What makes Sleeping Powder by Gorillaz notable?

Sleeping Powder is significant for its critical reception, praised for its raw production and lyrical depth. The track's release was accompanied by visual content that reinforced the band's distinctive narrative style, further establishing Gorillaz's influence on contemporary alternative music. Released in 2017, Sleeping Powder emerged during Gorillaz's experimental phase following their 2017 album Humanz. This single marked a notable return to their roots, showcasing a more intimate and lo-fi sound amidst a broader exploration of collaboration and genre fusion.

How many songs are on Sleeping Powder?

Sleeping Powder has 1 track, running approximately 2 minutes.

Sleeping Powder

Gorillaz · 2017

2 min · 1 track · alternative rock

A hazy blend of ethereal synths and introspective lyrics, creating a dreamlike atmosphere that lingers long after the last note.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Sleeping Powder — The title track encapsulates the album's essence with its haunting melody and introspective lyrics, reflecting themes of escapism and vulnerability.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The track's atmospheric quality and introspective lyrics create a unique listening experience.

What we noticed

The track features a slow, steady tempo with layered synths that create a dense, atmospheric soundscape.
Vocals are delivered in a subdued manner, often overlapping with the instrumental elements, enhancing the dreamlike quality.
The song's structure is loose, with minimal repetition and an emphasis on mood over traditional verse-chorus dynamics.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 8/10

Influence 3/10

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.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Experimental — Shows a deliberate departure from established sound, reflecting a more intimate style.
Career context: Released in 2017, Sleeping Powder emerged during Gorillaz's experimental phase following their 2017 album Humanz. This single marked a notable return to their roots, showcasing a more intimate and lo-fi sound amidst a broader exploration of collaboration and genre fusion.
Stylistic neighbors: Blur· Beastie Boys· Massive Attack