Humanz
by Gorillaz
User Score
7.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 456 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 313 out of 456
  2. Mixed: 98 out of 456
  3. Negative: 45 out of 456
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  1. troytjuh
    Apr 28, 2017
    10
    Just what you would and should expect from a new Gorillaz album: something totally different! It did everything it should: it has a message, it has a reason, it has great production value. Some people complain about it having too much collabs and too little 2D. While i can understand and respect everyone's opinion, i don't think that's a problem. Gorillaz does not equal 2D singing, itJust what you would and should expect from a new Gorillaz album: something totally different! It did everything it should: it has a message, it has a reason, it has great production value. Some people complain about it having too much collabs and too little 2D. While i can understand and respect everyone's opinion, i don't think that's a problem. Gorillaz does not equal 2D singing, it equals quality and original sounds. It does just that in this album.… Expand
  2. AndersonLima
    Apr 28, 2017
    10
    UMA OBRA PRIMA! Eu não poderia estar mais orgulhoso de ver o que a banda se tornou. Gorillaz é isto, é renovação, inovação, competência. Humanz é uma grande festa, onde 2D é o anfitrião, e seus convidados dançam em sua volta, enquanto lá fora o mundo se destrói. Apocalíptico, coerente e MUITO envolvente. A única crítica que deixo é ao exagero de convidados, porém, é interessante ouvirUMA OBRA PRIMA! Eu não poderia estar mais orgulhoso de ver o que a banda se tornou. Gorillaz é isto, é renovação, inovação, competência. Humanz é uma grande festa, onde 2D é o anfitrião, e seus convidados dançam em sua volta, enquanto lá fora o mundo se destrói. Apocalíptico, coerente e MUITO envolvente. A única crítica que deixo é ao exagero de convidados, porém, é interessante ouvir outras vozes na banda, Strobelite é a melhor música do disco pra mim, e nesta o 2D nem canta. Estou encantado! #WEARESTILLHUMANZ… Expand
  3. Bravo514
    May 3, 2017
    10
    Like all Gorillaz albums, this takes a few listens to hook you. Once it does you fall in love with it. When I first listened to the album I felt the same as I have seen many others express, "this doesn't sound like Gorillaz." But then again, what do the Gorillaz sound like?

    At first I thought there were too many featured artists and that the Gorillaz vibe was put on the backburner.    Like all Gorillaz albums, this takes a few listens to hook you. Once it does you fall in love with it. When I first listened to the album I felt the same as I have seen many others express, "this doesn't sound like Gorillaz." But then again, what do the Gorillaz sound like?

    At first I thought there were too many featured artists and that the Gorillaz vibe was put on the backburner. However, after a few listens it is apparent that the Gorillaz vibe is oozing out of this album. A few of my personal favorite tracks include "Charger," "Momentz," and "Out of Body." This album is loaded with great tracks that grow on you.    … Expand
  4. jongabr
    Apr 28, 2017
    10
    Meus amigos... É assim que se faz um LP! São 26 faixas maravilhosas incluindo alguns interlúdios. Muitas participações especiais, músicas futuristas. Muito SOUL, HIP HOP, ROCK... EU amo o Gorillaz!
    As melhores faixas para mim são: Ascension, Saturn Barz, We Got the Power, Andromeda, The Non-conformist Oath (Interlude), Momentz, Busted and Blue, Let me Out, Sex Murder Party, She´s my    Meus amigos... É assim que se faz um LP! São 26 faixas maravilhosas incluindo alguns interlúdios. Muitas participações especiais, músicas futuristas. Muito SOUL, HIP HOP, ROCK... EU amo o Gorillaz!
    As melhores faixas para mim são: Ascension, Saturn Barz, We Got the Power, Andromeda, The Non-conformist Oath (Interlude), Momentz, Busted and Blue, Let me Out, Sex Murder Party, She´s my Collar, Hallelujah Money, New World (Interlude), The Apprentice, Halfway to the Halfway House, Ticker Tape.    … Expand
  5. McGama
    Apr 28, 2017
    10
    I've been a Gorillaz fan since the beginning and this is hands down my favorite. 16 of the 20 songs are EDM, hip hop, or a fusion of both with 7 interludes in between to make this album flow front to back. Andromeda has been stuck in my head like an enigma for a month now with D.R.A.M's soothing vocals and bouncing bass. Benjamin Clementine delivers an absolutely chilling performance inI've been a Gorillaz fan since the beginning and this is hands down my favorite. 16 of the 20 songs are EDM, hip hop, or a fusion of both with 7 interludes in between to make this album flow front to back. Andromeda has been stuck in my head like an enigma for a month now with D.R.A.M's soothing vocals and bouncing bass. Benjamin Clementine delivers an absolutely chilling performance in the protest song "Hallelujah Money" with topical poetry summarizing Drumpf's rise in power. I've heard criticism against the Gorillaz asserting a political view in their music but they have been political in 3 of their previous 4 albums. Gorillaz, the first self titled album, was a project to go against the grain of the music industry by removing the artist to purely showcase the art. Demon Days was a response to 9-11 and the Bush presidency. Plastic Beach was directly about pollution and capitalism. The theme in Humanz is Black Lives Matter and how toxic a Drumpf presidency will be. Another criticism I hear from this album is that the main characters took a back seat to the guest stars but that's exactly the point. It's not about the cartoons this time around... it's about the Humanz. Damon Albarn used his agency in the music industry to highlight black artists and co-produced the album with Twilite Tone who explained the tone of the production: "we chose not to use any analog or any samples, we chose to deal only with electronic instruments and tried to do something modern. Trying to do something new. Not futuristic and not nostalgic. Something RIGHT HERE! NOW! So I believe when you embark on that journey you have the possibility and potential to create something timeless" That was said during an interview at Hot 97... He also mentioned that the mantra they maintained while working on every song was "pain, joy, and urgency". TL;DR Humanz is a party album for the foreseeable doom that's just around the corner and I'm in love with it!… Expand
  6. Icarus_
    Apr 28, 2017
    10
    After 7 long years of waiting,Gorillaz have finally released another studio album. In my opinion, those years were worth the wait. It's good to hear Damon's voice again over the quirky synths that Gorillaz have grown accustomed to. Every song on this record is brilliantly produced and mixed, and for the most part, there were not many lows to this album. Some highs were such tracks likeAfter 7 long years of waiting,Gorillaz have finally released another studio album. In my opinion, those years were worth the wait. It's good to hear Damon's voice again over the quirky synths that Gorillaz have grown accustomed to. Every song on this record is brilliantly produced and mixed, and for the most part, there were not many lows to this album. Some highs were such tracks like Submission, Charger, She's My Collar, and Strobelight. All these tracks had a perfect instrumental for the guest artist it was accompanying such as Strobelight, which shines the light on Peven Everett's soulful R&B voice. Although there were many highs to this record, there were also lows. An example of this is the track Sex Murder Party. Damon's verse is fantastic but, everything else in the track falls flat and feels unfinished in a sense. On the deluxe version of the record, songs like Ticker Tape and The Apprentice are very vibrant and memorable as the others (Out Of Body & Circle Of Friendz) felt unnecessary and bland. Saying all this, Humanz is an outstanding 5th album by virtual band Gorillaz, and I cannot wait for new and upcoming music.… Expand
  7. max15charact
    Apr 28, 2017
    10
    It's weird, it's different, it's Gorillaz at their best.
    It's like people don't remember that Gorillaz always did collaborations. It's always been like that. The interludes help keep the pace going, and the constant EDM feel creates an amazing party atmosphere. I can see myself listening to this album many times.
  8. KillPatrick13
    Apr 30, 2017
    10
    Great album, maybe not as good as plastic beach (my favourite gorillaz album) but AMAZING nonetheless. Can't wait for more music videos, tv show and lore to come out as well! In my honest opinion I'd give it 8.5 or 9 out of 10 and that's just after my first listen. However since the user score is as low as 7, which it definitely deserves higher than, I'm giving it 10 to boost the score.Great album, maybe not as good as plastic beach (my favourite gorillaz album) but AMAZING nonetheless. Can't wait for more music videos, tv show and lore to come out as well! In my honest opinion I'd give it 8.5 or 9 out of 10 and that's just after my first listen. However since the user score is as low as 7, which it definitely deserves higher than, I'm giving it 10 to boost the score.
    UPDATE: After multiple listens this album deserves 10 it's so GOOOOOD    … Expand
  9. Xtoxic711
    Apr 28, 2017
    10
    Okay, let me start off by saying this is another album that took a couple of listens to really get me going, just like The Fall and Demon Days. I've listened to Gorillaz for a long time, and they are a pretty spontaneous group that you can't really guess what their track list is going to sound like. With this heavy-groove track-centered album about the world was ending and it was justOkay, let me start off by saying this is another album that took a couple of listens to really get me going, just like The Fall and Demon Days. I've listened to Gorillaz for a long time, and they are a pretty spontaneous group that you can't really guess what their track list is going to sound like. With this heavy-groove track-centered album about the world was ending and it was just time to party, I was pretty mixed up with how i felt about this album. There were songs that I hated at first like Momentz and Charger and there were songs I listened to more than anything else when I first got my hands on them like She's my Collar, Strobe lite and all of the first 5 released. Trust me when I say this, you may not like it a lot at first, but that is what I feel is so cool about Gorillaz. They always bring new light and new shades of musics and sound that isn't appealing at first, but always leaves me coming back in the end. Check it out.… Expand
  10. dylanhasaids
    Apr 28, 2017
    10
    As with most Gorillaz albums it took a few listens to fully appreciate and catch all of the subtle nifty instruments. The transitions between each songs are some of the most smooth transitions in an album I've ever heard. Overall the album wants to make you get up and dance and that is one of the best feelings.
  11. Emerald55
    Apr 29, 2017
    10
    I really love it . There is no Song on this thing that i dislike. It's pretty hard to describe the Gorillaz but this Album makes it even harder for me .You have Songs like "Strobelite" which are crazy party tunes and then you have songs like "Busted and Blue" which make you feel very depressed . It's just a really awesome experience
  12. thatkidnoneliks
    Apr 30, 2017
    10
    This has to be by far one of their best albums. Some people might disagree but im sure those are the people that has heard this album only once. Listening a second time will have you hooked. Busted and Blue, Charger, She's my collar and Momentz is by far my favorite tracks in this album and they're also some of my favorite tracks from all of Gorillaz work
  13. Swiszcz
    May 1, 2017
    10
    Great album, where every song is "different". 7 years of waiting was worth it. highly recommend this album. Great work, Gorillaz. I'm not disappointed.
  14. SIYDLFILLY
    Dec 28, 2017
    10
    An album with the theme of the world right now. It's like a party to the end of the world. YES!
  15. itshmichelle
    Jan 23, 2020
    10
    Nghe rất lạ tai và hoàn toàn độc lạ hơn so với Gorillaz từ bấy giờ. Humanz gồm những bài mà mình cho là khá experimental và mạo hiểm nhưng Damon đã làm rất rất tốt :)
  16. Fishyman69
    Aug 2, 2022
    10
    So good... The songs are the best and this is one of the best Gorillaz albums ever.
  17. ReubenIsAGod
    Apr 29, 2017
    9
    Humanz is a very hard, very subversive listen. It is very much part of this proto-punk faze of hip hop and indie rap that seems to be slowly being much more prevalent within more mainstream acts...and you know what, regardless of this bizarre unorthodox and very surrealist poppy take, I actually really dig it.

    Its bold. Its different, and it just sticks with you. It almost reminds me of    Humanz is a very hard, very subversive listen. It is very much part of this proto-punk faze of hip hop and indie rap that seems to be slowly being much more prevalent within more mainstream acts...and you know what, regardless of this bizarre unorthodox and very surrealist poppy take, I actually really dig it.

    Its bold. Its different, and it just sticks with you. It almost reminds me of something along the lines of Led Zepplins self-titled album. That thing was divisive as all hell when first released. Critics and audience just didn't resonate with the content. Yet overtime it became this classic within the hard-rock genre. I strangely see Gorillaz Humanz very much being much more important and impactful as the years go by.

    Its just this very different, very strange, and very poppy beast that seems to try and tackle this theme of difference and individualism. The celebration, yet also tragic story, of how us humans struggle so hard to respect and treat each other as equals, and fight, attack, kill and hate for no real reason.

    I do feel as if also Damon taking a seat back to let the other artists take over for different tracks is also a bonus, we get to see this different side of humanity NOT from his perspective, but the perspective of many adding to this very complicated intriguing listen. It all does add to the idea of identity of which the album tries to tackle and grasp.

    I actually really **** love this album. But i can definitely see where the criticism is coming from and respect the fact that this is totally not for everybody.    … Expand
  18. anthony711
    May 8, 2017
    9
    It took me a few listenings to completely fall in love with this record, but now I can't stop listening. It is truly "the soundtrack for the party at the end of the world". A natural and nice continuation of Gorillaz's career.
  19. Animase91
    May 13, 2017
    9
    I'm awestruck by this album. Some of the sounds in this are nectar to the ears, and the rap features are really well done, and I liked them a lot since I'm a big hip hop head. My favorite song is easily Andromeda with DRAM. All of the songs are memorable and it's definitely inspired me to look at their older stuff for sure!
  20. MisterLim
    Apr 28, 2017
    9
    In a show of political horrors that mixes disappointment, constant fear and reflections on modernity, Humanz synthesizes these themes and take them to the stars through intelligent Interludes and well vocalized metaphors. It's a memorable conceptual work that transports the listener to a chaotic and tragic scenario, but where there's still hope. A authentic political album.
  21. CoolSmek
    May 1, 2017
    9
    This album took a few listens through to eventually grow on me. I love the performances on this album, all the featured artists were given free range it feels. I love Damon Albarn's singing on this album as well (where you can find it) Damon is not a big standout performer on this album (exception on Busted and Blue, absolutely love that track, best tack on the whole album), but where youThis album took a few listens through to eventually grow on me. I love the performances on this album, all the featured artists were given free range it feels. I love Damon Albarn's singing on this album as well (where you can find it) Damon is not a big standout performer on this album (exception on Busted and Blue, absolutely love that track, best tack on the whole album), but where you hear 2D's singing, its just as good as ever.

    It's a bit of a different album for Gorillaz from a couple standpoints. For one, it is the most inconsistently consistent album I've heard from them (let me explain). There is an overall mood that stays relatively consistent throughout the entire listen, which I would describe as dark, blown-out, harsh, dissonant, but these elements are handled in such a way that it doesn't harm the listening experience. These elements create a mood or story for the album. The other side is how each track is handled individually. On a track by track basis, most tracks are very enjoyable. My favorites are: Ascension, Saturn Barz, Strobelight, Submission, Charger, Andromeda, Busted and Blue, Carnival, Let me Out, Sex Murder Party, She's My Collar, Hallelujah Money, and The Apprentice. Most the album is very good!

    The other part that makes this a different project for Gorillaz is the variation on the instrumentation. Plastic beach had a very wide range of instruments being used, while on Humanz it stays closer to electronic and hip-hop. I think it does the project a favor, the album feels like it has more of a statement to make that plastic beach did.

    I keep coming back to a specific word to use for this album and it's "dark pop". It's synthy, it's energetic, it's moody, it's got a statement to make. It makes you want to get up and dance ironically while the rest of the world goes crazy. I don't think this album will be taking over Demon Days or anything like that as far as popularity, but it's exactly what I wanted from a new Gorillaz project: keep surprising us, keep making music that makes me think and giving us an experience I've never had before.    … Expand
  22. Mizuru
    May 9, 2017
    9
    Gorillaz has some new concept that differs this album from another ones, Humanz have a lot of collaboration's with... well... humans; the concept is good, but the fans was hoping hear Damon Albarn voice more (well... I can assume I was willing to hear more of his voice too).

    Highlights: Ascension, Let Me Out, Momentz, Out Of Body, Saturn Barz, Sex Murder Party, She's My Collar,    Gorillaz has some new concept that differs this album from another ones, Humanz have a lot of collaboration's with... well... humans; the concept is good, but the fans was hoping hear Damon Albarn voice more (well... I can assume I was willing to hear more of his voice too).

    Highlights: Ascension, Let Me Out, Momentz, Out Of Body, Saturn Barz, Sex Murder Party, She's My Collar, Strobelite.

    My Score: 9/10. A triumphant return from: The Fall, album. Lot of tracks with a hidden concept behind, just loved it, It's has that spicy tunes that only Damon Albarn can create.    … Expand
  23. Fancypantser
    Oct 8, 2017
    9
    This album requires multiple listens to come into full view. Yes, it is more incoherent than previous albums, but we live in incoherent times, and each Gorillaz album seems to capture the feeling of the times. I have slowly fallen in love with it, and have been listening to it on repeat.
  24. maningrey
    Sep 16, 2018
    9
    After brake Gorillaz are back with again totally different album and it's so much cool.
  25. MrJulian_
    Nov 12, 2020
    9
    This is by far the Best Gorillaz Album i've heard so far! i don't unserstand why some People think it's a Bad Album, yes it's different, but that's the Reason why i love it!
  26. MikaBeeWall
    May 14, 2017
    8
    This album matches up with their previous work.
    This album has a few boring, unmemorable or lame songs on it (carnival, We got the power, Sex murder party.)
    but when it has a good track THAT TRACK IS GOOD here's a score out of ten for every track on this album. (not including the interludes) ASCENSION: 9/10 STEROBILITE: 8/10 SATURNZ BARZ: 10/10 MOMENTZ: 8/10 SUBMISSION: 9/10    This album matches up with their previous work.
    This album has a few boring, unmemorable or lame songs on it (carnival, We got the power, Sex murder party.)
    but when it has a good track THAT TRACK IS GOOD here's a score out of ten for every track on this album. (not including the interludes)
    ASCENSION: 9/10
    STEROBILITE: 8/10
    SATURNZ BARZ: 10/10
    MOMENTZ: 8/10
    SUBMISSION: 9/10
    CHARGER: 10/10 (my personal favorite)
    ANDROMEDA: 8/10
    BUSTED AND BLUE: 9/10
    CARNIVAL: 5/10
    LET ME OUT: 7/10
    SEX MURDER PARTY: 6/10
    SHE'S MY CALLER: 8/10
    HALLELUJAH MONEY: 10/10
    WE GOT THE POWER: 6/10

    EXACT ALBUM SCORE CALCULATED WITH DIVISION AND ADDITION IS (personal opinion) (rounded to the nearest 1) 8.1/10    … Expand
  27. G_Brabbs
    Apr 28, 2017
    8
    Humanz comes across more like a series of sketches than a coherent album, which is both one of its biggest draws and one of its biggest flaws. It certainly works nicely, and creates a vivid world. There's no shortage of ideas, but there certainly isn't anything as immediate or catchy as some of the songs from Demon Days and the self-titled record. Overall though, it is a hugely enjoyableHumanz comes across more like a series of sketches than a coherent album, which is both one of its biggest draws and one of its biggest flaws. It certainly works nicely, and creates a vivid world. There's no shortage of ideas, but there certainly isn't anything as immediate or catchy as some of the songs from Demon Days and the self-titled record. Overall though, it is a hugely enjoyable album, and the features all put in tremendous performances.… Expand
  28. Grooby
    Apr 30, 2017
    8
    Not gorrilaz best album, but it's definitely a must listen. The production on this album sounds like nothing they have done in the past, and in saying that "Humanz" is probably the most dazzling album they have ever created. Tracks like "Strobelight " have amazing vocals by Peven Everett with a beat that sounds like an 80's underground dance club in outer space. Then we have the trackNot gorrilaz best album, but it's definitely a must listen. The production on this album sounds like nothing they have done in the past, and in saying that "Humanz" is probably the most dazzling album they have ever created. Tracks like "Strobelight " have amazing vocals by Peven Everett with a beat that sounds like an 80's underground dance club in outer space. Then we have the track Andromeda which as production as if it was recorded on a mothership from the milky- way. And my personal favourtie "Carnival" which has outstanding vocals and has a mind-blowing production. That triple bass transition gets me every time. So in my final verdict, Gorrilaz have done better before, but they have never made an album like this. It's as if Gorillaz were born again. Anyways, a must listen :)… Expand
  29. remijn
    Apr 29, 2017
    8
    There are clear positive and negative sides to this album. Gorillaz haven't lost their eccentric and racy sound, and Damon certainly know how to keep a consistent feel to an album, while still jumping from genre to genre. The album does seem absolutely soaked in collaborations, but the sound of the individual tracks isn't really affected by this. The music does, however, lack realThere are clear positive and negative sides to this album. Gorillaz haven't lost their eccentric and racy sound, and Damon certainly know how to keep a consistent feel to an album, while still jumping from genre to genre. The album does seem absolutely soaked in collaborations, but the sound of the individual tracks isn't really affected by this. The music does, however, lack real instruments, like drums and guitars. The songs are really catchy, and Humanz has a pretty clear story and concept, although it isn't used and applied to the extent that it could have been. Even though I see the flaws and shortcomings on this album, I still enjoy listening to it and certainly appreciate the amount of work put into it.… Expand
  30. HGorillaz
    May 2, 2017
    8
    I've been waiting a Gorillaz comeback since "The Fall" and this album is totally worth it. Although some people hate the album but for me, it's another "Demon Days" but there are 2 things that I don't like from the album: Heavy collaborations on all tracks and political overcharged.
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Awards & Rankings

18
#18 Most Discussed Album of 2017
31
#31 Most Shared Album of 2017

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 32 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 29 out of 32
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 32
  3. Negative: 0 out of 32
  1. Mixmag
    Jun 5, 2017
    80
    If you’re a fan, you won’t be disappointed. ... If you’re new to the zoo, prepare for a 20-track musical trip you won’t forget in a hurry.
    Read full review
  2. Resident Advisor
    May 15, 2017
    70
    The lyrics on Humanz might be Gorillaz's darkest, but the album has lots of bright music.
    Read full review
  3. The Telegraph (UK)
    May 11, 2017
    80
    Humanz is a giddy celebration of unity in difference, the sound of eccentrics, weirdos, outsiders and freaks partying together in defiance of convention. It is music where anything goes, as long as it’s got a groove and a heart.
    Read full review
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