Reviews (page 6 of 7)
I'm not usually a fan of albums by supergroups because I don't think they work - too many egos. THis album just doesn't rock my boat.
I liked it. But already forgotten most of it.
Nicht meine Richtung
Very enjoyable. Slightly proggy art rock.
This did nothing for me.
I enjoyed this a lot. Great drumming from Tony Allen in Soldier's Tale. The title track is excellent; I love the guitar tone. Also, really obviously a Danger Mouse production (that's a good thing). A high 4
Damon’s voice sucks you into the atmosphere of this album but sometimes the songs only provide that and nothing else. Still some good songs on this.
I've never heard of the album or the project. But it's a lot of fun. That's exactly the kind of thing I do with One Album a Day. 4/5
Worse than Blur, better than Gorillaz. It's a bit of a low effort album but a pretty good ride.
Nice in places but not really my thing
Damon alborn again baby
Not working for me, sorry
Interesting variety of musical styles
- Hmm not sure about this - hey that’s Damon Albarn! I like Damon albarn - anything else to recommend this album? - should it be one of the 1001? - Along with the 3 blur albums for him i would have picked demon days over this
I struggle with this. I love Blur and Gorillaz. For some reason GBATQ are seen as incredible and I just find it a bit boring. Nothing really stood out and I found myself just annoyed. And it’s a bad band name, I don’t give a toot.
A good but somewhat boring listen. No particular track really stood out.
Unsurprisingly, it sounds very like Blur - leaning more towards the gentler, whimsical, mildly psychedelic end of Blur, heavily indebted to The Kinks for the melodic sense.
Really cool! Didn’t know about this at all :0
Decent little album
I enjoyed that
Ganz schön. Konzeptuell und atmosphärisch.
This was a surprise. It was really good. Each song was a journey
I gave 3 stars because it was better of the one before but worthed 2 stars. The voice is the same of blur
Man this album is boring. I forgot I was even listening to it at one point, I had to double check it was still playing because my brain had tuned it out as white noise. I only 'came to' because of how shit The Bunting Song is. There's really not much to say about this, it's not offensive or bad necessarily, it's just boring as fuck. I constantly kept looking at the track list hoping I was close to the end. Go listen to the Gorillaz instead.
Did someone rip ass into the microphone at the start of Kingdom of Doom? "There's a noise in the sky", No I think one of you needs to check for skidmarks. Man, I don't know if I just wasn't vibing with this one or if my mood was off but I don't think I felt a single thing listening to this. I am aware of a few of the members of this super group and like The Clash and Gorrillaz well enough. It felt technically competent in most places, but also void of any emotional investment. Damon Albarn described it as a mystery play themed around London so perhaps being bland was the intention? If it somehow was it doesn't make for a memorable experience. I listened to this twice and don't think there was a single standout or memorable track. There was also plenty of parts where the supergroup part felt like it might have hurt the production, a too many cooks kind of scenario where people didn't want to compromise on their vision and it just ends up sounding like the induction day for your Grade 1 music class, they even had someone smashing away at the triangle at some point.
Northern Whale - very silly instrumentals, but didn't sound bad. Whale sounds on the guitar were pretty neat. Distinctly Gorillaz D-Sides energy. Enjoyed the vocals on this too. Herculean - liked the instrumentals in the one Title track is a good jam. None of the other songs are worth writing home about, nor are they terrible. It's pretty cool that Damon Albarn worked on this album after his masterpiece Demon Days, got all the mediocre songs out of his system, and followed that up with another brilliant album in the form of Plastic Beach.
to preface this i fucking love albarn's vocals on gorillaz. i think he has great energy and can even do melancholy well but holy fuck his mumbly ass needs to speak up on this album. its crazy how much contempt this review process has made me have for vocalists ruining otherwise good projects. if there was an instrumental version of this album it would be an easy 4 for me, because goddamn if they don't have the fucking supergroup of supergroups here. some of the coolest, jazziest, smoothest instrumentals i've heard in a long time. i'd never heard of this project before and it seems like something right up my alley between the whiney leftist anti-war political leanings, the smooth, experimental jazziness and the gorillaz involvement. but honestly i'm somewhat glad i hadn't because i ultimately left feeling dissapointed. albarn isnt even the wrong vocalist for this project, he's just approaching it poorly. i get this release is meant to feel/embody the depression and hopelessness of it's themes but that doesn't mean you need to mumble like a 14 year old boy who just found out women get periods and doesn't understand why they have to go through so much
Half these tracks are one MF DOOM feature away from being on demon days. When I saw this is a Damon Albarn side project I immediately assumed it would be forty minutes of the sounds of an Englishman wanking into his own mouth, however, I quite enjoyed this album. It really just feels like titular album/demon days era Gorillaz b sides that sneak into the slow part at the end of the album after the jaunty hits are out of the way. Vocals are pretty good and the instrumental work was pretty great. Overall this is a bit of a homebrand gorillaz but I enjoyed it. It’s another puzzler of “Why is this album on this list?” Because while it’s a good listen I’ve never heard of it before and I don’t really know anyone else who probably would have. This is a high 3 for me. Nearly scraped into 4 by a hair but I don’t know that I’d really go back to many of these tracks.
It's miraculous to me that someone like Damon Albarn whose the vast majority of his work is criticised in sounding like Gorillaz B-cuts even with 4 other known artists collaborating on the project still achieves this. I do love his voice but c'mon all this shit sounds like the Fall just a bit better. Albarn doesn't know when to quit or atleast take his time, he has so many projects beneath his belt and countless albums but only a handful of great ones. I actually liked the vast majority of songs, the opening and closing tracks are definitely the highlights but it took me a couple listens to really get into the album. 7/10 Fav tracks - History Song, Northern Whale, Herculean, Behind the Sun, The Bunting Song, Nature Springs, Three Changes, The Good the Bad and the Queen Least Fav - 80s life, Soldier Tale
We got Gorillaz at home. This isn't amazing gonna be honest, i like the artist, did some good stuff with Blur and Gorillaz but this feels like something he put together during a lull between The Fall and Plastic Beach. Overall just felt bored listening to this one. 2/5.
History Song: If this intro is representative of the rest of the album then boy is the crowd gonna go mild for this one 80's Life: Interesting things going on with staccato strings here, this song definitely picked up a lot at the minute and a quarter mark as the backing and lead vocals worked well together. This song is arranged really well, mixing is great and it's a joy to listen to! Northern Whale: A bit of a drone, this song sort of blends into itself and didn't particularly grab me Kingdom of Doom: This song was good but in this song I became aware of what was irking me about this album so far. The mid 2000s bouncing piano line that was so popular at this time in music triggers a pavlovian response in me and reminds of how much I hated living in the 2000s. Looking past that, I am big fan of the return of the sweeping, distorted guitar work that was also on 80's Life. Cool song name, cool song! Herculean: Personally not what I would have picked as a single from this album. Arranged well, tasteful use of choiral vocals at the three quarter mark. I can see this song being played in Act 3 of a Danny Boyle movie about a rough-around-the-edges hero from council housing or some shit. Behind the Sun: A nice comedown from the last track (not that I disliked that), I think if I say I like the arrangement again on this track I'll sound like a broken record but these guys really know what they're doing. The Bunting Song: Not as fun as the other songs so far but not bad, bit of a drone. Nature Springs: You love to see it when you're enjoying what a song is doing and then it totally changes its vibe towards the end, the last minute of this song is a fantastic instrumental that just clicks for me. A Soldier's Tale: Good, short song. Three Changes: Opens like some circus music played by a shoegaze band, settles into a funky groove with british vocals that are NEARLY annoying. This song reminds me of getting drunk on only lager. Green Fields: I bet this song would have hit a lot harder in 2007 when the Iraq War was still going on and the boxing day tsunami was a fresh memory but this song kind of feels a bit kitschy now. Rega The Good, The Bad, The Queen: This song feels like a proper end track, totally ties the whole thing together. Nothing but good things to say about it. Had low expectations for this one and was pleasantly surprised!
Not for me.
Just posted phenomenal. These songs are moody and interesting. Of course, it’s all anchored by an all time rhythm section.
Garbage. And not the good garbage like the band Garbage. Actually garbage
2.5/5. I was not very impressed by this. I found it average a bit boring.
Better than expected. A little top heavy. High 3.
I read that this is supposed to be a "supergroup", but the only member I know is Paul Simonon of the Clash. Nothing particularly super about this album to me. Can't even remember anything specific.
I don’t understand why Damon Albarn needs a side project to write about England. Blur already does this. It’s cool that this was a supergroup though and the last track was my favorite.
This was alright. I kinda had high expectations since I like Damon Albarn's other projects, like the Gorillaz and this has Paul Simonon on bass too. Overall it didn't perk my ear up, found it dull.
Having a hard time with this one. Well done, some cool stuff here but at times feels rudderless. Right when you think it'll resolve or a big chorus should break, it doesn't.
Never heard of these guys or the backstory! Pretty interesting to see how the groups influences/backgrounds mesh. I hear a lot of the verve and gorillaz. After all is said and done, the album isnt super memorable after 2 listens. Maybe it takes some more reps So far, I really liked Herculean
Enjoyed it and think I’d like it more with more listens. No real weak spots (but no major highs either)
Mostly a boring slog and a chore to get through. Some interesting moments in the instrumentals, especially great drumming, but Damon’s vocals and melodies just really don’t do it for me.
It's definitely interesting though I'm not sure if I like it. Probably deserves a second or third listen
Paul Simonon's bass playing makes this album.
Boring, but inoffensive. It was nice. All the songs blend together in my mind, so the lack of range is a bit of a detriment, though none of the songs are bad. Just no spark. 3/5
3.5
Was never aware of this other project of Damon and friends. Enjoyed. 3.5 stars.
It’s ok
A very pleasant surprise. I heavily fuck with the vocals on this, something about his voice makes me happy
There is some really good stuff on here, but overall it comes off lacking a bit of edge and soul. I was bored through most of it even though it sounded nice.
I remember listening to this album when it came out and liking how unusual it was. My first reaction to seeing it on this list was surprise though. Surely, it's not even Damon Albarn's most noteworthy release by a mile. Upon revisiting it though, I have renewed affection for 'The Good, The Bad, and The Queen'. Particularly considering the status of the band members (including members of The Clash, The Verve and Africa '70). Usually you expect such an impressive supergroup to put out some big, chart-topping singles. Instead, the music is an unsettling portrait of a hyper bleak, but eerily beautiful, version of London. It's bizarre and tells a story that's quite unlike anything else I've heard. It owes a debt to some of the baroque pop of the 60s and 70s but feels like it's made by a post apocalyptic band of survivors trying to find joy amongst the rubble. At least that's the image that some to my mind. I'm always uncomfortable listening to this album but I find it very hard to stop. And surely that's one potential sign of a good piece of art.
Top Three Songs: 1) Three Changes 2) Kingdom of Doom 3) Behind the Sun Bottom Three Songs: 1) ‘80s Life 2) Herculean 3) Nature Springs
The good is good, the bad is bad. Pure definition of a 3.
-Pretty cool omg. Damon Albarn and Fela Kuti drummer guy together was not something I knew existed but I’m glad does. Some songs def very reminiscent of Gorillaz which I actually prefer to Blur -Favorites are History Song, Herculean, and The Bunting Song
Back to back Albarns. This was pretty cool. I remember my mom listening to this when it came out. Overall pretty neat but it didn't grab me like The Coral did. I'll give it another listen eventually though, as I was stuck in traffic while listening and was on full brain auto pilot. Album cover: C+. The background image is cool, but the typography is pretty lackluster.
Great name. Not as good music but not awful.
After about thirty minutes of thinking that all the refrains sounded like the Gorillaz, I googled this album and learned that it is yet another Damon Albarn project. It was OK, I didn't have any negative feelings but I was a little bored. None of the songs truly gripped me. If I had to pick one then I'd say the first song, History Song, was the best one. Herculean sounded the most like a Gorillaz song. 6/10
5/10. It is listenable, but far too forgettable. I will probably forget everything about this album within one week.
My favorite Albarn album.
Never heard this before. I like the variety of influences and styles, but ultimately doesn't resonate with me. Part of the issue is Alburn's voice. Sometimes he sounds like he's searching for the note. I think this might be a stylistic choice as opposed to just being a bad singer, but it generally doesn't work for me. The music and the arrangements are solid. "And the country didn't look the same that day"
It was fine, but nothing noteworthy for me - and kind of the same stuff over and over. I lost track of when a track ended and the next one started. I even listened to it twice. Nothing memorable. Maybe it was hard after Depeche Mode's Violator.
Low key album with subtle hints of coolness and nice melodies, but you have to work hard to get to that through the monotony of blah. Nature Springs, History Song and Herculean are fine. The last song, The Good, The Bad and the Queen finally had some spunk and unexpected timing changes. The rest of the album felt like I was sleep walking though the rainy streets of London. 2.5 stars rounded up.
Not enough inspired music. I wanted to like it more, but it was reminiscent of the un-memorable parts of Gorillaz Plastic Beach. To much reliance on the voice to do melody, assigning the piano player to be the most boring drummer ever (play this chord once a second for 2 minutes, then play the minor chord 5 times, then go back to the original chord, but don't play anything else). There were a few songs that were stronger, but overall it wasn't quite strong enough for a 3.
Interesting...had never heard of them but would listen to it again.
I wonder if I lived in London how I'd feel about this. Anyway, it's Damon Albarn, it's ok, I'll give it another spin some day. Fave: the title track
Hmmm, inoffensive enough, although not exactly captivating. I guess I enjoyed it enough while it was playing but nothing's really stuck with me, and I'm ambivalent amount more listens - might just not be in a receptive mood, I suppose. Fave track - "Northern Whale", maybe? "Three Chances" had me looking up the track name, too...
I would call this psychedelic prog folk dub. Too psychedelic for my taste, but it's good (if you can stand Damon Albarn's singing). Favorite song: Herculean
Honestly I’m a little disappointed. I should love this album. Blur guy is great, Danger Mouse is great, drummer from Fela Kuti is great. But this just felt like a bunch of anemic Gorillaz b-sides to me. I really thought there would be some magic here
I hoped this would be better, memorable even. Man this should have been great. Maybe I have to give it another listen.
Supergroups sound cool in theory, but most of them just end up as less than the sum of their parts
Another of Damon Albarn's (Blur/Gorillaz) experiments. It's fine, I suppose, but nothing to write home about. Easily forgettable. The band does feature Simon Tong from The Verve, and Paul Simonen of The Clash, but that doesn't help much. It may be an unpopular opinion, but I don't like Damon's experiments, or his music, much. But apparently this book seems to think that every jam session Damon ever had has to be on here. The album mostly consisted of Damon moaning. Favourite songs: 80s Life, History Song Least favourite songs: Behind the Sun, The Bunting Song 2/5
I was quite into this album when it was released. Can’t remember why or how I was introduced to it as Blur and Gorillaz stuff is not my cup of tea. Think I might even had the CD which I later sold to Music Magpie when I went temporarily went CD free. My favourite track and the one I suspect convinced me to buy the CD was the very last track with the same name of the band. Listening today that still remains my fave. As for the rest it’s a bit meh. Nice to be reminded of it but nothing special. 2.5/5 28/7/24
Hmm. I usually enjoy Damon Albarn projects, Danger Mouse too. I'd never heard of this, but based on the description, figured I'd really like it. Nope. I listened twice, and both times I felt like a heavy, oppressive fog was settling over me. It made me think of times I just wanted to dissociate, but someone would keep getting my attention and I would have to engage. I know that's a strange way to describe listening to an album, but, man. I just really felt bad listening to this. I listened to the first Broken Bells album after - I like Danger Mouse's production so much more on that one.
I'm a simple lady - I hear Damon Albarn, and I like. 4/5
I feel like this is a band that I'd be super into if I felt like getting super into a new band. Lol
I didn’t know this existed and now I do. It’s fairly good
From the album art I thought it would be metal so was quite surprised when Damon Albarn started singing but otherwise not really that memorable
Where’s the good?
Faktisk underligt jeg aldrig har hørt denne, jeg er ellers et ret stort albarn head
Har et meget nostalgisk forhold til den her, et af mine yndlings Damon Albarn projekter og han har mange fede projekter!
Damon Albarn jam sesh #37: 1001 authors: Straight on the list!
Hmmm... never really heard of them. This band kinda lacks an oomph. And energy about them. I'm not really blown away by any of the songs.
I didn't realize i enjoyed Damon Albarn's voice so much. Though I'm not particularly a Blur or Gorillaz fan, when he hits the tracks right (The Narcissist), they just hit, in his weird talking, not always melodic delivery. This album is pretty solid with the way that works for me... the first 5 tracks are stellar, with Northern Whale working best for me. A very enjoyable find.
Brings back some memories
9/10. Very unique sounds while keeping a steady rhythm on each track, made for a very interesting listen through. Added History Song, 80s Life, Kingdom of Doom, Behind the Sun, Nature Springs and the title track to the playlist.
Never heard of this before but knew Damon’s voice straight away. Very enjoyable.
Never heard of this Damon Albarn album. Good pick
I enjoyed it. 3.5
Idc
Good stuff. Nostalgic to my late teens driving back and forth from tech college.
Repetitive. Mostly uninteresting. Boarders on annoying at times.
Liked it
I was quite excited about this album when it was released, being a fan of Blur, The Clash and The Verve. I was also very disappointed when I listened to it back then, and listening to it again now, still was not that exciting. It is very average considering the great band the members came from.
Some strong songs.
Damon Albarn jumpscare.
Utterly forgettable. 2/5
Not for me. Didn't finish it
Ok. Kinda nice. Kinda Meh. Thanks. Probably won't return to this album. 2 tinsel stars ...
Damon, the musical magician.
I kind of like History Song, I almost like Northern Whale, Nature Springs, A Soldier’s Tale
не думала что у Деймона ещё группа найдётся а вот она! ну с одного раза как-то слишком меланхолично (и даже не сказать что слишком концептуально, просто не за что зацепиться)
God almighty this is dull stuff with a loud bass
Se trata de uno de los proyectos de Damon Albarn, vocalista de Blur y Gorillaz. En este se hace acompañar por el exmiembros de The Clash y The Verve. La música va de lo folk al brit pop y es como una versión simplificada pero experimental de Blur. A menudo los sonidos de los sintetizadores y otros efectos, se integran con la batería, bajo y guitarra que tienen un sonido más orgánico y menos procesado, lo que crea una extraña atmósfera. Creo que los tracks que más me han gustado son aquellos donde la guitarra acústica sobresale y se acompaña con la percusión y el contrabajo. Recomiendo tracks 1, 8 y 10.
Nice find, really enjoyed it. Not what I expected.
Very difficult to assess and rate this album. It is truly different sounding from anything else, musically, lyrically and thematically (London connection). Notable songs are 'Herculean" and "Kingdom of Doom".
Meh album, the only song I enjoyed was the closer one.
Man, I'm mixed on this. I don't like it, but I think it's good. Opera is like that for me. Sounds impressive, and I don't like it. Not equating this to opera, just meandering.
This is fascinating, it sounds equally like it could have come out yesterday and as if it couldn’t have come out any time other than 2007. It’s the echoes of Burial’s Untrue that really sell it for me, but there’s an element of folkiness that I also really enjoy. It’s a mix that I don’t think should work, but it’s just kinda fun, mostly because I think Damon Albarn sounds like he’s having fun, experimenting with stuff that he couldn’t get away with in either Blur or Gorillaz. I think I might have to give this a five. The excellent closing track is clinching it for me
The most blah supergroup to ever exist
the good, the bad & the queen the good, the bad & the queen 2007 1. history song: 8/10 2. 80s life: 6.5/10 3. northern whale: 7.5/10 4. kingdom of doom: 6/10 5. herculean: 5.5/10 6. behind the sun: 6/10 7. the bunting song: 6.5/10 8. nature springs: 7/10 9. a soldier’s tale: 7.5/10 10. three changes: 8/10 11. green fields: 7/10 12. the good, the bad & the queen: 7/10 overall rating: 6.7/10
A good album, quite pretty! I hadn’t come across it before! Damon Albarn has a ton of projects, and a lot of them are hit or miss I feel like.. but I enjoyed this and like to hear him doing something a little dreamier and more straightforward. Last couple tracks are especially good!
I enjoyed this but it felt like a very minor work? Not really sure why it’s on this list but fun! Damon Albarn’s music always feels, at best, mildly interesting and pleasant.
I sorta have nothing to say about this one other than it is some perfectly serviceable indie rock music, not a huge Albarn fan - but of course my fav drummer Tony Allen shines on this thing and it was pretty fun overall!
3.25
Not Damon Albarn’s best but still pretty good
I remember reading a long time ago that Damon Albarn had another band as well as Blur and Gorillaz, but for some reason I just never got around to listening to The Good, The Bad & The Queen until now. It sounds closer to the slower Gorillaz songs to my ear that it does to Blur. I wish I could have a Damon on standby to sing to me - his voice is just so delightfully imperfect and human. This album as a whole was exactly what I wanted it to be. It’s hard to find anything I didn’t live about it.
Not sure how i missed this group as I am generally a fan of most things Damon Albarn does. I really enjoyed it. But it does land in my category of really enjoyed but not sure a top 1000.
Beige beige beige. Just so didn't give AF. Boring. Remember nothing
Like a boring version of Gorillaz. Just felt a bit bland.
Quand j'ai appris que Damon Albarn et Paul Simonon étais sur cette album, la hype a montée vite. Malheureusement, c'est plutôt oubliable et surprenamment mou pour le calibre des deux artistes
This album was seamless. No skips!
This is one of those albums I am going to forget I listened to in a month. It is fine, but very one note and not much stands out. low 3
Fuck England. Your music is too highly represented on this website.
Only bad. No good
Liked it, thought it sounded a lot better first and second listen but eventually lost me a bit High 3?
Never heard of them before and was very impressed. This is why I signed up for this service. New music that, while not transcendent, introduced me to a new band that does a thing well.
My second time listening to this album. It's something I should like as it features Damon Albarn and is produced by Danger Mouse. This album is just too boring, especially compared to Gorillaz. It's alright while listening to it but is overall forgettable.
Which Damon Albarn will we find on TGTB&TQ? The Blur one? Or the Gorillaz one? Encouraged by the inclusion of the Clash’s Paul Simonon, a bit worried by the inclusion of the Verve’s Simon Tong, and puzzled by Tony Allen (Fela Kuti’s Africa ‘70). Most of all though, intrigued by producer Danger Mouse, who’s work in Gnarls Barkley, Danger Doom, and Broken Bells, and stroke of genius with “The Grey Album” all made for a pretty impressive 00’s for him. But somehow I had never heard of TGTB&TQ. He also produced the second Gorillaz album, so I had hopes that this would be more on the Gorillaz end of the Albarn spectrum. And it turned out to be somewhere squarely in between Blur and Gorillaz. Not quite as good as the latter, but much preferred to the former. There are some Gorillaz-y elements on TGTB&TQ, but they don’t develop the way they would on a Gorillaz album. If I had heard this before Gorillaz, I wonder if I would have felt differently about it? Back to Danger Mouse, though. I think he deserves more credit than just a couple of production credits on the list. The wide range of artists he has worked with, and his impact on guiding and sometimes reshaping their sound, is matched by few others. And his “St. Elsewhere” and “Broken Bells” albums with Cee-Lo Green and James Mercer, respectively, are deserving of acclaim all their own.
Of the Damon Albarn albums on this list, this falls somewhere between Blur (2 stars) and Gorillaz (4 stars).
Reading back through my Damon Albarn related reviews: - I dislike Blur, finding them mostly unremarkable. - Gorrilaz was better, but still lacked something special. - He laughably thought grunge was a passing fad. So my expectations were low coming into this album. Thankfully I’m committed to the process because this album is something special. The music is really good and I like his voice a lot.
Way better than I was expecting - a state of the nation report for the late 00s. Nice dubby basslines, the best non-Blur thing Albarn has done maybe?
It was neither good nor bad.
man, i didn't know what to expect from this one going in. i wasn't familiar with the name but saw that damon albarn and danger mouse were attached, so i was cautiously optimistic, knowing that both of them have made some quality stuff. i really didn't care for this one. it wasn't bad, i just really found it a bit boring. i felt like the pacing didn't suit my liking and the quality of the songs i didn't care too much for. the musicianship here was good but there were not very many moments that stood out to me. i did enjoy the title track and how it built, but other than that, nothing really stood out to me.
Интересно записанный, сырой, но очень натуральный саунд
Had an interestingly gloomy tone to it on the first track which sets you up for what's to come later on. Honestly Damon Albarn's vocals carry the whole album for me personally. His singing is like the vocal personification of melancholy throughout the album which pairs well with the production. This was a solid listen, I'll definitely be coming back to a few of these tracks. Best - History Song, 80s Life, Northern Whale, A Soldier's Tale, and Three Changes No bad songs 3.5-3.75/5
Was I aware of this band previously? I’m not sure. It was not unpleasant but not sure it had the charm of the Travelling Wilburys.
I mean, better than Blur. I think Damon just isn't for me.
Better than blur
not bad
more like the sleep, the snooze, and the naptime. no oxford comma so bonus negative points
Alvin the chipmunk on some of the background vocals
It aight kinda tuned it out while working. - 6/10
Sounded kinda like Gorillaz and then I saw that this dude was involved with Demon Days. Pretty interesting listen. Cool instrumentals. High 3.
wasn't paying a ton of attention to this
I liked it 7/10
6/10 - A bunch of the intros are super cool, but they get worse when it gets to the middle of the songs. The whole album was alright. I think they each had good potential with their intros but the song itself never lived up to the hype I was feeling.
Albarn seems like kind of an annoying lil shit but I liked this
Jesus Christ Damon this is an embarrassment. You're telling me that the guy responsible for bands I love like Blur and Gorillaz also was the driving force of this mess? Really disappointed by this.
Not long after my Alex Turner randomly assembled side project, here's Damon Albarns. Pretty tame/bland again. Last song the best, which makes me think he had a good idea for a song and decided to name both the band and the album after it. Very inoffensive. Doesn't deserve to be anywhere near this list, which makes me want to mark it down, but I'll refrain.
Listenable and enjoyable, not world changing.
Supergroup, my ass.
Of course it's Damon Albarn
I was really hoping for something more but… this just fell flat. Listened to it all in one go and even at the end of the album I had no idea what I just heard.
Never heard of this solo project by Damon Albarn, nevertheless, really enjoyed it.
Like a less Britpop Blur, so therefore a better Blur. 7/10
First listen! Damon magic
I loved this album at the time but I wouldn't miss it if I never heard it again.
Rock - nothing stood out
This might be Albarn's best work? Not as cringeworthy as Gorillaz and not as dated as Blur. As a concept album it has much-needed drive and focus. It was that perfect window where he could afford the good coke but wasn't too old.
Would never be on this list if it was recorded by someone less famous. Not crap, utterly boring, and not important in any way.
Not unpleasant but so little to it you can hardly tell it's on. music: barely registered. (⌐-_-)
I think every single album ever made by an English guy is on here. I read about this and bought it on release day because of Paul Simonen’s involvement. Listened once, never thought of it again. Remember why now. Not bad, just totally non-essential.
Good
Rubbish!
What’s with the dreadfully monotonous vocals? Parts of every song are cool, then quickly morph into mundane annoyance. The production quality is great, I dig the mix but not the project. It’s not sucktastic but I definitely wouldn’t tell a friend to check it out.
How could it not be great? The king of drummers, a bass player with attitude and riffs aplenty, a guitarist happy to play his part without overstepping, and a vocalist and lyricist who barely writes a duffer. Oh, and one of the great producers of the era! One of the defining supergroups - such a shame they shone so briefly.
boooooooooooooooooooooooooooring
Didn't dislike this, but at the same time nothing jumped out at me.
I really enjoyed this album. It had an interesting sound to it.
Eh. Kind of boring if you ask me. In the beginning it recommend me of the Joe Strummer post clash work but that all had interest and sucked you in. This seemed to fight to keep me out. 2
This is one of these albums that has great musical quality, often hidden under the surface - but also an album that isn't standing out over its runtime. Too many similarities, too many things that doesn't make it one of the most important 1001 albums I definitely need to listen to. Hence a solid three out of five.
Enjoyed this there were one or two songs that weren’t great but about 3-4 that were esp the last song. An album I’m curious enough about that will inspire future listens
Last song on the album is brilliant
I mean, it's fine. It's there. But it's not particularly interesting in any way.
Nice side project of Damon Albarn, Paul Simonon, Simon Tong and Tony Allen, produced by Danger Mouse. The album does not provide the sum of all parts in peak form, but it's a fine rock album nonetheless.
Come on England 3.5 HL: “Northern Whale”, “Nature Springs”, “Green Fields”, title May 21, 2024
Sweet hearing more of Damon albarns side projects
Really overrated offering from one of the more overrated contributors out there. Not a lot redeeming about this one. 2/5
Confused the hell out of me, never knew Damon produced this! Enjoyed it!
History Song - I liked it 4/5 80s Life - Nah, not my sorta of music. 1/5 Northern Whale - nah, same. 1/5 Kingdom of Doom - back to 'interesting' 4/5 Herculaen- good music, nice soft rounded sound 4/5 Behind the sun - album filler. 2/5 The bunting song - a boring 1/5 Nature springs - I enjoyed 4/5 A soldiers tale - awfully boring 1/5 Three changes - over-experimental slowed down ska 1/5 ...hit and miss album, so it gets an average 3 star
🤠👍
Hey, this sounds like the “woo hoo!” Guy. Hey, this IS the “woo hoo!” Guy!
Despite (because of?) Alburn being as lachrymose as ever, this is a really good album. Completely forgotten about it. If I could voice a (minor) quibble, it would be to say that Allen is underutilised. But, then, sometimes less is more.
I'll defend Brit Pop and it's fearsome leige Albarn the Conqueror until my last breath but this absolutely doesn't need to be on the list. Didn't hate it but one star as a nod to the BP detractors being right (this time)
Not bad. It was a little boring here and there. Probably won't return to this. 3/5
fín
Not bad but Tony Allen was severely underused here
nå bs
Appealing
I see Damon Albarn, I'm intrigued Enjoying the sound, something very different. 3* because not sure about fave album territory.
This album is full of stupid songs, which tracks with the past productions of the lead singer of Blur. whinge whinge whinge
Meh
The Good, The Bad & The Queen's self-titled album finds itself in a perplexing position. While it's not outright horrible, it fails to captivate with any real sense of intrigue or depth. The album traverses through various sonic landscapes, blending elements of rock, pop, and experimental music. Despite its ambition, however, it struggles to leave a lasting impression. Tracks meander without a clear sense of direction, lacking the hooks or memorable moments that define truly engaging music. Damon Albarn's vocals, though competent, fail to inject the necessary emotion or charisma into the songs. Overall, while The Good, The Bad & The Queen's effort is not without its merits, it falls short of being truly compelling, leaving me questioning its inclusion on the 1001 list. NUMBER OF BANGERS - 1 STAND OUT TRACK - The Good, the Bad and the Queen
I didn’t really like this album because it feels like it was trying to be experimental but just ended up sounding generic. it just kind of went in one ear and out the other.
Gorrilaz singer chill vibes
It's alright, but pretty much any given Gorillaz album is more dynamic and interesting.
I do love the Gorillaz, but this was not my favorite album. I just don’t like it when a band replaces instruments with long oscillating notes from one keyboard. Especially when it often gets screechy.
Similarly to a Big Star album I heard, I feel like this is only on the 1001 album list because Damon Alborn is involved. let's say an artist no one's heard of made this, it would not be on here. Because it is simply inferior to Gorillaz and Blur. Sure it wasn't bad listening, just something to put on in the background and immediately forget. A side project as well implies a lack of love and dedication for the thing. This lacked heart and spirit; it was mediocre, not good.
I was unaware of this side project and so I was quite surprised when I had Siri tell me over CarPlay who this band was. I liked it, though! I think I'd listen to it again. A strong 4.
nothing specail
great!
Based on the acoustic guitar intro to the first song, I thought I'd like this, but I did not.
This is almost right up my alley! A little too reggae/groovy. I was distracted by the bass.
Seemed okay. Felt quiet and respectful, like music you'd hear around a campfire if a full band was playing. History Song was my favourite track.
Not unlistenable. It has its pleasant moments, but this album feels monotonous and unoriginal. I’m left unconvinced that this album has a place on this list.
On the quieter songs, the lead singer’s voice was complimentary. On others, the whininess and annoying sound overpowered the music.
Almost a one star. Joyless, and Damian voice grates after a while
cool album, I guess this was a one and done for them
Bought this when it came out, but didn't spend enough time with it, besides history song which worked its way into many play lists. Happy to give the whole thing more of its due. Good to great. Green fields, herculean, nature springs, and the title track were best for me on this listen.
I probably would like this more if there were at least one or two upbeat songs. But kinda felt the same and plodded on. But I like Damon Albarn so it gets a higher score than what I would've given it normally.
Mediocre at best. There's gotta be something better than this that's not on this list.
This is a supergroup with Damon Albarn (Blur/Gorillaz), and includes band members from The Clash and The Verve, and a well-known drummer and producer. I thought it was pretty average actually, but this kind of thing isn’t reallly my genre. Listens: 1 Fave Track: Herculean Rating: 3
Loved it.
Estos experimentos no están mal. Si te gustaba Blur y los Decemberist este es tu disco. Me he guardado Herculean y Kingdom of doom. No creo que sea imprescindible para mucha gente.
It's fine. Just fine. Nothing that'll stick with you or come close to lifting up your skirt.
As usual with Albarn, I’m not sure how much of this I like versus tolerate. There’s a lot of throwing ideas against the wall and seeing what sticks without any clear intention behind a bunch of it. As a depiction of London in the 2000s, it’s myopic and overly concerned with angst…which is often where Albarn loses me. Where’s the optimism? Where’s the energy of the city? Interesting collaboration but forgettable beyond the people involved.
Rating: 5/10 Meh.
Brand new band for me. Really really impressed. I loved it.
Art rock. Ni fu ni fa.
Ya decía yo que la voz me sonaba ...
01) History Song - 8,5 02) 80's Life - 8,0 03) Northern Whale - 8,5 04) Kingdom of Doom - 8,5 05) Herculean - 8,5 06) Behind the Sun - 7,5 07) The Bunting Song - 7,5 08) Nature Springs - 7,0 09) A Soldier's Tale - 7,0 10) Three Changes - 7,5 11) Green Fields - 7,5 12) The Good, the Bad & the Queen - 8,0 TOTAL: 7,83 (78/100) I like everything Damon Albarn does, and this project should be no exception. It's like slowed-down Gorillaz. The only problem is that songs are starting to get a bit... pointless and unexciting towards the end of the album.
Did everything Damon Albarn touch need to be on here? No. No it didn't.
I find this so very bland
2 - I thought I would like this album based on the way it started, but nothing happens in it. There's alright parts, but the music doesn't do anything with any momentum that it may have had. I don't really see why this is one of the 1001 albums I have to listen to. Just put Demon Days on the list, man.
The Good, The Bad & The Queen by The Good, The Bad & The Queen Basically a blur & Gorillaz album about England. Damon Albarn group created to write songs about England. It's ok, nothing spectacular. 3/5
Despite my badmouthing a good amount of British music on this list, I do enjoy many artists that happen to be British. One of the best to ever do it is Damon Albarn and I am always open to see what he's up to. I wasn't aware of this project before my listen and while it's not up to Gorillaz or Blur levels, I found it to be enjoyable, but not particularly memorable. Paul Simonon from the Clash is also always appreciated. 3.5 stars
Enjoyed this album, but no more than a blur or gorillas album which I have given 4, so by default makes this a 3.
Danger Mouse phoned this one in. He's usually so much more involved with the beats and overall sound. Damon Albarn is, well, he's just Damon Albarn. That's not bad but god damn is it predictable as hell. He found his voice with Blur and has ridden every producer since. Don't get me wrong, I love his sound and voice, but it'd be nice to get some variety from him.
Seemed older than 2007
Had never heard of this and when I saw it was the Blur/Gorillaz dude I figured I wouldn't like it. But it's fine. Paul Simonon and Tony Allen dare both dope and this is a good album in general, to the point where I'd listen to it again.
Some pretty good stuff on here. Didn't blow my mind but def enjoyed it.
Ah yes, my favorite Damon Albarn non-Gorillaz, non-Blur project! This one is mostly a letdown considering the personnel tied to it. A Danger Mouse produced record with Albarn and Paul Simonon on bass should be an easy knock out, but I felt myself getting sleepy and bored with this one pretty often.
While moody and grandiose in its conceptual design, the production’s a step too slick and the prevailing feeling I walk away with is one of heavy-blanketed languidity.
Cinematic, slow, like the slower gorillaz tracks. But enjoyable.
Didn't hate it and it held me till the end but I was done with it by the end.
It was okay. Kinda had a Smiths whiney vibe
I kind of generally like Damon Albarn's sensibilities and there were moments on this one where it sort of cleared up and i could appreciate the song writing, but generally it seemed really cluttered. hard to listen to, i ended up needing to split it up over a few days because it would not hold my attention. it's intricate, but it lacks contrast.
Fun instrumentation but sorry Damon your voice doesn’t do it for me if it’s not a blur song
I did not love this. There was this weird pitch-shifted "Alvin and the Chipmunks" vocal double that was panned to the right on multiple songs, which I absolutely hated. At one point, I started thinking, "Okay, maybe I am kind of enjoying this now. I've liked the last couple songs" only to find out that Spotify randomly decided to switch to playing a shuffle of other similar songs in the middle of the album. Every song that I had thought I had liked was not actually on the album. It wasn't completely irredeemable, so I will reluctantly give it 2 stars.
this was an entirely unknown to me and feels halfway between steampunk ass nerd music (which i loved at like, 13) and broken bells (which i loved at like, 17) so statistically, there IS a balance point where teenage me would have adored this, probably
I don't enjoy this faux gritty music production and sound and I don't care about whatever this man is sad about
I actually loved this album. The sound of this group kind of reminds me of other bands I listen to so it was very enjoyable.
This album was fine but after a listen through I don't remember much of it. It was fairly standard mid 2000s alt-rock. Damon Albarn's work ethic and range is impressive, but of all his projects, this one stood out to me the least.
what a great project!
It was alright, a bit underwhelming.
Didn’t know Damon had a side band like this, how cool! His voice is pretty unique so it stood out but I quite enjoyed the energy as the melody and instrumentals are different enough from the Gorilaz. 3.6
2007 Art Rock album. Fantastic album - lots of great songs. Never knew these guys before. 4/5
Nope. I don’t think super groups work out a lot.
Quite good right off the bat - sounds a bit like Damian Albern/The Gorillaz. Because it is, it’s a mix of him and people from Blur/The Clash! I’m a fan of this, adding to the library.
I had not heard of this band and none of these songs are familiar to me, so I'm pretty sure this is all new to me. I enjoyed listening to this album. Interesting approach to rock and pop, very cool compositions and performances. I'll come back to this one.
"The Good, The Bad & The Queen" by the supergroup of the same name falls short of expectations, earning a 2/5 rating. Despite featuring renowned musicians like Damon Albarn, Paul Simonon, Simon Tong, and Tony Allen, the album fails to deliver a cohesive or memorable listening experience. While the musicianship is undoubtedly proficient, the songs lack depth and fail to leave a lasting impression. The album's production, overseen by Danger Mouse, feels overproduced at times, detracting from the band's raw energy. While tracks like "Herculean" and "Kingdom of Doom" show glimpses of potential, they are overshadowed by the album's overall lackluster nature. Ultimately, "The Good, The Bad & The Queen" feels like a missed opportunity, failing to live up to the caliber of its members' previous work. 2/5
i would have expected this to be better than it is, all texture no tunes
Some of the tracks on here I really enjoyed. Good album
Not exactly meaty compared to Blur, but generally meatier than Damon Albarn's more famous side-project Gorillaz. With sidekick Simon Tong, Albarn managed to gather a hell of a supergroup line-up, with The Clash's Paul Simonon on bass, and Fela Kuti's drummer and musical director Tony Allen (RIP). The end result is rather soft on the ear, poppish and stylish. No bad song on this record (even if most of those found on side B are a little understated). The best string of tracks logically turns up towards the end of side A, with "Northern Whale", "Kingdom Of Doom" and "Herculean". And album closer "The Good, The Bad, and The Queen" also slaps, thanks to its extended noisy build-up at the very end. 3.5/5 for the purposes of this list of essential albums (rounded up to 4). Which translayes to a 8.5 grade for more general purposes. Number of albums left to review: 262 Number of albums from the list I find relevant enough to be mandatory listens: 323 Albums from the list I *might* include in mine later on: 184 (including this one) Albums from the list I won't include in mine (many other records are more important to me): 237
Final track aside, this is so bloody boring.
If this wasn’t made by a supergroup of legends who play better on their worst days than 99% of the global population, no one would say this album is well made, memorable, or noteworthy. Too British and too bland for me to care.
High highs low lowz
This music can't keep my attention.
Gehört und von der Mediathek entfernt, nichts für mich!
fucks my brain just in the right way
This was pretty good. I've never heard of it before but I enjoyed it. Some good early 2000s rock/alternative music that never got much press, but overall it wasn't bad
How Albarn has blagged a living is beyond me
il faut appeler damon albarn pour lui dire qu un mec le plagie je pense
Not terribly impressed though I’m sure whoever picked this was terribly impressed with themselves.
bored. no worse than that! looked for a band I hadnt heard of on the list. and i agree - dumb name. Oh the bleakness. how to make a ska beat feel flat... but then it sounds like Gorillaz B-side stuff. POh wait - Damon Albarn is Blur and Gorillaz - this is why some peopel should not always be indulged do side projects - NONE of the fun and charm of the others tuff I have heard him in. the opposite of uplifitng - its jarringly two speed (sad and bleak mixed with happy keyboard - my audiitory processing area is hurting).... admins - please remove this album from the list - ahhahaaa. no.
Worst band name. Never heard any of it before.. Some good tunes. I really like History Song. The guitar bit in 80’s Life sounds like it’s straight out of a late 50’s pop tune. Wonder if it was a plan to sample As Tears Go By in Northern Whale or just recognition after the fact. Good track, though. And I guess it just rolls that way - a bunch of very listenable tracks that don’t get me that excited. I’ve given it 3 or 4 spins and it’s hard to knock it.
Everything Damon Albarn touches sounds like a side-project. Musically, this is better than some projects he has led, but I still hate his voice, he can't write a memorable vocal melody to save himself, and his preoccupation with the "state of England" bores me. This is wildly inessential, though it avoids being hateful.
history song, northern whale
i <3 damon albarn!!!! my faves were history song, northern whale. the bunting song
Not a big fan of DA,s nasally voice but some nice sounds here. A bit Radiohead in places. ..not a bad thing
The entire record was just too mellow for me and I am not a fan of the fuzzy production. A couple of good tracks in here but that’s it. Not my favorite side project.
Would this be here if it weren't for Damon, I doubt it,
I didn't know what to expect going into this album. Having now listened to it, I don't know what to tell you to expect going into this album. It's kind of interesting, starting with an indie pop/rock vibe and jumping around a bit, and ends with sort of a 1950s/1960s rock feel. I enjoyed the first few tracks but eventually stopped paying attention very much.
This was OK. I liked some elements of it, but on the whole it felt a bit milquetoast. I couldn't tell you what's missing or why it didn't totally work for me, but I feel like this band has the potential to make much better music that what they put on this album.
Interesting, but forgettable.
4/12, 33%
Really enjoyed this
A bit boring but not bad. Some of the recording is a but annoying specially with headphones.
English super group, huh? Feels less than that. Certainly something from 2007. It didn’t really stick with me kinda in one ear out the other. Cool cover though!
Was expecting based on the title and band name some wicked punk along the lines of the Sex Pistols, but it's actually a supergroup from the 2000s with Damon Albarn of the Gorillaz and musicians from the Clash, the Verve, and Fela Kuti, all acts we've had on this list. This is a pretty good album, a couple songs I liked. Genre isn't anything mind-blowing, just some solid rock, veering into art-rock territory. Not something I'm interested in seeking more of, but it's pretty good. Favorite tracks: History Song, Kingdom of Doom, A Soldier's Tale, Three Charges. Album art: An old art-style scene of what appears to be a church burning, with many onlookers. I really love this style, it looks authentic. The title is great to me, we calling the Queen ugly. Cool cover. 3.5/5
I didn’t get all the way through it, but definitely plan to. I liked it. It has Milky Chance vibes.
Not bad. Remarkable for being a side project, but I’m not quite sure what caused it to make the list. With a third of the songs left I was waiting for it to be over. No real interest in listening to it again.
I hadn’t ever heard of this group before but then I looked up their lineage and was completely shocked. Also had no idea that there was a connection between Blur and Gorillaz, so it really is a banner day for me. I mostly listened to this album in the background and it was excellent to let play through from beginning to end. Nothing blew me away but it’s definitely one that I’ll return to, as well as their other album.
I don't know how to describe this album. It's alternative, electronic, folky, synthy, emo, a little bit of pop, and a lot of bass. I've never heard an album with such soft spoken lyrics have so much bass. My car speakers were rattling. This album has me all over the place. I'm between giving it 2 stars or 4 stars. 3 stars isn't right. It's anything but average. I just don't know if anything means good or bad. For now I'll give it the Queen.
Seems like something I’d like but I just couldn’t get into it
Sounded like a later stage Gorillaz album, the same chill vibes without a lot of hooks. Not a bad listen though.
Absolutely amazing album, one of my favorites. I remember listening to this album while traveling around the UK. Will forever be a 5/5 for me.
Albarn supergroup sounds like Albarn supergroup.
Täysin uusi tuttavuus. Erittäin vaikea keksiä tälle mitään selkeää kategoriaa eikä toisaalta ole tarvettakaan. Musikaalinen matka parani kerta toisensa jälkeen ja pyöritin levyn kolmesti läpi. Viihdyin.
”Supergruuppiudesta” huolimatta jää vähän jalkoihin
I really liked the album. It was the music. The lead singer was kind of annoying. I would definitely listen to this again.
Not sure how to explain that it sounds interesting but it’s not? Some of these songs just go on without doing much. They overpromise at the outset and then never deliver. Reminds me of times where I come up with something I like on guitar, loop it, and then lose all interest in playing along with it after a few minutes but the loop keeps playing in my head. I wouldn’t make an album out of those, but that’s me. Damon Albarn is hit or miss to me, I like the Clash, and I love Tony Allen, but this is not quite a sum of its parts.
Rating: 7/10 Best songs: Behind the sun, Nature springs
i think i liked the last 3 tracks the best: Three Changes 29:17 Green Fields 33:32 The Good, The Bad & The Queen 35:58
Pima album, maar hoeft niet in de lijst
It’s pretty solid but nowhere near as impactful as some of the Blur and Gorillaz albums that have been left off this list. No way is this a more vital listen than 13, Demon Days or Plastic Beach
I definitely need to give this another listen, but I’m a sucker for a good Danger Mouse album. I think it’s far from perfect, but a cool effort that hit me right.
Forcément un peu mieux que le reste du générateur puisque récent.
Comme d'hab un album oubliable et que j'ai par conséquent déjà oublié.