Plastic Beach - Gorillaz
Plastic Beach Image
  • Summary: The third album for Damon Albarn and Jamie Hewlett animated group features guest appearances by Snoop Dogg, Kano, Mos Def, De La Soul, Gruff Rhys, Hypnotic Brass Ensemble, The Fall's Mark E. Smith, Little Dragon, Lou Reed, Bobby Womack, The Clash's Mick Jones, and Paul Simonon.
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 29 out of 34
  2. Negative: 1 out of 34
  1. The whole thing works beautifully, more with each listen.
  2. 60
    The music that wraps around the concept is never boring and much of it is excellent....What's lacking is the nailed-on megatune--a "Clint Eastwood" or "Feel Good Inc"--that we've come to expect from a Gorillaz album. [Apr 2010, p.99]
  3. Too many of these 16 hazy, half-crazy tracks sound like undercooked studio goofs recorded in the wee hours by Albarn and his impressive circle of celebrity pals.

See all 34 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 57 out of 62
  2. Negative: 3 out of 62
  1. MirceaC.
    10
    I know why some people underrate this splendid album from Gorillaz. It's because Plastic Beach brings pop music to a new level and some people still can't admit it, or let's say, they still can't see the light at the end of the tunnel. It sounds different from any other pop album, and of course Gorillaz album, but it doesn't mean that it's bad. This album may not have singles like "Feel Good Inc." and "Clint Eastwood", but it's been rewarded with songs like "On Melancholy Hill" (my favourite), "Some Kind of Nature", "Superfast Jellyfish" and finally "Empire Ants", which from my point of view are the climax of this album (or should I say, the cherry on top of the cake?). I agree that Stylo isn't a really strong single compared to any other singles Gorillaz made, but it has its moments. The rest of the songs are also great (not the best of course) but magnificent. Put them all the songs together (aka Plastic Beach) and you'll see something new, unique and refreshing for pop music. Better than Demon Days? That's what people ask for ages. I will say, with all my heart, yes. As I said above, Plastic Beach might not have 'strong' singles, but, it brings something new and unique. Something which Demon Days didn't really bring. It was and still is a great album from Gorillaz, but unfortunately, I don't think it brought pop music to a new level like Plastic Beach. Indeed, this is one of the best albums which came out in 2010. Maybe the best. Expand
    • 3 of 3 users said yes
  2. newt
    5
    Hmm. Not so good. Really wanted to love it, loved previous gorillaz... love collabs, & downtempo, & world & rap plus anything & electronica & grime & meloncholia & all the elements this album has... but the album as a whole doesn't work. the songs are actually boring, even noodley at parts... wow. very disappointed. not one track that makes me sit up and hit repeat right away, & have listened a few times waiting for it to grow on me but... it doesn't. not really recommended, sorry to say. and this from a big time fan. Expand
    • 3 of 10 users said yes
  3. 3
    Quite dissappointing. While the production, artwork, videos and list of guest appearances may be amazing, the quality of individual songs is very poor and even after a few months of listening I can not remember what the majority of songs sound like. Highlights however include "Stylo", "Superfast Jellyfish", Glitter Freeze" and "Empire Ants". Expand
    • 1 of 3 users said yes

See all 62 User Reviews

Related Articles

  1. 2010 Music Critic Top Ten Lists [Updated Jan. 7]

    2010 Music Critic Top Ten Lists [Updated Jan. 7] Image
    Published: December 6, 2010
    Throughout the next two months, we'll be tracking the year-end Top Ten lists published by various music sites, magazines, and more. Find out which albums are currently in the running for best album of the year.
  2. Inside the Gorillaverse: A Look at Alt-Rock's Best Cartoon Band

    Inside the Gorillaverse: A Look at Alt-Rock's Best Cartoon Band Image
    Published: March 2, 2010
    With the Gorillaz' third album "Plastic Beach" hitting stores next week, we take a moment to look at all of the artists who have contributed to the virtual band's success.

Recommended Products

  1. D-Sides - Gorillaz

    • Release Date: Nov 20, 2007
    D-Sides Image
  2. G-Sides - Gorillaz

    • Release Date: Feb 26, 2002
    G-Sides Image
  3. Gorillaz - Gorillaz

    • Release Date: Jun 19, 2001
    Gorillaz Image
  1. Siamese Dream [Deluxe Edition] - Smashing Pumpkins
    Metascore: 96
  2. The SMiLE Sessions - The Beach Boys
    Metascore: 96
  3. Metascore: 95
  4. Metascore: 93
  5. Some Girls [Deluxe Edition] - The Rolling Stones
    Metascore: 93
  6. Metascore: 92
  7. Unto the Locust - Machine Head
    Metascore: 91
  8. Metascore: 90
  9. Rio [Live] - Keith Jarrett
    Metascore: 90
  10. Bitch Magnet - Bitch Magnet
    Metascore: 90
  11. Metascore: 90
  12. Metascore: 89
  13. Metascore: 89
  14. Bad as Me - Tom Waits
    Metascore: 88
  15. The Singles - Goldfrapp
    Metascore: 88
  16. Undun - The Roots
    Metascore: 88
  17. The Wonder Years - 9th Wonder
    Metascore: 87