Is The Car a good place to start with Arctic Monkeys?

Yes, The Car is recommended as a starting point for new Arctic Monkeys listeners. A lush tapestry of orchestral arrangements underpins introspective lyrics, blending vintage influences with contemporary indie sensibilities. Released on October 21, 2022, The Car marks Arctic Monkeys' seventh studio album and their first since 2018's Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino. Following a period of experimentation with a more lounge-inspired sound, this album sees the band return to a more melodic and lyrical focus, showcasing frontman Alex Turner's growth as a songwriter as they explore themes of nostalgia and longing.

The Car works well if you're into mellow cinematic soundscapes, steady pacing for deep listening and introspective lyrics for reflection.

How many songs are on The Car?

The Car has 10 tracks, running approximately 37 minutes.

The Car

Arctic Monkeys · 2022

37 min · 10 tracks · alternative rock

A lush tapestry of orchestral arrangements underpins introspective lyrics, blending vintage influences with contemporary indie sensibilities.

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Top tracks — play these first

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There’d Better Be a Mirrorball Start here — This opening track sets the tone with its cinematic arrangement and haunting melodies, immediately showcasing the album's orchestral influences alongside Turner's poignant lyrics about reflection and uncertainty.
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Sculptures of Anything Goes — The song features an intricate blend of rhythm and melody that encapsulates the album's theme of navigating complex emotions amidst chaos, with engaging instrumentation that draws listeners in.
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Body Paint — With its lush production and evocative imagery, this track captures the essence of yearning while illustrating Turner's ability to weave vivid narratives that resonate deeply with listeners.
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Mr Schwartz — This track stands out with its reflective lyrics and dynamic shifts in mood, highlighting the band's skillful interplay between introspection and upbeat instrumentation.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

63 /100

Treeline

Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

The album blends lush orchestration with introspective lyrics, showcasing strong craftsmanship and distinctiveness.

What we noticed

The orchestral arrangements are prominent throughout, with strings and brass layering over the guitar and drums in most tracks.
The lyrics often feature a conversational style, with recurring themes of introspection and self-reflection across multiple songs.
Several tracks incorporate shifts in tempo and dynamics, such as 'There’d Better Be a Mirrorball,' which begins softly before building to a fuller sound.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

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

mellow cinematic soundscapes
steady pacing for deep listening
introspective lyrics for reflection
mid-tempo flow for relaxation

Maybe skip if you

seeking high-energy excitement
prefer standalone tracks only

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Critical Peak — The Car showcases a mature sound and rich musicality, marking an artistic high point.
Themes: cinematic nostalgia· reflective uncertainty· orchestral longing
Moods: Introspective· Chill
Career context: Released on October 21, 2022, The Car marks Arctic Monkeys' seventh studio album and their first since 2018's Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino. Following a period of experimentation with a more lounge-inspired sound, this album sees the band return to a more melodic and lyrical focus, showcasing frontman Alex Turner's growth as a songwriter as they explore themes of nostalgia and longing.
Stylistic neighbors: The Strokes· Franz Ferdinand· Tame Impala