Gorillaz
by Gorillaz
  • Record Label: Virgin
  • Release Date: Jun 19, 2001
Metascore
71

Generally favorable reviews - based on 18 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 18
  3. Negative: 0 out of 18
  1. E! Online
    100
    Cleverly mixes soft-focus hip-hop, trippy space rock and Ennio Morricone-style melodrama with Albarn's unwavering pop melodies.
  2. L.A. Weekly
    90
    Hands down, this is one of the best-produced albums of the year...
  3. Alternative Press
    80
    Whereas the Beckster tends to wriggle cheekily along to his funk, and Badly Drawn Boy does his own thing in spite of it, Gorillaz don't give a rat's ass about acting funky; they just are. [July 2001, p.68]
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  5. Launch.com
    80
    Albarn is the melodious voice of western pop tradition throughout; at first you might think his are the barmy brains behind this band, but it's just not so. His loose-kneed vocals are like pop tarts in this bumbling hip-hop parade, but it's the bumble that makes the rumble.
  6. AllMusic
    80
    The slow rumble of Nakamura's production, Hewlett's outstanding graphic model, even Albarn himself all fuse into a convincing gestalt.
  7. Nude As The News
    75
    The album has its share of enjoyable tunes, and more than a couple great ones.
  8. PopMatters
    70
    A couple of tracks flounder around South of no North but as a whole Gorillaz, should be pretty pleased with what they've been able to achieve, considering the high risk concept involved.
  9. Magnet
    70
    This secret society's sonic output is nothing short of sheer musical buggery, a hip-hop twilight realm where Dr. Octagon performs transplant surgery on Mellow Gold with the cast of Scooby Doo in the gallery. [#50, p.89]
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  10. Spin
    70
    What could have been hipster reach is multiculti grasp of the sweetest kind. [Jun 2001, p.148]
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  11. Almost Cool
    70
    It's at its best when it puts Albarn in situations that you wouldn't normally hear him in, but also stumbles occassionally with a couple tracks that feel rather tossed-off and others that feel like they could have come off a Blur b-side.
  12. The A.V. Club
    70
    Gorillaz is every bit as hit-or-miss as expected, but to its credit, the hits on its self-titled debut sound more impressive and infectious than the misses sound like indulgent flops.

Awards & Rankings

9
#9 Most Discussed Album of 2001
1
#1 Most Shared Album of 2001

User Reviews

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User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 339 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 322 out of 339
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 339
  3. Negative: 6 out of 339
  1. VadamercaN
    Jul 27, 2007
    10
    Both energetic and easy-listening, this CD brought together so many fans and listeners, the world could even be saved from global warming. If Both energetic and easy-listening, this CD brought together so many fans and listeners, the world could even be saved from global warming. If your looking for pop, rock and hip-hop all in one album, this is a must-have.… Full Review »
  2. Jessatay
    Sep 26, 2010
    9
    I can't believe how mind-bending this album is. You get a song that comes out of some random Japanese show ("19-2000") and then turns into aI can't believe how mind-bending this album is. You get a song that comes out of some random Japanese show ("19-2000") and then turns into a day into the streets of Mexico ("Que Pasa Contigo"). Damon has created something not only for him, but created something entirely different. Listening to this album in the dark is just plain out creepy, with the tracks "Slow Country" and "Sound Check". This was something really new for me, and helped me expand my joy for music genres, rap being the most influential. If you hate it the 1st time, trust me, it will get better short after. Standouts : "5/4", "Clint Eastwood", "19-2000", "M1A1"

    Overall Score : 8.9    … Full Review »
  3. Bingusrox
    Nov 24, 2021
    9
    Certified hood classic. Every time I listen to this album I fall in love listening to the band again. Very good enjoy.
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