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Plastic Beach Image

Plastic Beach

| Release Date:
77
Metascore
 34 reviews
8.6
User Score
 501 ratings
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Label: Virgin
Album Details: The third album for Damon Albarn and Jamie Hewlett animated group features guest appearances by
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.
Label: Virgin
Genre(s): Rock Electronic Alternative
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...
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Critic Reviews
(34)
77
Metascore Generally favorable reviews
29 Positive Ratings 85%
4 Mixed Ratings 11%
1 Negative Ratings 2%
Based on 34 Critic Reviews View All
100
BBC Music
"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." ... Read full review
100
No Ripcord
"The whole thing works beautifully, more with each listen." ... Read full review
85
Prefix Magazine
"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." ... Read full review
80
NOW Magazine
"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." ... Read full review
75
Lost At Sea
"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." ... Read full review
70
PopMatters
"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." ... Read full review
37
Los Angeles Times
"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." ... Read full review
Critic Reviews
User Reviews
(97)
8.6
User Score Universal acclaim
457 Positive Ratings 91%
23 Mixed Ratings 4%
21 Negative Ratings 4%
Based on 501 Ratings and 97 Reviews View All
10
MirceaC.
Mar 9, 2010
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
10
PhilipG
Mar 14, 2010
Amazing album, how amazing is only revealed with repeated listening.
10
juanuxsape
Oct 5, 2016
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
9
JohnL.
Mar 14, 2010
Better than Demon Days, great job, Damon Albarn did it again!
9
xHEISENBERGx
Mar 20, 2012
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
8
Lopesito27
Jan 23, 2021
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
1
damianicus
Oct 14, 2010
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
User Reviews