Plastic Beach
by Gorillaz
  • Record Label: Virgin
  • Release Date: Mar 9, 2010
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 34 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 29 out of 34
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 34
  3. Negative: 1 out of 34
  1. Austin Chronicle
    40
    The Windows operating system segue of Mark E. Smith ("Glitter Freeze") into Lou Reed ("Some Kind of Nature") is as apropos as used syringes littering Plastic Beach, which defines the disc's wasteland second half after "On Melancholy Hill." "Rhinestone Cowboy," meet "Rhinestone Eyes."
  2. Mojo
    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]
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  3. Sputnikmusic
    50
    All these songs just sound too much like Gorillaz songs, in an uncomfortable, self-conscious way.
  5. The New York Times
    50
    This is a dull album, revealing how over the space of three records, Mr. Albarn and Mr. Hewlett have moved from wacky conceptualists to self-satisfied dilettantes.

Awards & Rankings

13
#13 Most Discussed Album of 2010
14
#14 Most Shared Album of 2010

User Reviews

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User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 502 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 458 out of 502
  2. Mixed: 23 out of 502
  3. Negative: 21 out of 502
  1. newt
    Mar 10, 2010
    5
    Hmm. Not so good. Really wanted to love it, loved previous gorillaz... love collabs, & downtempo, & world & rap plus anything & electronica & 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.… Full Review »
  2. MirceaC.
    Mar 9, 2010
    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 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.… Full Review »
  3. AndrewH.
    Mar 20, 2010
    10
    this time around the gorillaz got it right with fresh sounds and new collabs. this time around i can;t help but find these tracks being set this time around the gorillaz got it right with fresh sounds and new collabs. this time around i can;t help but find these tracks being set to repeat on my ipod songs like "Rhinestone Eyes" or "Stlyo are already imprinted forever in my head. Good job Gorillaz.… Full Review »
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