Concept albums are ambitious projects. When done right, they can transport listeners into an immersive world, incorporating music and storytelling into a cohesive experience. For example, in The Wall by Pink Floyd, a rock star loses himself in his ego and becomes a fascist drug addict.
However, not all concept albums succeed in their execution. Some come across as overly ambitious, thematically muddled, or simply fail to connect with audiences. With research from Ivy Casino, we explore Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino by Arctic Monkeys and other concept albums that, despite their aspirations, didn’t quite hit the mark.
“Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino” – Arctic Monkeys (2018)
Arctic Monkeys had the opportunity to create another album full of polished rock anthems following their 2013 AM success. Alex Turner departed from Arctic Monkeys’ rock roots by creating a lounge-pop and space-age-themed concept album about a lunar luxury hotel.
Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino emerged as an audacious but polarizing album that confused many fans. The album explores technology and consumerism while diving into dystopian escapism yet presents its themes through execution that appears distant and cold. The rich jazz-inspired musical arrangements failed to deliver the urgency that characterized Arctic Monkeys’ earlier music.
Listeners found themselves admiring the album in theory but had difficulty enjoying the experience due to songs that merged into one another with obscure lyrics and soothing melodies. Despite its ambitious intentions, Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino emerged as an Alex Turner solo project rather than a genuine progression of Arctic Monkeys’ musical style.
“Kilroy Was Here” – Styx (1983)
The band Styx fused rock music with a dystopian science fiction storyline in Kilroy Was Here, which depicted a universe where rock music faced prohibition. While the album contained the hit “Mr. Roboto,” the album’s narrative elements and dramatic style took attention away from the actual music. The band encountered internal tensions because their sci-fi narrative estranged many of their oldest fans.
“Music from “The Elder” – KISS (1981)
KISS took their signature bombastic hard rock style in a disastrous direction when they released Music from “The Elder.” In their attempt to create a progressive rock opera, the band produced an album that confused listeners and failed commercially. Critics and fans both struggled to understand the narrative because KISS’s usual energetic style was hidden under overly sophisticated musical arrangements. Following their departure from the unsuccessful project, the band reverted back to its original style in later work.
“Cyberpunk” – Billy Idol (1993)
Inspired by the cyberpunk literary movement, Billy Idol attempted a futuristic concept album infused with electronic elements and dystopian themes. However, the execution felt forced, with outdated production and a lack of memorable songwriting. The album was largely dismissed as an awkward attempt to capitalize on a trend rather than a genuine artistic statement.
“Lulu” – Metallica & Lou Reed (2011)
A collaboration between heavy metal giants Metallica and avant-garde rock legend Lou Reed seemed intriguing on paper, but Lulu was a critical and commercial disaster. The album’s spoken-word delivery, repetitive instrumentation, and abstract themes made it a difficult listen. Fans of both artists struggled to connect with the work, making it one of the most polarising concept albums ever released.
I try to go back to the album from time to time over the past 10 years, but always with a sense of mixed feelings. I haven’t given up yet, though!
Why Concept Albums Are Seen As Self-Indulgent
While concept albums allow artists to push creative boundaries, they can also become self-indulgent or alienate listeners if not executed effectively. Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino and the other albums on this list show that ambition alone doesn’t guarantee success. However, even when these projects fall short, they remain fascinating snapshots of artists willing to take risks – an admirable quality, even when it doesn’t quite work out.
