Gorillaz
by Gorillaz
  • Record Label: Virgin
  • Release Date: Jun 19, 2001
User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 339 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 322 out of 339
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 339
  3. Negative: 6 out of 339

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  1. Jessatay
    Sep 26, 2010
    9
    I can't believe how mind-bending this album is. You get a song that comes out of some random Japanese show ("19-2000") and then turns into a day into the streets of Mexico ("Que Pasa Contigo"). Damon has created something not only for him, but created something entirely different. Listening to this album in the dark is just plain out creepy, with the tracks "Slow Country" and "SoundI can't believe how mind-bending this album is. You get a song that comes out of some random Japanese show ("19-2000") and then turns into a day into the streets of Mexico ("Que Pasa Contigo"). Damon has created something not only for him, but created something entirely different. Listening to this album in the dark is just plain out creepy, with the tracks "Slow Country" and "Sound Check". This was something really new for me, and helped me expand my joy for music genres, rap being the most influential. If you hate it the 1st time, trust me, it will get better short after. Standouts : "5/4", "Clint Eastwood", "19-2000", "M1A1"

    Overall Score : 8.9    … Expand
  2. tkdcoach
    Oct 19, 2010
    9
    Having had a decade to dwell on the Gorillaz--I've decided they are VASTLY underrated. The basis for critical attack being the very concept itself--that the concept band is (as P4K wrote) "smarmy, promotional gimmick." I tend to disagree. Instead, I submit that Gorillaz is the fulfillment of every artistic aspiration--humane creativity, comraderie, collaboration, and recognition. Taking aHaving had a decade to dwell on the Gorillaz--I've decided they are VASTLY underrated. The basis for critical attack being the very concept itself--that the concept band is (as P4K wrote) "smarmy, promotional gimmick." I tend to disagree. Instead, I submit that Gorillaz is the fulfillment of every artistic aspiration--humane creativity, comraderie, collaboration, and recognition. Taking a wider view of the decade that was Gorillaz...it is now clear that Damon Albarn's vision is the clearest--to work with, for, and support friends and fellow artist--with a somewhat cohesive songwriterly basis in Albarn's brain....Gorillaz is the social network of bands--bringing together disparate influences and players. Since this record came out Gorillaz has proven that the spirit of amalgamation is long-term viable (on Demon Days, Plastic Beach and the 2010 tour) collaboration, having included members of Lou Reed, Snoop Dogg, The Clash, De La Soul, Shawn Ryder (Happy Mondays), Ike Turner, Bobby Womack, and many individual performers some quite famous.

    As to the record at hand, you have to get dub/ska to really get it. Dub, as handed down from Lee "Scratch" Perry, The Specials, and The Clash (esp. on Sandinista!, Gorillaz are Son of Sandinista!). Anyhow, the thematic accuracy of overlooked tracks like "New Genious", "Man Research", "Tomorrow Comes Today", and "Starshine" are the area where Gorilaz contribute their breakthrough (this is amplified on the side project "Gorillaz vs. Spacemonkeyz....cf. Mutant Genious).    … Expand
  3. Jamison12
    Jun 6, 2013
    10
    Although it took me 12 years to listen to it, The Gorillaz debut with the former Blur star is a huge hit. Most notably Clint Eastwood helps carry this amazing album to a decade great.
  4. ASGaming21
    Jun 20, 2016
    10
    One of the greatest albums I have listened to. I would recommend listening to every Gorillaz album. Also the music videos are great as well. I give this 10/10
  5. eNVyous
    Jul 8, 2017
    10
    This is one of my all-time favourite albums, hands down. It's so expertly crafted, with each and every track being experimental to the extreme, yet still retaining it's groove. It can go from silly, upbeat tracks like 19-2000 and Rock the House to depressing and slow tracks, like Slow Country, Latin Simone and even Double Bass, to a mix of the two, with tracks such as M1A1, Tomorrow ComesThis is one of my all-time favourite albums, hands down. It's so expertly crafted, with each and every track being experimental to the extreme, yet still retaining it's groove. It can go from silly, upbeat tracks like 19-2000 and Rock the House to depressing and slow tracks, like Slow Country, Latin Simone and even Double Bass, to a mix of the two, with tracks such as M1A1, Tomorrow Comes Today and 5/4. It's honestly a must-have, especially if you're into experimental music and/or trip-hop. Do yourself a favour and listen to this album.… Expand
  6. Bingusrox
    Nov 24, 2021
    9
    Certified hood classic. Every time I listen to this album I fall in love listening to the band again. Very good enjoy.
  7. VadamercaN
    Jul 27, 2007
    10
    Both energetic and easy-listening, this CD brought together so many fans and listeners, the world could even be saved from global warming. If your looking for pop, rock and hip-hop all in one album, this is a must-have.
  8. MarikoH
    Aug 5, 2003
    10
    I just love this album!!! I don t even know what to say! I am listening twice time a day with the G SIDES and the SPACEMONKEYS
  9. Eirinjas
    Jan 26, 2006
    5
    Not impressive. Also, the term band tends to connotate people who actually play instruments. This is just sampled crap.
  10. randomperson
    May 25, 2006
    2
    Greatest Cd EVA !!
  11. jeanjean
    Oct 22, 2010
    10
    WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOoooooot
  12. bhsmall
    Oct 29, 2020
    0
    What a terrible way to start things off. A couple good songs but mostly a crapshoot
  13. 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
  14. kazimierc
    Jun 6, 2005
    10
    This was excellent. I believe this is the best cd I heard in the past week and I am suprised at how much I like it. Everyone you likes rock/rap should listen to them.
  15. Mace
    Sep 8, 2001
    10
    The CD of Gorillaz Rocks. Tommorow Comes Today and Clint Eastwood rock too.
  16. KaetM
    Sep 20, 2003
    10
    Great CD with an assortment of songs that continues to rock you, drawing you in and making you an addict, I CAN'T STOP LISTENING TO THIS CD!
  17. AshG
    Feb 5, 2005
    10
    This album even though it is getting older just grows on you the more you listen to it!! best ever album
  18. LawrenceP
    Mar 7, 2005
    10
    My mind knows this not the best LP ever made, but i just can't stop listening to it!
  19. LucasM
    Jan 18, 2006
    10
    I listen to the CD every day!! never get boared of it.
  20. dre
    Jan 30, 2006
    9
    well....just like demon days....the album does sound like absolute rubbish when you first listen to it....but when you begin to know the lyrics and listen to it second time around...you realise that this is one of the maddest albums ever!!!!! =)
  21. JamesS.
    Nov 17, 2001
    10
    I really liked this cd it's a very cool group thanks for this song
  22. JoanieK.
    Dec 28, 2001
    10
    The the lyrics and the animation kicks ass.
  23. ChloeH.
    Aug 17, 2002
    10
    this is my fave cd. i had to buy a second one because i listened to it too much. PS. 2-d and murdoc rule!!!!
  24. nf
    Sep 16, 2002
    10
    yep
  25. robbinn
    Mar 15, 2003
    10
    den e bra
  26. SS
    Mar 17, 2003
    10
    this is the best cd on the planet in my mind.
  27. ElijahE
    May 8, 2003
    10
    Its the best!
  28. Paul
    Jun 21, 2003
    10
    When I first heard and saw the video for Clint Eastwood, I had to get this album. The Gorillaz are a genre of their own. 2D is the coolest cartoon I ever saw. I could just go on and on about this album.
  29. bryanf
    Apr 26, 2004
    10
    This album is an addictive drug that combines many elements of hip hop, dub, and zombie rock. It is an eerie mixture of creative and dynamic music that takes you to another world.
  30. rewdcoolrettw
    May 25, 2004
    10
    this the best band ever I like clienteastwood russel and d2 rock but I want them to make a new CD...
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Awards & Rankings

9
#9 Most Discussed Album of 2001
1
#1 Most Shared Album of 2001

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
71

Generally favorable reviews - based on 18 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 18
  3. Negative: 0 out of 18
  1. Alternative Press
    80
    Whereas the Beckster tends to wriggle cheekily along to his funk, and Badly Drawn Boy does his own thing in spite of it, Gorillaz don't give a rat's ass about acting funky; they just are. [July 2001, p.68]
  2. PopMatters
    70
    A couple of tracks flounder around South of no North but as a whole Gorillaz, should be pretty pleased with what they've been able to achieve, considering the high risk concept involved.
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  3. HOB.com
    60
    Taken only for what it is, Gorillaz is an engaging, if not entirely arresting, journey through sluggish mood rock and jazzy hip-hop. Taken for what it aspires to be, though, it's more disappointing than awe-inspiring...
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