2013 and 1/3: The Best Albums of the 2010s (So Far)

Queens of the Stone Age: ...Like ClockworkQueens of the Stone Age: …Like Clockwork

(Matador, 6/4/13)

“My God Is the Sun”

Queens of the Stone Age: “My God Is the Sun”

The first new QOTSA in six years is vintage Josh Homme and co., with alternately slinky and classic rock-’n’-roll riffs topped by Homme’s wavy, reverberated vocals that shift in and out of falsetto. But the album’s style quickly expands from there, and it’s not just due to high-profile guest appearances.

Just as on its predecessors, …Like Clockwork benefits from a wide and unique palette of guitar tones — best exemplified by the alien-harmony effects on the slinky, stomping “Smooth Sailing.” They also soup up the hard-charging moments, which, despite a few down-tempo jams, are plentiful. With all told, …Like Clockwork is a welcome return.

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