gorilla
Parlophone-EMI
global pop
★★★
You can observe how Damon Albarn uses his gift for interpreting signs and pointing toward the future. At the turn of the millennium, when the Blur frontman released Gorillaz—a virtual band created with graphic designer Jamie Hewlett—many readers dismissed this flirtation with futurism as eccentric flair. It was a dare to push beyond the guitar-centric voice of the era and explore new textures in pop. Now, more than twenty years later, the impulse to mix genres and experiment with different production approaches remains at the core of the project. Collaborations across diverse artistic backgrounds have become a defining feature of contemporary popular music. What felt bold yesterday often becomes the mainstream today, and that shift marks the way pop history is written.
Times change, but songs endure. The eighth Gorillaz album, Cracker Island, offers a cohesive arc that threads through several waves of sound. The title track opens with a catchy, bass-driven electronic funk groove that sets the thematic stage for the record. Albarn presents a world where an occult sect on a remote island acts as a metaphor for a dystopian society in which technology inoculates the population and enforces a single line of thinking.
Tired influencers
Conversations about the tension between virtual projections and real life—a tension at the heart of Gorillaz’s identity—are touched on by the breezy, tropical tones of the track “Tired Impressively,” which questions the influencer culture with lines like, “Trying to keep my head high, but nothing is real anymore.” The sultry groove of “Quiet Running” and the hypnotic pulse of “New Gold” further explore these themes, inviting listeners to question what they see online versus what exists off-screen.
Despite the album’s undeniable strengths, certain collaborations invite scrutiny. The pairing with Kevin Parker and a guest verse that includes a rapper results in a satisfying fusion of psychedelia and hip-hop, yet it’s not always clear what Albarn contributed beyond a memorable bridge. A similar dynamic occurs on the track “Storm,” where Bad Bunny’s presence dominates, and Albarn steps back to let the guest carry much of the weight. The outcome is a dense reggaeton moment that feels separate from the album’s broader narrative arc.
Guest appearances from artists like Stevie Nicks give the project an extra texture, while still maintaining Albarn’s steering hand. Across eight studio albums, Gorillaz continues to chase new sonic territories. Even after more than two decades, the project preserves its curiosity and appetite for discovery, a notable achievement in an ever-shifting musical landscape. The project’s momentum speaks to its enduring appeal and creative resilience.
Other albums of the week
‘Tomorrow will be fine’
Carol G.
Universal Music
reggaeton
★★★★
The track opens with a bright whistle and quickly anchors itself in a bold take on Latin trap. This Colombian artist’s fourth album weaves together personal history with a fearless exploration of sound, featuring a collaboration with Anuel AA and a strategic nod to Shakira on a standout track. The album is an honest, forward-looking statement about overcoming pain, celebrating friendship, and leaving space for love to return. The work blends reggaeton with Latin pop influences, creating a sound that’s both familiar and freshly ambitious. The critic notes how the project uses rhythm and melody to navigate emotional terrain with clarity and urgency.
“Raven”
kella
warps
R&B
★★★★
After a long hiatus, Kelela returns with a nocturnal record that feels intimate and expansive at once. It’s a sunrise-to-dusk journey—romance, disco energy, and a sense of memory woven through luminous electronic textures. The singer carries a fragile strength, delivering a voice that is both stark and graceful. The production nods to late-90s dance music and underground beats while remaining distinctly contemporary, a testament to how personal songs can carry political undercurrents and universal resonance. The review highlights the music’s emotional courage and its ability to speak to a broad audience while still honoring a specific artistic voice.
‘Twelve’
Jacob Serra
stimulant
orchestral pop
★★★★
The third release from this project is anticipated with keen interest. Its blend of narrative songwriting and rich orchestration creates a months-long mood cycle that tracks through the year. The ensemble work from the Liverpool Jazz Orchestra adds depth to a sound that mixes majesty, confession, and theatrical flair. The album leans into a cabaret ethos with a touch of big-band swing while keeping the focus squarely on songs that feel alive and immediate. The result is music that invites listeners to linger, reflect, and imagine new possibilities in each listening session.