Gorillaz finds its groove on “Humility,” the promo single for their highly-anticipated sixth studio album, ‘The Now Now.’ The legendary George Benson guests.

Raise your hand if you expected a new Gorillaz album this soon? I certainly thought we’d be in for a longer wait following the arrival of the 2017 Grammy-nominated Humanz.  The wait is short-lived as The Now Now arrives June 29, 2018.  Sigh, what a way to be “Cool for the Summer”.  In advance of The Now Now, Damon Albarn released two promo singles a month beforehand: “Humility” featuring George Benson, and “Lake Zurich.”

First and foremost, “Humility” thrives off of its groove and its soul.  How can any record featuring George Benson have a shortage of soul? Totally not possible.  Benson’s ‘guitaring’ stands out here, but the synthesizer work is impressive as well.  Vocally, Damon Albarn doesn’t change up his formula – we’d be shocked if he suddenly began employing gospel histrionics, right? Even if he isn’t quite as excited or enthusiastic as the backdrop he paints vocally, he delivers clear vocals, and the record certainly sound ‘in-the-pocket.’ As for the chorus, calling it ‘catchy’ would be an overstatement, but it’s memorable enough.

“I’m alone between the left hand

Reset myself and get back on track

I don’t want this isolation

See the state I’m in now?”

Final Thoughts

All in all, Gorillaz has an enjoyable, worthwhile record on its hands with “Humility.” As aforementioned, it thrives off of its groove, soul, and of course, George Benson.  Also, worth noting is the music video featuring Jack Black. No, Perhaps it ‘won’t change your life’ like that Shins song from Garden State, but it’s a summer bop.

Gorillaz • The Now Now • Warner Bros. • Release: 6.29.18

Photo Credit: Warner Bros.