Four Out of Five cover

Four Out of Five

Arctic Monkeys · 2018

9 min · 2 tracks · alternative rock

A sharp, satirical exploration of modern life wrapped in infectious hooks and a blend of psychedelic and garage rock vibes.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Four Out of Five (edit) — This edit distills the album's theme into a concise format, capturing the biting social commentary that characterizes much of the project. Its catchy chorus juxtaposes dark lyrics with an upbeat melody, reflecting the duality present throughout the album.
  • →
    Four Out of Five — As the lead track, it sets the tone for the album with its infectious energy and incisive critique of modern society. The song's structure cleverly mirrors its lyrical content, creating a sense of urgency that compels listeners to engage with its themes.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

58 /100
Treeline
Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The track combines sharp lyrics with engaging hooks, showcasing a blend of styles while addressing contemporary themes.

What we noticed

  • The song features a prominent, syncopated guitar riff that drives the track forward, layered with synth elements that create a modern texture.
  • Lyrically, it employs a conversational style with rapid-fire delivery, reflecting on themes of consumerism and digital culture.
  • The arrangement includes dynamic shifts in intensity, particularly during the chorus where backing vocals and instrumentation swell.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — This track marked a significant evolution in their sound and garnered widespread acclaim.
Themes
modern consumerism· satirical social commentary· digital age absurdity
Career context
Released as part of Arctic Monkeys' sixth studio album, this track marks a significant evolution in their sound following the commercial success of AM in 2013. By 2018, the band was exploring more experimental production techniques with producer James Ford, signaling a shift towards a more conceptual approach in their music.
Stylistic neighbors
The Strokes· Franz Ferdinand· Tame Impala

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Four Out of Five

    The narrator directly addresses consumers and their obsession with technology and superficiality.

    This direct address creates an immediate connection with the audience and emphasizes the song's critique by putting listeners in the position of self-reflection.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Four Out of Five (edit) 4:25
  • 2 Four Out of Five 5:12

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata