Mirror Music Review: 'The Car' by Arctic Monkey's

After a much anticipated four-year wait, Arctic Monkeys have finally dropped their seventh studio album, The Car, last Friday.

A kicking psychedelic and garage rock band in the early 2010s, the Monkeys have now entered into an era of alternative jazz. Fans were quick to notice the shift in sound on the band's loose and loungy 2018 album Tranquility Based Hotel & Casino. Their latest release adds orchestral backing tracks mixed with jazz. Though the energetic grungy music with naughty riffs will be missed, the innovation exposes the depths of how dynamic this band can be.

Lyrically-speaking, The Car is the band's most mature and introspective album yet, and lead vocalist vocalist and chief songwriter, Alex Turner, delivers the most audacious vocal performances of his career.

The instrumental tracks feel a bit barren, however--mainly the bass lines and guitar riffs. But that criticism is only valid when comparing The Car to their past albums. Generally speaking, the tracks have a lot of sameness to them, but after several listens, each one has little pivots that make them stand out individually.

Overall, The Car is a warm and comforting album that's perfect for a Sunday morning listen.

There’d Better Be a Mirrorball: 8/10

• One of the most enjoyable and nostalgic sounding songs on the album. It features a Moog synth in the background with piano accompaniment in the second half of the song.

I Ain’t Quite Where I Think I Am: 7/10

• We hear the influence of jazz on this song, with some funky sounds in the first half. The utilization of jazz guitar contrasts very well with the first song and has listeners wondering what other sounds will come out of the album. The vocal layering mid-song is a highlight.

Sculptures of Anything Goes: 4/10

• This is a pretty moody song mixed with some electro-rock. Throughout the entire song, instrumentals are used as fillers to create a suspenseful build up. Somehow it doesn't work.

Jet Skis on the Moat: 6/10

• Arguably the most unique sounding song on the album. A constant “wah-wah” guitar sound is maintained throughout the entire song. It sounds more like an Alex Turner solo song than a band one.

Body Paint: 8/10

• This song has very impressive orchestral segments and a good switch up leading into the second half of the song. I enjoy the nostalgic Beatles and Bowie vibe this song gives off.

The Car: 7/10

• A Western sound with steady orchestral runs layered with flowy vocals.

Big Ideas: 4/10

• A rather basic sounding song compared to the others The lack of exciting instrumentals leaves it hard to be attentive to the lyrics.

Hello You: 8/10

• Simple yet groovy jazz opening that hooks you. A surprising transition to a more upbeat jazz sound in the second half of the song works well.

Mr. Schwartz: 4/10

• This song starts off with a calming acoustic guitar, but ultimately leaves a lot left to be desired. Filler song.

Perfect Sense: 8/10

• A good song to close things out. It captures the generic lo-fi and calming nature of the album.

Album rating: 8/10