Laika Come Home cover

Laika Come Home

Gorillaz · 2002

75 min · 14 tracks · alternative rock

A vibrant blend of dub, hip-hop, and experimental sounds that showcases Gorillaz's genre-defying artistry.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Jungle Fresh Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
  • →
    Strictly Rubbadub — This track encapsulates the dub influences permeating the album, with its deep bass lines and rhythmic complexity setting the stage for Gorillaz's eclectic sound.
  • →
    Bañana Baby — Mixing playful lyrics with a laid-back groove, this track highlights the band's signature humor while showcasing their exploration of tropical rhythms.
  • →
    Monkey Racket — An engaging instrumental piece that emphasizes Gorillaz's creativity in sound design, blending samples with live instrumentation in a seamless manner.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

52 /100
Foothills
Higher than 38% of albums we've rated

The album's remix nature offers varied sound explorations but lacks the cohesive flow of original works.

What we noticed

  • Tracks often incorporate layered instrumentation, blending elements of dub and hip-hop with experimental soundscapes.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady rhythmic journey throughout
  • quirky experimentation with sounds
  • playful vibes for casual listening
  • engaging background for socializing

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer straightforward song structures
  • seek instant gratification tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Experimental — It showcases a remix format and genre-blending that departs from their debut.
Themes
dub-infused grooves· tropical soundscapes· multimedia experimentation
Career context
Released on July 1, 2002, 'Laika Come Home' came after the massive success of Gorillaz's self-titled debut album in 2001. This project served as a companion piece to their debut, featuring remixes and alternate versions of tracks while continuing to explore their unique sound. It positioned the band further into the realm of multimedia experiences, solidifying their innovative approach to music.
Stylistic neighbors
Blur· Beastie Boys· Massive Attack

Tracklist

  • 1 Jungle Fresh Start here 5:28
  • 2 Strictly Rubbadub 3:41
  • 3 Bañana Baby 5:29
  • 4 Monkey Racket 5:57
  • 5 De-Punked 5:20
  • 6 P.45 4:26
  • 7 Dub Ø 9 5:17
  • 8 Crooked Dub 5:31
  • 9 Mutant Genius 5:02
  • 10 Come Again 6:04
  • 11 A Fistful of Peanuts 5:53
  • 12 Lil’ Dub Chefin’ 5:42
  • 13 Strictly Rubbadub (Version) 5:06
  • 14 Fistful Of Peanuts (Version) 6:38

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata