...Like Clockwork
by Queens of the Stone Age
  • Record Label: Matador
  • Release Date: Jun 4, 2013
User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 447 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 401 out of 447
  2. Mixed: 13 out of 447
  3. Negative: 33 out of 447
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  1. MooziikMaster
    Jun 4, 2013
    10
    The genre-bending, rule breaking band of misfits is back and bigger than ever. With a 6 year gap between their last album Era Vulgaris, a new Queens of the Stone Age album was at the top of my wish list. They didn't disappoint either! Every track comes at you in full swing. They entrance, mystify, disturb, and even stimulate you. With ...Like Clockwork, Queens of the Stone Age bring aThe genre-bending, rule breaking band of misfits is back and bigger than ever. With a 6 year gap between their last album Era Vulgaris, a new Queens of the Stone Age album was at the top of my wish list. They didn't disappoint either! Every track comes at you in full swing. They entrance, mystify, disturb, and even stimulate you. With ...Like Clockwork, Queens of the Stone Age bring a splash of reality to what real rock music is. No more of this garbage Nickelback and Mariana's Trench.

    From the first riff, I know that this would be a special occurrence. As I proceeded, weaving between simplicity and complexity, I realized that I was in a psychedelic heaven. With no detectable flaws, this album provides the perfect blend of psychedelic rock and metal. "Keep Your Eyes Peeled" is the ultimate opener for the album. It starts out quiet, like the calm before the storm, and then suddenly, you are whisked away by the heart-pounding thuds of drums and bass. After this dreary and oddly hypnotic first track, "I Sat By The Ocean" shows off the radio-friendly capabilities of QOTSA. After all these years, they can still put together an upbeat, soon to be on the radio song. Slowing down the tempo again, the band returns you to where they left off in the trippy journey. In a Pink Floyd-esque fashion, QOTSA take the opportunity to explore the ways of synthetics in "The Vampyre of Time and Memory". Alongside brain-melting guitar solos is the light whir of a synthesizer. The next two tracks, "If I Had A Tail" and "My God Is The Sun", are both songs more than qualified to be radio hits in no time. With comedic lyrics and strange themes, this obscure duo goes together better than peanut butter and jelly. As we venture into the second half of the album, it's as if there is a darkness that has filled the songs. On "Kalopsia", Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails helps out the gang by providing his magnificent voice and musical talent to create (what may be) QOTSA's darkest odysseys. Continuing with the dark trend, "Fairweather Friends" and "Smooth Sailing" sound upbeat enough, but still have and eerie undertone. The songs make you feel a plethora of emotions all at once. All you can do is sit there, wondering what the hell is going on. It sounds like they're having a good time, but at the same time, it sounds like the world is about to end. On "I Appear Missing", the album's magnum opus, the spellbinding guitar melodies combined with Josh Homme's unique vocals are what really take the cake. Finally, on "...Like Clockwork", QOTSA leave with a calming acoustic song, accompanied by piano and echoes of bass. They know that the album is over. They know that this fictional world is coming to an end. All they can do now is reassure the audience that everything will be alright. Or maybe the opposite.

    From start to finish, the album blew me away. Each track offered something different and unique. Also, I believe that this album has some of the most creative and well-written lyrics of all time. The messages are well established and the execution by Josh Homme is the icing on the cake.

    Overall, the album is flawless. I have listened to it numerous times and find nothing wrong with it. Beautiful lyrics, catchy rhythms, and addictive vocals; what more could you want?    … Expand
  2. GloofiE
    Jun 6, 2013
    10
    It's dark, it's deep, and it's twisted, but isn't that the point? Every QOTSA album has a different feel, but this one seems to strike a different chord. (no pun intended) There's something really honest about the way these songs are arranged that make them feel very basic, giving a much needed vibe of stripped down, untamed music, something they've always excelled in. The album's titleIt's dark, it's deep, and it's twisted, but isn't that the point? Every QOTSA album has a different feel, but this one seems to strike a different chord. (no pun intended) There's something really honest about the way these songs are arranged that make them feel very basic, giving a much needed vibe of stripped down, untamed music, something they've always excelled in. The album's title track "...Like Clockwork" was a real highlight/climactic ending to a well rounded album, opening up Homme's softer, humbler, and more sensitive side. They, once again, have strongly impressed me with their music, as well as their growth in musical style.

    Due to my personal taste when it comes to their vast collection of songs, I would have given this album a 9. (I actually prefer Era Vulgaris) However, this album, from a larger standpoint, is much more than any of the others because it gives a sense that they have given their audience their heart and soul, asking them to listen, to share with them, the feelings they stir inside.

    For that, I give them a 10.    … Expand
  3. Juliapalooza
    Jun 4, 2013
    10
    While it may be a well worn platitude, "good things come to those who wait" has never been more true. And "good things" on ...Like Clockwork abound. From the haunted house monster stomp of the album's opener "Keep Your Eyes Peeled", the arena rock bravado of "Fairweather Friends", to the melodic melancholy of the eponymous album closer, it is some of JHo and Company's most adventurousWhile it may be a well worn platitude, "good things come to those who wait" has never been more true. And "good things" on ...Like Clockwork abound. From the haunted house monster stomp of the album's opener "Keep Your Eyes Peeled", the arena rock bravado of "Fairweather Friends", to the melodic melancholy of the eponymous album closer, it is some of JHo and Company's most adventurous work to date. And yet, never at any point did I wonder if it was QOTSA. A triumph.… Expand
  4. TwisterAce
    Jun 15, 2013
    10
    ...Like Clockwork proves that Queens of the Stone Age are still one of the most fascinating bands in rock today. It may very well be the band's best record since Songs for the Deaf. Powered by crunchy guitar riffs and haunting vocal harmonies, supplemented by piano and vintage synths, the album is both seductive and sinister. The darker, more introspective lyrics (inspired by frontman Josh...Like Clockwork proves that Queens of the Stone Age are still one of the most fascinating bands in rock today. It may very well be the band's best record since Songs for the Deaf. Powered by crunchy guitar riffs and haunting vocal harmonies, supplemented by piano and vintage synths, the album is both seductive and sinister. The darker, more introspective lyrics (inspired by frontman Josh Homme's depression and other recent tumult) add to the mysterious nature of the music. As with previous QOTSA albums, this one features an array of collaborators, including former band members Nick Oliveri and Mark Lanegan, Dave Grohl (who plays drums on half of the songs), Elton John, Trent Reznor, and Alex Turner of Arctic Monkeys. Most of the collaborators reside in the background, enhancing the songs rather than dominating at the front. There's more diversity among the ten songs on the album, which sets it apart from the past couple QOTSA albums. All in all, ...Like Clockwork is one of the best albums of the year, and we have Josh Homme and his friends to thank for this wonderful gift.… Expand
  5. notoriouspdb
    Jun 4, 2013
    10
    If Songs for the Deaf was the definitive record of QOTSA as a collaborative project born in the desert sessions, ...Like Clockwork is the definitive record of QOTSA as Josh Homme's band. Quite possibly the best (and certainly the most focused) album of their career, and a strong AOTY contender in an impossibly good year for music.
  6. Greenmember
    Jun 4, 2013
    10
    6 years is a long time to wait for a new albums, every second has been worth it as we're treated to an essential QotSA album that's excellent from beginning to end. Every track shines, from the crunchy rock opener that is "Keep Your Eyes Peeled" to the beautifully melodic "Kalopsia" that morphs into a belting rock song with amazing power chords that just sound so damn good together. There6 years is a long time to wait for a new albums, every second has been worth it as we're treated to an essential QotSA album that's excellent from beginning to end. Every track shines, from the crunchy rock opener that is "Keep Your Eyes Peeled" to the beautifully melodic "Kalopsia" that morphs into a belting rock song with amazing power chords that just sound so damn good together. There isn't a bad song on the entire album, every track to it's own degree is unique and is a superb song. If you're a Queens fan, while this is a little darker and a smidgen different than their previous albums, it deserves your attention and you'll love all ten songs, and have a tough time choosing a favorite. If you're a fan of rock I can't recommend anything more than this treasure, from Homme's grand, signature vocals, Dave Grohl's excellent drumming, a little bit of Elton John and Trent Reznor, and the rest of the band it's easily one of the best albums I've heard in a long time. It's Rock and Roll/Alternative at it's finest and it's one hell of a record.… Expand
  7. DisasterpieceMK
    Jun 5, 2013
    10
    Just finishing up my second listen and from top to bottom, every track is enjoyable. This is first time I can say that about a QOTSA album (though they have all been better than average at worst). In fact, I don't say that about many albums very often they all seem to have a clunker or two in the mix, at least as far as my tastes are concerned. But I am struggling to find that here andJust finishing up my second listen and from top to bottom, every track is enjoyable. This is first time I can say that about a QOTSA album (though they have all been better than average at worst). In fact, I don't say that about many albums very often they all seem to have a clunker or two in the mix, at least as far as my tastes are concerned. But I am struggling to find that here and that is an amazing feat for an album in this age.… Expand
  8. kenny_dlc
    Oct 13, 2013
    10
    For the first few months, I wasn't too keen on this album, thinking it was only too short, not hard enough, lacking any change in direction like Era Vulgaris, etc. But then I wen't to their ...LC concert in Toronto, and then leaving, I realized just how DAMN GOOD this album is.

    It's a culmination of all the previous sounds and styles Homme and co. created to get to this point (even his    For the first few months, I wasn't too keen on this album, thinking it was only too short, not hard enough, lacking any change in direction like Era Vulgaris, etc. But then I wen't to their ...LC concert in Toronto, and then leaving, I realized just how DAMN GOOD this album is.

    It's a culmination of all the previous sounds and styles Homme and co. created to get to this point (even his days at Them Crooked Vultures can be recgnized with some of the more upbeat tunes), with the emotion and soul that hasn't been present in any of the 6 albums. At first I was wishing that there were more songs, but I've also come to realize that all 10 songs are wonderfully crafted, produced, and written.

    Not much else I can say, except this is one of my 3-4 candidates for album of the year, and is proudly my new favourite QotSA album! Definitely worth the 6 year wait or a 4 year wait, if you like TCV.    … Expand
  9. forestville
    Jun 23, 2013
    10
    I'm not very good fan of Queens of the Stone Age because the only album that I liked most was "Lullabies to Paralyze", and that my brother showed me what was our favorite, but for me, this album has increased my taste for this band. Like Clockwork, an album that takes everything the band has done, mix it with some pop and again with a lot of guests that give another twist to the band'sI'm not very good fan of Queens of the Stone Age because the only album that I liked most was "Lullabies to Paralyze", and that my brother showed me what was our favorite, but for me, this album has increased my taste for this band. Like Clockwork, an album that takes everything the band has done, mix it with some pop and again with a lot of guests that give another twist to the band's music without changing their style.
    As guests are the former Queens, Dave Grohl, Nick Oliveri and Mark Lanegan. Then there is Alex Turner of Arctic Monkeys, Trent Reznor, Jake Shears of Scissor Sisters and surprise to me, Elton John.
    The album starts with "Keep Your Eyes Peeled" low hypnotic hard rock. "I Sat by the Ocean" still sounds like Queens of the Stone Age in his role not as heavy songs. Next is "The Vampyre of Time and Memory" has been the ones I liked the album, shows the evolution of the draft Homme And to continue another shifty, "If I Had a Tail", a good song.
    "My God Is the Sun", in the vein of the last deliveries of the group. The most experimental song is "Kalopsia" where Trent Reznor collaborates who also appears in "Fairweather Friends" with Elton John, which make it a true masterpiece, as Jonah said. "Smooth Sailing" and "I Appear Missing" round out the album with my favorite, Like Clockwork a ballad very high manufacturing.
    You may not love it so much, but anger discovering such high quality that have the songs from this album.
    With this album, it is now difficult to say which came to make the best of the year, do not think is this, because I still like more "RAM" by Daft Punk, but definitely, this will be on the list.    … Expand
  10. Abutre
    Dec 8, 2013
    10
    ASS_N_TREBLE IS AN IDIOT! AND IS BECAUSE OF THESE IDIOTS THAT I GIVE NOTE MAXIMUM
    this idiot has done here more negative votes for this album, it's not just this, and the funny thing is that it has no further comment other albums.
    Não brinquem, quem são vocês para fazerem uma revisão de um artista seus idiotas...são artista? compõem música? são inteligentes o suficiente para estarem aqui    ASS_N_TREBLE IS AN IDIOT! AND IS BECAUSE OF THESE IDIOTS THAT I GIVE NOTE MAXIMUM
    this idiot has done here more negative votes for this album, it's not just this, and the funny thing is that it has no further comment other albums.
    Não brinquem, quem são vocês para fazerem uma revisão de um artista seus idiotas...são artista? compõem música? são inteligentes o suficiente para estarem aqui a dar pontuação, são estudiosos nesta matéria. Só sabem ouvir o que os media querem e depois fazem critica de coisas que não percebem... há por aqui muito atrasado mental a fazer revisão (ass_n_treble......), gostava de conhecer esse calhorda E OS OUTROS PESSOALMENTE, a minha psicopatia vem ao de cima, com este tipo de gente. Não constroem nada apenas destroem e incendeiam, adorava ter esses calhordas minha frente, reduzia-os a uma massa de carne e sangue.. Daqui a 10 ANOS veremos quem são os VERDADEIROS CLÁSSICOS.    … Expand
  11. coryjscott
    Jun 6, 2013
    10
    What to even say? This record is like a gut punch in every way that music ought to be. Catchy as all get out and lyrical depth beyond any prior QOTSA release or anything in recent memory. Current frontrunner for album of the year, no exaggeration, IMHO.
  12. levivt
    Jun 4, 2013
    10
    This is one of the best albums I've ever heard! Every song is so great, I have to listen to the album completely. Never have I had an experience similar to this, where I liked all the songs on the album. And the journey this album takes you on, is simply astounding! I could listen to this album hours and hours, day for day. Defenitely a 10/10! LISTEN IT!
  13. KillaRiku
    Jun 3, 2016
    10
    A truly beautiful album. The album was written after Josh Homme (lead singer) had a near-death experience, so lyric-wise you can expect much again. Every Song is beautifully written and has a deeoer meaning and sometimes even ccriticism. You you wont be disappointed there.
    While the album still keeps some typical qotsa elements it (like every single qotsa album) does enough differently to    A truly beautiful album. The album was written after Josh Homme (lead singer) had a near-death experience, so lyric-wise you can expect much again. Every Song is beautifully written and has a deeoer meaning and sometimes even ccriticism. You you wont be disappointed there.
    While the album still keeps some typical qotsa elements it (like every single qotsa album) does enough differently to sound different but still keep the same coolness and humor you're used to with qotsa albums. Every song is catchy in their own way. I really can recommend this album. But to be fair: I can recommend every qotsa album!    … Expand
  14. Realreview
    Jul 18, 2013
    10
    MAGNET 35/100!? LOL. Daqui a 10 anos, saberei definitivamente a dimensão deste álbum, e dos seus antecessores. Este número e o número que está na média deste review está completamente adulterado. A INVEJA muito má conselheira, por isso "Os cães ladram e a caravana passa...".
    Não simpatizo com os media, Sei que o mundo está minado por corrupção, e o ramo da música não excepção. As    MAGNET 35/100!? LOL. Daqui a 10 anos, saberei definitivamente a dimensão deste álbum, e dos seus antecessores. Este número e o número que está na média deste review está completamente adulterado. A INVEJA muito má conselheira, por isso "Os cães ladram e a caravana passa...".
    Não simpatizo com os media, Sei que o mundo está minado por corrupção, e o ramo da música não excepção. As excepção. As grandes editoras compram os media, e facilmente convencem o público, Quem pensa e consegue ler o meio que o rodeia, apercebe-se, que tudo na realidade não passa de uma ilusão.
    Infelizmente este mundo uma alienação, e os alienados acabarão por fazer com que o sistema corrupto vença...E o que eu estou a ver acontecer neste preciso local!!!    … Expand
  15. Viduadiabolus
    Jul 18, 2013
    10
    35/100 Magnet?
    O Sistema está corrompido meus amigos.
    Automaticamente a Review deste álbum está adulterada. Vocês acreditam nos Media? Acreditam num critico de um magazine? Dinheiro fala mais alto meus amigos, e a corrupção não existe só na politica ou no desporto ela está em todo o lado, o ramo da música está MINADO. As grandes editoras já minaram há muitos, muitos anos o mercado. uma    35/100 Magnet?
    O Sistema está corrompido meus amigos.
    Automaticamente a Review deste álbum está adulterada. Vocês acreditam nos Media? Acreditam num critico de um magazine?
    Dinheiro fala mais alto meus amigos, e a corrupção não existe só na politica ou no desporto ela está em todo o lado, o ramo da música está MINADO. As grandes editoras já minaram há muitos, muitos anos o mercado. uma GUERRA para conseguirem lucrar milhões, o CAPITALISMO está em todo o lado, e o ramo da música uma pequena peça desta gigantesca máquina. O que vende milhões já se sabe o que não necessário fazer uma grande ginástica mental para perceber.
    Eu gosto de apreciar música (sou bastante ecléctico, mais quase impossível). Mas sobretudo gosto de apreciar inteligência, e muito bom humor, nas pessoas.
    É por isso que aprecio tanto Joshua Michael Homme. Ele a encarnação desses dois elementos, e como excelente músico que mais os excelentes músicos que o rodeiam,só pode sair dali coisa boa.
    NA REALIDADE O QUE O ROCK N ROLL PRECISA de PESSOAS como JOSH HOMME. Felizmente quem o está a leva o Homme para o topo não são os media, são verdadeiros músicos meus caros amigos....    … Expand
  16. M1st3r_Chow
    Jun 10, 2013
    10
    If deeply-affecting personal experiences produce music this good, then Josh Homme should have near-death experiences more often. Imagine the trademark QotSA sonic boom flavored with hints of Bowie and Nine Inch Nails while indulging in Pink Floyd or Radiohead-style experimentation...all distilled down into a compact (~45 minutes) package that gets better with each listen.
  17. cheapycheep
    Jun 11, 2013
    10
    Brilliant album from Queens of the stone age, the only criticism i could offer is that its only 10 songs long, but that wouldn't be a problem if every song wasn't fantastic. The album manages to be completely different from anything that they have done before but remain classic Queens.
  18. darkgladiator27
    Jun 11, 2013
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. "This is like a funeral in the desert" someone already said. I can't disagree but I can say it was a great ceremony. This is my favorite album so far.… Expand
  19. avtg
    Jun 28, 2013
    10
    Penso que só pessoas minimamente inteligentes e honestas, deveriam cotar um álbum dos QotSA. Tenho lido alguns reviews de certos magazines, que me fazem rir. Fazem comparações completamente rídiculas e imbecis, um exemplo bem evidente este magazine Under The Radar. Só um asno pode escrever um artigo destes, "The guitars are more or less grungy, but some of those indie-rock rhythms, withPenso que só pessoas minimamente inteligentes e honestas, deveriam cotar um álbum dos QotSA. Tenho lido alguns reviews de certos magazines, que me fazem rir. Fazem comparações completamente rídiculas e imbecis, um exemplo bem evidente este magazine Under The Radar. Só um asno pode escrever um artigo destes, "The guitars are more or less grungy, but some of those indie-rock rhythms, with distortion-lite effects, sound a bit like Franz Ferdinand. Not necessarily a bad thing—they're pretty and chiming, and the straight-up lead riffs are often infectious. But this is Queens of the Stone Age, man."
    Josh Homme anda a ouvir Franz Ferdinand!!! AHAHHAHAA leiam este artigo que de partir o coco a rir, Os media são o quê?    … Expand
  20. CraigBrittain
    Aug 2, 2013
    10
    A strong contender for album of the year. A representation of everything that QOTSA is, was and will be in the future All of the characters are present for this storytelling epic. Lanegan is back, so is Oliveri. The one thing that this album lacks is a 'bang-your-head-and-scream-along' track like 'Millionaire' or 'Tension Head' or 'Quick And To The Pointless' from previous albums. WhatA strong contender for album of the year. A representation of everything that QOTSA is, was and will be in the future All of the characters are present for this storytelling epic. Lanegan is back, so is Oliveri. The one thing that this album lacks is a 'bang-your-head-and-scream-along' track like 'Millionaire' or 'Tension Head' or 'Quick And To The Pointless' from previous albums. What you get instead is the bluesy, introspective QOTSA reminiscent of 'Mosquito Song' or 'Song For The Deaf', and references to older material like 'Mexicola', 'Turning The Screw' and 'Avon'. The ultimate 'we're still here and still relevant' album. If you only buy one album this year, this should be the one though the replay value is off the charts, in an era where most artists put two listenable songs on an album.… Expand
  21. edvard
    Oct 5, 2013
    10
    har fan inte hört så här jävla krallig rock musik på jävligt länge!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  22. AndreasAnden
    Sep 11, 2013
    10
    This is definitely one of the greatest albums made for years, it has no "greatest song", every single song is a hit, and the more you listen to it, the more it grows on you.
    Queens of the Stone Age has a completely unique feel to it, and this album, as well as "Era Vulgaris" are perfect examples of this, which is why it deserves a 10/10. This album is perfect!
  23. californiadoane
    Oct 3, 2013
    10
    In an era of musical blight, Queens of the Stone Age have released a masterpiece with ...Like Clockwork. Multi-dimensional as it is layered, Josh Homme is in the prime of his musical evolution; even with old friends Dave Grohl and Nick Oliveri on board, it's Homme who steals the show with his dark and satisfyingly harmonizing delivery of his trademark antediluvian lyrics. ...Like ClockworkIn an era of musical blight, Queens of the Stone Age have released a masterpiece with ...Like Clockwork. Multi-dimensional as it is layered, Josh Homme is in the prime of his musical evolution; even with old friends Dave Grohl and Nick Oliveri on board, it's Homme who steals the show with his dark and satisfyingly harmonizing delivery of his trademark antediluvian lyrics. ...Like Clockwork is so profoundly and perfectly composed you feel yourself in the room every time you listen, wanting more.… Expand
  24. matheus96
    Oct 3, 2013
    10
    Best album of this decade. It's a different alubm, i'd say. This time Josh gets more sentimental on the music. The best album since Songs for the Deaf.
  25. TheRealMcLean
    Oct 7, 2013
    10
    Never in my life have I followed an album so closely, prior to its release and been so satisfied. This album delivers on every track, which is some feat, considering the very varying genres going around on the album and within some tracks. Homme sounds better than ever and same can be said, for what can only be described as the "army" of guitars present on this album, mixed to perfection.Never in my life have I followed an album so closely, prior to its release and been so satisfied. This album delivers on every track, which is some feat, considering the very varying genres going around on the album and within some tracks. Homme sounds better than ever and same can be said, for what can only be described as the "army" of guitars present on this album, mixed to perfection. I feel every song on this album, has at some point, had its turn of being my favourite track and at this point I still struggle to choose my favourite, proving the genius of this album and how that genius should be savoured so. My one criticism with the album would be the track ordering, a very minor thing I realise, however I can't help but feel "Keep Your Eyes Peeled", the wrong choice for the opener. Such choices as "Smooth Sailing", "I Sat By The Ocean" or even the end of "If I Had a Tail", into "My God is the Sun", I feel would have set the album up better. However, the fact that the tremendous and massive sounding ending of "I Appear Missing", is not the album closer, is the sorest choice made on the entire album. However, you take all these songs individually and I would struggle greatly not to give the majority of them 10/10, which is the most important thing. Considering the age and progression of this never disappointing band, this album only seems like the perfect thing for QOTSA to have created. I know I will still be happily listening to this album from to start to finish many, many years from now, and I know I will not be alone when I am.… Expand
  26. PRTYNTGRVS
    Oct 23, 2013
    10
    With ...Like Clockwork, QOTSA delivers their most energetic, cohesive, focused and now, their most memorable LP to date. The band poured their blood (figuratively) sweat, and tears into this and through the smart and well balanced musicianship and instrumentation it's felt and heard. The balance between rock anthems and ballads remain fair and true, even Homme's vocals become moreWith ...Like Clockwork, QOTSA delivers their most energetic, cohesive, focused and now, their most memorable LP to date. The band poured their blood (figuratively) sweat, and tears into this and through the smart and well balanced musicianship and instrumentation it's felt and heard. The balance between rock anthems and ballads remain fair and true, even Homme's vocals become more emotional here as he shows a more soft side, which takes guts to do in the music scene. Lyrically and thematically, the album tackles themes of abandonment, loss and heartache with a dark and menacing approach, helping ...Like Clockwork become more appealing to practically anybody. It's an immersive album that comes alive instantly after hitting play, and its effect upon listeners will cause repercussions that will bounce around the head for months. It takes audacity, time (6 years to be exact), and patience to make a strong, sharp and engaging album like this. The band tend to become liberal with this sound that they have on this LP however this sound rarely lingers as MOR (middle-of-road) material by QOTSA standards even dealing a gentle tune here and then. Primarily, this is a fantastic record and QOTSA show that even after being broken and torn, they still can rock beyond standards set up for them long ago. *Kyuss would be so proud. On the verge of being forgotten after a six year hiatus, QOTSA deliver a relentless, brutal and tenacious record that forces you to keep them in the recesses of your brain.… Expand
  27. rwwg500
    Oct 22, 2013
    10
    Queens of the Stone Age’s sound is unique and instantly recognisable, and ‘…Like Clockwork’ fulfills everything that their band name suggests, subverting the premise of hard rock with pretty melody. Homme sings in his finest falsetto at many points throughout the record, adding to that lighter feel that the album strives towards. Simon Neil of Biffy Clyro praised the queens for theirQueens of the Stone Age’s sound is unique and instantly recognisable, and ‘…Like Clockwork’ fulfills everything that their band name suggests, subverting the premise of hard rock with pretty melody. Homme sings in his finest falsetto at many points throughout the record, adding to that lighter feel that the album strives towards. Simon Neil of Biffy Clyro praised the queens for their ability to make hard rock sound sexy, and damn sexy it is. ‘…Like Clockwork’ is the culmination of everything Josh Homme, the sole continuous member of his own band, set out to do. The crap filter has been maxed out on this album, as Homme produces the most beautifully crafted grimy rock we’ve ever heard.… Expand
  28. youropinionman
    Oct 31, 2013
    10
    This is QOTSA's finest album, and is superior even to Songs for the Deaf. Some of the songs on this record ("I Appear Missing" in particular) border on true genius, and I do not use that word lightly. On this focused, cohesive and brilliant record, QOTSA musters all their strengths, rallies all their most talented friends (Trent Reznor, Mark Lanegan, Dave Grohl etc.), and taps into aThis is QOTSA's finest album, and is superior even to Songs for the Deaf. Some of the songs on this record ("I Appear Missing" in particular) border on true genius, and I do not use that word lightly. On this focused, cohesive and brilliant record, QOTSA musters all their strengths, rallies all their most talented friends (Trent Reznor, Mark Lanegan, Dave Grohl etc.), and taps into a deeper well of emotion than they ever have before. Although the record is vital and powerful, the snide arrogance of youth that propelled great albums like Songs for the Deaf has been replaced by maturity and insight, which has honed the band down to a sharp edge. Gone are the superfluous "joke songs" that distracted listeners from the greatness of their past albums. There is not one bad song on this record. It has been polished and chiseled down to a flawless diamond. This album has more emotional power than anything QOTSA has done before. It seems Homme was truly changed by his near-death experience, but he must not have been clinically dead on the table for very long, because he doesn't seem to have lost a single brain cell. His lyrics are more clever and insightful than ever before, and his riffs are more complex and intricately layered. This record proves that QOTSA keeps getting better and better with age. Homme has produced his greatest work at the age of forty, a truly admirable accomplishment for a rock musician. Although the last song promises "It's all downhill from here," it seems QOTSA have begun a new era in their own career, and in some ways it seems they are just getting started.… Expand
  29. MattRadich
    Jun 20, 2014
    10
    Perfect from start to finish. In my opinion the very best of 2013. "Fairweather Friends", "I Appear Missing", and "Like Clockwork" are all tracks that will be memorable for a long time. This could go down as a modern classic
  30. mchlkirk77
    Nov 15, 2013
    10
    Love this cd just like Arctic Monkey's AM, I was happy to enjoy a few pure rock cd releases this year. This cd hooked me from the start and I enjoyed every track. Love that they are from Palm Desert as well, since I am also a desert dweller, not too far away from them, in Las Vegas!
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Awards & Rankings

67
#67 Best Album of 2013
18
#18 Most Discussed Album of 2013
41
#41 Most Shared Album of 2013

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
82

Universal acclaim - based on 46 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 41 out of 46
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 46
  3. Negative: 1 out of 46
  1. Classic Rock Magazine
    Jul 23, 2013
    90
    Their rejuvenating effects make this the most rounded and melodic QOTSA album in a decade, a triumph snatched from the mortuary doors. [Summer 2013, p.88]
  2. Delusions of Adequacy
    Jul 23, 2013
    90
    It’s the kind of album we critics tritely refer to as a return to form but with the massively remarkable beast that ...Like Clockwork royally is, never has the phrase been more fitting.
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  3. Magnet
    Jul 17, 2013
    35
    Queens Of The Stone Age lumbers its way through a series of increasingly skronky, sludge-by-numbers jams and sound. [No. 100, p.57]
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