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Democrazy
by
Democrazy Image
Metascore
45

Mixed or average reviews - based on 9 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 11 Ratings

  • Summary: This limited-edition release from the Blur frontman consists of 14 original solo demos (recorded in hotel rooms during a recent tour) spread over four sides, each one clearly a work in progress.

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 0 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 9
  3. Negative: 5 out of 9
  1. Mojo
    60
    Aside from a handful of instrumental snatches... Democrazy's main events are six or seven tantalising sketches. [Jan 2004, p.96]
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  2. Q Magazine
    60
    A rare peep at the methods of a great songwriter. [Feb 2004, p.98]
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  3. Uncut
    60
    A rare and fascinating glimpse into the raw stuff of the creative process. [Jan 2004, p.103]
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  4. Stylus Magazine
    33
    Serving as nothing more than a temporary diversion or side note to his fully realised work, this is worth a cursory listen for the insight alone.
  5. Pitchfork
    32
    He's already recorded such a wealth of great material that no mystique remains, leaving no real reason for anyone-- including the most dedicated fan-- to seek out these poorly produced musical shreds.
  6. Dot Music
    30
    On the evidence of 'Democrazy', the wrong self-indulgent flake got fired from Blur.
  7. New Musical Express (NME)
    20
    And what illuminating revelation do we learn from the half conceived, cottonmouthed rubbish that constitutes ‘Democrazy’? In full: ‘thank Christ Blur usually finish writing their songs before they sell them, otherwise they’d be shit’.

See all 9 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 7
  3. Negative: 1 out of 7
  1. GabrielT
    Nov 22, 2005
    10
    Damon is a genius....get used to it.
  2. LidiaR
    Mar 7, 2005
    10
    I really love this album. It's strange, dark, brilliant, difficult... It's just Damon and his voice and his music...
  4. VesninD
    Feb 16, 2004
    10
    Super! Best Damon Albarn (Blur) solo project creates his new album style!
  5. LaureB
    Sep 2, 2005
    10
    I first wanted to note Democrazy "9", but actually, I really think that this record is "perfect", because it's not an album like I first wanted to note Democrazy "9", but actually, I really think that this record is "perfect", because it's not an album like another, it doesn't want to be good from part to part, this is not his aim. Damon Albarn gives us something really new, we can explore the way he works and feel how music runs in his head. It's fascinating. Of course some titles aren't that good, but this is so logical, this is only a first work on them and these ideas of songs never asked to be considered as future best-sellers. And on the other hand, some songs are just great without being finished. I think that people who critic this album like another don't understand it, and the interest of it. This is not a record to listen in your living room while doing the house work. This is an experience, a good idea for people who want to be closer to the music they love. In reality, exactly like in this record, songwritters have ideas and some are better than others. I just feel like this album is sincere, and because of that, it couldn't be better.… Expand
  6. TylerS
    Mar 17, 2005
    9
    First off, I have to say that I think Albarn is a musical genius, who doesn't get as much credit as maybe he deserves. That being said, First off, I have to say that I think Albarn is a musical genius, who doesn't get as much credit as maybe he deserves. That being said, in this "album" he explores many a good tunes. Yes, he does carry on a bit too much with the droning sounds of what he has lying around on songs like "dezert" and "reedz," but there is also evidence of some of the most intriguing music i think he has written. there is a certain offbeatness to each of the stand-out tracks, like "half a song" and "american welfare poem," that have a definite feel to them, but a sense of looseness that i welcome when i listened to them. there is also a quality of these truly rough cuts that is very much more personal than something refined or produced. rare mixes are always funbecause they are truly more heartfelt and honest. albarn is a shifty character, whose public persona is often misunderstood, and it is nice to get this close to such a man.… Expand
  7. BenC
    Jul 4, 2004
    4
    I appreciate that Albarn is joining the ranks of vinyl releasing artists like Tech Itch, Ed Rush and Optical. These beats are hard as hell (I I appreciate that Albarn is joining the ranks of vinyl releasing artists like Tech Itch, Ed Rush and Optical. These beats are hard as hell (I Need a Gun) and Eastern- tinged (Reedz). Progressive DJs will mix this material into their set. Albarn is hip-hop.… Expand
  8. JohnB
    Jan 21, 2004
    2
    unorganized and unprofessional. very raw, and the songs aren't there. an amateur effort at best

Awards & Rankings

89
#89 Most Shared Album of 2003

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