Much was expected from this animated band. Their debut wielded some great tracks, but the band really gained ground with the 2005 hit album Demon Days - a great album which managed to worm in many influences and bizarre melodies; it was these kinds of touches that made the album a classic for the noughties, so it was natural that the music community got altogether excited when they announced details of their third album.
As you get washed away by the lush string arrangements of the opening track (appropriately titled Orchestral Intro of course) you get greeted by Snoop Dog; love or hate him, there's something ridiculously cool in Snoop saying "Welcome to the world of Plastic Beach". It's as if he's personally welcoming you onto the album itself.
The next seven run of tracks is one of the best I've heard; Rhinestone Eyes drips of synthetic sweetness, while Stylo will make you want to strut for the rest of your life. Superfast Jellyfish is a perfect pop treat, and Glitter Freeze takes you on a Dr. Who style-trip, whilst Mark E. Smith asks "Where's north from 'ere?" as your brain gets fried.
After this terrific run of songs, it loses is slightly with Some Kind of Nature, but nothing to take away from this terrific album. The rest of the album will have you dancing on your butt-cheeks until the very end. It's consistent, exciting, and certainly one of the best albums I've heard this year.
The collaborators add their own take on their songs, but don't take away that essential Gorillaz vibe. Little Dragon, Bobby Womack, and Hypnotic Brass Ensemble are my favourites; they really add that something extra.
This is an album that everyone MUST listen to. This time, the hype is justified.
It's not quite a masterpiece, but it's pretty damn close to being one.
Rating: 4.5/5
Released 8th March
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