The Shoemaker Bugle

By Leslie Cardenas

Gorillaz finally released their tenth studio album Cracker Island after three years of releasing no new music. As always, Gorillaz collaborated with seven artists.

On their last studio album Song Machine Season One: Strange Timez (released in 2020), each song had at least one feature. Originally, Cracker Island was supposed to be season two of Song Machine but the idea had since been scrapped.  

Now, here are my top five favorite songs off Cracker Island.

5. “Tarantula”

This song is one of the songs without a featured artist. It has an upbeat and happy feel to it. It is pretty different when compared to Gorillaz’s past songs.

4. “Tormenta” (feat. Bad Bunny)

I personally do not listen to Bad Bunny often but, I feel like he fits perfectly in this song. I can imagine myself listening to this song at the beach during the summer. 

3. “Silent Running” (feat. Adeleye Omotayo) 

Silent Running was released as a single. It was the first song to be recorded off the album. This song features long-time Gorillaz vocal performer Adeleye Omotayo, who is also part of Gorillaz live band. It uses an evocative synth-led 80’s sound. That led to the sonic tone for the whole album. 

2. “Oil” (feat. Stevie Nicks) 

Stevie Nicks is one of my all time favorite artists, so when I heard she was going to be on the new album I was excited and expected something exceptional. I was not disappointed. Stevie and 2D’s voices complement each other very well.

1. “New Gold” (feat. Tame Impala and Bootie Brown)

“New Gold” was released as a single as well. In my opinion, I think “New Gold” is the best song on the album. Tame Impala and Bootie Brown both add a wonderful touch and beat to the song. 

Overall, this album could be a great summer playlist. The whole vibe and aesthetic feels like it could make your summer very warm and lively.