The Fall
by Gorillaz
  • Record Label: Gorillaz
  • Release Date: Apr 19, 2011
Metascore
67

Generally favorable reviews - based on 25 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 25
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 25
  3. Negative: 0 out of 25
  1. AllMusic
    Dec 19, 2011
    60
    The Fall winds up a little ephemeral, its pleasures as fleeting as the scenery passing outside the windows of a tour bus.
  2. Under The Radar
    May 23, 2011
    50
    The sluggish vibe on The Fall was obviously part of Albarn's intention in creating a meandering sonic travelogue, but you end up wishing he'd pressed the gas pedal a little harder.
  3. PopMatters
    May 3, 2011
    60
    In form as well as content, The Fall is more like a pet project than a full-fledged release.
  5. BBC Music
    Apr 15, 2011
    50
    It opens the door to tantalising, exciting possibilities, but it's also fragmented, distracted and indulgent.
  6. The Guardian
    Apr 14, 2011
    60
    It shouldn't work, but ultimately it does, which is pretty much The Fall all over.
  7. Slant Magazine
    Feb 25, 2011
    60
    Given that Albarn recorded the album solely using iPad applications, and that this seems to be a ubiquitous suffix to any discussion of the album, it's difficult not to dismiss The Fall as a gimmicky concept album or even a shameless 45-minute Apple advertisement, but there are just about enough interesting moments here to dispel that cynical view.
  8. Pitchfork
    Jan 26, 2011
    58
    Despite the emphasis on atmosphere that pervades the album and that seems like a necessary byproduct of its creative technology, The Fall may be the most earthbound Gorillaz album yet--and at times, therefore, the most banal.
  9. Consequence
    Jan 26, 2011
    60
    There are a lot of innovative ideas, some strong moments, but also a good amount of filler. If you give it a spin, though, you'll probably find some hidden treasures in these songs as well.
  10. Sputnikmusic
    Jan 26, 2011
    40
    Strictly speaking, it's a Gorillaz album in name only. You could commend Albarn on one hand, but then slap him with the other; the use of a 'rolling studio' and the latest in technology is inspired, but it ultimately represents the downfall of the album.
  11. The Independent (UK)
    Jan 26, 2011
    40
    As you'd expect, it relies heavily on programmed beats of spare simplicity, and layered dubstep synth riffs over which Albarn sketches his impressions of life on the road.
  12. Boston Globe
    Jan 26, 2011
    60
    It's your quintessential on-the-road/off-the-cuff indulgence, a sometimes successful merging of traveling-band existentialism and boredom-killing filler.
  13. Uncut
    Feb 1, 2011
    60
    It's a sequel of sorts to Democrazy, but sounds infinitely more accomplished--undoubtedly part of the technological point that he's making here. [Mar 2011, p.91]
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Awards & Rankings

69
#69 Most Discussed Album of 2011
53
#53 Most Shared Album of 2011

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
6.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 112 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 63 out of 112
  2. Mixed: 38 out of 112
  3. Negative: 11 out of 112
  1. Helucinate
    Apr 23, 2011
    4
    As a huge Gorillaz fan, I highly anticipated another release from Albarn under the Gorillaz brand. However this release was a massiveAs a huge Gorillaz fan, I highly anticipated another release from Albarn under the Gorillaz brand. However this release was a massive disappointment and it kills me to say it. Every album released previously under the Gorillaz brand had a story behind it. You were never just listening to music, it was more like following an Anime show through sound right from the self title album with the introduction of the concept of Kong Studios; Demon Days with Feel good inc being a centre point for th action, which is seen through the music videos of 'Feel Good Inc' and 'El Manana'; in Plastic Beach we find that Kong has burned down and that the Gorillaz are on the run which can be seen in the 'Stylo' music video and they set up shop on plastic beach which is also a political reference to the ever growing mass of the plastic island in the middle of the ocean (don't believe me? google it), and so the story continues. The Fall, had nothing, no hype; no excitement; no mood; and most of all no story! this was, I felt Albarn using a serious successful brand to release his experiment under. well all artists sell out eventualy. But musically, I give Albarn his dues for producing this on an Ipad, however as far as the tunes go, they are pretty porno, and a serious let down to the previous Gorillaz releases.… Full Review »
  2. MirceaC
    Jan 30, 2011
    7
    Not a totally awful album. It's lacking the polish and feel of previous albums, that's for sure, but people need to keep in mind that it wasNot a totally awful album. It's lacking the polish and feel of previous albums, that's for sure, but people need to keep in mind that it was all done on a iPad. Plus, the album was not intended to be better or as good as the previous albums. It was all an experiment, and most likely done for fun. Nevertheless, it's quite an unique album. To summarise it all, it's an "awfully good" album.… Full Review »
  3. j30
    Dec 9, 2011
    2
    The Fall doesn't belong anywhere in Gorillaz's already strong discography. The LP (if you want to call it that) feels more like anThe Fall doesn't belong anywhere in Gorillaz's already strong discography. The LP (if you want to call it that) feels more like an afterthought rather than a carefully well made release that we've come to expect from Damon and Co.… Full Review »
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