Gorillaz - "Cracker Island"

Vibing on an island with apes

I need to go back and listen to old Gorillaz albums. I might have been missing out on something.

“Cracker Island” starts out with the title track. At first glance, it’s an upbeat, catchy pop-rock tune that really starts the album on a bright note. The second time through, though, I’ve realized how shallow it is - every line outside of the chorus is exactly the same musical phrase. It’s nowhere near the strong opening that I initially thought.

The second song, “Oil”, isn’t so weak. And features guest vocals from Stevie Nicks. All my homies LOVE Stevie Nicks.

What proceeds from this point is another thirty minutes of slick, competent synth-pop. Several tracks still feature rock elements, but this album leans much more heavily into pop and electronic styles. By the time the fifth track, “New Gold”, rolls around, its inclusion of the talents of Tame Impala feels incredibly appropriate.

Despite the misstep of the opening track, the album carries a vibrant, electric energy throughout its runtime. Even with the slower tracks, such as “Baby Queen”, the imaginative track which leans on Dream/Chamber Pop heavily. It’s a good album. I’m still a bit torn on *how* good, though.

Rating: Teal Green