In Times New Roman...
Queens of the Stone Age · 2023
47 min · 10 tracks · alternative rock
A gritty blend of hard rock and desert vibes that balances melodic introspection with raw, energetic riffs.
Top tracks — play these first
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Obscenery Start here — Opening with a haunting atmosphere, this track encapsulates the album's themes of introspection and existentialism through its layered instrumentation and evocative lyrics.
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Negative Space — This song stands out with its driving rhythm and sharp lyrical commentary on modern life, reflecting the band's ability to fuse catchy hooks with deeper meanings.
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Emotion Sickness — A standout ballad that showcases Homme's vocal range and emotional delivery, this track delves into personal struggles, contrasting vulnerability with the band's heavier sound.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong songwriting and production while maintaining a cohesive sound throughout its runtime.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a mid-tempo track that sets a gritty tone, followed by a sequence of songs that gradually increase in intensity before tapering off towards the end.
- Several tracks feature layered guitar riffs that intertwine with Homme's vocals, creating a dense soundscape that shifts between melodic and aggressive passages.
- The lyrics often explore themes of introspection and existentialism, with a notable use of metaphor and imagery across multiple tracks.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. 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.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady mid-tempo groove throughout
- introspective vibes for reflection
- engaging narratives in each track
- for road trip playlists
Maybe skip if you
- prefer fast-paced, energetic tracks
- seek instant gratification in music
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Marks a strong return after a hiatus, showcasing continued evolution in sound.
- Moods
- Introspective· Chill
- Career context
- In Times New Roman... is Queens of the Stone Age's first album since 2017's Villains, marking a return after a six-year hiatus. The band continues to evolve their sound while maintaining their signature style, showcasing frontman Josh Homme's growth as a songwriter and musician during this period of reflection and change.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Kyuss· Them Crooked Vultures· Eagles of Death Metal
Tracklist
- 1 Obscenery Start here 4:23
- 2 Paper Machete 3:22
- 3 Negative Space 3:53
- 4 Time & Place 4:26
- 5 Made to Parade 5:18
- 6 Carnavoyeur 3:56
- 7 What the Peephole Say 4:06
- 8 Sicily 4:41
- 9 Emotion Sickness 4:31
- 10 Straight Jacket Fitting 9:01
What to play next
...Like Clockwork
2013
Continues the introspective themes with a blend of hard rock energy.
Villains
2017
Sets up the sonic landscape leading into the vibrant sound of the current album.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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