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
Buy Now
Buy on

Review this album

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. TheFatAnt
    May 14, 2018
    9
    The most interesting, personal and the deepest project by the Arctic Monkeys so far. Give it more than one listen - you won't regret it.
  2. NicoPerciani
    May 11, 2018
    3
    Arctic Monkeys is a personal favorite of mine, but this album was actually quite disappointing . The whole thing is quite sluggish and analogous, and I honestly felt like there wasn't a single rush of excitement through the entirety of it. At the end, this album translates to a monotonous rainy day.
  3. hiyamich
    May 11, 2018
    10
    An album like no other. Designated in deep space, this thrilling new album provides the band with a diverse catalogue of music and its dramatic switch shows that the boys have moved on from tracky suits and grey adidas socks to something more.. mature.
  4. Giergiel
    May 11, 2018
    3
    This album is what happens when you give one band member a free pass to do anything they want on an album. It is more of a self-indulgent Alex Turner solo project than an AM release. The lack of their characteristic sounds, no choruses (seriously) and the droning, dragging songs become really tiring really quick. Not all bad, but definitely not good.
  5. maxsolipsist
    Jun 24, 2018
    10
    I love it! Breaks genres! Nod to Bowie...Kubrick...easy listening chill and lounge...I do feel sorry for the AM fans out there. Turner made a firm decision - the best artists stay true to the music and themselves
  6. Zeel
    May 13, 2018
    6
    This is a unique album in which all songs are different from previous albums. I don't know if there is a future purpose of doing this album, but I see a big change of their music style. The lyrics are deep but the sound is a bit flat. As a rock band, I think it is a step back. I hope they will change their style in the next album. Fans will like it but not love it, rockers will hate it.
  7. 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.
  8. 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
  9. 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
  10. popcornwarlord
    May 13, 2018
    2
    Whilst i welcome the band trying something different and experimenting with new sounds this is an experiment that has not worked. RADIOHEAD and BLUR evolved in interesting ways, but finding inspiration/ new direction in kitsch Muzak, and 70s easy listening has never been a good idea, and these composition are uninspiring, badly structured and have no memorable hooks or melodies. Even theWhilst i welcome the band trying something different and experimenting with new sounds this is an experiment that has not worked. RADIOHEAD and BLUR evolved in interesting ways, but finding inspiration/ new direction in kitsch Muzak, and 70s easy listening has never been a good idea, and these composition are uninspiring, badly structured and have no memorable hooks or melodies. Even the lyrics are nonsense as Alex turner himself says on one song that he's talking **** he quick literally talks **** over the entire album as the band or lack of are demoted to a few touches here and there but largely seem neglected, in the Alex turner show.

    The band are not forging a bold and memorable new path with this record it sounds like a downward spiral and as a fan of previous records i hope they can return to some kind of form. this record had tarnished a once great discography in my opinion. i have listened to this record a few times now but it gets more unlistenable with each listen, what a letdown!!    … Expand
  11. Tiago_Nevez
    May 11, 2018
    7
    An expected album sincerely. AM was a transition album, IMO. This one is just the confirmation of the new Arctic Monkeys. With a stronger influence by Alex Turner, no doubt about that.
  12. 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
  13. sadcat
    Jun 10, 2018
    10
    I really like this album. it sounds so galactic and the album flows nicely from song to song. My favourite song is Tranquility Base Hotel and Casino
  14. Pollie33
    Aug 26, 2018
    10
    The first time I listened to this album, I was shocked at how different it was to the rest of their discography. When I found the strength to give it another try it actually became one of my favorite albums.
  15. cherrymiddle
    May 11, 2018
    0
    So this is what the sound of one man´s large ego sounds like? First of all, I like to say that I enjoyed Arctic Monkeys quite alot once. But, something has happened seen those "early days" of "Whatever People Say I Am im Not". In my book, the last really solid record was "Humbug" might even say that "Suck It And See" was decent enough. I HATED AM. Unpopular opinion. But this is reallySo this is what the sound of one man´s large ego sounds like? First of all, I like to say that I enjoyed Arctic Monkeys quite alot once. But, something has happened seen those "early days" of "Whatever People Say I Am im Not". In my book, the last really solid record was "Humbug" might even say that "Suck It And See" was decent enough. I HATED AM. Unpopular opinion. But this is really boring, and perhaps bit too slow at times.

    In an interview Alex Turner revealed his bandmates told him that this could be better used as a "solo record" if im not mistaken. You should listen to your pals, Alex. I feel the other members basically had to throw themselves into something that Alex saw, HIS vision. Not a bands vision. Where every member is part of the making. This problem also accured largly, on the side project of Alex Turners "Last Shadow Puppets" among with Miles Kane. Where the later, only have ONE song with his own lead vocals on the entire record. My question, and I think alot of others is really : "What´s Up Alex?" Last: This record really took 5 years in the making? Giving the time amount, you can´t really say it was worth the wait.    … Expand
  16. thejosefo
    May 11, 2018
    1
    Nice try Alex, but no, the album is boring and flat, Where are the guitars? Being innovative doesn't mean that you are a visionary.
  17. Masquic
    May 11, 2018
    3
    A lot of same sounds and poor lyrics. I didn't expect something like their previous album, but I was expecting something that wouldn't bored me to death
  18. 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
  19. 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
  20. MarioIrmaos
    May 11, 2018
    0
    This is not bad. A bad album has at least one or two decent tracks, this has NONE.
  21. Przemke
    May 11, 2018
    3
    After the disapointing "suck it and see" you gave us hope with "AM" the real Arctic Monkeys could come back. And now this. Already knew it would sound like this after I've seen the new look of you, but it's sad anyway. Hell, give Matt the drumssticks right back!
  22. grazimendes
    May 16, 2018
    10
    TBH&C is very different from the other Arctic Monkeys albums, but it's a very well planned work. Surely this album will be on the list of best albums of the year.
  23. augustobt
    May 11, 2018
    0
    Listen to this record was one fo the worse decisions I’ve ever voluntarily took in my entire life.

    It’s prey much my definition of “everything that can be bad”: Overhyped, pretentious and unbelievable weak. Two or maybe three songs are ‘okay’ (that’s being gentile), the rest is REALLY bad. This is, by far, the most ‘different’ AM record of them all, but that’s not exactly a good    Listen to this record was one fo the worse decisions I’ve ever voluntarily took in my entire life.

    It’s prey much my definition of “everything that can be bad”: Overhyped, pretentious and unbelievable weak.

    Two or maybe three songs are ‘okay’ (that’s being gentile), the rest is REALLY bad. This is, by far, the most ‘different’ AM record of them all, but that’s not exactly a good thing. If genius have trouble reinventing themselves and aren’t always successful in doing that, just wonder a band extremely overrated guided by a frontman that isn’t exactly a great singer…

    The album goes past half-way without a single slightest high point, if you let the disc looping you won’t even notice when it starts or when and where it ends. Oh, and the piano-driven melodies are astoundingly poor.

    I’m sure the usual suspects like NME will come and praise this, as well as I’m sure to see some excerpts of the lyrics polluting instagram subtitles, tinder bios and 13yo tumblrs. But don’t be fooled: This is Arctic Monkey’s St. Anger - actually, Mojo gave the same score to both records, hahahaha

    If I had put my weener inside a lawn moaner it would’ve had been a better idea than listen to this whole thing expecting anything to be remotelly good.    … Expand
  24. hjmobbs
    May 11, 2018
    4
    First half is dull, no other way of putting. Second half warmed on me a bit. ngl it's kinda what I expected. A mediocre album with a couple of decent tunes thrown in here and there.
  25. 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.
  26. bass45646
    May 15, 2018
    0
    They have been my favorite band for the past decade, loved every album. However, I don't think I could ever dislike an album more. It sounds like something my great-grandparent would listen to, while playing bingo in a nursing home (but only because they were forced to). Another apt comparison would be a b-sides album of David Bowie's weirdest songs about space, with the cocaine removedThey have been my favorite band for the past decade, loved every album. However, I don't think I could ever dislike an album more. It sounds like something my great-grandparent would listen to, while playing bingo in a nursing home (but only because they were forced to). Another apt comparison would be a b-sides album of David Bowie's weirdest songs about space, with the cocaine removed and recorded underwater. No real music, no rhythm, just disjointed vocals projected over barely audible, plodding background noise..… Expand
  27. BoswellandPercy
    May 11, 2018
    0
    An helpless album which sees Alex experimenting with sounds and a theme that ends up sounding like a catastrophe.
  28. BillyB95
    May 11, 2018
    7
    TBH&C sounds as its main title says: it makes you feel like you're in a big lounge from a private club, with Turner on the piano and (in this case) his supporting band playing in the background. Its sound has a beautiful treatment, but the lack of chorus and its repetitive tempo makes of TBH&C an album difficult to digest, and it will need more than one hearing for being able to appreciateTBH&C sounds as its main title says: it makes you feel like you're in a big lounge from a private club, with Turner on the piano and (in this case) his supporting band playing in the background. Its sound has a beautiful treatment, but the lack of chorus and its repetitive tempo makes of TBH&C an album difficult to digest, and it will need more than one hearing for being able to appreciate its delicate sound, although on the first hearing, this album doesn't give you enough cheers for giving it a second chance. Despite this, it's undeniable the genius of this British band who makes us know that they still have a lot to tell.… Expand
  29. mikaelalmeida
    May 11, 2018
    1
    O que aconteceu com a banda que eu me apaixonei em 2006? Ela morreu de um acidente gravíssimo chamado "TRANQUILITY BASE HOTEL + CASINO", fico feliz por pelo menos terem tido uma vida mais longa que a da Lady Gaga, falecida em 2011. R.I.P.
  30. R55Clubman
    May 11, 2018
    2
    I have genuinely never been so disappointed when listening to a bands album. Some people will love this, but I have gotten through one play through and not a single song resonates with me. I cant even pin point a genre for it, its that obscure.
prev
Page:

Awards & Rankings

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

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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
See all critic reviews »