Plastic Beach
by Gorillaz
  • Record Label: Virgin
  • Release Date: Mar 9, 2010
User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 502 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 458 out of 502
  2. Mixed: 23 out of 502
  3. Negative: 21 out of 502

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  1. PhilipG
    Mar 14, 2010
    10
    Amazing album, how amazing is only revealed with repeated listening.
  2. MiguelM.
    Mar 10, 2010
    10
    The greatest album I have ever heard to date. Gorillaz have always been a creative and unique band but i never seen something like this before. My favorite song is White Flag, the flowing beats and lyrics just tie in so perfectly and well done. This album is definatly worth buying.
  3. JoshL
    Mar 10, 2010
    10
    The variety in this album is incredible. Wide range of appeal.
  4. idreamo.
    Mar 9, 2010
    10
    Album of the year(possibly). Hopefully Albarn's next project will be to produce a solo Womack album or more duets with Little Dragon.
  5. SanstoneZ.
    Mar 9, 2010
    10
    Best album of 2010 and best Gorillaz album. Smooth and melodic with lots of changeups. Musical fusion at it's best.
  6. TroelsS.
    Mar 9, 2010
    10
    When I had only heard the album a few times, I thought about just giving it a 9. There are some low points, but each time you listen to the album, the low points seem to get better and better. And now, after several listens, it can't be anything but the highest grade. Gorillaz' greatest so far (and that says a lot, Demon Days being completely magnificent as well), and also the When I had only heard the album a few times, I thought about just giving it a 9. There are some low points, but each time you listen to the album, the low points seem to get better and better. And now, after several listens, it can't be anything but the highest grade. Gorillaz' greatest so far (and that says a lot, Demon Days being completely magnificent as well), and also the greatest album of this year so far. It's going to be tough to drag this album down fro it's top position of 2010. Damon Albarn is a musical genius.… Expand
  7. TarekM.
    Mar 10, 2010
    10
    Finally the wait is over and these gorillaz keep on giving out their best!
  8. YanniL
    Mar 12, 2010
    10
    Outstanding trip hop. We want more of this, Gorillaz!
  9. PatrickC
    Mar 13, 2010
    10
    Really brilliant album. Superior to their first album and equal with Demon Days. This album takes longer to warm up to then Demon Days, but if you did enjoy either of Gorillaz's past albums, you will eventually love this album. The song's I really warmed up to first were Rhinestone Eyes, and Sweepstakes. So if you're having a hard time with the album, try those two songs some.
  10. LeahT.
    Mar 10, 2010
    10
    As brilliant an album as anything else I've heard this year. Fantastic collaborations and Albarn's signature melodic charm. Wonderful.
  11. james
    Mar 15, 2010
    10
    Staggeringly good. If you don't give this 10 out of 10 then shame upon your musical soul.
  12. AriellaY.
    Mar 16, 2010
    10
    This album is their best so far.
  13. rx2
    Mar 18, 2010
    10
    Most albums that require relistens are fabulous. The Good, the Bad, and The Queen took some time get into and this does as well. It's brilliant. It's wonderful that we have tracks like these.
  14. 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 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 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
  15. ClifC.
    Mar 9, 2010
    10
    This is the first 10 stars out of 10 album since M.I.A.'s "Kala". It's certainly the poppiest Gorillaz album, but it's the best. There is no Hit songs like "Dare", "Feel Good Inc." or "Clint Eastwood"; so it's not so immediate, you can't judge it by the first listen. It's more Pop. But who said Pop music couldn't be demanding? The whole album is This is the first 10 stars out of 10 album since M.I.A.'s "Kala". It's certainly the poppiest Gorillaz album, but it's the best. There is no Hit songs like "Dare", "Feel Good Inc." or "Clint Eastwood"; so it's not so immediate, you can't judge it by the first listen. It's more Pop. But who said Pop music couldn't be demanding? The whole album is perfectly balanced and constant in its grandeur. The only thing that wasn't excellent, in my opinion, was the choice of Bashy as a featuring. The rest is pure genius.… Expand
  16. R.GGV
    Mar 16, 2010
    10
    Absolutely awesome. The most balanced, consistent Gorillaz album and each track complement each other while the whole album flows like a clean stream. There might be no Feel Good or Clint Eastwood but that's why it is so good because there is no big hitting song that throws the album off. Buy it. Now.
  17. WilliamC.
    Mar 16, 2010
    10
    This album left me in complete awe. They did it again, changing up their style, and it still sounds awesome. Songs like White Flag are completely original combining an Arabic Orchestra with British hip hop. Songs like Broken are lyrically genius with dual meaning to life and love. I strongly encourage buying this album.
  18. DerickK
    Mar 18, 2010
    10
    I loved it, possibly the Gorillaz best yet. My friend's favourite thing ever by Damon Albarn, I don't know yet, but I do know it's the best of '10 for me so far.
  19. AndrewH.
    Mar 20, 2010
    10
    this time around the gorillaz got it right with fresh sounds and new collabs. this time around i can;t help but find these tracks being set to repeat on my ipod songs like "Rhinestone Eyes" or "Stlyo are already imprinted forever in my head. Good job Gorillaz.
  20. AdamF
    Mar 11, 2010
    10
    Ever since NPR has been streaming the album, I have not been able to stop listening. I wish I could put into words how much I love this album. Beautiful, captivating music right here. Whenever I listen, I want to vomit a rainbow. Album of the year.
  21. AhadM.
    Mar 11, 2010
    10
    Mixes hard electronic beats with smooth melancholic melodies, Gorillaz best album yet, the onl thing missing being the big single (such as feel good inc. or Dare) but, what it lacks there it makes up for by being the most 'together' album yet of the gorillaz, mixing a range of artists with classic gorillaz sounds.
  22. NickB
    Mar 11, 2010
    10
    Gorillaz haven't lost their magic. I have been a true gorillaz fan for years now and I still listen to all their old songs. This album is a must-buy for anyone that appreciates music.
  23. jeanjean
    Oct 22, 2010
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. wasn't to found of this album at the beginning, but as i listened to it over and over, i just told myself dude why didn't i liked it o.0
    this is not a love at the first time album. It doesn't get empty like many other album, it fill itself.
    Anyway, i don't think this album need a hit.
    Yes it's different, but it's what we all always want : something different and besides JELLYFISH. so 10.0    … Expand
  24. Noodle_Blog
    Nov 6, 2010
    10
    This is probably the last hope for humanity when it comes to music. With all this crap on the charts, it's annoying not to see this album anywhere up there. Absolutely amazing.
  25. Di-Dorval
    Jul 4, 2012
    10
    Another awesome album from Gorillaz! Every song on this album has something to offer and the album vibe is kept trough the whole trip! I love to listen to this album in my car has it offer a grand range of variety and keeps sounding better after every listening! I really could not choose witch Gorillaz album I prefer best.
  26. AudioGunblast
    Dec 17, 2013
    10
    This is the first 10 I've ever rated. It's technically a 9.5, but since we're rounding up, this album gets a perfect score for Metacritic.

    I had been replaying this album for a long time, but I always skipped a few tracks here and there. Now, having heard it in its entirety, I can honestly say that this album is an absolute masterpiece. Seriously, after the letdown that was Demon    This is the first 10 I've ever rated. It's technically a 9.5, but since we're rounding up, this album gets a perfect score for Metacritic.

    I had been replaying this album for a long time, but I always skipped a few tracks here and there. Now, having heard it in its entirety, I can honestly say that this album is an absolute masterpiece.

    Seriously, after the letdown that was Demon Days, it's pretty surprising to see that Damon didn't try to fix it for his next record, instead coming up with something entirely different. Instead he's come up with a completely different approach that has alienated previous fans of the previous album, but not me. (Mostly because I'M not a fan of the previous album).    … Expand
  27. Jrc523
    Apr 21, 2014
    10
    A purely amazing album! I can see where some people would be against this album as it is quite different than other gorillaz albums. I would put it on par to Demon Days.
  28. jorgeyboy
    Aug 6, 2015
    10
    Gorillaz's best and most underrated. Most of the album has a melancholic ambience made up of mellow synthesisers. Adding a lot of elements of electronica and pop, while retaining their hip hop ingredients. This is easily Gorillaz at their most emotional, unique and atmospheric and is definitely an album that deserves multiple listens. Other than one or two tracks that miss the spot, thisGorillaz's best and most underrated. Most of the album has a melancholic ambience made up of mellow synthesisers. Adding a lot of elements of electronica and pop, while retaining their hip hop ingredients. This is easily Gorillaz at their most emotional, unique and atmospheric and is definitely an album that deserves multiple listens. Other than one or two tracks that miss the spot, this is an album with an important message and plenty of favourites to discover.… Expand
  29. LeoDiCaprioFan
    Apr 26, 2016
    10
    OH MY DAYS, I'm glad of how Gorillaz are getting so much praise on this beautiful classic album. I'm glad this album dosen't have that much of negative responses. This album is truly amazing. I highly recommend you to buy this essentially.
  30. 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 creativity of damon albarn and others
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Awards & Rankings

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

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 34 Critic Reviews

Critic 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.
    Read full review
  2. Clash Music
    70
    Best when he’s corralling others into out-of-their-comfort-zone creativity, it’s the Albarn-sung tracks on the second half of the album where the attention wanders and the album opening Snoop Dogg cameo seems a million miles away. Of course, there’s alot here to take in and maybe it just needs a fair few listens to fully digest it - the sign of any album worth its salt.
    Read full review
  3. Mojo
    60
    The music that wraps around the concept is never boring and much of it is excellent....What's lacking is the nailed-on megatune--a "Clint Eastwood" or "Feel Good Inc"--that we've come to expect from a Gorillaz album. [Apr 2010, p.99]
See all critic reviews »