When this landed in 2018, it surprised almost everyone. After the huge riffs of AM, Arctic Monkeys swerved hard left. Tranquility Base Hotel and Casino feels like Alex Turner disappearing into a piano bar on the moon.

The guitars step back, replaced by loungey keys, soft rhythms, and a slightly hazy atmosphere. It’s less about big hooks and more about mood. “Four Out of Five” is the standout, balancing melody with that off-kilter sci-fi charm, while the title track sets the strange, cinematic tone.

It rewards patience. The first listen can feel disorienting, but once it clicks, it becomes incredibly replayable. It’s witty, intimate, and confident in its weirdness. Instead of chasing another stadium anthem, they made something idiosyncratic and self-contained. Years later, it still feels like a bold move – and one that paid off.