Gorillaz has just dropped Cracker Island, marking the band’s eighth studio album. The English band has been hinting at this project since August and has teased its release with a few singles from the album. With 10 tracks in total, the collective work further solidify’s Gorillaz’s indescribably unique take on music that blends genres together seamlessly. The album itself boasts a wide range of featured artists, including Latin singer Bad Bunny, rock icon Stevie Nicks, and psychedelic-inspired producer Tame Impala.
Cracker Island also includes the band’s recent release of “Silent Running,” in which they collaborated with vocalist Adeleye Omotayo. Prior to the drop of the album, band members expressed their anticipation for their first large project since 2020’s Song Machine, Season One: Strange Timez in a press release. Guitarist Noodle stated, “Cracker Island is the sound of change and the chorus of the collective,” with bassist Murdoc Niccals adding, “the hallowed tones of Cracker Island will soundtrack our collective ascension into the new dimension!”
Gorillaz’s “Cracker Island” Defies Genre Expectations
Niccals and Noodle both hit the nail on the head with their descriptions of Cracker Island. In all, Gorillaz has again showcased its incredible skills in versatility and fearlessness in experimentation. From the groovy and deep beats of “Cracker Island” featuring Thundercat to the band’s unlikely take on alternative reggeaton in their Bad Bunny collaboration “Tormenta,” Cracker Island takes listeners on an unmatched journey through contemplative sounds and danceable tunes.
Of course, the album cover features the iconic cartoons of the band, illustrated by co-founder Jamie Hewlett. The release of Cracker Island follows the unfortunate news of Gorillaz’s Netflix movie being canceled. But, Hewlett has still found a way to bring unique animations to the screen in the debut music video for the latest project. Be sure to check out Cracker Island, now streaming on all platforms, and let us know what you think in the comments below. For the latest news about hip-hop and pop culture, keep in touch with HNHH.
Cracker Island Tracklist:
- Cracker Island (feat. Thundercat)
- Oil (feat. Stevie Nicks)
- The Tired Influencer
- Silent Running (feat. Adeleye Omotayo)
- New Gold (feat. Tame Impala and Bootie Brown)
- Baby Queen
- Tarantula
- Tormenta (feat. Bad Bunny)
- Skinny Ape
- Possession Island (feat. Beck)