684 Queens Of The Stone Age - …Like Clockwork (2013)

 684 Queens Of The Stone Age - …Like Clockwork (2013)

Studio Album - Hard Rock



About the Act:

Queens of the Stone Age (QOTSA) are an American Hard Rock band from California and from 1996 to now. They were founded by their vocalist and guitarist Josh Homme who has been their only constant member, and have gone through quite a few changes in members. They came about as part of the Palm Desert Music Scene, which was particularly know for collaboration. They have had 7 studio albums so far.

About the Album:

This was their sixth studio album and came out of a dark place for main man Josh Holme, after some medical issues and other issues. There was some to-ing and fro-ing with members and their drummer quit 1/3 of the way through. Dave Grohl of Nirvana and Foo Fighters stepped in. Other guests include Trent Reznor (of Nine Inch Nails) and the unlikely inclusion of Elton John.

My History with this Album:

None.

Review:

Reading the history of this album is fascinating, and kind of explains somewhat how it is. It's heavy rock, I would say, with edges of industrial and even metal, but at times is hauntingly quiet. It's musically really strong and engaging, having stepped out of the normal run of things. It's not discordant particularly, but it's definitely not "oh yes, this is just another rock album". The production is beautiful, mind you so is the music, although at times harsh, and the playing and singing all contribute to this overall feel of darkness and melancholy. Lyrically too, it's in a dark place, with the most touching moment being in track 3, as Josh asks God to take him home.

There is a phrase that goes around occasionally about mental health, it's OK to be not OK. An album like this, despite being dark and somewhat disturbed at times, can be part of helping people in similarly dark places feel like they are not alone. It's quite a strong, deep, and at times profound album, and I enjoyed it. 

8/10


Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/5T5NM01392dvvd4EhGrCnj

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLR4Mc5WNWFxT0p92AfE_-2OJJ7JQykasP

Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/...Like_Clockwork



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