What does ...Like Clockwork sound like?

A haunting blend of hard rock riffs and introspective lyrics wrapped in lush arrangements and atmospheric textures. Rooted in alternative rock and hard rock. Start with "Keep Your Eyes Peeled".

Is ...Like Clockwork a good place to start with Queens of the Stone Age?

Yes, ...Like Clockwork is recommended as a starting point for new Queens of the Stone Age listeners. A haunting blend of hard rock riffs and introspective lyrics wrapped in lush arrangements and atmospheric textures. Released in 2013, ...Like Clockwork marked Queens of the Stone Age's sixth studio album and their first since 2007's Era Vulgaris. This period saw frontman Josh Homme navigating personal struggles, including health issues and the departure of longtime band members, which heavily influenced the album's tone and lyrical content.

Who is ...Like Clockwork for?

...Like Clockwork works well if you're into steady mid-tempo introspective flow, brooding atmosphere for deep thinking and for late-night reflection.

How many songs are on ...Like Clockwork?

...Like Clockwork has 10 tracks, running approximately 46 minutes.

...Like Clockwork

Queens of the Stone Age · 2013

46 min · 10 tracks · alternative rock

A haunting blend of hard rock riffs and introspective lyrics wrapped in lush arrangements and atmospheric textures.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Keep Your Eyes Peeled Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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My God Is the Sun — This track combines driving rhythms with soaring melodies, encapsulating the album's blend of power and introspection while addressing themes of existential dread.
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The Vampyre of Time and Memory — With its delicate piano introduction leading into rich instrumentation, this song explores vulnerability and reflection, embodying the emotional depth present throughout the album.
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I Appear Missing — The somber atmosphere paired with disorienting lyrics highlights the struggle between despair and hope, serving as a thematic centerpiece for the record.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

72 /100

Alpine

Higher than 95% of albums we've rated

The album blends hard rock with introspective themes, showcasing strong craftsmanship and distinct sound.

What we noticed

The album opens with a slow build in 'Keep Your Eyes Peeled', establishing a dark, atmospheric tone that persists throughout.
Tracks often feature layered instrumentation, with guitars and keyboards intertwining to create a rich soundscape.
Several songs incorporate shifts in dynamics, such as 'I Appear Missing', which transitions from quiet introspection to powerful crescendos.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 8/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady mid-tempo introspective flow
brooding atmosphere for deep thinking
for late-night reflection
consistent pacing throughout the album

Maybe skip if you

prefer upbeat and fast tracks
want standalone hit singles

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Late Career Highlight — ...Like Clockwork shows the band's continued vitality after a six-year hiatus.
Themes: personal turmoil· disorienting memories
Moods: Introspective· Dark
Career context: Released in 2013, ...Like Clockwork marked Queens of the Stone Age's sixth studio album and their first since 2007's Era Vulgaris. This period saw frontman Josh Homme navigating personal struggles, including health issues and the departure of longtime band members, which heavily influenced the album's tone and lyrical content.
Stylistic neighbors: Kyuss· Them Crooked Vultures· Eagles of Death Metal