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The Now Now
by
The Now Now Image
Metascore
73

Generally favorable reviews - based on 28 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 228 Ratings

  • Summary: The sixth full-length studio release for the Damon Albarn's animated band features guest appearances from George Benson, Jamie Principle and Snoop Dogg.
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Top Track

Souk Eye
[Verse 1: 2-D] Anyway you still complicate it for me, twilight Waiting on the planet to turn to me, dark side If loving you's a felony now, then I'm... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 28
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 28
  3. Negative: 0 out of 28
  1. Sputnikmusic
    Jul 5, 2018
    82
    The Now Now feels shockingly complete.
  2. DIY Magazine
    Jun 27, 2018
    80
    If Humanz was a reaction about a world that seemed to be heading to hell, then The Now Now is a more spaced-out affair, stripped of its star-studded collaborations and bathed in the apparent apathy of the modern age.
  3. Exclaim
    Jun 29, 2018
    80
    All in all, The Now Now feels fresh and present. Gorillaz have performed a type of sonic reset by stripping back their cast of collaborators, yet it exemplifies the strength of the songwriting at the group's core.
  4. Uncut
    Jun 25, 2018
    70
    It feels like Albarn in transit, both physically and mentally. [Aug 2018, p.27]
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  5. AllMusic
    Jun 29, 2018
    70
    Perhaps this doesn't make for a listen that's as wild or adventurous as its companion, but it's ultimately more satisfying, as the internal journey mirrors the evolution of the pop landscape in the 21st century. What was once a rowdy, colorful party is now a soundtrack for bittersweet solitude.
  6. Boston Globe
    Jul 5, 2018
    60
    How much Gorillaz fans enjoy The Now Now will depend on why they became fans in the first place. Anyone captivated by Hewlett’s world-building will probably feel a little let down, as will those who fell for their eclectic, big-tent approach to pop. That leaves the Damon Albarn diehards.
  7. The 405
    Jul 2, 2018
    50
    Gleams and glances of Albarn’s potential are almost omnipresent, yet never really come into fruition.

See all 28 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 38 out of 42
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 42
  3. Negative: 0 out of 42
  1. NateDrake
    Jun 29, 2018
    10
    Pure magic - so much comfort and melancholy with unique sound and great Albarn vocals. Tranz alone will be in my heart forever.
  2. NY3D
    Jun 29, 2018
    10
    This album is such an amazing comeback and is a masterpiece. All the songs are great to listen to, they have good guests, and the productionThis album is such an amazing comeback and is a masterpiece. All the songs are great to listen to, they have good guests, and the production is just perfect. There are energetic songs like Tranz, Hollywood, and Lake Zurich. But there are also beautiful calm songs that perfectly counter the energetic songs, such as Souk Eye, Kansas, One Percent, and Fire Flies. In addition, there are songs in the middle, such as Humility and Sorcererz. Everything fits together, flows nicely, and all the songs are musical masterpieces and one of Damon's best work. Can't help but fall in love with this album. Favorite songs: Souk Eye and Kansas.… Expand
  4. Critics2017
    Jun 29, 2018
    10
    The feeling when you listen to a new album gorillaz can not be expressed in simple words. The best songs on the album in my opinion areThe feeling when you listen to a new album gorillaz can not be expressed in simple words. The best songs on the album in my opinion are Humility and Fire Flies… Expand
  5. TrevorMcAdam
    Jun 29, 2018
    9
    The Now Now is a Great Album that gives us a lot of new sounds that Gorillaz hasn't done before, However it works out as its enjoyable toThe Now Now is a Great Album that gives us a lot of new sounds that Gorillaz hasn't done before, However it works out as its enjoyable to listen to without feeling repetitive or that the songs all feel the same. I like all of the tracks on the album, Highlights in my Opinion are Humility, Hollywood, Kansas, Idaho, Magic City, Fire Flies, and Souk Eye. The Only Problem I have with The Now Now is how some songs could have been better if it was more like its Live Version. Tranz is the biggest example of this, while the song is pretty good in my opinion, if it had the more Deeper, Energetic, and Louder vocals from the live performance then the song would have been in my opinion a perfect song. Overall, The Now Now is an album that I am sure I will keep coming back to over and over again in the future… Expand
  6. Rodromo56
    Jul 14, 2018
    8
    This album it's perfect if you want a chill, easy to listen. Gorillaz has given us a great album.
  7. Edipomonteseu
    Jun 29, 2018
    8
    Gorillaz conseguiu manter a qualidade do Humanz, mas agora de uma maneira mais leve, sutil e menos dançante num álbum mais curto. DestaqueGorillaz conseguiu manter a qualidade do Humanz, mas agora de uma maneira mais leve, sutil e menos dançante num álbum mais curto. Destaque para magic city… Expand
  8. Doof
    Jul 12, 2018
    5
    Any song writer operating as long as Albarn is doing amazingly well if they're still writing songs of the calibre of their early work...andAny song writer operating as long as Albarn is doing amazingly well if they're still writing songs of the calibre of their early work...and unfortunately Damon has just run out of great tunes. It happens to the best of 'em. Middle of the road, dull.… Expand

See all 42 User Reviews

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