The Fall

Their most underappreciated album.

After the disappointing first listen of "Plastic Beach and my quick research of the reputation of this particular album I wasn't expecting to enjoy it as much as I did back in December. There was a good amount of unique and memorable songs that are like nothing else in the entire discography. I was honestly debating whether this or Demon Days was my favorite album of theirs in my initial listen through so far. That thought was shattered as Humanz blew my expectations out of the water as I absolutely fell in love with that album. Still love it to this day!

Back to this album in question I am reviewing it today since I listened to "Amarillo" out of the blue yesterday evening and was reminded of how much I like this album and Gorillaz in general. I should relisten and give it a proper review tomorrow. Well, it's tomorrow and look at what I am typing!

I'm excited to revisit this album to see if my favorites still hold up and if I can gain some new ones. Hopefully nothing falls off cause I absolutely hate the disappointment when that happens. Ok I think I have stated everything for the preamble, so let's get into the meat of things...

Phoner to Arizona:
This introduction to the album gives me all the Kraftwerk vibes in all the best ways. Kinda cheesy pretty fun. Nothing too impressive but it is a good time listening to it. Good stuff!

Revolving Doors:
Like the smooth transition into this song. If you weren't paying attention you would think that this is just the next section of the previous one. Like the combination of the drums and acoustic guitar. The synths come in a bit to pick up the tempo a bit as 2D sings about his time at a foggy day at Boston.

I remember from my quick research that this album was made during the Gorillaz United States tour for Plastic Beach. And that the guy that plays 2D that I forget the name of had a nifty lil gadget that gave him the ability to produce this album on the road to pass the time.

I think part of the reason why the reputation of this album is lower is because it came right out the gate during the hype season of Plastic Beach and the people were expecting something like the sequel to that acclaimed album rather than a simple Album about the daily experience of touring the states with some simple yet interesting production.

Anyways this song is a bit funky and I enjoyed the backing vocals and overall production of this piece. It's real solid stuff.
Again nothing too impressive but not bad at all.

Hillbilly Man:
Is it just me or did 2D lose his voice for this song? It sounds a lot more gragily than usual. I like the bouncy dance music of this track. Like usual the production is on point, and honestly this is getting added to the playlist. I am really enjoying myself with this one! Very fun lil song I recommend you check it out!

Detroit:
Here we have the first song that's already on my playlist, and I can see why. For one there's "DEEEEETROIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIITT!!!!" and there's the real catchy synths which are just so enjoyable. I am guessing that they had a swell day in Detroit cause man is this a whole lot of fun to listen to!

Shy-town:
Whoa that was new. I REALLY like the start to this song it gives off a wistful vibe that I really like. Damn this whole song is like that! I don't know why I didn't add it to my playlist before cause this shit is great! Oh it might be because I thought that it was a bit underwhelming, which is fair if you think the same. The vibes for this one are immaculate in this listen, so it's getting on the list!

Little Pink Plastic Bags:
Again with the silky transitions! Ugh they hit every single time dude, can't get enough of them! This is another favorite of mine. I love how it's inspired by a freaking random plastic bag blowing in the wind. I love random songs like this, especially if they got this kinda vibe. This is honestly the best song so far. I need to learn the words so I can sing along wistfully with 2D. Seems like such a cool song to sing along to while on a road trip. Again the vibes are straight up amazing in this song!

The Joplin Spider:
Ugh another smooth glide into the next song! Ok the synths are a bit obnoxious for this one and I am just not feeling it in general. The weakest offering of the album so far.

The Parish of Space Dust:
This must be a weak part of the album cause I ain't feeling this one either. It's a bit too strange ( not the good kind) for me to buy into.

The Snake in Dallas:
Now here is a strange song that's the good kind! It's so unique and interesting to listen through. So many things are going on to make up this fascinating orchestra that you can't help but listen to it over again to see if you missed out on anything! Great return to form! I think that what's ahead is my favorite part of the album,so I am really excited to hear these songs once again!

Amarillo:
Choo Choo!
God this one is SO SO FUCKING GOOD! It's honestly among the best of the entire discography! I absolutely adore this chill yet melancholic song, and if you haven't checked it out I HIGHLY recommend you do so!

The Speak it Mountains:
It is the Dawn.

This song is so fucking surreal and trippy. That's all I will say. Man they must be in Colorado cause I am getting high just listening to this.

Aspen Forest:
Another pretty surreal song that I absolutely adore. Even better that I can dance to it as well! I wish Gorillaz had more of these kind of songs in their Discography. They are SO GOOD!!!

Bobby in Phoenix(feat. Bobby Womack):
Yoooo. I didn't expect to like this as much as I have. I thought it was going to be underwhelming, but no it totally fits into this fantastic otherworldly part of the album! The Rockies and the west in general really does bring out the best in you. I am starting that this is amongst the best streak of songs of the entire Discography!

California and the Slipping of the Sun:
Uh oh I am starting to think that this album is right there with Humanz as Gorillaz best work. Oh no my unpopular opinions of this band are going to be EVEN MORE unpopular.... Yeah I really like this song as well.

Seattle Yodel:
What a silly lil finish to this amazing album.
I kinda wish it was expanded to a fuller song so the album could have a more satisfying conclusion, but it's not a bad way to finish things off.

Ok WOW. I wasn't expecting to love this album as much as I have. It's such a fun and interesting experience listening through it. The second half of the album is a particular highlight but the first half is no slouch even though it has some weak songs on it. Overall this is a MUST LISTEN if you are a fan of the Gorillaz. It is quite the unique record so don't expect the usual stuff from this. I genuinely believe that this album is not only their most underappreciated album, it might arguably be their best work to date.