While the entire album is great to listen to front to back, there are a few select songs that really stand out on their own, whether you're looking for a song to dance to, a song to make you think, or a little of both.
Ascension (featuring Vince Staples)
The second song off the record, "Ascension" immediately sets the scene with a fiery track featuring rapper Vince Staples. The beat is fast and energetic opening with a blaring emergency alarm horn, before dropping into the beat. The lyrics have an apocalyptic overtone to them while dropping a potent commentary on society in 2017. An example of such lyrics include from Staples: "I'm just playing, baby/this the land of the free/Where you can get a Glock and a gram for the cheap/Where you can live your dreams long as you don't look like me/Be a puppet on a string, hanging from a f**king tree." It's a wonderful way to open the album and sets the scene that other songs dip into later.
Saturnz Barz (featuring Popcaan)
The leading single off the album, "Saturnz Barz" is one of the biggest highlights of the whole album. Right from the beginning, the beat drops into a hypnotic slow and methodical rhythm, with a haunting synth playing over it, creating a somewhat creepy atmosphere. Jamaican singer Popcaan then goes right into the chorus and verse, being given free range over the song. It's a song that is hard to skip over and sucks you into its world. Also, the music video is a trip that should be seen.
Carnival (featuring Anthony Hamilton)
Later on in the album, the song "Carnival" comes up, and it's another haunting song with a pulsating beat. R&B singer Anthony Hamilton creates beautiful melodies that match the haunted beats. While it is a shorter song, it's one that beckons to be listened to on more than once.
Let Me Out (featuring Pusha T and Mavis Staples)
Much like "Ascension," the track "Let Me Out" is one that has a much darker tone lyrically that reflects America in modern times. With lyrics from rapper Pusha T such as: "Look into my eyes, mama, tell me what you see/Tell me there's a chance for me to make it off the streets,/ Tell me that I won't die at the hands of the police/Promise me I won't outlive my nephew and my niece," it doesn't hold back talking about racial issues. Singer Mavis Staples then provides the pre-chorus singing out "Change coming/You best be ready for it" while Gorillaz singer 2-D sings "Something I've begun to fear is about to change its form..." For the lyrics and the intoxicating beat, this is a fantastic track.
Strobelite (featuring Peven Everett)
The third track off the record, "Strobelite" is just a straight up fun dance song. The rhythm is upbeat with high energy and one perfect for a road trip or a dance party. Singer Peven Everett is also phenomenal on the song. This is a must listen for anyone who wants to just dance.
Hallelujah Money (featuring
Benjamin Clementine)
The first song debuted off the album, the one song I found sticking to me the most is "Hallelujah Money" the culmination of all the darker toned songs on the album. The beat is slow and somewhat menacing, while poet Benjamin Clementine half-sings and half-speaks a poem that comes off as a perverted sermon to the masses. In the place of the album, it is a potent song that will also stick with you long after you hear it.
Of course, these are only a few highlights. There are many more amazing songs off this album, some upbeat and hopeful, and others that leave the listener in a state of deep thought. Overall, Humanz is some of Gorillaz best material, and well worth purchasing and listening to.
