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

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  1. frightopia
    Feb 25, 2023
    10
    Had to re-listen before Cracker Island released, still amazing and my favorite album ever.
  2. JamesJennings
    Jun 2, 2022
    8
    Another fantastic album from Gorillaz, as always. All the tracks on this album are at least enjoyable. Some are forgettable, like pirate jet and cloud of unknowing, but they're still fun to listen to.
  3. Alexander838
    Sep 28, 2021
    10
    10/10 *********************************************************************
  4. Axxypie
    Sep 12, 2021
    8
    Timeless in pretty much any way you look at it. „Stylish“ is what describes this album the best. It’s themes are very engaging and its tunes are fun to listen to.
  5. GamePlayer77
    May 27, 2021
    9
    Gorillaz changes up the pace for the better on Plastic Beach. The switch to more acoustic and orchestral styles as well as much more broad feature lists and production choices is great.

    FAV TRACK: Empire Ants
    LEAST FAV TRACK: Glitter Freeze
  6. Hendo250
    Mar 29, 2021
    8
    this album is a 8 this album is a 8 this album is a 8 this album is a 8 this album is a 8
  7. Lopesito27
    Jan 23, 2021
    8
    This is one of these rare albums that appear from time to time that offer such a full experience, just like a journey, without forgetting about experimentation and pushing the boundaries of the artist further in their career. It's pretty captivating, even if the songs, by themselves, might feel a little weak.
  8. dcrappyvillager
    Nov 13, 2020
    9
    This is my favorite album of all time. If you don't think it's their best work ever, you're the worst guy ever. You also think the second SpongeBob movie was a good film. Warm fricks
  9. Le_Username
    Nov 9, 2020
    9
    Incredible album, the production is amazing, and the whole feel of the album is great. It contains very interesting lyrics on the topic of climate change, pollution in the sea and human mind, quite varied. The songs in this one are also very good, and the whole vibe in this album is good. It's something I'd listen to in a day to day basis. A Gorillaz project I quite love, almost at theIncredible album, the production is amazing, and the whole feel of the album is great. It contains very interesting lyrics on the topic of climate change, pollution in the sea and human mind, quite varied. The songs in this one are also very good, and the whole vibe in this album is good. It's something I'd listen to in a day to day basis. A Gorillaz project I quite love, almost at the same place as Demon Days in my heart, absolutely lovely. 9/10.… Expand
  10. macintosh1
    Jul 14, 2020
    6
    This is a good album. It’s well made, well written, all around a solid record. However, it’s a bit too rap oriented for my taste, as I’m not a big fan of the genre. Some rap parts I like, but the majority of the time it just drags the album down for me.
  11. md5fungi
    Jun 1, 2020
    9
    It's fitting that Plastic Beach starts with an orchestral intro; Plastic Beach feels like it was played by an orchestra of musicians, conducted by Damon Albarn. This point is relevant because there are times where you forget Albarn is even part of Gorillaz here, as his role is more relegated to the puppet master. The result is surprisingly an excellent sequel to the enigmatic Demon Days,It's fitting that Plastic Beach starts with an orchestral intro; Plastic Beach feels like it was played by an orchestra of musicians, conducted by Damon Albarn. This point is relevant because there are times where you forget Albarn is even part of Gorillaz here, as his role is more relegated to the puppet master. The result is surprisingly an excellent sequel to the enigmatic Demon Days, as Plastic Beach features one masterful pop song after another. The album is exceptionally cohesive and thematic, as well, and ironically this "band" borne out of theme has really never pulled it off that competently until now. Stylistically, Plastic Beach is much more straightforward and much less eccentric than Gorillaz' previous albums, but the fascinating exploration of various melodies and moods makes this another excellent album.… Expand
  12. kermie_the_frog
    Jan 5, 2020
    8
    Probably my favorite Gorillaz record. It's grimy and dirty but it's also somehow caring and sentimental.
  13. aukalender
    Jul 11, 2019
    9
    A proper follow up and worthy successor to 2005's Demon Days, this album is again packed with creativity. Empire Ants is one of my favorite songs from Gorillaz, and the way it picks up from the end of Jellyfish is in my opinion the high point of this album. A lot of contributors in this, Lou Reed, Mos Def and De La Soul, among others, make it a multi-faceted, experimental album.
  14. Dancho
    Jun 25, 2019
    10
    This album is amazing. Damn.

    I can't find a bad song on the project. Stylo is the best song ever made. It is not as good as Demon Days, but still great as heck.
  15. GrantD243
    Jan 5, 2019
    7
    Plastic Beach has some of Gorillaz's best songs in their entire discography, but it also has quite a few misses.
  16. MacsMusic
    Mar 22, 2018
    8
    There is so much to love about Plastic Beach. The best thing about it is probably the interesting, pleasant word it created and frequently takes the listener to. I really feel like I am in a different world when I listen to PB. The consistency between PB's 15 real songs is tight and gives the album another layer of enjoyability. I love the calm, upbeat, light music and vibe on this album,There is so much to love about Plastic Beach. The best thing about it is probably the interesting, pleasant word it created and frequently takes the listener to. I really feel like I am in a different world when I listen to PB. The consistency between PB's 15 real songs is tight and gives the album another layer of enjoyability. I love the calm, upbeat, light music and vibe on this album, especially on the songs "White Flag", "Broken", "Empire Ants", and "To Binge." The guest artists really improve PB by giving it freshness and diversity and making the Gorillaz-only songs sound even better when they come around. I really like the first 4 Gorillaz-only songs, and most of the songs on this album have something to like somewhere. The lyrics on this album don't try to be deep or meaningful, and that doesn't hurt PB. PB is a great, extremely enjoyable concept album that really feels like a concept album. "Sweepstakes" is the only real fail on this album.… Expand
  17. Zedloof
    Jan 30, 2018
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. A wonderful album from the animated band Gorillaz! Theres no song that i can point out from the album that i dislike... expect for cloud of unknowing. If you have never listened to a Gorillaz album before then i highly recommend Plastic Beach or Demon Days!… Expand
  18. Wendigoat
    Jul 16, 2017
    8
    Amazing album from Gorillaz, rated just lower than Demon Days. It's got some really flavourful, quirky tracks like Superfast Jellyfish and Some Kind of nature, but also some melancholic, reflective tracks like Empire Ants and Broken. The only thing that let this album down for me were a couple tracks that I felt were underwhelming like Sweepstakes and Stylo.
  19. FelixWalken
    Apr 27, 2017
    10
    Plastic Beach is my personal favorite Gorillaz project. In my experience, I've noticed many fans of Demon Days claiming that this is where Gorillaz have "jumped the shark" or "sold out" upon hearing a Snoop Dog feature in the beginning of the album. I could not disagree more. While this album does have a record amount of vocal features for the Gorillaz at the time of release, they'rePlastic Beach is my personal favorite Gorillaz project. In my experience, I've noticed many fans of Demon Days claiming that this is where Gorillaz have "jumped the shark" or "sold out" upon hearing a Snoop Dog feature in the beginning of the album. I could not disagree more. While this album does have a record amount of vocal features for the Gorillaz at the time of release, they're managed to be used properly in conjunction with Damon Albarn's vocals and the soothing instrumentals. Gorillaz's transition from a predominantly Hip-Hop/Alt-Rock album to a more Pop-focused Electronic project was carried out flawlessly. The two halves of Empire Ants alone perfectly encapsulate both this album, and Gorillaz's continued ability to defy genre while still making it work. That being said, I would not expect hardcore fans of Demon Days and Gorillaz to be willing to fully accept this album's departure from their original work. For those who are looking for the same sound as older Gorillaz, this may come as a disappointment. For everyone else, this is a fantastic album that should definitely be given a try.… Expand
  20. SocioStache
    Jan 11, 2017
    9
    Not quite Demon Days, but definitely one of the best Gorillaz albums! Since the *ahem* "story" behind Plastic Beach is quite interesting, it's a little sad that we didn't get Murdoc's 15-minute "Journey to the Plastic Beach" segment, but that's the biggest problem I had with this album. Most of the songs are very good. There are a few brilliant ones, like "On Melancholy Hill" andNot quite Demon Days, but definitely one of the best Gorillaz albums! Since the *ahem* "story" behind Plastic Beach is quite interesting, it's a little sad that we didn't get Murdoc's 15-minute "Journey to the Plastic Beach" segment, but that's the biggest problem I had with this album. Most of the songs are very good. There are a few brilliant ones, like "On Melancholy Hill" and "Rhinestone Eyes"; a couple mediocre ones, like "Pirate Jet", and some downright funny ones, like "Superfast Jellyfish".

    I definitely recommend this album to any fan of Gorillaz or experimental music. If you like Metal, you won't enjoy this album at all.    … Expand
  21. SuperJstar
    Nov 19, 2016
    9
    The third album they made is also their 3rd best, with many good songs but only some as good as their other songs like Clint Eastwood or Feel Good Inc. and those songs are Stylo, Superfast Jellyfish, Empire Ants, Rhynestone Eyes and On Melancholy Hill.
  22. Iamthe1
    Nov 7, 2016
    10
    One of the best albums ever made, IMO better then 'Demon Days' Hightlights include 'Stylo' 'On Melancholy Hill' 'Superfast Jellyfish' 'Empire Ants' Some kind of Nature'
  23. juanuxsape
    Oct 5, 2016
    10
    awesome album. great sound and beatiful orchestra music . gorillaz has made really good albums but this one shows the audio visual creativity of damon albarn and others
  24. LeoDiCaprioFan
    Apr 26, 2016
    10
    OH MY DAYS, I'm glad of how Gorillaz are getting so much praise on this beautiful classic album. I'm glad this album dosen't have that much of negative responses. This album is truly amazing. I highly recommend you to buy this essentially.
  25. jorgeyboy
    Aug 6, 2015
    10
    Gorillaz's best and most underrated. Most of the album has a melancholic ambience made up of mellow synthesisers. Adding a lot of elements of electronica and pop, while retaining their hip hop ingredients. This is easily Gorillaz at their most emotional, unique and atmospheric and is definitely an album that deserves multiple listens. Other than one or two tracks that miss the spot, thisGorillaz's best and most underrated. Most of the album has a melancholic ambience made up of mellow synthesisers. Adding a lot of elements of electronica and pop, while retaining their hip hop ingredients. This is easily Gorillaz at their most emotional, unique and atmospheric and is definitely an album that deserves multiple listens. Other than one or two tracks that miss the spot, this is an album with an important message and plenty of favourites to discover.… Expand
  26. Wuehltisch
    May 22, 2015
    6
    Disappointing of some sort. Tried listening to it multiple times, even revisited the album several years later, and yet again, it does not convince me as much as Demon Days did.
  27. GHartley
    Jan 8, 2015
    9
    A musical masterpiece featuring wonderful collaborations, impeccable production and incredible usage of orchestral music. The fusion of orchestra, hip hop, grime, synthpop and a variety of other genres is an extremely difficult idea to pull off well, but Albarn and crew's efforts are near flawless. The entire album is incredibly strong with hypnotic vocals from Albarn himself, brilliantA musical masterpiece featuring wonderful collaborations, impeccable production and incredible usage of orchestral music. The fusion of orchestra, hip hop, grime, synthpop and a variety of other genres is an extremely difficult idea to pull off well, but Albarn and crew's efforts are near flawless. The entire album is incredibly strong with hypnotic vocals from Albarn himself, brilliant joint efforts with the likes of the late Bobby Womack, grime gods Kano and Bashy, as well as Little Dragon and The Fall's Mark E. Smith. The synths are mind-bending and perfectly compliment the triumphant violins. Album highlights include 'Stylo', 'Glitter Freeze' and the beautifully hazy 'Empire Ants'. An incredible record.

    Rating: 90/100    … Expand
  28. WheelzFourReelz
    Jan 4, 2015
    8
    Gorillaz' third album, Plastic Beach, is an album that's very intriguing. It has some great music and some wonderful lyrics. There are a few songs on the album that feel like they've run out of steam, but this is still a great album to listen to.
  29. Jrc523
    Apr 21, 2014
    10
    A purely amazing album! I can see where some people would be against this album as it is quite different than other gorillaz albums. I would put it on par to Demon Days.
  30. AudioGunblast
    Dec 17, 2013
    10
    This is the first 10 I've ever rated. It's technically a 9.5, but since we're rounding up, this album gets a perfect score for Metacritic.

    I had been replaying this album for a long time, but I always skipped a few tracks here and there. Now, having heard it in its entirety, I can honestly say that this album is an absolute masterpiece. Seriously, after the letdown that was Demon    This is the first 10 I've ever rated. It's technically a 9.5, but since we're rounding up, this album gets a perfect score for Metacritic.

    I had been replaying this album for a long time, but I always skipped a few tracks here and there. Now, having heard it in its entirety, I can honestly say that this album is an absolute masterpiece.

    Seriously, after the letdown that was Demon Days, it's pretty surprising to see that Damon didn't try to fix it for his next record, instead coming up with something entirely different. Instead he's come up with a completely different approach that has alienated previous fans of the previous album, but not me. (Mostly because I'M not a fan of the previous album).    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

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

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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. BBC Music
    100
    Only behind such a distracting smokescreen could Damon Albarn get away with conducting a project as sprawling, daring, innovative, surprising, muddled and magnificent as Plastic Beach: not just one of the best records of 2010, but a release to stand alongside the greatest Albarn’s ever been involved with and a new benchmark for collaborative music as a whole.
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  2. Clash Music
    70
    Best when he’s corralling others into out-of-their-comfort-zone creativity, it’s the Albarn-sung tracks on the second half of the album where the attention wanders and the album opening Snoop Dogg cameo seems a million miles away. Of course, there’s alot here to take in and maybe it just needs a fair few listens to fully digest it - the sign of any album worth its salt.
    Read full review
  3. 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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