Hey guys! Let's dive deep into one of the coolest tracks by the Arctic Monkeys, "Four Out of Five." This song, released as part of their sixth studio album, "Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino" in 2018, is a lyrical masterpiece wrapped in a groovy, almost retro sound. It's not just a song; it's a commentary, a story, and a vibe all rolled into one. So, grab your headphones, and let's break it down!

The Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino Concept

Before we even get into the specifics of "Four Out of Five," it’s super important to understand the album it comes from. "Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino" marks a significant departure from the band’s earlier, more guitar-driven sound. This album is like a concept album, set in a fictional hotel on the moon. Yeah, you heard that right – the moon! The entire record explores themes of technology, consumerism, and the future, all viewed through a somewhat satirical lens. Alex Turner, the frontman, really leaned into this concept, creating a narrative that is both intriguing and thought-provoking. The album's sound is heavily influenced by lounge music and vintage science fiction soundtracks, giving it a unique and almost cinematic quality. Understanding this backdrop is crucial because "Four Out of Five" is deeply embedded in this lunar world. The song acts as a sort of advertisement or review of the hotel, blending the mundane with the surreal. Turner’s lyrics paint a picture of a place that is both glamorous and slightly unsettling, perfectly capturing the album’s overall mood. It's this blend of the familiar and the strange that makes the album so compelling, and "Four Out of Five" is a prime example of this. By understanding the context of the album, listeners can fully appreciate the layers of meaning and the clever wordplay that Turner employs. The album's concept allows the band to explore broader themes about society and the human condition, all while maintaining a distinctive and engaging musical style. So, when you listen to "Four Out of Five," remember that you're stepping into a world that is both familiar and alien, a world where the Arctic Monkeys invite you to contemplate the future from the comfort of a lunar hotel.

Lyrical Breakdown: What's the Song Really About?

At its core, "Four Out of Five" is a satirical take on modern-day consumerism and the often-artificial nature of online reviews and opinions. The lyrics are dripping with irony as Alex Turner describes the Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino as if he's writing a review for a travel website. Lines like "Strange, but not a stranger than you are" and "So predictable, I know what you’re gonna say" hint at the performative nature of social interactions and the pressure to conform to certain expectations. The song cleverly uses the setting of a lunar hotel to comment on earthly issues. By placing these concerns in a futuristic, almost absurd environment, Turner amplifies their absurdity and makes listeners think more critically about the world around them. The recurring line, "Four out of five," is itself a commentary on the often-inflated ratings and reviews that dominate online platforms. It suggests that even in a seemingly objective system, there's room for manipulation and bias. Turner’s delivery is also key to understanding the song's meaning. His slightly detached, almost sarcastic tone adds another layer of irony to the lyrics, making it clear that he's not necessarily endorsing the Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino, but rather using it as a vehicle to explore broader themes. The song also touches on the idea of escapism. The lunar hotel represents a place where people can retreat from the problems of Earth, but even in this fantastical setting, the same issues of consumerism and social pressure persist. This suggests that there's no escaping these problems, no matter how far we try to run. Ultimately, "Four Out of Five" is a complex and multi-layered song that invites listeners to question the world around them. It's a clever and thought-provoking commentary on modern society, wrapped in a catchy and infectious melody.

Musicality: The Sound of the Future (or the Past?)

Musically, "Four Out of Five" is a fascinating blend of different styles and influences. The song features a prominent piano melody, reminiscent of lounge music from the 1970s, which gives it a retro yet futuristic feel. The instrumentation is lush and layered, with subtle synths and atmospheric textures that create a sense of space and depth. The rhythm section provides a steady, almost hypnotic groove that keeps the song moving forward. The bassline is particularly noteworthy, providing a melodic counterpoint to Turner’s vocals and adding to the song’s overall complexity. One of the most striking aspects of the song's arrangement is its dynamic contrast. The verses are relatively subdued, with Turner’s vocals taking center stage. However, the chorus explodes with energy, with the full band kicking in and the harmonies soaring. This dynamic shift creates a sense of drama and excitement, drawing the listener in and making the song all the more engaging. The song also features a number of subtle sonic details that reward repeated listening. From the twinkling synths in the background to the distorted guitar riffs that occasionally peek through the mix, there's always something new to discover. These details add to the song's overall texture and complexity, making it a truly rewarding listening experience. The song's structure is also quite unconventional. It doesn't follow the typical verse-chorus-verse pattern, but rather unfolds in a more organic and unpredictable way. This gives the song a sense of narrative momentum, as if it's telling a story that unfolds over time. Overall, the musicality of "Four Out of Five" is just as intriguing and thought-provoking as its lyrics. It's a song that rewards close listening and invites the listener to explore its many layers and nuances. The blend of retro and futuristic sounds creates a unique and captivating atmosphere, perfectly complementing the song's satirical and thought-provoking themes.

Music Video: Visualizing the Lunar Hotel

The music video for "Four Out of Five" is as visually striking and conceptually rich as the song itself. Directed by Ben Chappell and Aaron Brown, the video expands on the Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino concept, offering a glimpse into the strange and surreal world that Turner has created. The video features Turner as a sort of hotel manager, overseeing the various activities and eccentric guests within the lunar resort. The visuals are heavily inspired by classic science fiction films, with a retro-futuristic aesthetic that perfectly captures the album’s overall vibe. The sets are meticulously designed, with attention to detail that creates a sense of realism and believability. The video also incorporates a number of surreal and dreamlike elements, such as levitating objects and bizarre performances, which add to the sense of unease and disorientation. One of the most memorable aspects of the video is its use of color. The palette is dominated by muted tones and pastel hues, which give the visuals a slightly washed-out and vintage feel. This color scheme complements the song's retro sound and adds to the overall sense of nostalgia. The video also features a number of recurring motifs, such as the number four and the image of a monkey, which serve as visual cues and add to the song's overall mystery. These motifs invite the viewer to decode the video's hidden meanings and to engage with the song on a deeper level. Overall, the music video for "Four Out of Five" is a visually stunning and conceptually rich companion to the song. It expands on the Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino concept, offering a glimpse into the strange and surreal world that Turner has created. The video is a must-watch for any fan of the Arctic Monkeys and a perfect example of how music and visuals can come together to create a truly immersive and engaging experience.

Reception and Impact

Upon its release, "Four Out of Five" was met with critical acclaim, with many praising its clever lyrics, innovative sound, and thought-provoking themes. The song was a commercial success, reaching the top 20 in the UK and gaining significant airplay on alternative radio stations around the world. But more than just chart success, the song had a significant cultural impact. It sparked conversations about consumerism, social media, and the future of technology, and it solidified the Arctic Monkeys' reputation as one of the most innovative and influential bands of their generation. The song's success also helped to pave the way for the "Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino" album, which was a bold and experimental departure from the band's earlier work. The album was initially met with mixed reviews, with some fans and critics praising its ambition and originality, while others criticized its lack of catchy hooks and guitar-driven energy. However, over time, the album has come to be regarded as a masterpiece by many, and it has undoubtedly had a lasting impact on the band's career and on the broader music landscape. "Four Out of Five" remains one of the Arctic Monkeys' most popular and enduring songs. It's a song that continues to resonate with listeners today, thanks to its timeless themes, its infectious melody, and its thought-provoking lyrics. Whether you're a longtime fan of the band or a newcomer to their music, "Four Out of Five" is a song that is sure to captivate and intrigue. It's a testament to the band's creativity and their ability to push boundaries and challenge expectations. So, give it a listen and see what all the fuss is about!

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it! "Four Out of Five" is more than just a catchy tune; it's a complex, satirical commentary on modern life, wrapped in a retro-futuristic soundscape. It's a testament to the Arctic Monkeys' ability to evolve and experiment while still delivering thought-provoking and engaging music. Give it another listen, and see what new layers you can uncover! You might just find yourself rating it five out of five.