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. The A.V. Club
    Apr 19, 2011
    83
    The Fall at first listen seems more interesting as a concept than as music. Still, there are plenty of rough-cut pop gems.
  2. Dot Music
    Apr 20, 2011
    80
    No, it isn't as good as that, but getting anywhere close is proof that Damon Albarn remains a musical alchemist, turning what could easily have been crude and leaden into something that often gleams like gold.
  3. Clash Music
    Apr 19, 2011
    80
    Made on an iPad during the band's autumn tour of America, this hastily constructed, bleepy sketchbook of a record is a delight.
  5. The Independent on Sunday (UK)
    Apr 18, 2011
    80
    Though there's no smash hit leaping out, with its consistent unity of atmosphere, The Fall is the most cohesive Gorillaz album yet.
  6. Okayplayer
    Feb 18, 2011
    80
    Packaged together here, The Fall does not feel like a proper Gorillaz album, but more like a musical scrapbook of the tour. Fortunately for us, even Damon's scraps are worthy of a casual listen.
  7. New Musical Express (NME)
    Jan 26, 2011
    80
    So there aren't any retreads of 'DARE' or 'Clint Eastwood' but it is a stunning album from start to finish.
  8. HipHopDX
    Apr 20, 2011
    70
    While it is impressive how much Albarn squeezes out of a piece of equipment that most would assume isn't up for the task, this is ultimately a tour-bus album--several songs are even named after the cities in which they were likely conceived.
  9. Drowned In Sound
    Apr 19, 2011
    70
    Genius, as you know, is all about the detail. The backing vocal on 'Revolving Doors' – if you're still struggling with the 'song' thing, this and 'Amarillo' offer consolation in the form of two of Albarn's loveliest unfinished melodies.
  10. musicOMH.com
    Apr 11, 2011
    70
    An electronic album that manages to sound intimate, late-summer warmth turning to autumnal melancholy, and a cartoon band that suddenly seems a little fragile.
  11. Rolling Stone
    Jan 26, 2011
    70
    Albarn isn't trying to say much, but The Fall is pretty consistent, from the country-radio sampling dub of "The Parish of Space Dust" to the Rust Belt planet-rock of "Detroit."
  12. Entertainment Weekly
    Apr 14, 2011
    67
    There are a few moments of brilliance, like Bobby Womack's spirited crooning on "Bobby in Phoenix." Hopefully that energy will spill into their next effort--in a studio.
  13. Beats Per Minute
    Jan 26, 2011
    65
    The strange, yet awfully satisfying, collection of tracks certainly won't attract new listeners to the Gorillaz catalogue, but synth-infused pop tracks like "Revolving Door" or "Hillbilly Man" will appease most listeners.
  14. Chicago Tribune
    Apr 18, 2011
    63
    Mostly, this is Albarn making one for the headphone-obsessed in his fan base, a soundtrack for kicking back in the back seat and watching the world drift past.

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 »
See all user reviews »