Fri Aug 18 2023
3
So every time Damon Albarn has a jam session with someone, is it gonna show up on the list?
This is a Random Album Generator.
One album a day.
From the book 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die.
The Good, The Bad & The Queen
The Good, The Bad & The Queen
2007
- Album Summary
The Good, the Bad & the Queen is the debut studio album by the English supergroup the Good, the Bad & the Queen, comprising Damon Albarn, Paul Simonon, Simon Tong and Tony Allen, and produced by Danger Mouse. The album was released in January 2007. The album debuted at number two in the UK Albums Chart and was certified Gold in the UK within days of its release despite little media recognition and airplay. In the United States, the album entered the Billboard 200 at No. 49. It is stated that the record is, in a sense, a concept album, as its songs are all themed around modern life in London. It was described by Albarn as "a song cycle that's also a mystery play about London" in an interview with Mojo.
Reviews
Like a review? Give it a thumb up to help us display relevant reviews!
Sort by:
Top
Date
Thu Aug 24 2023
4
I had never heard of this band so as soon as I heard Damon albarns voice I guessed that it was another one of his projects just like the gorillaz or blur or something but apparently it’s the 2000s art rock version of blues traveler, which is pretty cool. I had the same reaction to this as I normally do to Frank Sinatra/big band stuff in that I thought it was totally fun and pleasant all around even though nothing really stuck out to me. The first track and Herculean were my favs.
Mon Aug 21 2023
1
Rancid. Has to be one of the worst 'supergroup' experiments that ever came to light. Damon Albarn has the most grey, most boring, most featureless singing voice imaginable.
Thu Aug 24 2023
5
10/10 I FCUKING LOVE DAMON ALBARN
Fri Aug 18 2023
5
Really like this album, and it is holding up well. Each member of the band brings something special to the ensemble, and there's a pleasing amount of space in the mix where you can hear and appreciate each individual part as well as the whole. I first hear this when it came out, was already a fan of Damon Albarn & Danger Mouse, who produced it, and it led me to becoming a big fan especially of Tony Allen as well - his drumming really stands out and is a defining feature of their sound.
Mon Aug 28 2023
5
Dunno how I originally stumbled across this but I've been a fan for like 15+ years now. Love hearing the Gorrilaz guy do something a bit different.
Wed Sep 13 2023
5
better than Gorillaz
Wed Sep 13 2023
5
how is this so good 9/10
Sat Sep 23 2023
5
Brilliant album. Another masterpiece by Damon
Sun Oct 08 2023
5
Very cool!
Sat Nov 11 2023
5
Didn't have to listen to this to give it a 5. Probably one of Damon Albarn's top 3 albums of any of his projects. I love this! The atmosphere; the British 80's come to life. The instrumentations (the bass playing by Simonon), the song writing, lyrics and melodies and the production are great!
Tue Nov 21 2023
5
Ya decía yo que la voz me sonaba ...
Tue Nov 28 2023
5
The Good, The Good & The Good
Sun Aug 20 2023
4
4.0
Thu Aug 24 2023
4
Yes
Sun Aug 27 2023
4
This was a lot of fun. I marked it for further listening later on. Did they call the queen ugly? Feels like they called the queen ugly. Best track: Kingdom of Doom
Wed Aug 30 2023
4
Hadn’t heard this one in ages. One of the better albums I’ve had recommended to me!
Thu Aug 31 2023
4
Coming off from one of his most commercially and critically successful albums, Gorillaz’s Demon Days, it’s surprising that Damon Albarn would go in a more Baroque-esque direction on his next album but it ends up working remarkably well Favourite tracks: History Song, Northern Whale, Kingdom of Doom, Herculean, Nature Springs, Three Changes
Wed Sep 06 2023
4
That was a delightful surprise. Exceptional musicianship, great performances, and out-of-this-world production. The only reason this doesn't get a full-5 score is because several of the songs feel like they're... stuck. They build tension and feel like they're heading to a climactic bridge or something... but never quite get anywhere. They just fizzle and stop. They're great songs. But they don't go anywhere. I really did enjoy the hell out of this. I just wish the band hadn't been content to just let these songs circle the hole without ever sinking the putt.
Fri Sep 08 2023
4
I liked it. The songs had variety and managed to keep my interest throughout. There's not much more to say about it than that.
Tue Sep 19 2023
4
Un dels pocs treballs editats per supergrups creats per l'ocasió que realment mereix la pena i la seva transcedència en el temps. Les personalitats dels seus components s'aglutinen en un sol caràcter de pop independent, amb una sonoritat lànguida però efervescent i amb temes tan bons com 'History Song', 'Kingdom of Doom' o 'Behind the Sun'
Thu Sep 21 2023
4
Pretty sick
Fri Sep 22 2023
4
Damon Albarn and I once groomed a young vole together. We washed it, clipped it's claws and styled its hair. We also chatted it up online, posing as other voles and fucked it when it was underage .
Fri Sep 29 2023
4
First, I gotta say that this album makes the case for the online 1001 generator vs. the various print editions. This particular record is apparently on some versions of the list, but not on all, as it wasn't on the spreadsheet I made from the version I've been working through. It's a cool record! I find it interesting and odd that it was dropped, but conversely, I've heard a lot of weird conversations online that the print editions have a lot of churn on the more recent selections, but the early material from the 1950s through the 1970s or so is basically left alone due to technical constraints i.e. the publisher doesn't want to completely repaginate the print edition when early pages are changed, so the author just leaves them alone, and when new stuff comes out that has to be included, it's usually something from the 1990s or 2000s that gets the axe. A shame, but again, thank you for the 1001 generator for having an exhaustive list including every record that's been in any edition -- I think that's correct, anyway. Anyhow, I only got four tracks into this and was like "OK, cool stuff, band I've never heard of, definitely glad that it was on the 1001". Oddly folky and psychedelic. A really great mishmash. (Much better inclusion on the list than the seventh Byrd album, or however many there are.)
Fri Oct 06 2023
4
Stile da sigla di 'Peaky Blinders'
Fri Oct 06 2023
4
It was just a good album. Quite enjoyable. "The Good, The Bad & The Queen" (the song, not to be confused with the album or the band) is a great final song to close the album.
Sun Oct 08 2023
4
They throw a lot of different styles at you early, the one constant being Damon Albarn's voice. I was wondering when I was going to hear something that would hint that Paul Simonon was playing bass or that TonyAllen (of all people) was on drums. Finally, "The Bunting Song" featured some reggae-inflected bass and the drumming started to loosen up on the next track, "Nature Springs". This is a creative effort, nicely produced with well-written songs and I may check-out their follow-up, which came out a decade later. I'm listening to the MC recommended "Go Back" which I agree is a great song! Maybe Spotify sent it to me because it was on hi-rotation at the Chung residence?
Tue Oct 10 2023
4
It definitely has a singular vibe - I can see that this would get old to some people, but I really like it. I'm a big fan of Danger Mouse's production (I wonder how many albums he has produced on this list), and more than anything I think it's an interesting album from his body of work.
Tue Oct 10 2023
4
This album missed me when it was released. I enjoyed it.
Fri Oct 13 2023
4
4/5 Solid, but samey
Mon Oct 16 2023
4
I've enjoyed most of Damon Albarn's projects over the years. This one isn't the most exciting, but it's still a solid album throughout.
Mon Oct 23 2023
4
I had completely forgotten about this Damon Albarn (plus random other luminaries - The Clash! Fela Kuti! The Verve!) side-project. Like a weird cross between Blur and Gorillaz - how about that then? Some great stuff, Damon always impresses me with his enthusiasm.
Thu Oct 26 2023
4
Surprised to see this pop up. I can’t help but think there are other, more ‘essential’ 21st century albums that could’ve been included in its place. Don’t get me wrong, I own it on CD and think it’s really good. Like most Albarn projects it’s stuffed full of pretty melodies, and there are a handful of real gems here, like the aptly titled Herculean. The production is good too - it’s got a slightly rustic quality that brings to mind England’s past, but it’s not clear exactly when. For this project I’ll cap my score at 3.5 but for personal enjoyment it would be a solid 4.
Thu Oct 26 2023
4
Not The Music I expected when I saw the album cover. I still like it. I don’t know if it deserves a 4. And I thought that I recognized the voice! It was Damon Albarn (front singer of Blur)
Wed Nov 01 2023
4
Never heard of these guys either. Wow jk this is definitely Damon Albarn. This dude is insane he non-stop works. I wonder how he decides what's going to be solo, Blur, Gorillaz, or this. Love him though. Pretty excited now! Have this on in the background while working but I am digging it about halfway through. Crazy good production from Danger Mouse here. Damn the Good the Bad and the Queen song fucking rules. I can't wait to check more of these guys out.
Wed Nov 01 2023
4
I wish I would have paid better attention to this while I was listening because from what I heard I really liked it. The singer from the Gorillaz has a great voice to go along with instrumentals like this. I really like Three Changes and the title track to end it with the anxiety building breakdown for the last few minutes was a cool way to end the album. I will have to listen to this again to really pay attention but it was a great album all around.
Fri Nov 03 2023
4
you're not going to make me hate damon albarn
Fri Nov 03 2023
4
damon albarn has a very distinct voice so obviously this was gonna sound a little gorillaz-y at points. i love gorillaz though so it’s great! very nice fall listen
Tue Nov 07 2023
4
Solid
Wed Nov 08 2023
4
Best wel chill
Thu Nov 09 2023
4
Really liked this, its like a secret gorillaz project. The outro track is HUGEEEE.
Thu Nov 09 2023
4
These superbands always get me. I can't argue
Fri Nov 17 2023
4
It’s like the Gorillaz if they went the indie rock/folk band rock.
Sat Nov 18 2023
4
This was a trip! I enjoyed the sound, and the album is an interesting musical journey. Interesting and entertaining.
Sat Nov 18 2023
4
The album immediately caught my attention. Every few tracks I would have a thought that the novelty had worn off and that the rest of the album would be a slog. But then the next track always seemed to bring just enough intrigue to keep me interested.
Sat Nov 18 2023
4
This was fun listening. I enjoyed it.
Mon Nov 20 2023
4
Never heard of them before. First listen. Genre: Art Rock 2007 Singles: -------------------------------------------- Herculean: #22 UK Kingdom of Doom: #20 UK Green Fields: #51 UK Standouts: Herculean, Kingdom of Doom, 80's Life Others: Green Fields, History Song, Behind the Sun, Nature Springs, The Good The Bad and the Queen. 3.5/5
Tue Aug 15 2023
3
If I had heard this album anywhere else, I would never have guessed it was one of the 1,001 albums. I would've betted on it being some promising young indie band who hadn't quite fulfilled their potential yet. This band have a distinctive sound. I appreciated how they drew influence from the styles of last century but with a modern edge to it. The lyricism was decent too, I just felt that most of the songs weren't particularly interesting. There were a couple of songs I liked, though. The last track was a huge letdown. I saw it was over 6 minutes and was hoping for something really epic. However, it was mostly just the same boring, uninspired instrumental for ages and ages. Favourite tracks: Kingdom Of Doom, Behind The Sun
Fri Aug 18 2023
3
Sounds understandably a lot like Gorillaz, but not quite as good
Fri Aug 18 2023
3
Kinda nice and has some neat elements, but fell a bit flat in the end. I got nothin'.
Fri Aug 18 2023
3
3.5
Thu Aug 24 2023
3
Quite nice. Sort of Oasisy
Mon Aug 28 2023
3
Sounds good
Thu Aug 31 2023
3
Pop-rock sin contemplaciones. A veces más intenso, en otras, más falto de intensidad. No me ha aportado nada especial
Sun Sep 03 2023
3
blur goes radiohead?
Wed Sep 06 2023
3
Art rock. Ni fu ni fa.
Wed Sep 06 2023
3
Pretty dope
Fri Sep 08 2023
3
The Good, The Bad & The Queen are a British supergroup (plus Tony Allen on drums) that mostly sound like Blur or Gorillaz leftovers. It's also worth noting that Danger Mouse is on production here was part of the band's inception. The thing about supergroups is that the name implies a sort of meeting of the minds. The greatest musicians of our time coming together and making magic, so to speak. I have two points to challenge this idea: 1. Successful songwriting requires that all (or most) members of a band have good chemistry and are on the same page about the kind of music they're making, and 2. Members of currently-active bands might be more keen to save their best songs for their more well-known bands. Hence my issues with this album. Damon Albarn would have been in between Gorillaz albums when recording The Good, The Bad & The Queen and I have no doubt that the better/more interesting songs went to Plastic Beach sessions instead. The Good, the Bad & the Queen is not a bad album, but it's certainly not an interesting one. I only mention Albarn because he would've been the only member who was still with an active project. Paul Simonon had only been doing guest spots through the 2000's, and Simon Tong was effectively a Gorillaz studio guitarist after The Verve called it quits in 1999. Tony Allen is a different story since he effectively achieved legendary status after his work with Fela Kuti & The Africa 70, so he would end up drumming for a few notable names in addition to his solo work. What surprises me how sparse the drums can be on this album. On occasion, Allen is replaced by a goddamn drum machine which feels like a slap in the face. I understand the somber atmosphere that is being achieved here, but if I had Allen behind the drums I would want each song to be a groove-focused with undeniable rhythm. You don't get much of that here. I'll say that it actually picks up near the end, so it's worth sticking it out. This is especially true for the closing track, which is distinctly their best song.
Mon Sep 11 2023
3
Initially I like the vibe but ultimately I found the album a bore. Not bad, I do like to overall sound, I just didn't find anything that would make me come back. Or that necessitated a first listen, tbh. 2.5 rounding up for the album art.
Wed Sep 13 2023
3
C'était un bon album, on voyait vraiment beaucoup l'influence de Damon Albarn dessus. Généralement très bien fait, bonnes compositions, sons variés, pas vraiment de moments faibles, mais rien qui m'a wow non plus. 7/10
Sun Sep 17 2023
3
Generally enjoyable but didn't blow me away or anything. Little bit tepid feeling at times.
Tue Sep 19 2023
3
Decent to good rock, bit too long but in the end missing maybe one or two standout songs
Tue Sep 19 2023
3
Nicely produced mix of sounds but lifeless
Fri Sep 22 2023
3
The good, the bad and the okay.
Fri Sep 22 2023
3
the sum of the parts really should have made this better than it is. the dubby bits were really good but its so fucking wet in parts. seeing as how the new blur album has come out its pretty apparent where the limp element of this outfit comes from. different singer and this could have been great.
Sun Sep 24 2023
3
Today the fault's mine: I feel as driven as unable to given Albarn some original due. The start's stronger than the more usual material; The group seems most interesting as an example of Damon's orbits, less bombastic from within. But the playing's good, even if the human rhythm section is pleasantly buried by Danger Mouse.
Tue Sep 26 2023
3
OK. Some interesting moments.
Sun Oct 01 2023
3
Better than expected. First song is a banger. 3.5/5.
Sun Oct 01 2023
3
Love albarn, but this album isn't really for me.
Mon Oct 02 2023
3
Sounded like a throwback recording. Was very surprised to note a 2007 release.
Sun Oct 08 2023
3
With an all star cast, I had high hopes for this, they even have Damon Albarn and Tony Allen who I love. Those two knock it out of the park with “Go back” check it out If you haven’t heard it, it’s fantastic. They also have Danger Mouse producing the album but somehow all the talent doesn’t seem to gel. There’s nothing really that resonates here for me. Pity.
Wed Oct 11 2023
3
Does this get a look in on this list if it's not by a supergroup? Probably not. I quite like the album, it's fine, but nothing special really. The singles are decent enough (if a bit insipid), but the real highlight is the closer. It feels like all the energy that's missing from the first 11 songs got sucked out and put into the second half of this one, it's brilliant. Otherwise, if you've not listened to this before, I wouldn't strongly recommend you do now. That last song pulls it up to a 3/5.
Fri Oct 13 2023
3
3,5
Sun Oct 15 2023
3
Kinda enjoyed
Wed Oct 18 2023
3
Boring
Thu Oct 19 2023
3
Always enjoy a Damon Albarn project, and with the rest of the lineup being an impressive collection of musicians/producers, this was bound to be a winner for me. Wish Tony Allen had a bit more to do percussion-wise. Did wonder how much input the collaborators had with this project, as it reminds me of other Damon Albarn solo albums. Will definitely dig in again. Good stuff.
Fri Oct 20 2023
3
Pretty standard “indie” stuff. Kinda just sounds like my least favorite Gorillaz songs over and over again. Overuse of sampling and effects.
Fri Oct 20 2023
3
Het zeurt een beetje door.
Fri Oct 20 2023
3
Damon kan bij mij niet zoveel fout doen. Al kan het wel allemaal een tikkie spannender dan deze plaat.
Sat Oct 21 2023
3
Hi Damon, how are you?
Sun Oct 22 2023
3
Damon Albarn seems like a good enough bloke, he's on my living room wall, afterall. But I just don't love his voice. Don't think I'm cool enough to get this, like all of his stuff
Mon Oct 23 2023
3
I saw The Good, The Bad & The Queen perform this album live at JB's in Dudley in 2007. My main memory of the gig is how cool Paul Simonon looked strutting around the stage playing bass. Overall this is a decent Damon Albarn art indie curio, but it's not all that memorable. I also never previously got the 'London' concept, but am glad that the band/album name now makes sense (they all live in London). Rating: 3/5 Playlist track: Kingdom of Doom Date listened: 22/10/23
Mon Oct 23 2023
3
A cruisey new discovery.
Wed Oct 25 2023
3
A solid 3.5 in my book
Fri Oct 27 2023
3
Some big names in this production. A hidden gem
Mon Oct 30 2023
3
Not bad at all.
Tue Oct 31 2023
3
Heard about these at the time and as a Blur fan I should have been interested but of the little I heard nothing stuck. Pretty similar experience this time around. Although some songs are musically interesting, there's not really a song. The best parts of several tracks seem to be when Damon finishes singing. If you're not going to bother writing a melody just do an instrumentals album. I'm not really picking up any Tony Allen afrobeats, which is a shame. There's a couple of dub-influenced tracks which are quite good. Overall one I found relatively diverting while listening but can't say I'll go back. Yep. Got to the end and can't say I'll need to listen to that again.
Wed Nov 01 2023
3
Listened Before? No Album Art: 2 / 5 (western font in line with the movie reference with a burning city backdrop. doesn't do much to grab the eye.. no idea what to expect) I was anticipating something more "disruptive" sounding based on the cover, but this opens with some dub-infused indie with a singer similar to Damon Albarn (jk it is Damon Albarn :P). The backing organ provides some interesting depth and creates a lived-in atmosphere. Off to a fine start. 80s Life throws away the dub in favor of a key-led song styled after an 80s slow dance. Pretty key work; pretty song. Northern Whale sounds like a super pared down Gorillas song. Heavy wall of bass with some layered sprinkling keys and harmonization. I like the song with the psych effects thrown on top (reverb, echo). A lot of the rest of the album kind of bleeds together for me. I enjoyed it being there, but didn't find too too much that peaked my interest. I'm a middle of the pack 3 / 5. Added to Library? Yes Songs Added to Playlists: - Northern Whale (sunny-vibes)
Fri Nov 03 2023
3
I really enjoyed this and I listened to a lot of gorillas after. Interesting story behind the band. The Brit’s really love singing about the Brit’s
Fri Nov 03 2023
3
I am going to have to give this another listen because I just had it playing in the background while I worked and wasn't paying attention to which song was which. I did stop what I was doing once and thought, this song is really good. On the other hand, I stopped to think, this song is trash, more than once. Or maybe I shouldn't waste any more time on this album and just go live my life.
Fri Nov 03 2023
3
this was one of the albums of all time
Wed Nov 08 2023
3
A bit mixed, but overall enjoyable
Wed Nov 08 2023
3
Rock
Thu Nov 09 2023
3
It was okay. Expected more from such a stacked band. Nothing really wowed me on this one
Wed Nov 15 2023
3
Not a bad one. Not great dither but easy to listen to and sounded like guy from girillaz.
Thu Nov 16 2023
3
There's nothing special about this album other than the name "Damon Albarn". Guess that's all it takes for certain folks.
Fri Nov 17 2023
3
It's OK final song was the best one.
Sat Nov 18 2023
3
I feel hard to impress right now. This did very little for me.
Sun Nov 19 2023
3
Pretty good, but for the life of me, I will not remember this.
Mon Nov 20 2023
3
Not sure why this is on this list