Song Machine, Season One: Strange Timez
Gorillaz · 2020
42 min · 11 tracks · alternative rock
A genre-blurring tapestry of eclectic sounds, featuring collaborations that push the boundaries of contemporary pop and electronic music.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Strange Timez Start here — Featuring Robert Smith, this track exemplifies the fusion of nostalgic rock elements with modern electronic production, creating a compelling dialogue between past and present.
-
→
The Valley of The Pagans — This collaboration with Beck merges playful lyrics and infectious melodies, highlighting Gorillaz's knack for blending diverse musical styles into a cohesive sound.
-
→
Désolé — With its poignant themes and Malian artist Fatoumata Diawara's soulful vocals, this track brings an international flair that reflects the album’s global influences.
-
→
Momentary Bliss — Featuring slowthai and Slaves, the energetic punk-infused beat paired with sharp social commentary makes this an urgent highlight on the album.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's eclectic collaborations and genre-blurring sound create a distinctive yet cohesive experience.
What we noticed
- Several tracks incorporate unexpected tempo changes, such as 'The Pink Phantom,' which shifts from a slow ballad to a more upbeat section.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. 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 mid-tempo listening experience
- vibrant collaborations throughout album
- introspective moments for reflection
- engaging narrative through tracks
Maybe skip if you
- prefer instant gratification tracks
- seek high-energy party anthems
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Experimental — Continues innovative sound with diverse collaborations, pushing boundaries in contemporary music.
- Themes
- global collaboration· nostalgic rock fusion· social commentary urgency
- Career context
- Released in 2020, 'Song Machine, Season One: Strange Timez' marks Gorillaz's return after their critically acclaimed album 'Humanz' from 2017. This project continues their innovative approach to music by emphasizing collaboration with various artists across genres, emphasizing their evolution into a multimedia platform rather than just a traditional band.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Blur· Beastie Boys· Massive Attack
Tracklist
- 1 Strange Timez Start here 3:47
- 2 The Valley of The Pagans 3:01
- 3 The Lost Chord 4:03
- 4 Pac-Man 3:12
- 5 Chalk Tablet Towers 3:02
- 6 The Pink Phantom 4:13
- 7 Aries 4:13
- 8 Friday 13th 3:35
- 9 Dead Butterflies 4:33
- 10 Désolé 5:33
- 11 Momentary Bliss 3:41
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
ANIMA
Thom Yorke
Explores similar electronic textures and emotional depth through innovative soundscapes and layered production.
The Slow Rush
Tame Impala
Combines eclectic influences with a lush sonic palette, reflecting on time and nostalgia in a modern context.
Magdalene
FKA twigs
Merges art pop and electronic elements with profound storytelling and emotional vulnerability in collaboration-heavy tracks.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.