Back Again: Returns After Four Year with Banger

Picture+by+The+Los+Angeles+Times.

Picture by The Los Angeles Times.

The Arctic Monkeys’ became modern-rock sensations with their 2006 debut album, “Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not,” and now they’re back. After releasing four more albums post-debut, the Sheffield-based band is back at it with “The Car,” released Oct. 21.

 

“There’d Better Be A Mirrorball” – The dulled sound differentiates this song (and the entire album) from the Arctic Monkeys’ other albums. The bass-driven nature of the song slows the pace and lets the listener relax, a stark contrast from their previous album openers. I wish the intro was shorter and that the lyrics were more meaningful. Good song to cry or slow-dance to. 7/10

 

“I Ain’t Quite Where I Think I Am” – The slow nature of this sound makes the listener feel strong, powerful emotions, while also keeping with the relaxed 70’s-esque vibe of the album. The twang of the bass-line distracts from the once again sub-par lyrics, but I’ll forgive it since I play bass. 8/10

 

“Sculptures of Anything Goes” – Once again a slower song, made exclusively for emotion, this song lacks creativity and doesn’t fit the theme of the rest of the album. It’s as if the artist The Weeknd tried to write a rock song and Arctic Monkeys pawned it off as their own. 4/10

 

“Jet Skis On The Moat” – Very similar to “I Ain’t Quite Where I Think I Am,” but a little slower. Once again somewhat nonsensical lyrics at points, but the verses of the song are meaningful. This entire album feels like a break-up album, and the slow, sad vibes given off are meant to make you feel emotional, but also empowered. 8/10

 

“Body Paint” – I’m starting to think the Arctic Monkeys collaborated with The Neighborhood for this album, as all of these songs remind me of the album “Chip Chrome & The Mono-Tones.” This song’s piano riffs give it some pizazz, while also being bass-driven and having some fun guitar riffs. 9/10

 

“The Car” – I was starting to wonder if we’d ever get an upbeat song in this album. This song reminds me of a slower “Eleanor Rigby” by the Beatles with an acoustic layer underneath it. The violins in the background of the song definitely convey the nostalgic emotion Arctic Monkeys wanted to convey, but is it an emotion we want to feel? Or is that the point of music: to make you confront your emotions? Either way, this song is spectacular and will definitely be going on my playlist. 9/10

 

“Big Ideas” – Once again gives the perfect vibe of the new Arctic Monkeys. The jazz of the bass line under the beauty of the violins and the slow drive of the drums comes together for a perfect mix of sadness but nostalgia. 10/10

 

“Hello You” – Seems like it could be in a 70’s spy movie. Definitely gives Austin Powers vibes, but in a positive way. A much more upbeat song, “Hello You” brings up the pace of the album and conveys a vibe of revenge after a break-up. 8/10

 

“Mr Schwartz” – The song begins slow and beautiful, with an acoustic guitar under Alex Turner’s vocals, but soon has a slow snare drive under it, picking up the pace and allowing for more movement throughout the song. It makes me think of an old man who enjoyed the little things in life, which fits the title of the song. 8/10

 

“Perfect Sense” – As soon as this song started, tears ran down my face. I cannot think of a more beautiful and emotional way to end an album. Truly the best song on this album, and will probably be on repeat on my playlist for months on end. Once again the song is bass-driven with violins layered underneath; something about this song makes it feel special. 100/10

 

Overall, this album begins slow but is definitely worth a listen. As the album goes on, it continually gets better until it all culminates in the best track on the album, “Perfect Sense.” I definitely had my doubts about this album, but it far exceeded my expectations. Overall, I’d give it a 9/10