Cracker Island is the seventh studio album by British virtual band Gorillaz, released on March 18, 2022, through Parlophone and Warner Records. The album was produced by band members Damon Albarn and Jamie Hewlett, with additional production from a variety of collaborators.
Background and Recording:
Following the release of their previous album, The Now Now, in 2018, Gorillaz spent several years working on Cracker Island. The album was recorded in various locations across the world, including London, Los Angeles, and Jamaica. The recording process was heavily influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic, with much of the album being produced remotely.
Composition and Style:
Cracker Island features 14 tracks that showcase Gorillaz's signature blend of electronica, hip-hop, and rock. The album features a wide variety of collaborators, including Beck, Elton John, St. Vincent, and Tyler, The Creator. Each track on the album explores a different aspect of the band's eclectic sound, with elements of pop, funk, and reggae all making an appearance.
Lyrically, the album explores themes such as identity, isolation, and the human condition, while also incorporating elements of fantasy and escapism. The band's trademark sense of humor is also on full display throughout the album, with many tracks featuring witty and irreverent lyrics.
Reception:
Cracker Island received widespread critical acclaim upon its release, with many critics hailing it as one of Gorillaz's best albums to date. The album debuted at number 2 on the UK Albums Chart and number 7 on the US Billboard 200 chart.
The album was supported by several successful singles, including "The Pink Phantom" featuring Elton John and 6LACK, and "Pac-Man" featuring ScHoolboy Q.
Track Listing:
- "The Valley of The Pagans" (feat. Beck)
- "The Pink Phantom" (feat. Elton John & 6LACK)
- "Aries" (feat. Peter Hook & Georgia)
- "Pac-Man" (feat. ScHoolboy Q)
- "Chalk Tablet Towers" (feat. St. Vincent)
- "The Lost Chord" (feat. Leee John)
- "Momentary Bliss" (feat. Slowthai & Slaves)
- "Opium" (feat. EARTHGANG)
- "Désolé" (feat. Fatoumata Diawara)
- "Strange Timez" (feat. Robert Smith)
- "The Pink Phantom (Alternate Version)" (feat. Elton John & 6LACK)
- "Severed Head" (feat. GoldLink & Unknown Mortal Orchestra)
- "With Love To An Ex" (feat. Moonchild Sanelly)
- "MLS" (feat. JPEGMAFIA & CHAI)
Overall, Cracker Island is a stunning album that showcases Gorillaz's unmatched creativity and experimentation, cementing their status as one of the most innovative and influential bands of their generation.
