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. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. 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.
  8. 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
  9. 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.
  10. TimW001
    May 17, 2018
    5
    I like when bands try to change their style to stay fresh. But this was not a great outing for the Arctic Monkeys. Their last few albums have been great and Very enjoyable. On this most recent album it doesn't exactly work. It sounds like they were trying to be like The National with a slight punk twist, or The National mixed with Halloween. Even if this wasn't an AM album and was a newI like when bands try to change their style to stay fresh. But this was not a great outing for the Arctic Monkeys. Their last few albums have been great and Very enjoyable. On this most recent album it doesn't exactly work. It sounds like they were trying to be like The National with a slight punk twist, or The National mixed with Halloween. Even if this wasn't an AM album and was a new band I don't feel it was a great album. None of the songs are worth a re-listen. Just overall weak.… Expand
  11. Jaqwaan
    May 11, 2018
    4
    Tranquility Base Hotel + Casino is a highly creative and experimental album that doesn't know which audience it is catered too.

    As someone who is new to the Arctic Monkeys experience, I was expecting a similar sound to their highly reputable "AM" album, but I didn't get that, all I got were out of place sci-fi sounds and a heavy voice that wasn't appealing at all.
  12. Danielalves
    May 11, 2018
    4
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Foi oque eu esperava, com toda certeza nao e um album do arctic monkeys, e um album que eu julgo ser quase um solo do Turner, e um album razoável, temos que aceitar que para uma espera de 5 anos nao saiu tudo que esperavamos, espero que esse album seja mais uma experiencia e nao se torno o concreto rumo que o AM siga daqui para frente, ainda espero que retornem para o antigo estilo de musicas marcantes de batidas envolventes que nao saem da cabeça, ate la escutamos TBH+c...… Expand
  13. Tiduraes
    May 11, 2018
    4
    The new Arctic Monkeys album is better than their last effort, but it's still a snoozefest. If AM was a watered down Queens of the Stone Age, this one sounds like Nick Cave high on dramamine.
  14. Wael
    May 11, 2018
    6
    From the second this record kicks off, it is pretty obvious that it is unlike anything the Monkeys have done before.
    That is in the sense that this new album has a futuristic feel to it lyrically (songs like "American Sports" and the title track somehow explore the theme of life on the moon) while sonically, it sounds like a record that could've been very easily released in the 70's (give    From the second this record kicks off, it is pretty obvious that it is unlike anything the Monkeys have done before.
    That is in the sense that this new album has a futuristic feel to it lyrically (songs like "American Sports" and the title track somehow explore the theme of life on the moon) while sonically, it sounds like a record that could've been very easily released in the 70's (give the opener, "Star Treatment" a listen, it is an absolute highlight). It is a very weird approach to take: it takes a lot of listens to really dive in and actually start to like this collection of very-well produced songs (I'm on my third listen, and I'm very much intrigued). The lyricism is very sharp, and the vocal production is layered, making Turner sound like he's singing from outer space. However, towards the middle of the tracklist, the songs start to feel a bit.. noisy; there's no denying that the album could have used a change of pace a bit here and there. "Batphone" arguably has the weirdest chorus on here (in a good way) and another highlight is "The Ultracheese", which sounds like it could've fit well on the band's previous effort, "AM", ending the record on a very likable dreamy note.

    Obviously, "Tranquility Base Hotel + Casino" is a new turn for the Monkeys (it actually sounds more like a solo Alex Turner project), and while it may be way less accessible than its predecessor, it is undeniably and ultimately a resonant body of work.    … Expand
  15. 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
  16. 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
  17. 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
  18. 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.
  19. 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
  20. 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
  21. HowWasItDetroit
    Jun 14, 2018
    5
    Points for the fact they aren’t trying to churn out the same album over and over. And, admittedly, it’s better the more you listen (and perhaps while on a substance). They veered from what they normally do, but they went too far out of their lane. This lacked the inspiration, the collaboration, and most importantly, the intimacy, we’ve come to love from Arctic Monkeys.

    It takes overly    Points for the fact they aren’t trying to churn out the same album over and over. And, admittedly, it’s better the more you listen (and perhaps while on a substance). They veered from what they normally do, but they went too far out of their lane. This lacked the inspiration, the collaboration, and most importantly, the intimacy, we’ve come to love from Arctic Monkeys.

    It takes overly ambitious risks for no apparent reason, other than Alex Turner seemed bored. The biggest misstep seemed to be that Turner had lost the confidence in his bandmates to help him write truly magnificent music.

    Rather than give some of the songwriting control over to others, Tranquility Base Hotel and Casino is immersed in abstract lyrics no one can relate to and meandering music with no excitement. Even with rambling lyrics, if there was an anchor of music we could latch onto, or a change in the pace that made us feel something, it could be a more fulfilling listen.    … Expand
  22. iamkakaindecent
    May 30, 2018
    4
    Unfortunately it's the worst album of the career. One or two songs that are really good, I think I got used to Arctic Monkeys landing good songs do not expect this.
  23. Bishof
    Jun 14, 2018
    6
    Are they experimenting? I don’t recognize them. I only listened to 3 their albums. Maybe they had been playing like that even earlier than they had made these 3 albums, but it isn’t exactly. In general, do not expect them to be as cool as before. Good songs will be from Monkeys, but others.
  24. aukalender
    Jul 11, 2019
    5
    I don't think I really got this album, it seemed as if AM tried to go the other way for no reason at all. We've all heard similar sounds, so this is not so dramatic and inspiring. It just sounds unnecessarily dramatic, I guess?

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.
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  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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