Album Details

• Artist: Gorillaz
• Album: Plastic Beach
• Label: Parlophone / Virgin
• Year of Release: 2010
• ME Rating:
• Reviewed by: tosnob on 2010-03-17

The first two albums from everyone's favorite animated band, Gorillaz, have had some soaring high points. Damon Albarn and company have been responsible for a number of songs that are seared into our collective consciousness.

Consistency has been an issue though. Those same albums have had more than their fair share of imminently forgettable numbers. It looks like the band has addressed that though on their third record, Plastic Beach.

The new album is wider ranging than either of its predecessors, incorporating more styles and genres into the mix. The contrast between the two tracks that serve to set up the album demonstrate this themselves. Gorillaz begin with the elegant "Orchestral Intro" before taking us into the super-funky "Welcome To the World of Plastic Beach". Among the styles we get in-your-face hip hop ("Sweepstakes"), subtle World rhythms ("White Flag"), island sway ("To Binge"), and bright thoughtful Casio pop ("Plastic Beach").

The net has been cast even wider for musical collaborators as well. R&B veteran Bobby Womack provides vocals on the irresistibly infectious "Stylo" while art rock icon Lou Reed breathes life into "Some Kind of Nature", giving it a unique life.

Everything comes together best though on "Superfast Jellyfish". The track joins fun hip hop verses with a '90s Brit Pop-style chorus. It turns out it's a match made in heaven (or at least on eHarmony).

Not every track is a winner. The band do miss the mark with "Empire Ants" and "On Melancholy Hill", possibly the two most Blur-like tracks on the record. The Autotune sound of "Broken" also makes for a bit of a dud.

With an album this diverse you can save yourself some cash on your next house party. Skip the DJ and just let Plastic Beach spin.

User Reviews and Comments

on 2010-05-04 hstisgod Said:

rating for the review... you've become my favorite reviewer! I'm still digging around this release, to be continued
Rating: 10/10