Album of the Day

Fortunately, the rumors of Gorillaz's demise after THE FALL proved false and they returned in 2017 with HUMANZ, one of the virtual band's most varied and vibrant sets yet. The group's Damon Albarn framed the collection in terms of emotional responses to political upheaval, but it feels less like a concept album than a celebratory mixtape thanks to the presence of several high-wattage guest stars. Grace Jones, De La Soul, Mavis Staples, Anthony Hamilton and even former Britpop rival Noel Gallagher lend a hand on these 14 originals, which lean heavily on R&B and hip-hop. Debuting just below the top spot on both the U.S. and U.K. album charts, the Grammy-nominated HUMANZ gets better with every listen.