...Like Clockwork
...Like Clockwork is the sixth studio album by American rock band Queens of the Stone Age, released on June 3, 2013, by Matador Records.[1] The album was primarily produced by frontman Josh Homme, with additional production from James Lavelle, and features contributions from an array of guest musicians including Elton John on piano for "Fairweather Friends," Dave Grohl on drums for several tracks, Trent Reznor providing vocals on "Kalopsia," and Alex Turner on backing vocals for "I Appear Missing."[2][3][4] The record marks Queens of the Stone Age's return following a six-year hiatus after 2007's Era Vulgaris, during which Homme underwent near-fatal surgery that inspired the album's themes of mortality and recovery.[5] Recorded at Pink Duck Studios in Burbank, California, the 10-track album blends the band's signature stoner rock and alternative rock sound with orchestral elements, piano-driven ballads, and experimental textures, as heard in tracks like the lead single "My God Is the Sun" and the title track.[6] The full track listing includes: "Keep Your Eyes Peeled," "I Sat by the Ocean," "The Vampyre of Time and Memory," "If I Had a Tail," "My God Is the Sun," "Kalopsia," "Fairweather Friends," "Smooth Sailing," "I Appear Missing," and "...Like Clockwork."[7] Upon release, ...Like Clockwork received widespread critical acclaim, earning a Metacritic score of 82 out of 100 based on 40 reviews, with praise for its emotional depth, musicianship, and Homme's songwriting.[8] Commercially, it became the band's first number-one album on the Billboard 200, debuting with 91,000 copies sold in its first week and also topping charts in several other countries including Australia. The album was nominated for three Grammy Awards, including Best Rock Album, and has been certified gold in multiple territories, solidifying its status as a pivotal work in Queens of the Stone Age's discography.[3]Background
Josh Homme's health crisis
In late 2010, Queens of the Stone Age frontman Josh Homme underwent surgery on his leg that resulted in severe complications, including a period of clinical death on the operating table due to asphyxiation.[9][10] Homme later clarified that the procedure was not specifically knee-related, though early reports described it as such; the incident left him bedridden for approximately three to four months as he recuperated from the physical trauma.[11][12] The health crisis profoundly affected Homme's mental state, plunging him into a deep depression marked by isolation and a loss of motivation to continue making music.[12] He described feeling lost in a "fog," with no clear direction for his future, and spent much of his recovery period confined to his home, grappling with unstable emotions he termed "rickety."[13] This phase of introspection and vulnerability lasted well into 2011, delaying any substantive work with the band until the following year.[14] Homme's psychological recovery evolved into a sense of rebirth, facilitated by transcendental meditation, which he credited with helping him confront and overcome his inner turmoil without dogma or external pressure.[13] By mid-2011, he began to reemerge creatively, though full emotional stabilization took nearly two years; this transformative process directly influenced the introspective and emotionally raw tone of ...Like Clockwork, turning personal adversity into artistic catharsis.[12][14]Band lineup shifts
Following the release of Era Vulgaris in 2007, Queens of the Stone Age experienced a period of lineup instability that lasted through 2012, marked by a six-year hiatus from album production during which core members pursued side projects like Them Crooked Vultures and Eagles of Death Metal, leading to shifts in the band's roster and contributing to creative flux.[15] This era of flux delayed the band's momentum and highlighted Josh Homme's approach to evolving the group's sound through rotating personnel, though it also strained internal dynamics.[14] A pivotal change occurred in November 2012 when longtime drummer Joey Castillo departed during early rehearsals for the new album, stemming from creative differences over the uncertain and experimental recording process that demanded high levels of trust among members.[14] Homme described the split as amicable but necessary, noting that Castillo struggled with the album's improvisational direction, which ultimately brought the remaining lineup closer together.[14] To fill the drumming vacancy, Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl temporarily joined as drummer, contributing percussion to multiple tracks and helping stabilize the sessions amid Homme's ongoing health challenges.[16] Additionally, former bassist Nick Oliveri, who had been fired in 2004 over personal conduct issues, made a brief return by providing uncredited backing vocals on select tracks like "If I Had a Tail," signaling a partial reconciliation and adding to the album's collaborative spirit without rejoining the core lineup.[17] These shifts underscored the band's fluid identity post-Era Vulgaris, transitioning from instability to a refreshed configuration for ...Like Clockwork.[15]Production
Recording process
The recording of ...Like Clockwork primarily took place at Pink Duck Studios in Burbank, California, spanning 2012 and 2013.[3][1] Production was primarily overseen by frontman Josh Homme alongside the band, with additional production and arrangements by James Lavelle on the title track "...Like Clockwork," Mark Rankin handling principal recording duties and additional engineering provided by Alain Johannes and Justin Smith.[18][19] Initial sessions commenced in the summer of 2012, following a six-year gap since the band's previous album, Era Vulgaris.[20] The process faced significant interruptions when longtime drummer Joey Castillo departed midway through, citing the band's uncertain future amid Homme's recent health challenges; this led to Dave Grohl stepping in to record drums on several tracks.[21][22] Homme's recovery from emergency surgery influenced the songwriting pace, allowing for a more deliberate approach to crafting the material.[14] Work continued through late 2012 and wrapped in early 2013, enabling the album's June release.[12] Mixing was handled in part by Joe Barresi, who contributed to tracks like "Fairweather Friends," emphasizing a cohesive blend of the band's raw energy and atmospheric elements.[23] The sessions emphasized collaboration among the core lineup of Homme, Troy Van Leeuwen, Dean Fertita, and Michael Shuman, building on pre-production ideas developed over the preceding years.[24]Guest appearances
The album ...Like Clockwork features a range of guest musicians recruited through Josh Homme's personal connections, highlighting the project's emphasis on collaboration amid the band's non-traditional structure.[12] Dave Grohl contributed drums to multiple tracks, including "My God Is the Sun" and "I Sat by the Ocean," filling in as drummer following Joey Castillo's exit from the band.[25][21] Elton John provided piano and backing vocals on "Fairweather Friends," after reaching out to Homme directly to express interest in participating.[26] Alex Turner delivered additional vocals on "I Appear Missing," adding to the track's atmospheric close.[27] Mark Lanegan supplied backing vocals on "The Vampyre of Time and Memory," bringing his signature depth to the song's introspective tone.[4] Trent Reznor provided vocals on "Kalopsia," enhancing the track's intense emotional delivery.[3] Jon Theodore handled drums on select tracks, including the title song "...Like Clockwork."[21] These contributions, solicited informally through Homme's relationships, fostered an open, communal recording environment that prioritized creative input over rigid band roles.[22]Artwork and formats
Cover design
The cover artwork for Queens of the Stone Age's album ...Like Clockwork was designed by British illustrator Boneface, a Liverpool-based artist whose style draws from comic books, video games, and 1980s horror aesthetics.[12][28] The central image depicts a masked figure in a skeleton mask with slick black hair, cradling an unconscious woman in his cloak against a stark red background, evoking a sense of menace and intimacy.[29] Discovered by frontman Josh Homme in Juxtapoz magazine, Boneface was handpicked to create the album's visual identity, including the cover, after Homme admired his ability to capture dark, narrative-driven imagery.[12] The concept for the artwork was deeply influenced by Homme's 2011 health crisis, during which he experienced a near-death episode following knee surgery, leading to months of depression and recovery that shaped the album's themes of existential struggle and rebirth.[12][28] Boneface collaborated closely with Homme, traveling from England to the band's Burbank studio to discuss the music and infuse the designs with a "ten shades darker" tone, reflecting the ironic journey of overcoming obstacles to emerge with profound personal stories.[28][30] This partnership resulted in visuals that symbolize mechanical-like inevitability and emotional dread, aligning with the album's title and lyrical motifs of time's relentless progression. Boneface also created the inner artwork, featuring abstract illustrations integrated into the lyrics booklet and packaging, each piece tying directly to specific song themes through surreal, horror-infused motifs developed in tandem with Homme's input.[28] These elements extended the cover's narrative, providing a cohesive "lawless" aesthetic that enhanced the listener's immersion in the album's introspective world.[28]Release editions
The album ...Like Clockwork was initially released in standard CD and digital download formats on June 3, 2013, in the United Kingdom via Matador Records, and on June 4, 2013, in the United States.[3][31] A deluxe edition offered expanded content, including a booklet with lyrics and photos alongside alternate artwork variants. The vinyl editions consisted of a double LP pressed on 180-gram heavyweight vinyl housed in a gatefold sleeve, with a digital download code included; limited colored variants were produced, such as opaque red and a blue cover exclusive to independent retailers.[32][33] Subsequent reissues have maintained availability across formats, including a 2018 remastered version on red vinyl and a 2022 pressing recut directly from the original master tapes with updated gatefold artwork by Boneface.[6][34]| Edition | Format | Key Features | Release Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | CD, Digital Download | 10 tracks; standard artwork | 2013 |
| Deluxe | Digital, CD/Vinyl variants | Booklet with lyrics and photos; download code; alternate artwork | 2013 |
| Vinyl (Original) | Double LP (180g) | Gatefold sleeve; download code; colored variants (red, blue limited) | 2013 |
| Remastered Reissue | Double LP (Red Vinyl) | Remastered audio | 2018 |
| Recent Reissue | Double LP | Recut from masters; new gatefold artwork | 2022 |
Promotion and release
Pre-release announcements
In late 2012, Queens of the Stone Age initiated pre-release hype for their sixth studio album through cryptic social media posts, a teaser video, and interviews with frontman Josh Homme, who hinted at themes inspired by his personal recovery from a 2010 health crisis. On December 4, 2012, Homme appeared on BBC Radio 1's Zane Lowe show, describing the upcoming material as "lyrically vulnerable" and deeper musically, reflecting his emotional experiences during recovery.[35] Two days before Christmas, the band uploaded a mockumentary-style clip titled "Secret of the Sound" to their official YouTube channel, featuring satirical glimpses of the recording process at Pink Duck Studios.[36] These efforts built anticipation following the album's production wrap-up earlier that year. The buildup continued into early 2013 with a series of handwritten cryptic letters sent to major music publications, each containing hidden clues about the album's themes of time, vulnerability, and rebirth. The first letter appeared in the December 2012 issue of Mojo, explaining the band's extended hiatus and teasing new music without specifics.[37] Additional letters followed in January, published in NME and Uncut, incorporating imagery like clocks and the number nine to suggest a June release.[37] By February, a fourth letter to Kerrang! escalated the mystery with phrases like "almost dialed 999," fueling fan speculation on social media and music forums.[38] On March 22, 2013, Queens of the Stone Age made their first official reveal via the music blog Antiquiet, announcing the album title ...Like Clockwork and their signing to Matador Records for its release—the band's debut on the indie label after parting with Interscope.[39] Full details emerged on April 8, 2013, when the band unveiled the tracklist, confirmed a June 4 North American release date (June 3 internationally), and debuted the album cover—a stark black-and-white illustration by artist Boneface depicting a fractured desert landscape.[31] That same day, the lead single "My God Is the Sun" premiered via a dedicated streaming site and BBC Radio 1, marking the first full track shared from the album.[40] Pre-orders opened immediately on iTunes and Amazon, bundling the single as an instant gratification track.[3] The video for "My God Is the Sun," an animated piece directed by Boneface and Liam Brazier, followed on May 17, 2013, further amplifying buzz ahead of the launch.[41][42]Singles and videos
The lead single from ...Like Clockwork, "My God Is the Sun", debuted on BBC Radio 1 and became available for digital download with album preorders on April 8, 2013.[40] The song's accompanying animated music video, directed by Boneface and Liam Brazier, features surreal, nightmarish desert imagery and was released on May 17, 2013.[41][42] It peaked at number 17 on the Billboard Alternative Songs chart.[43] "I Sat by the Ocean" followed as the second single, released digitally on August 6, 2013.[44] The track received significant airplay on alternative rock radio but had no official music video release. "If I Had a Tail" was issued as the third single in the UK on January 20, 2014.[45] "The Vampyre of Time and Memory" was issued as a promotional single in November 2013, accompanied by an interactive music video released on November 18.[46] All singles from the album were primarily digital releases with limited physical editions, such as promotional CDs.[47]Supporting tours
To promote ...Like Clockwork, Queens of the Stone Age launched an extensive world tour in 2013 that continued through 2014, encompassing over 150 performances across North America, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand.[48] The tour kicked off with dates in the United States in April 2013, followed by European festival appearances and arena shows, and concluded with summer festival slots in August 2014.[49] The band secured prominent headlining positions at major festivals, including Lollapalooza in Chicago on August 2, 2013, where they delivered a set blending new material with classics.[50] In 2014, they made their debut as headliners at the Reading and Leeds Festivals in the UK, closing the main stage on August 22 and 23 with a high-energy performance that highlighted the album's tracks.[51][49] Several legs of the tour featured co-headlining arrangements with Nine Inch Nails, particularly in North America during late 2013 and early 2014, allowing for alternating sets and shared audiences. Australian and New Zealand dates in March 2014 also paired the bands, with Brody Dalle serving as the opening act for many shows.[52] Setlists during the tour placed significant emphasis on ...Like Clockwork material, with up to five or six songs from the album featured per performance to showcase its sound live.[53] Tracks like "I Sat by the Ocean" received their live debuts early in the run, such as during U.S. dates in spring 2013, and became staples, appearing in 132 concerts overall.[53] Other album cuts, including "My God Is the Sun" and "Smooth Sailing," were similarly prioritized to integrate the new release with fan favorites.[53] Songs from ...Like Clockwork remained part of the band's live repertoire in subsequent years, notably during The Catacombs Tour in 2025, where selections like "I Sat by the Ocean," "Kalopsia," "If I Had a Tail," "My God Is the Sun," and "Smooth Sailing" were performed across U.S. and European dates.[54][55] This tour, which included intimate theater venues and festival appearances, often structured sets in acts to revisit the album's atmospheric elements alongside later material.[56]Reception
Critical analysis
...Like Clockwork garnered widespread critical acclaim upon its release, achieving an aggregated score of 82 out of 100 on Metacritic based on 46 reviews.[8] Critics frequently praised the album's emotional depth, noting how it conveyed vulnerability and introspection through Josh Homme's songwriting and the band's refined arrangements. The production, handled primarily by Homme, with additional production from James Lavelle on the title track, was highlighted for its polished yet gritty sound, blending raw rock energy with subtle orchestral flourishes that enhanced the record's atmospheric quality.[2][8] Specific tracks received standout commendation for their innovative fusion of styles, such as "I Sat by the Ocean," which merges the band's signature stoner rock grooves with sweeping orchestral elements and buoyant dynamics, creating a sense of propulsion amid lyrical regret.[15] However, some reviewers critiqued the album's pacing, particularly in its slower, more contemplative songs like "The Vampyre of Time and Memory" and "Keep Your Eyes Peeled," arguing that the deliberate tempo occasionally disrupted the overall momentum and felt overly ponderous.[57] Despite these reservations, the consensus viewed the album's deliberate restraint as a strength, allowing for greater emotional resonance compared to the band's more frenetic earlier works. Thematically, ...Like Clockwork explores mortality, fractured relationships, and psychedelic introspection, drawing heavily from Homme's personal turmoil following a near-death experience during emergency brain surgery in 2010.[58] Songs like "I Appear Missing" evoke a haunting sense of existential dread and longing, with psychedelic undertones amplifying the disorientation of loss and recovery. This influence lent the album a brooding maturity, shifting Queens of the Stone Age's sound toward a more personal and cinematic narrative.[59] Key reviews underscored these elements: Rolling Stone awarded it 4 out of 5 stars, hailing it as a "triumphant return" that reaffirmed Homme's command of grimy rock traditions with exquisite guitar work and wry intensity.[25] Pitchfork gave it a 7.3 out of 10, appreciating the record's volcanic undercurrents and brooding maturity while noting its evolution from the band's earlier bombast.[60]Awards recognition
...Like Clockwork earned significant industry recognition through nominations at the 56th Annual Grammy Awards held in 2014. The album itself was nominated for Best Rock Album, acknowledging its artistic achievement in the rock genre.[61] It also received a nomination in the Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical category, highlighting the technical excellence in its production by Mark Rankin and Alain Johannes.[62] Furthermore, the lead single "My God Is the Sun" was nominated for Best Rock Performance, recognizing the band's dynamic delivery and arrangement.[63] These nominations stemmed from the album's widespread critical acclaim, positioning Queens of the Stone Age among leading rock acts of the year.[64] Despite the honors, the album did not secure any Grammy wins, with Led Zeppelin's Celebration Day taking Best Rock Album.[61]Commercial success
...Like Clockwork debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart, selling 91,000 copies in the United States during its first week of release.[43] This marked the first number-one album for Queens of the Stone Age as well as for their indie label, Matador Records.[65] The album also reached the top spot on charts in Australia, Ireland, and Portugal.[18] Internationally, the release achieved strong market performance, peaking at number two in Belgium (Flanders), the United Kingdom, Canada, and Switzerland, among other territories.[18] Vinyl formats contributed significantly to initial sales, accounting for 13% of the first-week total in the US, or approximately 12,000 units, highlighting demand for physical copies from the indie label distribution.[43] Digital sales further bolstered the album's commercial reach during its launch. By 2014, US pure sales stood at around 238,000 units, with estimates suggesting higher totals including equivalent album units.[66] Globally, the album has accumulated over 220,000 sales across key markets including Australia, Canada, Poland, and the United Kingdom.[67] Post-2020, streaming activity has contributed to renewed interest, supported by reissues and the band's ongoing tours.[68]Legacy
Retrospective views
In the years following its release, ...Like Clockwork has been reassessed as a pivotal work in Queens of the Stone Age's discography, often hailed for its emotional depth and artistic maturity. A 2023 retrospective in Guitar.com described the album as having "aged well," positioning it among the band's top efforts alongside earlier classics like Songs for the Deaf, and praised its blend of heavy riffs with introspective ballads that reveal Homme's vulnerability amid personal health struggles.[27] Similarly, Loudwire's 2023 ranking of the decade's best rock albums placed ...Like Clockwork at number two, commending its "moody, introspective" tracks as a high point of vulnerability that expanded the band's sonic palette beyond their typical desert rock aggression.[69] Josh Homme reflected on the album's creation in a 2024 interview, admitting that during production, he viewed it as a "mistake" due to the intense personal turmoil—including a life-threatening surgery—that influenced its raw, confessional tone. He recounted apologizing to the band, convinced listeners would reject its darker, more exposed sound, but later embraced it as a defining milestone that "most accurately represents us and myself."[70] This evolution in Homme's perspective underscores the album's transformation from a product of crisis to a cornerstone of the band's legacy.[71] The album's enduring impact is evident in its frequent inclusion in decade-end retrospectives, such as Consequence's 2019 list of the top 25 rock albums of the 2010s, where it ranked at number 25 for its risky experimentation and guest-star collaborations that revitalized the genre.[72] These assessments affirm ...Like Clockwork as Queens of the Stone Age's artistic peak, balancing innovation with emotional authenticity.Cultural influence
...Like Clockwork has significantly influenced alternative rock's engagement with mental health themes, serving as a candid exploration of depression and existential recovery in the wake of Josh Homme's 2010 near-death surgery complication. The album's introspective lyrics and brooding soundscapes, drawn from Homme's personal ordeal, provided a model for vulnerability in rock music, resonating beyond the genre's typical bravado.[27] This impact is evident in collaborations with contemporaries like Arctic Monkeys, whose frontman Alex Turner contributed vocals to the track "If I Had a Tail," fostering a shared artistic dialogue on emotional depth during a pivotal era for both bands.[73] The album has cultivated a dedicated fan community, with its tracks enduring as live performance staples that strengthen communal bonds at concerts. Songs such as "I Sat by the Ocean" and "If I Had a Tail" continue to feature prominently in Queens of the Stone Age setlists, including in their 2025 tours, underscoring the record's lasting appeal and role in fan rituals.[74] Homme has briefly reflected on the album as a therapeutic outlet born from isolation and doubt, emphasizing its cathartic value for both creator and audience.[13] In broader media, ...Like Clockwork has permeated popular culture through soundtrack placements and commemorative events. The track "My God Is the Sun" was included as downloadable content in the rhythm video game Rock Band 4, exposing its riffs to new generations of gamers.[75] Additionally, the album's 10th anniversary in 2023 was marked by celebratory performances, including a headline slot at the Boston Calling festival, where the band highlighted its tracks amid renewed fan enthusiasm.[76]Track listing and credits
Track listing
All songs on ...Like Clockwork are written by Josh Homme, with co-writing credits on select tracks to band members Troy Van Leeuwen and others where noted.[77] The standard edition features 10 tracks with a total runtime of 45:59.[78]| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Keep Your Eyes Peeled | Queens of the Stone Age | 5:04 |
| 2. | I Sat by the Ocean | Queens of the Stone Age | 3:55 |
| 3. | The Vampyre of Time and Memory | Queens of the Stone Age | 3:34 |
| 4. | If I Had a Tail | Queens of the Stone Age | 4:55 |
| 5. | My God Is the Sun | Queens of the Stone Age | 3:55 |
| 6. | Kalopsia | Queens of the Stone Age | 4:38 |
| 7. | Fairweather Friends | Queens of the Stone Age, Mark Lanegan | 3:43 |
| 8. | Smooth Sailing | Queens of the Stone Age | 4:51 |
| 9. | I Appear Missing | Queens of the Stone Age | 6:00 |
| 10. | ...Like Clockwork | Homme, May, Lavelle | 5:24 |
Personnel
The album ...Like Clockwork was performed by the core Queens of the Stone Age lineup of Josh Homme on lead vocals, guitar, and piano; Troy Van Leeuwen on guitar and bass; Michael Shuman on bass; Dean Fertita on keyboards; and Jon Theodore on drums.[81] Additional drumming contributions include Joey Castillo on tracks 1–3, 6, and 10; and Dave Grohl on drums for tracks 4, 5, 7, 8, and 9.[21][6] Elton John contributed piano and backing vocals on "Fairweather Friends".[82] Additional guests featured on the album were Trent Reznor, Alex Turner, Jake Shears, Brody Dalle, Nick Oliveri, and Mark Lanegan in various supporting roles.[81] Production was led by Josh Homme and James Lavelle alongside Queens of the Stone Age.[1][2] Recording was handled by Mark Rankin, with additional engineering by Alain Johannes and Justin Smith.[6] Mixing was performed by Joe Barresi and Mark Rankin, while mastering was done by Gavin Lurssen.[1]Chart performance
Weekly charts
...Like Clockwork debuted strongly on weekly music charts globally, reaching the top position in several countries including the United States, Australia, Ireland, Belgium, and Portugal.[83] The following table summarizes the album's peak positions and the corresponding chart dates on major weekly albums charts:| Country | Chart | Peak Position | Date (Week Ending) |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | Billboard 200 | 1 | June 22, 2013 |
| Canada | Billboard Canadian Albums | 2 | June 22, 2013 |
| United Kingdom | Official Albums Chart | 2 | June 15, 2013 |
| Australia | ARIA Albums Chart | 1 | June 16, 2013 |
| Ireland | Irish Albums Chart | 1 | June 6, 2013 |
| Belgium (Flanders) | Ultratop 50 Albums | 1 | June 15, 2013 |
| Portugal | Associação Fonográfica Portuguesa | 1 | June 16, 2013 |
Year-end charts
...Like Clockwork achieved recognition on various year-end charts in 2013, underscoring its commercial impact following its June release. The album ranked at number 33 on the Billboard Top Rock Albums year-end chart, benefiting from sustained radio airplay and sales in the rock genre. In Australia, it reached number 59 on the ARIA End of Year Albums chart, supported by over 35,000 units sold that year. The album's momentum carried into 2014, with continued presence on charts due to ongoing streaming, downloads, and physical sales, highlighting its enduring appeal beyond the initial release year.| Year | Chart | Position |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | US Billboard Top Rock Albums | 33[86] |
| 2013 | Australian Albums (ARIA) | 59[87] |
Certifications
...Like Clockwork has received certifications from various international music industry associations, recognizing its sales achievements in multiple markets.| Country | Certifying body | Certification | Units (date) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | ARIA | Platinum | 70,000 (August 9, 2021)[67] |
| Canada | Music Canada | Gold | 40,000 (January 6, 2014)[88] |
| Poland | ZPAV | Gold | 10,000 (April 2, 2014)[67] |
| United Kingdom | BPI | Gold | 100,000 (September 6, 2013)[67] |