The Fall (Gorillaz album)

The Fall is the fourth studio album by British virtual band Gorillaz. It was first released as a download for members of the Gorillaz fan club on 25 December 2010, followed by a wider physical release on 19 April 2011 by Parlophone in the United Kingdom and Virgin Records in the United States.

Gorillaz co-founder Damon Albarn recorded The Fall during the North American leg of the Escape to Plastic Beach Tour in fall 2010 using only an iPad and a few additional instruments. Albarn wrote and recorded each song in only one day and did not make any later additions or overdubs, describing the album as "a kind of diary of my experience in America." Many of the songs and lyrics reference the locations in which they were recorded. Unlike other Gorillaz albums, The Fall features few guest artists; collaborators include Bobby Womack, and Mick Jones and Paul Simonon of The Clash. Its physical release was preceded by the double A-side single "Revolving Doors" / "Amarillo."

Critical reception for The Fall was mixed; some reviewers praised its experimental qualities and unique production process, while others felt it lacked the depth and qualities of previous Gorillaz albums. Significant attention was given to the fact that the album was produced on an iPad, with some critics referring to it as "the world's first iPad album." Commercially, it sold significantly less than its predecessors, peaking at number 12 on the UK albums chart and number 24 on the Billboard 200, partly due to limited promotion. The album was not supported by any live performances, and the band has rarely performed its songs live.