English rock band, Arctic Monkeys, recently released their seventh studio album, “The Car,” on Friday, Oct. 21. According to photos and teasers released by the band members and producers, this project has been in the works since 2019 and has been in the recording process since 2021.

“The Car” is very different from the Arctic Monkeys’ other projects, with their past albums mainly consisting of indie rock, hard bass, and loud vocals. This album though, is softer, calmer and even bubbly at times, taking listeners back in time with elements of old lounge pop, as they go less mainstream rock that many of their fans love them for.

Packed with impressive vocals from lead singer Alex Turner, “The Car” showcased his lyrical and vocal talents more rawly than Arctic Monkeys’ past six albums. Since these songs featured less hard-hitting drums in the background, listeners are forced to pay more attention to the lyrics being sung rather than words being drowned out by intense instrumentals.

The lyrics were the main component of “The Car,” as it tells a story of a good life lived throughout the entire album, tying in the “journey” theme. With less love and heartbreak-themed tracks, this collection of songs shared seemingly small life experiences like taxi rides, beat-down apartments and lavished parties.

Given this project is so different from current popular mainstream genres, this album could quite possibly not be as successful as the band’s past albums such as “AM” or “Favorite Worst Nightmare.” Personally, I don’t think it particularly matters to the members, especially since in track ten, “Perfect Sense,” they close out the album with a satisfying ending, with the lyrics “A revelation or your money bag? That’s what it takes to say goodnight. Sometimes, I wrap my head around it all. And it makes perfect sense…”

This album is absolutely perfect for people who enjoy more relaxing jazz or older music. Now I loved the ‘breath of fresh air’ feel this album gave, but this project was a little too slow pace for my taste. Although it was bittersweet (especially with the rumor that this may be their last ever album), I personally wouldn’t be adding any of these songs to my playlist.