What does The Fall sound like?

An experimental collage of sounds that melds electronic beats with abstract narratives and vivid imagery. Rooted in alternative rock and electronic. Start with "Phoner to Arizona".

Is The Fall a good place to start with Gorillaz?

Yes, The Fall is recommended as a starting point for new Gorillaz listeners. An experimental collage of sounds that melds electronic beats with abstract narratives and vivid imagery. By the release of The Fall, Gorillaz was in a transitional phase following their acclaimed album Plastic Beach. This album emerged during a time when frontman Damon Albarn was exploring new creative avenues, having recorded it using an iPad while on tour in North America. The project reflects a spontaneous, experimental approach distinct from previous studio efforts.

The Fall works well if you're into steady mid-tempo pacing throughout, playful beats for casual listening and fragmented narratives spark curiosity.

How many songs are on The Fall?

The Fall has 15 tracks, running approximately 43 minutes.

The Fall

Gorillaz · 2011

43 min · 15 tracks · alternative rock

An experimental collage of sounds that melds electronic beats with abstract narratives and vivid imagery.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Phoner to Arizona Start here — Opening the album with a mix of airy synths and fragmented vocals, this track sets the tone for the overall experimental nature of The Fall.
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Revolving Doors — This track combines hypnotic beats with layered melodies, encapsulating the album's introspective themes while highlighting Albarn's evolving songwriting style.
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Little Pink Plastic Bags — The song features a playful yet critical exploration of consumer culture, balancing upbeat rhythms with thought-provoking lyrics that define the album's quirky essence.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

53 /100

Foothills

Higher than 40% of albums we've rated

The album's experimental nature and unique production methods contribute to its distinctiveness within the genre.

What we noticed

Several tracks utilize unconventional song structures, such as 'Phoner to Arizona,' which shifts between various soundscapes and motifs.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady mid-tempo pacing throughout
playful beats for casual listening
fragmented narratives spark curiosity
lo-fi textures for headphone detail
for afternoon daydreaming

Maybe skip if you

prefer instant gratification tracks
seek high-energy party anthems

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Experimental — The Fall showcases a deliberate departure from Gorillaz's established sound and production methods.
Themes: touring America· iPad experimentation· consumer culture critique
Career context: By the release of The Fall, Gorillaz was in a transitional phase following their acclaimed album Plastic Beach. This album emerged during a time when frontman Damon Albarn was exploring new creative avenues, having recorded it using an iPad while on tour in North America. The project reflects a spontaneous, experimental approach distinct from previous studio efforts.
Stylistic neighbors: Blur· Beastie Boys· Massive Attack