NEW GORILLAZ SINGLE! - My Thoughts on 'The Pink Phantom'

Let's discuss my thoughts on the new beautiful ballad The Pink Phantom from Gorillaz and their Song Machine project, featuring Elton John and 6LACK! What a song, truly!
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[@randomfandoms6769]

Song: *deep and stuff* Murdoc: IT'S ME! :D

[@2D.is.anxious]

they wanted us to laugh after crying 😔

[@jakobthe]

What are you talking about? Murdoc’s “IT’S ME! :D” was the deepest part!

[@SkyeBerryJam]

P I N K C U M D E M O N

[@RecklessBucket2]

@@jakobthe kind of to think of it, Murdoc is a forgetful guy, he even forgot he had one brother. 2D made a whole song about missing Murdoc 2 years ago, and they both shared some good times in the past. Yeah, it is Murd o c .

[@link78686]

YES

[@spaceboxpilot]

this was absolutely one of the best song machine tracks so far.

[@My_life_is_a_bruh_moment]

Yes but pac-man 😳

[@fyrusgrey5153]

Considering the fact that people say that with each new inclusion, that’s impressive

[@suds9365]

Honestly they are just way to close in quality to decide

[@boerhae]

My favorite, though I like them all. I love how experimental Gorillaz gets everything has been so unique.

[@spaceboxpilot]

Clean Suds yeah, it’s hard to decide right now, but having listened to all of them so many times, I can say this one ranks pretty high in the ones that have been released so far.

[@pizzadito1723]

Elton John killed it, and 6lacks part really grew on me. This is my 2nd favorite single, only topped by Aries.

[@peascoutpesante9456]

IDK. To me, 6lack just didn't fit the theme, his vocals/auto tune didn't mesh at all. He felt a alike an open sore in this.

[@yourmother__]

@@peascoutpesante9456 imo it REALLY fits in with the song. Kind of like Daft Punk. How they can make a very emotional song with autotune being heavily used. 6LACK's part would have been worse with autotune imo.

[@peascoutpesante9456]

@@yourmother__ that's the thing for me. Songs by daft punk with lyrical vocals, such as "Get Lucky" or "Lose yourself to Dance", have notes, the tempo, the effects and synthesizers, and just the overall themes of the songs the same, and thus feel naturally intertwined. Here, however, 6lack's part just sounds like a typical, generic, mass produced RnB song we so used to nowadays [already at a bad start] that was just sampled and tried to connect with 2-D and Elton John's neo-classic opera styled verses, and still failed and clashed. But that's just my 2-cents.

[@bababooey9390]

Omg samee

[@jackbauer408]

I’m not sure.. me personally, I think 6Lack only comes into some sort of flow when he says “the phantoms over there, she’s coming down the street” I know he said they somewhat harmonized, but I’ve tried my damnest. I cannot find any sort of positive contributions from him (besides when all 3 harmonized)

[@cashc4434]

I have been calling him six-lack forever and I am now learning it's pronounced black. My day is ruined

[@Cenabull]

I know its pronounced Black, but I'm still gonna call him 6-lack 😂

[@bluesolace9052]

Same 😭 at least we aren’t the person who called Elton John, John Elton in the Pink Phantom Comment section

[@sweetyluv96]

Cash C me too 😂😭

[@ameliaespinal5031]

At least I'm not the only one pronouncing him like this.

[@joev4864]

I think I'm really just torn between this and Aries for best song so far

[@imincollege6592]

Joe V personally, imma have to put Pacman in that too

[@joecastle288]

@@imincollege6592 agreed

[@swansonjoe7121]

@@imincollege6592 for me, desole is also very good. Oo, and also momentary bliss. Fuck it, all of them are my fav😣

[@dylanmoyer8512]

Strange Times was so good too! They’re all so good, I’ve been listening to them all nonstop 🤘🏻

[@beheasus1027]

I’m in the minority I love Friday 13th tbh

[@ZylethXenocian]

The only thing that bugs me about 6lack's inclusion is that he isn't animated when Elton is.

[@jimmyblackwood3519]

Yeah but i mean they've done that many times before

[@scottpeltier3977]

@@jimmyblackwood3519 Elton is one of the few with the gorillaz style look. Only one I know who got this treatment aside from the past collaborators when they were extras in the song on melancholy hill

[@Flamestar320]

Elton John's features this year have been very emotionally effective to me. He played with Ozzy Osbourne on Ozzy's new album _Ordinary Man_ in the track of the same name. You should check it out if you enjoyed John's presence on "Pink Phantom" and haven't heard "Ordinary Man".

[@imincollege6592]

I felt like the only one who like 6lack cause of its vibe and lyrics are so beautiful, and now, thank you for expressing my thought like that, 6lack deserves some compliments man

[@stuzzox6725]

NONONOO I LOVED 6LACK IT WAS RLLY GOOD :)

[@rahe2141]

@Sock Hop yeah I agree, people said he shouldn't have been on this track, but i feel his part turns a good song into almost a masterpiece

[@blueberrysanscarrotpapyrus9571]

He added so much ☺

[@slump_emperor]

I liked his part

[@birdflox1337]

I was a bit scared at first because I didn't expect it, but after a few listens he really worked

[@coffee9172]

Never heard Elton's voice before, and the vocals took me away.

[@nuclearcosmos23]

Go listen to crocodile rock and goodbye yellow brick road right now

[@gung-hopotato37]

And Bennie & the Jets and Tiny Dancer and I'm Still Standing... you know what, just listen to a full playlist of him.

[@dylanmoyer8512]

So cool to see someone else getting into Elton John! Right on! As well as those too, Tiny Dancer, Your Song, Bennie and the Jets, Rocket Man... so many good songs!

[@Notbradle]

I’m glad there’s no gatekeepers in the replies yet

[@pixywings]

What rock have you been living under!?

[@TSURUGl]

“uploaded 17 seconds ago” Me: I AM SPEED

[@airstrikegaming8263]

Here I'll give you some attention

[@titanofosiris5978]

The sad thing is this song came out the day my gf broke up with me

[@potassiumtheif5857]

Aw man, sorry about that, that’s awful timing

[@hostofsoulslol]

Aw, I'm sorry

[@hostofsoulslol]

It's ok, mourn for as long as you need

[@scottpeltier3977]

The timing is awful. Hope you feel better bro

[@titanofosiris5978]

@@scottpeltier3977 it actually helped me through the grieving process and im better as ever

[@joeybear8277]

Damn, re listening to the song after watching this. God. And I’m going through a passing right now and i can kinda relate to some of the lyrics now that i realize what they mean.

[@SmooshGoo]

I hope you have a smooth passing to hell Jeffrey

[@garydarnellwortham3307]

You nailed it! Every word of your critique perfectly captures the way the song, artists and video hit me as well. It’s one of the best and most accurate reviews I’ve ever heard!!! Bravo!!!

[@HoodoHoodlumsRevenge]

Glad to hear it!

[@ghostgirl7089]

Eltons incredible, and i love the entire song, the beat is very good!! I agree about 6lacks verses, but it sounds so good! Im still getting use to the middle part after Elton’s first verse, but its growing! Im HYPED FOR VALLEY OF THE PAGENS NEXT! Becks will be INCREDIBLE

[@rezlem2507]

i think valley of the pagans was leaked, check youtube

[@flarmin22]

Don't check it out, it's worth waiting for. Best gorillaz track since plastic beach came out

[@estecanalnoexisteniexistio8835]

The valley of the pagans was leaked, and let me tell you, Its my favourite one of Song Machine

[@ghostgirl7089]

I know Valley of the Pagens was leaked, but it was not the full song. It was a studio demo, full thing coming soon and im HYPED

[@rezlem2507]

@@ghostgirl7089 Sadly it isn't my jam.

[@jadensmith9333]

So far on Song Machine for me: The Pink Phantom Aries Friday 13th Désolé Pac Man Momentary Bliss Strange Timez

[@totallyrealcia]

The next song machine track was leaked early, and it's absolutely fantastic. Can't wait for everyone else to hear it

[@brodym.3921]

TBH, 6LACKs Part Was Ok But Out Of Verse. But Elton Nailed It!

[@brookewyburn9950]

Yea I didn't really like the rapping, like long sober meanfuling verses then suddenly rapping

[@footballfan763]

It’s not even really rapping I never understood why this type of style is considered rap when he’s clearly singing with the autotune providing lots of melody, rap would have identifiable rhythm or flow while this feels very fluid

[@TwilightZoneMusic03]

I was waiting for this 😌

[@coolginypiggames4363]

Haven't watched u in forever and your content is still good so that's a plus

[@inkribbon06]

been waiting for this!

[@slyvesterakaspookmcskull6113]

you really shine when reviewing tracks, keep it up dude

[@dragondrawz8313]

I'd love to thank you so much for getting me I to their music. I can't wait to hear more beautiful songs from them

[@laylabranom5494]

I saw your comment on the music video right after it went up, I was honestly surprised that you posted so quick 😆

[@danwats2380]

I really enjoyed this one, such a beautiful song, it's very relatable for me too at the minute. I'm really enjoying seeing Gorillaz work with artists like Robert Smith and Elton John, it's brilliant stuff.

[@vulpecula2441]

From my first listen I fell in love with this song and find it perfect

[@TheLazysketcher]

There are versions now on KZbin that removes 6LACK from the song, and i gotta say, it flows a LOT better! While i agree that after a few listens, his lines does grow on you, but it all just sounds more whole without him. It feels less, choppy.

[@RainyDayAnimations]

Maybe if he had a few more takes and or if they took that shit auto tune off, then it would be so much better.

[@PayondeAwsome]

I swear Gorillaz fans are weirdly hateful of strange or experimental things. They hate autotune for some reason. Do they not realize how paradoxical it is for a Gorillaz fan to hate things like that?

[@TheLazysketcher]

@@PayondeAwsome Never said i hated it, it just feels really out of place in a song with the vocal talents of Elton John.

[@warshipproductions5059]

I think the auto tune is a more modern approach, maybe more British than American in production, you can hear people like James Blake use auto tune on his songs, it's not meant to be natural but it's a artistic choice. It's always been the gorillaz approach to deliver progressive sounds.

[@TheLazysketcher]

@@warshipproductions5059 That might just be it though, autotune isnt new, nor is it progressive.

[@dustyz4244]

This song came out the day after I got out of a relationship and is really helping me get through it i love gorillaz

[@babejordan7542]

I’ve had this song on repeat for a couple days it’s so amazing 💖

[@quackquackx]

Yay i’m early! you’re awesome!

[@__melker6202]

i was truly blown away by this. like, all the songs have been amazing - but this.. oh my god. it’s just mindblowing, honestly. absolutely incredible

[@shannonspath6127]

I was just looking for your channel

[@BassBanj0]

It's honestly already become one of my favourite or maybe even my favourite songs I've ever listened to. It's just so damn good

[@leftyjoness]

First I was blown away by Desole. Then Aries came out and I thought nothing would top it. Then they released freakin PAC-MAN and Im like "This is it. This HAS to be the peak of Song Machine." Nope lmao. Pink Phantom is easily my new favorite. The Gorillaz have been the best part of 2020 for me by a landslide and Im so happy they're producing so much music right now.

[@causticenforcer8792]

As someone who had a bad breakup and having to deal with sfamily deaths at the same time some years ago I can really appreciate this song

[@vinegar4556]

Animated Elton John looks like he's about to make a speech about his love of war.

[@charliee963]

I loved this song possibly my favourite song machine episode

[@giblibitus]

Yes

[@Delta1nToo]

yeah i would say i agree with you on this song. really emotional to say the least.

[@jonathanmcknight2453]

It's like Firefly, Busted and Blue and Faust came together and gave us Pink Phantom

[@HoodoHoodlumsRevenge]

Very accurate!

[@markdelgado1029]

Such an amazing song!

[@cumstain8389]

The song made me cry so much that I woke up my crush. I was sleeping at her place while I listened to this

[@Radioactive-qs3bp]

IMMACULATE 😤😤😤😤

[@randybutternubs4647]

Anyone else notice how many edits there are of this song without 6lack on KZbin? Just saying. 😂

[@shubb-niggurath]

I have, I feel like he delivered his part it may not be much but it was effective in my opinion

[@manofmagic1803]

I loved the song, it reminded me of a time before my life changed before I lost everything I loved. I'm currently in the lowest part of my life and this song came out as it got worse, I can't help but believe this is the universe telling me to move on somehow. It's too much of a coincidence.

[@reconboy0454]

hope they make a weird version of 2D with no accidents with his blue eyes and brown hair

[@dearsirdearyou4153]

That would be trippy like tranz haha

[@RecklessBucket2]

That 8ball fracture does heal up so maybe

[@RecklessBucket2]

The hair part, not sure

[@reconboy0454]

HeyItsRB no like they’d show a flashback before he fell out the tree and overdosed on painkillers

[@RecklessBucket2]

@@reconboy0454 ahhh ok that makes sense

[@spcfl1461]

If it was Billie Ellish or someone like that instead of 6LACK nobody would be saying shit about the auto tune. The vocals contrast nicely imo

[@George_Harris_SR25]

hope it dosent end up like ben clementine

[@2ethefirst318]

i watched the song when it premiered while spaced out on nangs, it was quite the experience

[@trinket5969]

I've been a fan of Elton John since I was practically born. And as the years have gone on, I've only grown to love him more. I've only just recently (as in like a year) got into Gorillaz. And to see two artist that mean something to me work together, is mind blowing. As soon as I saw it I immediately dropped everything to listen to it. Elton brought aomething amazing to this song, with his classic calm and simple piano, his soothing voice, and I'm in love. Definatly best song on this album so far. At least to me

[@narrativehook.6468]

Are you going to do a full review of the album now that it’s out? 😍

[@anndz4295]

Tbh, I just love this song!

[@northseapirate2313]

I saw Elton live a couple months ago, and my god, even if he can’t hit the high notes like his early career, his voice is still amazing. Lyrics might have always been completely stupid but hey it gave him character. He’s still going strong after more than 5 decades of rocking out

[@spunkyaltimations7935]

All three artists I’m fairly indifferent to, yet somehow they together form just a beautiful track that is already one of my favorites. It’s weirdly brilliant.

[@George_Harris_SR25]

it’s irritating people think without 6lack it is great

[@theriddlersdiscordkitten]

Can 2D do my eyelashes because HOW HE HAS PRETTY EYELASHES UGH

[@pyroronnie2473]

This song honestly is really good. I even didnt mind the hip hop rap 😲 but this song definitely is major vibe~

[@thema1998]

Today is the 1 *year* anniversary of when you uploaded this video. 🤓 EDITS- 10:30 A.M.: *finishes video 8 minutes later* The music video for "The Pink Phantom" was so good that I watched it over a dozen times. 10:32 A.M.: I'm *not* kidding! 😅

[@nosebonkisgod1170]

YAS I’m early!

[@galesketches1808]

THE NEXT SONG IS VALLEY OF THE PAGANS, the full song leaked already and it sounds great, I bet you'll really enjoy it

[@ghostmoth8617]

You kinda have to listen a few times before you like 6LACK in this song but when you get into it it goes great

[@journeymanX]

This song it’s so damn impactful,made me miss the summer of 08 Which is the summer of my youth when I graduated from college,makes me think of this woman who I had a platonic relationship with but we never did commit, we drifted apart and did our own things,she’s now happily married and so am I, so yeah this song isn’t just emotional it’s a nostalgia trip the only song that gave me such feelings would be “el manana” another underrated gorillaz gem Good to know Elton can still belt out a tune at his age and love the murdoc comedy at the end

[@notimeforcreativenamesjust3034]

YESYESYEEEEESSSS

[@itzmehgaia9024]

Shoot. This video was uploaded 12 mins ago. Oh well, Any video that talk about Gorillaz makes me *really happy*

[@afromarco005]

I love Désolé and Pacman

[@TheWonder_OfU]

Elton John killed it with his vocals in this one. Absolutely a song to vibe to.

[@grubbiechirp5695]

Agreed, never understood the auto tune salt, if it suits the song then it’s appropriate. Only should be considered bad if it’s cat fishing

[@swansonjoe7121]

I'm so excited for the valley of pagans! I hope it's strictly a rusel and noodle adventure,!!

[@seanslaysean7097]

Another interpretation is that either them/their partner died, not necessarily a breaking off-the “sky of diamonds” and “where the world is flawless” reference an afterlife. The living member has forgotten their dead counterpart and moved on to the chagrin of their dead counterpart. Yours is the right one as the lyrics fit it more, I just stole this from someone else on the official video. What IM thinking: since the song exists, I’m waiting for a live performance 😍

[@talesofacrookedmouth]

Idk the hand make me think of David Bowie... I mean, Damon and David were friends and there, it plays the role of a candle, just like the one standing in the center of it all in Blackstar.

[@Kayspirit_ramdomdud]

I've been told Elton John looks alot like the British villain from teen titans and I cant unsee it but I still loved this song

[@spoopilize3332]

I dont think its the best gorillaz have ever made but definetly the most beutyfull

[@dianamorales7335]

Yeah i like 6lack but i was so move with the two other more...but i get it in a different perspective so i can see why it was good to have him

[@cosmiclatte8716]

It makes me upset that people are re-uploading the song without 6lacks. I feel like he's important aspect to the song's story. They added him there for a reason. Idk. Just kinda sucks. :(

[@epictom3423]

epic

[@cake6363]

ghh i was thinking about elton being on the track and i started thinking about how amazing a song machine track would’ve been with david bowie

[@archiefromuno]

3:41 in my opinion auto tune is bad when people use it cause they cant sing, but in cases like these they use it specifically to get that sound so i enjoy it when used properly

[@phoenix9926]

the good tims

[@justafanofgorillaz]

Okay but 2D's eyelashes-

[@link78686]

Honestly I can connect with the song .

[@jordyn-laurette_is_spicy]

Hearing Hoodo's spiel on Autotune makes me want him to listen to 100 gecs now lol

[@Kool65Dude]

I absolutely love the song but I dont agree about 6lacks parts. It just foesnt fit the song. It sounds too out of place and personally I just do not lile that style of mumbly singing. It honestly sounds like a soundcloud rapper bust into the studio and kept butting in on the song and the accidentally kept it in. If the lyrics were the same but the guy sounded coherent it would have been fine.

[@angelinebejaran2906]

After you listen enough, you'll enjoy it. I used to think that too.

[@cristianopezzi5209]

I believe that that style of rapping, more "sang" then rapped, brings a new layer to the melody and the autotune helps it fitting well

[@zergio1994]

That’s not mumbling. I can actually understand his lyrics.

[@bluesolace9052]

I don’t consider it mumbling but even if the auto tune is 6lack’s style I don’t think they made the most of it. I would prefer a song where it’s just Damon and 6lack, but I guess it’s hard to not get overshadowed by Elton John. I know they try to harmonize too towards the end but it just feels like they’re singing over 6lack. Still an interesting experience atleast. I hope this boosts 6lack’s career.

[@lonely_ghost9857]

Bro Elton's part got me ngl

[@JJtoob]

I saw an interesting comment under the video, saying that the Hand of Glory represents the emotional state described in the song. The Hand of Glory is said to have the power to paralyze those in its presence (I read it appears in a Harry Potter film, so those who have seen it probably already know this). It temporarily goes out near the end of the song, only to be immediately rekindled as Murdoc walks past it from our perspective. It finally goes completely out at the end, meaning the singer has finally been allowed to move on.

[@ChaosUnfold]

Elton stole the show, period. 6lack seemed outta place for me too but it didn't ruin the song.

[@daffodilsanddaisies2999]

2D IN MASCARA

[@maybunny25]

Maybe it is just me, but my goodness, Elton John looks really good drawn in this style!

[@DAZZA-qy8hl]

Do a new gorillaz collection ppppllllllleeeeeeeeaaaaaaaasssssssse and are you getting the deluxe vinyl box set for song machine

[@edgyusername4191]

I don't really like 6lacks parts, he seemed way out of place.

[@fuckindumbfox]

Same.

[@MK.DANABNORMAL]

I can understand that. I like 6lacks part but that’s your opinion

[@ghostmoth8617]

Understandable

[@dearsirdearyou4153]

@HAYDON DOUTHWRIGHT I don't use it Reddit but is it bad ?

[@talesofacrookedmouth]

@@dearsirdearyou4153 pretty bad my dude

[@hydrodoctormp3216]

When the lyrics remind you of your past friendships and how your friends left you. :-(

[@peepnox7747]

Lucy in the sky with diamonds

[@jumanamaswara8434]

What was ur reaction when Gorillaz commented on ur video for Momentary Bliss?

[@HoodoHoodlumsRevenge]

😱😱😱

[@jumanamaswara8434]

@@HoodoHoodlumsRevenge 😂

[@brugnuh]

I feel like 2D is remembering Paula cracker

[@sonicfangal2000]

I was thinking that too

[@akwala__]

I thought 6lacks verse was way too auto tuned but i really like it, they shouldve held back on the auto tune a little bit but its still amazing and works strangely well in the song

[@Scags]

New rankings 1. Pink Phantom (very hard to put here because I LOVE Pac-Man, but this song is amazing) 2. Pac-Man 3. Strange Timez 4. Désolé 5. Momentary Bliss 6. Aries 7. Friday 13th

[@reconboy0454]

Benny Harvey RIP

[@poop-kf2ji]

I am speed

[@UNKANNYENTERTAINMENT]

it all takes place inside murdoc....its how he feels inside....forgotten

[@scottpeltier3977]

One of the best song machine songs with Aries and desole. Though 6lack isn’t my style, he was a good choice. All in all I haven’t heard a song this meaningful and beautiful since melancholy hill

[@timblom7364]

Ranking the songs so far: Aries Momentary bliss Strange timez The pink phantom Desolé Pac-man How far? Friday 13th

[@Shadowkiller-dq2ju]

Besides the rap part I think it’s a good song

[@violentboy3095]

This is the first time ive seen 2D close he's eye.

[@weebmaster8414]

On my list of best songs from song machine are 1. Pink Phantom 2. Momentary Bliss 3. Pac-Man 4. Desolé 5. The rest