorite album other than Suck It and See. This entire album is great to sing too, like most of their albums, but THIS one is also great to not sing to... just listen... on your hammock, cruising in your car, and especially when you're just feeling a certain kind of something... like you've had an interaction with the Martini Police. I don't want to go into what each song is about because the meanings behind each one is more than the shell and up to each person who listens to it. I could see this album being difficult for people under 20 to fully grasp, no that they don't have good taste in music... they're the future of music... but the experience this album delves into is something youths have yet to achieve, and they'll get there in time.... and once they do, i hope they come back to this album. All of us will come back to this album and say "You know... I think i will take it easy for a little while."… Expand
  26. BarT2016
    Apr 20, 2020
    6
    Firstival, Arctic Monkeys is my favourite band. I have to say that my favourite album is the first one so I expected a rock LP. Tranquility Base Hotel + Casino is not what I wanted but I'm really proud of the band. Monkeys went their own way, didn't follow their mainstream style. They did a very original and mature album that has a specific sci-fi influenced atmosphere. The most "rock"Firstival, Arctic Monkeys is my favourite band. I have to say that my favourite album is the first one so I expected a rock LP. Tranquility Base Hotel + Casino is not what I wanted but I'm really proud of the band. Monkeys went their own way, didn't follow their mainstream style. They did a very original and mature album that has a specific sci-fi influenced atmosphere. The most "rock" song here is "Four Out Of Five" which is a great track with a catchy riff and a beauiful outro. The opening track, Star Treatment is something you would never expect from Sheffield boys but I really enjoyed this one. That dreamy piano sound and Turner's vocals! The rest of the songs didn't make an impression on me as those ones. The sixth Arctic Monkeys' album is not dissapointing, but it's not what everybody will like. Although it's not an album I would listen to every day, I respect Arctic Monkeys for what they did.… Expand
  27. krazyyeti555
    Jan 8, 2019
    8
    Fans of Arctic Monkeys and lead singer/chief songwriter Alex Turner had somewhat of an inkling that this change of direction might have been coming through his side project Last Shadow Puppets album in 2016, but 2018's Tranquility Base Hotel and Casino surprised almost everyone. As a longtime Arctic Monkeys fan, the direction really appealed to me in an idealistic sense but the executionFans of Arctic Monkeys and lead singer/chief songwriter Alex Turner had somewhat of an inkling that this change of direction might have been coming through his side project Last Shadow Puppets album in 2016, but 2018's Tranquility Base Hotel and Casino surprised almost everyone. As a longtime Arctic Monkeys fan, the direction really appealed to me in an idealistic sense but the execution was not quite as strong as, for example, 2013's AM was (although I feel this is actually a better album and has better tracks overall).

    Don't miss "One Point Perspective", "Star Treatment", or "The Ultracheese", and if you're feeling ambitious give the whole album a listen.    … Expand
  28. aleppo
    May 16, 2018
    7
    Well, this was interesting. Tranquility Base Hotel + Casino finds Alex Turner attempting to conceive an album as a high art form, a feat I'd say he achieved with this release. My biggest complaint, however, is that the record's larger-than-life concept renders the lyrics and themes largely inaccessible, which says something considering Turner's reputation for often using cryptic,Well, this was interesting. Tranquility Base Hotel + Casino finds Alex Turner attempting to conceive an album as a high art form, a feat I'd say he achieved with this release. My biggest complaint, however, is that the record's larger-than-life concept renders the lyrics and themes largely inaccessible, which says something considering Turner's reputation for often using cryptic, figurative language in his music; the meanings are that much harder to grasp here. On a more positive note, I commend Tranquility Base for successfully juxtaposing such an ambition concept with an overall loose, light sound, and I don't believe the stylistic shift is something to lament; sonically, the album delivers. But I'd be damned if I knew what this output signifies for the Arctic Monkeys in the coming years.

    Highlights include 'Star Treatment' and 'Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino'.    … Expand
  29. RottenDaHam
    May 27, 2018
    6
    still better than the boring AM, but really weak in some points, the album starts great with start treatment and one point perspective, the title track and four out of five are also pretty good, in my opinion some of the best songs the band has released. second half is pretty bad though, the only track i liked from there was "she looks like fun". best songs: one point perspective,still better than the boring AM, but really weak in some points, the album starts great with start treatment and one point perspective, the title track and four out of five are also pretty good, in my opinion some of the best songs the band has released. second half is pretty bad though, the only track i liked from there was "she looks like fun". best songs: one point perspective, tranquility base hotel and casino, four out of five. worst song: the world's first ever monster truck front flip.… Expand
  30. damiv
    May 16, 2018
    9
    A bold move by the band, and one that will leave fans who want their heroes to keep churning out the same old thing without evolving and developing their sound disappointed. Don't worry, I'm sure Adele and Ed Sheeran will stick to their formulaic sound so you will have them to fall back on. Like all great albums, it takes a few listens to get into the flow, and it does flow. More low keyA bold move by the band, and one that will leave fans who want their heroes to keep churning out the same old thing without evolving and developing their sound disappointed. Don't worry, I'm sure Adele and Ed Sheeran will stick to their formulaic sound so you will have them to fall back on. Like all great albums, it takes a few listens to get into the flow, and it does flow. More low key than previous albums but no less interesting. This is the Arctic Monkeys version of Dylan going electric or Radiohead releasing Kid A. Sci-lullabies from the space lounge lizards.… Expand
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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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