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Plastic Beach
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Plastic Beach Image
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 34 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 502 Ratings

  • 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.

Top Track

Stylo
Love, Electricity, Shockwave central, Power on the motherboard, yes Push up, Overload, Legendary, Heavy glow, Sunshine, Thunder roll, Keep it all Yes... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

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.
  2. No Ripcord
    100
    The whole thing works beautifully, more with each listen.
  3. Prefix Magazine
    85
    He never panders to them; instead, Plastic Beach's guest vocals are anchored by Albarn's own melodic flair. His falsettoed ennui shines through, and the songs are loaded with Albarn's pet sounds.
  4. NOW Magazine
    80
    It has hooks, but none as immediate as past Gorillaz hits Feel Good Inc. or 19-2000. This is a hefty offering clocking in at nearly an hour and featuring everyone from Lou Reed to Snoop Dogg.
  5. Lost At Sea
    75
    While there's no immediate pop hit present a la "Feel Good Inc" or "Clint Eastwood" to get sucked into straight off, Albarn's ability to juggle his rotating ensemble cast and still spin a cohesive yarn for all of sixteen tracks remains something to behold.
  6. PopMatters
    70
    Overall, while the album isn’t an artistic triumph or grand satirical gesture, it is an enjoyable ride and is the best place to start if you just want a taste of Albarn’s post-Blur musical prowess and Hewlett’s animation wizardry.
  7. Los Angeles Times
    37
    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

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 88 out of 97
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 97
  3. Negative: 3 out of 97
  1. 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.… Expand
  2. PhilipG
    Mar 14, 2010
    10
    Amazing album, how amazing is only revealed with repeated listening.
  4. 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 creativityawesome 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… Expand
  5. JohnL.
    Mar 14, 2010
    9
    Better than Demon Days, great job, Damon Albarn did it again!
  6. xHEISENBERGx
    Mar 20, 2012
    9
    The beach vibe is definitely present. Gorillaz seem to weave in and out of each genre, picking and choosing collaborations that fit the albumsThe beach vibe is definitely present. Gorillaz seem to weave in and out of each genre, picking and choosing collaborations that fit the albums specific style. This one brings a more laid back tone after the more ominous demon days, and is a great soundtrack that seems at home playing in your headphones during an island vacation (which it did serve as my soundtrack during a st. john trip). Initially, I admit I was not as struck with PB as I was with Gorillaz or even Demon Days, but it kept growing on me until it was proudly placed as a worthy addition to the gorillaz legacy. One thing I must say, MORE DAMON. Sure, songs such as Some Kind of Nature and Superfast Jellyfish are catchy and fun, but I really want to see more of 2D up front than providing some chorus lines. Heck, in some songs, such as White Flag or Sweepstakes, Damon isnt even present at all. Please return to more Demon-Days collaboration methods or even back to good ole' Gorillaz 2d-centric album where we can focus on Gorillaz and not the spotlight solely on the collaborators.… Expand
  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 forgettingThis 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.… Expand
  8. damianicus
    Oct 14, 2010
    1
    OK I had to create a Metacritic account just because I saw so many favorable reviews of this horrible drek. I keep trying to like it because IOK I had to create a Metacritic account just because I saw so many favorable reviews of this horrible drek. I keep trying to like it because I love this band. But I keep clicking next next next. You people should come to my house and share whatever illegal substance you took to enjoy this because it's just awful. If you added up all the essence from this entire album it still wouldn't be close to being as good as Dare.… Expand

See all 97 User Reviews

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Awards & Rankings

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

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