Arctic Monkeys return with their release of the single and music video of the first track of upcoming album, “The Car,” on August 29. The full album is to be released on October 21. 

Following their 2013 album “AM,” the new single narrates another relationship that’s not quite working out. While past songs like “I Wanna Be Yours” and “R U Mine?” discuss desperate one-sided love, “There’d Better Be A Mirrorball” is about a relationship that was never meant to be and has finally gone sour. 

The message and new jazz-inspired style reflect the band’s growth as artists over their break. Despite Arctic Monkeys’ exploration of retro and jazz styles, “There’d Better Be A Mirrorball” does not live up to the band’s signature R&B from released songs.

Turner starts by telling his lover, “Don’t get emotional, that ain’t like you. Yesterday’s still leaking through the roof. That’s nothing new.” Unlike the band’s other songs about one-sided relationships, this one is about the partner’s fondness and Turner’s lost hope and passion for this love. 

Yet even with the band’s deliberate message, the long-anticipated wait to continue their past trends and popularity was not fulfilled. In this song, the poorly misplaced jazz doesn’t support the emotions portrayed in the rest of the composition.

With two verses and a repeated chorus, the overall song feels slow and repetitive. Low-string instruments and a piano distinctly fill the background under Turner’s deep voice, rhythmic with each sharp strike of a drum. 

Musical interludes of smooth and old-timey jazz break up Turner’s lengthened words and soothing tone to give time to dwell on all emotions—including nostalgic memories of initial love. 

Arctic Monkeys’ soothing vocals and instrumentals filled with lyrics of unrequited love may heal a heartbreak regardless of whether the listener is out of touch with a relationship or simply needs a cry. Unfortunately, the syncopated rhythms and blues doesn’t provide the proper canvas for the band’s seeping emotions.

Ultimately, their new single fell short of expectations. While their emotional message is woven into shining vocals and brilliant incorporation of mixed-up acoustics, jazz is not the right medium to pair with “There’d Better Be A Mirrorball.”