I’ve been excited for the release of the new Gorillaz album Plastic Beach for quite some time, so when I finally got my copy for review, I couldn’t wait to hear it, but after the first listen, I was a little frustrated. I didn’t know where the album was going or why Damon had decided to take the band’s sound in a bit of a different direction. This is partially because Demon Days is still in heavy rotation on my iTunes and I know it so well, but also because I have been awaiting this release for the last 3 years. I was expecting to just get the album immediately, and this was not the case. It took me a few listens to fully understand it and get where the album was going, but once I did, I was floored.
First I must say this is probably one of the most cohesive albums I have heard in years. There isn’t a single song on this album that doesn’t belong. The first track, “Orchestral Intro,” perfectly sets up the vibe of the album and then it quickly moves into “Welcome to the World of the Plastic Beach,” featuring the one and only Snoop. Once I had time to take in everything that was hidden underneath the lyrics, I realized that this song does exactly what the title says: welcomes listeners to Plastic Beach.
After the opening tracks, the album kicks in like a Gorillaz album always should. “White Flag” hits with a great Bollywood theme performed by the National Orchestra for Arabic Music. Lyrical content is provided by Kano and Bashy, who go back and forth with tons of anti-war/crime/religion banter that makes you want to dance…and think. Odd concept, but you will get it when you hear the song.
From here (and remember we are only 3 songs in) the album takes off. “Rhinestone Eyes” and “Stylo” (the first single) come in and really cause the album to hit full force. Mos Def and Bobby Womack set off “Stylo” with a mix of smooth rap and crooning vocals. Then there is “Superfast Jellyfish.” Pretty sure this is my favorite song of all time, and it has one of the catchiest hooks I have ever heard. The amazing Gruff Rhys (Super Furry Animals) delivers an almost-humorous, but lyrically precise verse with Damon hitting the chorus with my favorite lines of the whole album: “Superfast, Superfast, I come in last, but just in time for breakfast.” Not really sure why this song makes me so happy, but after about 20+ listens, it still happens every time.
Again remember we are now just at track six of sixteen. After “Superfast Jellyfish” finishes, the album hits a new level for amazing guest spots on a single album: Little Dragon, Lou Reed, Mark E. Smith, Paul Simonon, and more from Mos Def & Bobby Womack.
To finish up, let me just say I don’t think there will be another album like this in 2010 or probably for years to come. Damon and the Gorillaz have put together one of the most cohesive albums with a cast of guest spots that would make any other band jealous. There is almost too much to talk about with this album for one post, so let me just summarize by saying Plastic Beach is an album that will be looked at for a long time as another great work from the Gorillaz.
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