View source for Everyday Robots

{{For|the song|Everyday Robots (song)}}
{{EngvarB|date=May 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2014}}
{{Infobox album
| name       = Everyday Robots
| type       = Studio
| artist     = [[Damon Albarn]]
| cover      = Damon-albarn-everyday-robots.jpg
| alt        =
| released   = {{Start date|2014|4|25|df=y}}
| recorded   = 2011–2013
| studio     = [[Studio 13]], London, UK
| genre      =
*[[Art pop]]{{cn|date=August 2024}}
*[[trip hop]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/reviews/damon-albarn/15252|title=NME Reviews - Damon Albarn - 'Everyday Robots' - NME.COM|date=25 April 2014|work=NME.COM|access-date=20 November 2014}}</ref>
*[[folktronica]]<ref>{{cite web |last=Lewis |first=Luke |url=http://theessential.com.au/reviews/music/2014/damon-albarn-everyday-robots |title=Damon Albarn – Everyday Robots (2014) / Album Reviews / The Essential |publisher=Theessential.com.au |access-date=30 April 2014 |archive-date=2 May 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140502032201/http://theessential.com.au/reviews/music/2014/damon-albarn-everyday-robots |url-status=dead }}</ref>
*{{nowrap|[[experimental rock]]}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cultofmac.com/276686/weeks-best-new-books-movies-music-itunes-36/|title=This Week's Best New Books, Movies And Music On iTunes - Cult of Mac|work=Cult of Mac|access-date=20 November 2014}}</ref>
| length     = 46:32
| label      = {{hlist|[[Parlophone]]|[[Warner Bros. Records|Warner Bros]]}}
| producer   = {{hlist|[[Damon Albarn]]|[[Richard Russell (XL Recordings)|Richard Russell]]}}
| prev_title =
| prev_year  =
| next_title =
| next_year  =
| misc       = {{Extra chronology
 | artist     = [[Damon Albarn]]
 | type       = studio
 | prev_title = [[Maison Des Jeunes]]
 | prev_year  = 2013
 | title      = Everyday Robots
 | year       = 2014
 | next_title = [[Live at the De De De Der]]
 | next_year  = 2014
}}
{{Extra chronology
 | artist     = [[Damon Albarn]] solo
 | type       = studio
 | prev_title = [[Dr Dee#Soundtrack|Dr Dee]]
 | prev_year  = 2012
 | title      = Everyday Robots
 | year       = 2014
 | next_title = [[Live at the De De De Der]]
 | next_year  = 2014
}}
{{Singles
 | name        = Everyday Robots
 | type        = studio
 | single1     = [[Everyday Robots (song)|Everyday Robots]]
 | single1date = 3 March 2014
 | single2     = [[Lonely Press Play]]
 | single2date = 27 February 2014
 | single3     = [[Hollow Ponds]]
 | single3date = 19 April 2014
 | single4     = [[Mr Tembo]]
 | single4date = 16 April 2014
 | single5     = [[Heavy Seas of Love]]
 | single5date = 27 April 2014
}}
}}

'''''Everyday Robots''''' is the debut solo [[studio album]] by British musician [[Damon Albarn]], best known as the frontman of [[Blur (band)|Blur]] and [[Gorillaz]]. Described by Albarn as his "most personal record", the album was co-produced by [[Richard Russell (XL Recordings)|Richard Russell]] and released on 25 April 2014. It features guest contributions from musician and producer [[Brian Eno]], singer [[Bat for Lashes|Natasha Khan]] and the Leytonstone City Mission Choir. It was nominated for the 2014 [[Mercury Prize]] for best album.

The album produced five singles: "[[Everyday Robots (song)|Everyday Robots]]", "[[Lonely Press Play]]", "[[Hollow Ponds]]", US-only release "[[Mr Tembo]]", and "[[Heavy Seas of Love]]". ''Everyday Robots'' received positive reviews from music critics, and debuted at number two on the [[UK Albums Chart]].

==Background==
The album was first announced in September 2011, when Albarn had confirmed he was working on a solo studio album to be released under his own name. He also stated that the concept of which is supposed to revolve around "empty club music".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/upcoming_releases/damon_albarn_reveals_solo_album_details.html|title=Damon Albarn solo album's details|publisher=Ultimate-guitar.com|date=30 September 2011|access-date=22 March 2012}}</ref> In a 2013 interview with ''[[Rolling Stone]]'' magazine, he said that the record would have a sound that he describes as a combination [[folk music]] and [[soul music]]. He also stated that he will be taking his album on tour, during which he will play songs from all of his other bands, such as [[Blur (band)|Blur]], [[Gorillaz]] and [[The Good, the Bad & the Queen]].<ref name="Rolling Stone may2013">{{cite magazine|title=Q&A: Damon Albarn on the Future of Blur, His First Ever Solo Album and Why He Doesn't Hate Oasis Anymore |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/q-a-damon-albarn-on-the-future-of-blur-his-first-ever-solo-album-and-why-he-doesnt-hate-oasis-anymore-20130528 |magazine=[[Rolling Stone]] |first=Jonathan |last=Ringen |date=28 May 2013 |access-date=28 May 2013}}</ref>

In May 2012, Albarn told ''[[NME]]'' that he was recording a new solo studio album. Asked what he was currently working on, Albarn said: "This week we're mucking around with these Russian [[synthesizers]] in a very loose mind of doing some kind of record under my name. I suppose you could call it a solo record, but I don't like that word. It sounds very lonely – solo. I don't really want to be solo in my life. But yeah, I'm making another record."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/blur--2/63660 |title=Blur's Damon Albarn: 'I'm making a new solo album'  |work=NME |date=8 May 2012 |access-date=12 April 2014}}</ref>

On 18 January 2014, the [[Warner Music]] Store was updated to include Damon Albarn's new album and its name was revealed – ''Everyday Robots'', which is also the name of the first single, set to be released as a limited edition 7" vinyl on 3 March along with a non-album B-side, "[[Electric Fences (song)|Electric Fences]]".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://store.damonalbarnmusic.com/eu/featured/everyday-robots-exclusives/everyday-robots-7-vinyl-hd-bundle.html |title="Everyday Robots" – 7" vinyl % HD bundle |publisher=store.damonalbarnmusic.com |access-date=24 January 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202101611/http://store.damonalbarnmusic.com/eu/featured/everyday-robots-exclusives/everyday-robots-7-vinyl-hd-bundle.html |archive-date=2 February 2014 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> The deluxe edition of the album will come packaged with a DVD of Albarn performing a few album tracks live at [[20th Century Fox|Fox Studios]] in Los Angeles. The DVD was filmed on 3 December 2013. Albarn himself said in his official Facebook page that this record is his most soul-searching and autobiographical yet, explores nature versus technology and features guests [[Brian Eno]] and Natasha Khan, professionally known as [[Bat for Lashes]].<ref name="Blurballs">{{cite web|url=http://www.blurballs.com/2013/09/damon-albarns-solo-album-to-feature.html |title=Damon Albarn's Solo Album to feature Natasha Khan |publisher=Blurballs.com |access-date=4 September 2013}}</ref> The official promo video for the first single, "[[Everyday Robots (song)|Everyday Robots]]", was directed by artist and designer [[Aitor Throup]], and posted on the singer's YouTube page on 20 January.<ref>{{cite web|title=Damon Albarn – Everyday Robots (Official Video) |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rjbiUj-FD-o |publisher=YouTube |access-date=20 January 2014}}</ref>

The album was made available for free streaming on [[iTunes]] on Tuesday 22 April 2014, whereby people could listen to the standard edition of the album in its entirety, which is a similar strategy used by [[Justin Timberlake]] for his albums ''[[The 20/20 Experience]]'' & ''[[The 20/20 Experience – 2 of 2]]'' and [[Daft Punk]]'s ''[[Random Access Memories]].''<ref>{{cite web|last=Coplan |first=Chris |url=http://consequenceofsound.net/2014/04/stream-damon-albarns-debut-solo-album-everyday-robots-2/ |title=Stream: Damon Albarn's debut solo album Everyday Robots |publisher=Consequence of Sound |date=22 April 2014 |access-date=30 April 2014}}</ref>

Episode four of the [[Craig Cash]] sitcom [[After Hours (2015 British TV series)|After Hours]] is titled ''Lonely Press Play'', and the song features in the episode.

==Recording==
{{multiple image
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<!-- Image 1 -->
| image1 = Eno Illustrated Talk.jpg
| width1 = 150
| alt1 = A man stands looking at the paparazzi 
| caption1 = [[Brian Eno]] contributes synthesizers and backing vocals to "[[You and Me (Damon Albarn song)|You and Me]]" and guest vocals on the song "[[Heavy Seas of Love]]".

<!-- Image 2 -->
| image2 = Miss Khan.jpg
| width2 = 150
| alt2 = A woman performs on stage with a full backing band.
| caption2 = Natasha Khan ([[Bat for Lashes]]), appears on "[[The Selfish Giant (Song)|The Selfish Giant]]"
}}

In a January 2014 interview with ''[[Rolling Stone]]'', Albarn revealed that [[Natasha Khan]] would appear on the track "[[The Selfish Giant (Song)|The Selfish Giant]]" as a "ghostly echo", and that [[Brian Eno]] had collaborated on the album's final track.<ref name="Rolling Stone jan2014"/> He also revealed that the track "[[Mr Tembo]]" was recorded for a baby elephant that Albarn met in a [[zoo]] in [[Mkomazi, Tanzania|Mkomazi]], Tanzania. He said: "It was recently orphaned and walked onto this [[aerodrome]]; the people I know took it in and called it Mr. Tembo. I was there, and I met this little elephant, and he was very sweet. I sang it to him."<ref name="Rolling Stone jan2014"/> The track was played for the elephant in a [[Demo (music)|demo form]] by Albarn and [[Paul Simonon]], and recorded over a phone call between Albarn and Richard Russell.<ref>{{cite web |author=Giraffic Themes |url=http://damonalbarn.tumblr.com/post/74509381514/know-more-about-mr-tembo-the-baby-elephant-damon |title=Know more about Mr. Tembo, the baby elephant Damon... &#124; Damon Albarn Unofficial |publisher=Damonalbarn.tumblr.com |access-date=12 April 2014 |archive-date=18 March 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140318180242/http://damonalbarn.tumblr.com/post/74509381514/know-more-about-mr-tembo-the-baby-elephant-damon |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="ReferenceA">{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/damon-albarn/76058 |title=Damon Albarn plays new track 'Mr Tembo' on Jimmy Kimmel  |work=NME |date=13 March 2014 |access-date=12 April 2014}}</ref>

As for the recording process of the album, Albarn started it with nearly 60 songs written down, and then would allow co-producer Richard Russell to pick his favourites, which would then become tracks on his album.<ref name="Rolling Stone jan2014">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/damon-albarn-solo-lp-everyday-robots-inspired-by-elephants-eno-20140120 |title=Damon Albarn Solo LP 'Everyday Robots' Inspired by Elephants, Eno |magazine=[[Rolling Stone]] |first=Gavin |last=Edwards |date=20 January 2014 |access-date=22 January 2014}}</ref>

In an interview with ''[[NME]]'' about the album, Albarn explained that the lyrics were "the hardest part". He commented: "The lyrics were the hardest part. The music… leans towards my more melancholic, introspective soulful side, which is where I love to sing, but lyrically it took me a long time. I wanted it to be about my life, in a way, and I went right back to... it sort of starts in 1976." He added that every song on the record is rooted in a real life experience, saying: "every line on this record happened". The album will also tackle other issues such as "nature versus technology"<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gigwise.com/news/88542/tickets-to-damon-albarns-london-and-eu-shows-on-sale-now |title=Tickets to Damon Albarn's London and EU shows on sale now |publisher=Gigwise |date=13 February 2014 |access-date=12 April 2014}}</ref>

Addressing working with The Leytonstone City Mission Choir, Albarn felt that the choir held a nostalgic importance to him and asked the Church if he could record with the choir, "Back in Leytonstone, there was a [[Pentecostal Church]] at the end of my road that belonged to the city mission. I remember standing outside with my bicycle listening to the singing, but never being able to find an entry point. But it was a very strong childhood memory that I've carried with me. I got in contact with that church, and they've still got a small choir, so they very kindly agreed to sing on the record a bit."<ref name="Rolling Stone jan2014"/>

Co-producer Richard Russell stated: "It's definitely a different sound to anything he's had before. He's been very conceptual for the past few records he's done whereas this is one is just a personal record that's about him. He worked very hard to express things that were very personal but to do it in an interesting way. That's what makes the record him. He brought me in to create a particular atmosphere and particular mood, so it's quite an atmospheric record with a certain palate of sounds and a certain rhythmic feel and very personal stuff."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/damon-albarn/75450 |title=Damon Albarn's solo material is 'very personal' says producer Richard Russell  |work=NME |date=12 February 2014 |access-date=12 April 2014}}</ref> "[[Heavy Seas of Love]]", with Brian Eno and The Leytonstone City Mission Choir, was played live by Albarn at a YouTube event, however the original studio version also leaked online. The single was streamed via Tribecaon Tribeca.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.spin.com/2014/01/damon-albarn-heavy-seas-of-love-brian-eno-stream/ |title=Damon Albarn and Brian Eno Sing of Hope on 'Heavy Seas of Love' |work=Spin |date=28 January 2014 |access-date=12 April 2014}}</ref>

Russell handled the drum programming while Albarn took on the singing, piano and guitar parts. "We did it in just three months at my studio," Albarn said of the process. "We'd work five days a week, 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m."<ref>{{cite magazine|author=Andy Greene |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/damon-albarn-explains-waiting-25-years-to-go-solo-20140221 |title=Blur Singer Damon Albarn on His Solo Album And Brian Eno's Bizarre Gym Routine &#124; Music News |magazine=Rolling Stone |date=21 February 2014 |access-date=12 April 2014}}</ref> The drums and percussion on the record are from a musical instrument that Russell had picked up from [[Kinshasa]] in the [[Democratic Republic of Congo]], which is made mostly of plastic and metal, a modified version of which can be seen on DRC Music's ''[[Kinshasa One Two]]'' record.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b041ts8p.mp|title=BBC Radio 1 - Zane Lowe, Zane Lowe and Damon Albarn|work=BBC|access-date=20 November 2014|archive-date=2 May 2014|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140502182819/http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b041ts8p.mp|url-status=dead}}</ref>

The song "[[Hollow Ponds]]" was played in its full form on [[XFM]] on 20 March 2014.<ref name="autogenerated1976">{{cite web|url=http://www.xfm.co.uk/artists/blur/news/damon-albarn-hollow-ponds-is-my-life-since-1976/ |title=Damon Albarn: Hollow Ponds is my life since 1976  |publisher=XFM |date=21 March 2014 |access-date=12 April 2014}}</ref> On 24 March 2014 Albarn released "Heavy Seas of Love" in its full studio format without the [[audio watermark]] on the track, and released the single art cover as well. The cover art is of the [[Palacio Salvo]] in [[Plaza Independencia]] in Uruguay<ref>{{cite web|last=Gibsone |first=Harriet |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/musicblog/2014/mar/24/damon-albarn-heavy-seas-of-love-listen |title=Damon Albarn: Heavy Seas Of Love – listen  |work=The Guardian |date=24 March 2014 |access-date=12 April 2014}}</ref>

==Lyrics==
As stated in many interviews, the record will be "the most personal record I have ever done", the record also focuses on the idea of nature versus technology, and will tell certain significant moments in Albarn's life, including: "[[Hollow Ponds]]", which referenced key dates in Albarn's life, including [[1976 United Kingdom heat wave|the 1976 summer drought]].<ref name="Gibbs">{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/reviews/damon-albarn-gig-review-the-blur-frontman-wont-be-leaving-the-past-far-behind-9079898.html |title=Damon Albarn, gig review: 'The Blur frontman won't be leaving the past far behind' |work=[[The Independent]] |first=Ed |last=Gibbs |date=23 January 2014 |access-date=25 January 2014}}</ref>

The album's first single "[[Everyday Robots (song)|Everyday Robots]]", opens with the lyric: "We are everyday robots on our phones" – makes it clear this particular track focuses on the nature/technology dichotomy as opposed to anything deeply personal, as reported by Michael Cragg, of ''[[The Guardian]]''.<ref>{{cite web|author=Michael Cragg |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/musicblog/2014/jan/20/damon-albarn-everyday-robots |title=Damon Albarn – Everyday Robots: New music  |work=The Guardian |date=20 January 2014 |access-date=12 April 2014}}</ref> The track contains a sample of "The Gasser" by [[Lord Buckley]], from his 1960 album "Best of Buckley", the sample itself is a [[Hipster (1940s subculture)|hipsemantic]] rant about 15th Century Spanish Explorer, [[Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca]], whom was a part of the [[Narváez expedition]]. The song opens with Buckley's lines of "They didn't know where they was going, but they knew where they was, wasn't it"<ref name="uX-dhT6qoXA">{{YouTube|uX-dhT6qoXA}}</ref> The sample is used to question the position of humans in modern-day Earth. "They" are humans, in which Albarn claims that we know where we are right now but because of the violent and dramatic evolution of technology, we have no idea what could happen in the next few years.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://rock.rapgenius.com/Damon-albarn-everyday-robots-lyrics |title=Damon Albarn – Everyday Robots Lyrics &#124; Rock Genius |publisher=Rock.rapgenius.com |access-date=12 April 2014}}</ref>

"[[Lonely Press Play]]", the album's second single, features the lyrics: "'Cause you're not resolved in your heart, you're waiting for me, to improve, right here, when I'm lonely, I press play", which talks about isolation and the feeling of being alone. The song was previewed on Albarn's Culture Show documentary, and the Sundance Festival and is the album's second official single.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lyricsontop.com/damon-albarn-songs/lonely-press-play-lyrics.html |title=Damon Albarn – Lonely, Press Play lyrics complete |publisher=Lyricsontop.com |access-date=12 April 2014}}</ref>

==Promotion==
A series of trailers also appeared on Albarn's YouTube account as a way of promoting the album. The trailers featured a lot of images, mainly from Albarn's past and his previous projects. As well as a 21-second clip which featured Albarn at the piano and, before showing the title: Damon Albarn. First Solo Album. Coming Soon<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/user/damonalbarnmusic |title=Damon Albarn |publisher=YouTube |access-date=12 April 2014}}</ref>

Albarn premiered, "[[Lonely Press Play]]" at YouTube's pop-up venue at the [[Sundance Film Festival]] on 19 January. The invitation-only performance included acoustic versions of songs from the record itself as well as [[El Mañana (song)|El Mañana]] by Gorillaz and an as of yet unknown Blur track. Albarn also played the song on [[Dermot O'Leary]]'s [[BBC Radio 2]] show, in a more "stripped-back acoustic" performance and also performed a cover of [[Terry Jacks]]' "[[Seasons in the Sun]]"{{citation needed|date=December 2020}} And also previewed the song "[[Heavy Seas of Love]]" featuring Brian Eno and The Leytonstone City Mission Choir as well.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://britpopnews.com/listen-to-damon-albarns-heavy-seas-of-love/ |title=Listen to Damon Albarn's 'Heavy Seas of Love' |publisher=Britpopnews.com |date=31 January 2014 |access-date=12 April 2014}}</ref>

Albarn was the subject of a half-hour episode of [[The Culture Show]] broadcast on [[BBC Two]] in February 2014, which focused on his previous bands and his current work. In the programme he returned to his former homes in [[Leytonstone]], [[East London]], and [[Colchester]], Essex. Speaking in the programme, he revealed that he found his first solo [[Music album|LP]] tough, saying: "I've spent so long in bands, playing to large groups of people, that doing a solo album is quite a difficult thing for me to do. That's why I put it off for so long". The documentary included clips of songs from his album as well, including "Hollow Ponds", "Hostiles" and "Mr Tembo".{{citation needed|date=December 2020}}

Albarn also won the award for Innovation at the 2014 [[NME Awards]] and was presented with the award by [[BBC Radio 1|Radio 1]] DJ [[Zane Lowe]]. The awards took place at the [[Brixton Academy|O2 Academy]] [[Brixton]] in London and were hosted by BBC Radio 1 presenter and NME columnist [[Huw Stephens]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/damon-albarn/75740 |title=Damon Albarn says 'I still really care what NME thinks of me' on collecting Award For Innovation  |work=NME |date=26 February 2014 |access-date=12 April 2014}}</ref>

Although the record will be released under his name, he said he wanted himself and his backing band to be known as The Heavy Seas. The band's first performance was at [[BBC Radio 6]] Festival. The gig saw the first exclusive plays of songs such as "[[The Selfish Giant (song)|The Selfish Giant]]" and "Mr Tembo", Albarn also played [[Tomorrow Comes Today]] from Gorillaz [[Gorillaz (album)|eponymous debut album]] and [[The Good, the Bad & the Queen]] single "[[Kingdom of Doom]]" as well as "[[El Mañana (song)|El Mañana]]" from ''[[Demon Days]]'' and the Blur B-Side "[[Beetlebum|All Your Life]]".<ref>{{cite web|last=Young |first=Alex |url=http://consequenceofsound.net/2014/03/watch-damon-albarns-first-solo-performance-at-bbc-6-music-festival/ |title=Here's the incredible setlist for Damon Albarn's first solo performance, plus watch it in full |publisher=Consequence of Sound |date=1 March 2014 |access-date=12 April 2014}}</ref> Albarn and Kelis were among the acts that performed at the BBC Radio 6 Music Festival on Friday 28 February.

Albarn performed at the [[SXSW Festival]] in [[Austin, Texas]], which was streamed live at [[NPR]]'s website, as well as performing on the American TV Show, ''[[Jimmy Kimmel Live!]]'' and performed the singles "Lonely Press Play", and "Mr Tembo".<ref name="pitchfork.com">{{cite web|url=https://pitchfork.com/news/54331-watch-damon-albarn-perform-mr-tembo-and-lonely-press-play-on-kimmel/ |title=Watch Damon Albarn Perform "Mr. Tembo" and "Lonely Press Play" on "Kimmel"  |work=Pitchfork Media |date=13 March 2014 |access-date=12 April 2014}}</ref>

At the festival Albarn played various Gorillaz songs, including "[[Feel Good Inc]]" in which he was joined onstage by [[De La Soul]]. He also performed the hit song "[[Clint Eastwood (song)|Clint Eastwood]]" with the song's original collaborator [[Del the Funky Homosapien]], marking the first time Albarn and Del played the song live together, being joined on stage by [[Dan the Automator]] and [[Snoop Dogg]]. "[[Tomorrow Comes Today]]", "[[Kingdom of Doom]]" and "[[Beetlebum|All Your Life]]" were also performed during the festival.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/damon-albarn/76100 |title=Damon Albarn joined onstage by Snoop Dogg, De La Soul and Gorillaz collaborators at SXSW  |work=NME |date=15 March 2014 |access-date=12 April 2014}}</ref>

Albarn played a series of "intimate gigs" in support of the album at the Rivioli Ballroom in [[Crofton Park]] on 30 April, followed by a show at the People's Palace in [[Mile End]] on 1 May, in which he played songs from many of his bands. Albarn also headlined the Saturday night of [[Latitude Festival]], which took place between 17–20 July.<ref name="nme.com">{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/damon-albarn/75032 |title=Damon Albarn reveals he finds it 'weird' seeing his name solo on Latitude festival line-up |work=[[NME]] |date=22 January 2014 |access-date=25 January 2014}}</ref> He also played the [[Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival]] in [[Tennessee, USA]], 12–15 June. Tickets went on sale Saturday 22 February 2014.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://plus.google.com/+DamonAlbarn/posts/1yGd2GbmuQR |title=Damon Albarn – Google+ – Damon is confirmed to play Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival… |date=20 February 2014 |access-date=12 April 2014}}</ref>

Albarn also played [[Rock Werchter]] – which took place in [[Belgium]] 3–6 July.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.damonalbarnmusic.com/2014/01/damon-to-play-rock-werchter-on-6-july/ |title=Damon to play Rock Werchter on 6 July &#124; Damon Albarn Official Website |publisher=Damonalbarnmusic.com |access-date=12 April 2014}}</ref> Albarn also played the Days Off Festival in Paris, France, on 9 July. Tickets went on sale on 6 March.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.damonalbarnmusic.com/2014/02/damon-to-play-days-off-festival-in-paris/ |title=Damon to play Days Off Festival in Paris &#124; Damon Albarn Official Website |publisher=Damonalbarnmusic.com |access-date=12 April 2014}}</ref> Albarn headlined 2014's [[EXIT Festival]] in Serbia. He also topped the bill on the main stage on 12 July, joining a line-up that also included [[Disclosure (band)|Disclosure]], [[Rudimental]] and [[Skrillex]]. The event took place from 10–13 July 2014 at the [[Petrovaradin Fortress]] in [[Novi Sad]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/damon-albarn/75938 |title=Damon Albarn to headline EXIT Festival  |work=NME |date=7 March 2014 |access-date=12 April 2014}}</ref> Albarn also appeared at the [[Fuji Rock Festival]] in Japan on 25–27 July 2014.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.damonalbarnmusic.com/2014/03/damon-to-play-the-fuji-rock-festival/ |title=Damon to play the Fuji Rock Festival &#124; Damon Albarn Official Website |publisher=Damonalbarnmusic.com |access-date=12 April 2014}}</ref>

Albarn also appeared on the BBC TV programme ''[[Later...with Jools Holland]]'' on 2 May 2014 along with [[Coldplay]], [[The Black Keys]], [[Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings]] & [[Aziza Brahim]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b042vmb5|title=Jools Holland 2nd May|publisher=[[British Broadcasting Corporation|BBC]]|access-date=21 April 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/news/a560603/coldplay-damon-albarn-elbow-to-perform-on-later-with-jools-holland.html#~oCAzgh39zCNKEZ |title=Coldplay, Damon Albarn, Elbow to perform on Later... with Jools Holland – Music News |work=Digital Spy |date=27 March 2014 |access-date=30 April 2014}}</ref>

Albarn was shortlisted for the [[Mercury Prize|2014 Mercury Prize Award]] and performed at the live ceremony in which he performed "Hostiles". All nominees performed at the ceremony Albarn and [[Royal Blood (band)|Royal Blood]]'s performances were the most well received performances of the evening. However, Albarn ended up losing the award to [[Edinburgh]] based hip-hop trio [[Young Fathers]] for their [[2014 in music|2014]] album ''[[Dead (Young Fathers album)|Dead]]''.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/young-fathers-upset-damon-albarn-fka-twigs-for-mercury-prize-win-20141030|title=Young Fathers Upset Damon Albarn for Mercury Prize Win - Rolling Stone|magazine=Rolling Stone|access-date=20 November 2014}}</ref>

===The Heavy Seas===
{{main|Live at the De De De Der}}
Albarn's live band is called The Heavy Seas, and features guitarist [[Seye Adelekan|Seye]], drummer [[The PSM|Pauli the PSM]], guitarist [[Jeff Wootton]] and [[Mike Smith (saxophonist)|Mike Smith]] on keyboards.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.clashmusic.com/videos/damon-albarn-lonely-press-play |title=Damon Albarn – Lonely Press Play |work=[[Clash (magazine)|Clash]] |first=Robin |last=Murray |date=27 February 2014 |access-date=12 April 2014}}</ref> Both Smith and Wootton had previously been a part of Gorillaz' ''[[Escape to Plastic Beach World Tour]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gorillaz-news.livejournal.com/384986.html |title=gorillaz_news: Video interview with Jeff Wootton, Gorillaz live guitarist |publisher=Gorillaz-news.livejournal.com |date=20 August 2010 |access-date=12 April 2014}}</ref> On 15–16 November 2014, Albarn & The Heavy Seas' performances at the [[Royal Albert Hall]] were recorded to be edited into a live album. The project was released as a two-disc album called ''[[Live at the De De De Der]]''; it contains seven songs from ''Everyday Robots'' performed by Albarn and guest musicians, including [[De La Soul]], [[Graham Coxon]] and [[Afel Bocoum]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://abbeyroadlive.sandbag.uk.com/Store/DisplayArtist.html?CatID=5702&ViewTourID=5703 |title=Live Here Now |access-date=2014-11-29 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141118033006/http://abbeyroadlive.sandbag.uk.com/Store/DisplayArtist.html?CatID=5702&ViewTourID=5703 |archive-date=18 November 2014 |df=dmy-all }}</ref>

==Singles==
The first single from the record, is the [[Everyday Robots (song)|title track]], and was released on 3 March 2014.{{citation needed|date=April 2014}}

The second single for the album was "[[Lonely Press Play]]", which was officially made available on iTunes.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/damon-albarn/75769 |title=Damon Albarn unveils 'Lonely Press Play' video – watch  |work=NME |date=27 February 2014 |access-date=12 April 2014}}</ref> and had a music video that was released on 27 February 2014.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p9MMJgFKv24 |title=Damon Albarn – Lonely Press Play (Official Video) |publisher=YouTube |date=27 February 2014 |access-date=30 April 2014}}</ref>

The album's third single is "[[Hollow Ponds]]" and was released on 19 April 2014, ten days before the release of the album itself. It is unknown if there will be a music video for the track.<ref name="damonalbarnmusic.com">{{cite web |url=http://www.damonalbarnmusic.com/everyday-robots-album/ |title=Everyday Robots – Pre-Order now &#124; Damon Albarn Official Website |publisher=Damonalbarnmusic.com |access-date=12 April 2014 |archive-date=26 June 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140626172711/http://www.damonalbarnmusic.com/everyday-robots-album/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>

The fourth single is "[[Mr Tembo]]", which features The Leytonstone City Mission Choir, the single was released purely in the US. On Tuesday 22 April guitarist Seye, tweeted that Albarn and his live band The Heavy Seas were filming a music video for the song.{{citation needed|date=December 2020}}

The fifth single from the record is "[[Heavy Seas of Love]]" featuring [[Brian Eno]] and The Leytonstone City Mission Choir and will be released on 27 April 2014.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://store.damonalbarnmusic.com/en/catalog/product/view/id/62781?intcmp=140120%2Fdalbarn%2Fplg%2Fhp%2Fs_pr%2Fbut%2Fbdy%2Feu%2Fwebsite |title=Everyday Robots CD + DVD Album |publisher=Store.damonalbarnmusic.com |access-date=30 April 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140417014423/http://store.damonalbarnmusic.com/en/catalog/product/view/id/62781?intcmp=140120%2Fdalbarn%2Fplg%2Fhp%2Fs_pr%2Fbut%2Fbdy%2Feu%2Fwebsite |archive-date=17 April 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref> On. Tuesday 22 April 2014 a music video was released, shot in the same vein as the "Lonely Press Play" music video. Neither Eno nor The Leytonstone City Mission Choir appear in the video.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://pitchfork.com/news/54889-damon-albarn-shares-video-for-brian-eno-featuring-heavy-seas-of-love/ |title=Damon Albarn Shares Video for Brian Eno-Featuring "Heavy Seas of Love"  |work=Pitchfork Media |date=22 April 2014 |access-date=30 April 2014}}</ref>

==Release==
The album is currently available for order on [[iTunes]], in two editions: the standard edition of the album, which features the standard twelve tracks, and the "Special Edition", which features two bonus tracks, "Father's Daughter's Son" and "Empty Club", as well as a DVD Bonus which features live performances of "[[Everyday Robots (song)|Everyday Robots]]", "Hostiles" and "[[Hollow Ponds]]", as well as a track-by-track interview with Albarn himself.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/everyday-robots/id796955158 |title=iTunes – Music – Everyday Robots by Damon Albarn |publisher=iTunes Store |date=23 March 1968 |access-date=12 April 2014}}</ref> The album is also available for order from Albarn's official website and other high-street retailers including [[Amazon.com|Amazon]]. The album is also available in the form of a double LP [[Gramophone record|Vinyl]] copy of the record, which the 12 tracks are split between two records.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00HYFQFVC?camp=1634&creative=6738&creativeASIN=B00HYFQFVC&linkCode=as2 |title=Everyday Robots [VINYL&#93; |website=Amazon UK |date=9 September 2009 |access-date=12 April 2014}}</ref>

==Critical reception==
{{Music ratings
| ADM = 7.6/10<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.anydecentmusic.com/review/6321/Damon-Albarn-Everyday-Robots.aspx |title=Everyday Robots by Damon Albarn reviews |publisher=[[AnyDecentMusic?]] |access-date=19 December 2019}}</ref>
| MC = 76/100<ref name="Metacritic">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/music/everyday-robots/damon-albarn |title=Reviews for Everyday Robots by Damon Albarn |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=11 May 2014}}</ref>
| rev1 = [[AllMusic]]
| rev1Score = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref name="allmusic">{{cite web |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/everyday-robots-mw0002624027 |title=Everyday Robots – Damon Albarn |publisher=[[AllMusic]] |access-date=12 April 2014 |last=Erlewine |first=Stephen Thomas |author-link=Stephen Thomas Erlewine}}</ref>
| rev2 = ''[[The Daily Telegraph]]''
| rev2Score = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/cdreviews/10784899/Damon-Albarn-Everyday-Robots-review-from-bittersweet-blues-to-group-hug.html |title=Damon Albarn, Everyday Robots, review: 'from bittersweet blues to group hug' |work=[[The Daily Telegraph]] |date=19 July 2014 |access-date=19 July 2015 |last=Brown |first=Helen}}</ref>
| rev3 = ''[[The Guardian]]''
| rev3Score = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref name="theguardian1">{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2014/apr/24/damon-albarn-everyday-robots-review |title=Damon Albarn: Everyday Robots review – no revelations, but dazzlingly lovely songs |work=[[The Guardian]] |date=24 April 2014 |access-date=30 April 2014 |last=Petridis |first=Alexis |author-link=Alexis Petridis}}</ref>
| rev4 = ''[[The Independent]]''
| rev4Score = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref name="independent.co.uk">{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/reviews/album-reviews-damon-albarn-eels-iggy-azalea-miles-davis-burt-bacharach-eliza-gilkyson-9267556.html |title=Album reviews: Damon Albarn, Eels, Iggy Azalea, Miles Davis, Burt Bacharach, Eliza Gilkyson |work=[[The Independent]] |date=19 April 2014 |access-date=30 April 2014 |last=Gill |first=Andy}}</ref>
| rev5 = ''[[Los Angeles Times]]''
| rev5Score = {{Rating|3|4}}<ref name="latimes">{{cite news |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/la-et-ms-damon-albarn-everyday-robots-pop-reviews-20140429-story.html |title= Album review: Damon Albarn's 'Everyday Robots' is full of surprises  |work=[[Los Angeles Times]] |date=28 April 2014 |access-date=30 April 2014 |last=Brown |first=August}}</ref>
| rev6 = ''[[NME]]''
| rev6Score = 8/10<ref>{{cite journal |url=https://www.nme.com/reviews/damon-albarn/15252 |title=Damon Albarn – 'Everyday Robots' |journal=[[NME]] |date=25 April 2014 |access-date=28 April 2014 |last=Beaumont |first=Mark |author-link=Mark Beaumont (journalist) |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151121025529/http://www.nme.com/reviews/damon-albarn/15252 |archive-date=21 November 2015}}</ref>
| rev7 = ''[[Pitchfork (website)|Pitchfork]]''
| rev7Score = 7.0/10<ref>{{cite web |url=https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/19280-damon-albarn-everyday-robots/ |title=Damon Albarn: Everyday Robots |work=[[Pitchfork (website)|Pitchfork]] |date=28 April 2014 |access-date=28 April 2014 |last=Powell |first=Mike}}</ref>
| rev8 = ''[[Q (magazine)|Q]]''
| rev8Score = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref name="qthemusic1">{{cite journal |title=Damon Albarn: Everyday Robots |journal=[[Q (magazine)|Q]] |issue=334 |date=May 2014 |last=Fitzpatrick |first=Rob |page=104}}</ref>
| rev9 = ''[[Rolling Stone]]''
| rev9Score = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref name="rollingstone1">{{cite magazine |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/albumreviews/everyday-robots-20140422 |title=Everyday Robots |magazine=[[Rolling Stone]] |date=22 April 2014 |access-date=30 April 2014 |last=Dolan |first=Jon}}</ref>
| rev10 = ''[[Spin (magazine)|Spin]]''
| rev10Score = 8/10<ref>{{cite journal |url=http://www.spin.com/2014/04/damon-albarn-everyday-robots/ |title=Damon Albarn's Modern Life Is Rubbish on Endearingly Great 'Everyday Robots' |journal=[[Spin (magazine)|Spin]] |date=28 April 2014 |access-date=28 April 2014 |last=Kamps |first=Garrett}}</ref>
}}
''Everyday Robots'' received generally positive reviews from critics. At Metacritic, which assigns a normalised rating out of 100 to reviews from mainstream critics, the album received an average score of 76, based on 36 reviews, which indicates "generally favourable reviews".<ref name="Metacritic"/>

Rob Fitzpatrick at ''[[Q (magazine)|Q]]'' magazine said that the album is up there with his best. "As anyone who's ever interviewed Damon Albarn will tell you, he's an endlessly interesting chap. Try and get too close and personal, though, and he'll leave you in silence. However ''Everyday Robots'' is more personal than any of his other work, even more so than his early Blur days. 'Hollow Ponds' is a gloriously lazy lament where horses and passing trade 'reveal a [[pentagram|pentangle]]', where 'dreams are shared on [[LCD]]s', and reveals more about Blur's second studio album ''[[Modern Life is Rubbish]]''." Fitzpatrick also revealed the extent of the contributions that Brian Eno made to the record, after his appearance on both "Heavy Seas of Love" and "You and Me". He named songs like "You and Me" and "The Selfish Giant" as quietly introverted and exploring new depths of his songwriting, he also cited songs "Lonely Press Play", "Heavy Seas of Love" and "Hollow Ponds" as standouts from the album and gave the album a very high four star review.<ref name="qthemusic1"/>

Andy Gill of ''[[Uncut (magazine)|Uncut]]'' magazine wrote that the album's use of samples from [[Lord Buckley]] and [[Timothy Leary]] were some of the finer points of the album and praised producer, Richard Russell for his work on the album. He also mentioned the song "Photographs (You Are Taking Now)", as having "...particularly resonant lines...". Talking of the influences on the record, he spoke about how Albarn's track "The Selfish Giant", takes particular influence from [[Keith Jarrett]]. He also spoke about the "bubbiling sing-along 'Mr. Tembo'" as being a highlight of the record as well. "The History of a Cheating Heart" also vindicated the "...brave vulnerability characteristic of what is a predominantly melancholy album". In summary he wrote: "For the most part here, however, ''Everyday Robots'' is a less ebullient, more intimate and reflective affair, as befits the tentative revelation of a man's soul."<ref name="uncut1">{{cite journal |url=http://www.uncut.co.uk/damon-albarn/damon-albarn-on-everyday-robots-i-ve-made-very-personal-records-before-but-none-with-th |title=Damon Albarn on Everyday Robots: "I've made very personal records before, but none with this kind of chronology" |journal=[[Uncut (magazine)|Uncut]] |date=1 April 2014 |access-date=12 April 2014}}</ref>

In ''[[Clash (magazine)|Clash]]'' magazine's review of the album, Gareth James wrote: "What ''Everyday Robots'' is, however, is a subtle, textured patchwork covering Damon Albarn's 45 years to date, with lyrics capturing snapshots of his childhood in Leytonstone through to a song he made up for a baby elephant he met in [[Tanzania]]. Albarn opted to put himself in the solo spotlight and leave his friend (Richard Russell) behind the desk. Russell's signature stripped-back sound is all over ''Everyday Robots'', but it serves the songs well. Little touches like the piano motif from the title track reappearing at the end of album-closing Brian Eno collaboration 'Heavy Seas of Love', or the gradual hastening of the beat at the end of '[[Lonely Press Play]]' to cue in 'Mr. Tembo', are a delight. The phrase 'slow-burner' is tossed around rather carelessly, but ''Everyday Robots'' is a definite contender. Weeks on from the first listen, it feels like it's always been there. It doesn't burn out so much as creep up and these songs offer yet another new guise for a remarkable talent."<ref name="clashmusic1">{{cite web|url=http://www.clashmusic.com/reviews/damon-albarn-everyday-robots |title=Damon Albarn – Everyday Robots &#124; Clash Magazine |work=[[Clash (magazine)|Clash]] |date=11 April 2014 |access-date=12 April 2014}}</ref>

Fiona Shepard of ''[[The Scotsman]]'' gave the album three out of five stars. In her review she mentioned that lyrically it is just as good if not better than, [[Gorillaz]]' "[[On Melancholy Hill]]" and [[Rocket Juice & the Moon]]'s "Poison". She also said: "Everyday Robots may be too consistently low-key for the Blur massive, but it is an exquisitely pitched solo flight from a self-confessed serial collaborator."<ref name="scotsman.com">{{cite web|last=Shepherd |first=Fiona |url=http://www.scotsman.com/what-s-on/music/album-review-damon-albarn-everyday-robots-1-3381923 |title=Album review: Damon Albarn: Everyday Robots |work=[[The Scotsman]] |date=19 April 2014 |access-date=30 April 2014}}</ref>

Andy Gill of ''[[The Independent]]'' gave the album a 4 out of 5 star review praising the use of [[Lord Buckley]] samples on tracks like "Everyday Robots" and "Mr Tembo". He compared Albarn's song-writing to that of rock legend [[Ray Davies]] and said: "It's a rare moment of extrovert cheer on an intimate, introspective album that takes tentative steps to reveal the soul behind the star." And recommended that songs like "Everyday Robots", "The History of a Cheating Heart", "Mr Tembo" and "Hollow Ponds" were the standouts of the record as a whole.<ref name="independent.co.uk"/>

Larry Day of [[musicOMH]] gave the album four and a half stars out of five. Day wrote: "Everyday Robots is a multi-layered record, much like an aural pavlova, with gooey dollops of bittersweet, outright sweet, darkly morose and wistful reflection. It's rather strange tasting pavlova however, squishing sour pain with halcyon nostalgia." Though Day also pointed out his favourite tracks on the record as well: "'The Selfish Giant', featuring Bat For Lashes' Natasha Khan's dulcet pipes, is home to romantic-era piano motifs and glitchy beats. It's a kind of bare bones dance ballad, with bolshy pulses and simple-yet-sublime melodies. The Brian Eno and The Leytonstone Mission Choir-featuring 'Heavy Seas of Love' is perhaps the grandest cut on the record, with rickety percussion and illustrious piano embellishments."<ref name="musicomh1">{{cite web|last=Day |first=Larry |url=http://www.musicomh.com/reviews/albums/damon-albarn-everyday-robots |title=Damon Albarn – Everyday Robots &#124; Album Reviews |publisher=[[musicOMH]] |date=22 April 2014 |access-date=30 April 2014}}</ref>

Jon Dolan of ''[[Rolling Stone]]'' gave a very positive review, citing Albarn's ability to produce and write melancholic music as one of the album's standout features. Dolan wrote: "Albarn is an avid collaborator who has worked with greats like [[Bobby Womack]] and [[Lou Reed]]. But his pals stay low-key here. Producer Richard Russell sculpts alluring atmospheric beats; Bat for Lashes singer Natasha Khan lends a faint harmony to the fragile relationship autopsy 'The Selfish Giant'; Brian Eno adds [[synthesizer|synths]] to 'You and Me' and vocals to the woozy chanty 'Heavy Seas of Love'. The results can often recall [[Brian Eno#1970s|Seventies Eno]] at his most meditative and [[The Kinks Are the Village Green Preservation Society|Village Green]]-era Ray Davies at his most world-sick more than Gorillaz's bounce or Blur's guitar buzz."<ref name="rollingstone1"/>

Chris Schulz of ''[[The New Zealand Herald]]'', was a little more critical of the album, writing: "'The hours pass by, just left on repeat,' he mourns on the shuffling broodiness of 'Hostiles'. 'I had a dream you were leaving ... when every atom in the universe is passing through our lives,' he mumbles grumpily on 'The Selfish Giant'. And he saves his biggest mopes for The History of a Cheating Heart, when he complains: 'I carry this on my back.' No wonder Albarn looks so hangdog on the album's cover. But Everyday Robots also comes with moments that are strangely addictive: 'Photographs (You Are Taking Now)' slow-motion throb sounds like something [[The xx]] would happily dance to, the title track combines a horror movie atmosphere with genuinely heartfelt lyrics, 'Lonely Press Play' sounds like a Gorillaz outtake that's just missing a [[De La Soul]] verse to elevate it to greatness, while the chirpy instrumentals 'Parakeet' and 'Seven High' deserve more exploration." He gave the album three out of five stars and concluded by saying: "He's either a sad man trying to release a happy album, or a happy man trying to release a sad one. Either way, it seems Albarn's tried on so many hats, he might have forgotten which one's his own."<ref name="nzherald1">{{cite web|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/news/article.cfm?c_id=1501119&objectid=11242799 |title=Album review: Damon Albarn, Everyday Robots – Entertainment – NZ Herald News |work=[[The New Zealand Herald]] |date=24 April 2014 |access-date=30 April 2014}}</ref>

Andrzej Lukowski of [[Drowned in Sound]] wrote: "Everyday Robots is a lovely record, and in its lack of duds or whimsical twattery it's probably one of most consistent things Albarn has ever put his name to. That doesn't make it the best, though: it doesn't take risks – not by Albarn's standards, anyway – and in the most literal sense it's not all that exciting. But if its prettiness is conventional, if it gives us what we expect, then you know, you'll listen to this a damn sight more than the Rocket Juice & the Moon album. Damon Albarn is at his best exploring pastures new, but that doesn't make this wordy wise stocktake of a record any less of a pleasure." He also praised the album's track "You and Me" saying: "Much has been made of how personal the record is, but there's nothing searing as Blur's rawest moments – the abiding sensation is one of intense intimacy. Shuffling seven-minute centrepiece "You and Me" contains a sleepy allusion to his past heroin use ("Tin foil and a lighter, the ship across"), but really it's just an honest allusion from a man done with being coy – it's not a song 'about' heroin like "[[Beetlebum]]" was, and for all the media fuss the line has generated, nobody actually listening to the song is likely to be shocked."<ref>{{cite web |last=Lukowski |first=Andrzej |url=http://drownedinsound.com/releases/18185/reviews/4147660?ticker |title=Album Review: Damon Albarn – Everyday Robots |publisher=[[Drowned in Sound]] |date=24 April 2014 |access-date=30 April 2014 |archive-date=26 April 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140426120129/http://www.drownedinsound.com/releases/18185/reviews/4147660?ticker |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Alex Petridis of ''[[The Guardian]]'' wrote: "Beautiful, but subtle, cloudy and elusive, Everyday Robots certainly isn't the album it's purported to be. You come out of the other side not much the wiser about the man behind it. Never mind: the music is good enough that a lack of revelation doesn't really seem to matter while Everyday Robots is playing. Whoever Damon Albarn is, he's extremely good at what he does."<ref name="theguardian1"/>

==Track listing==
{{Track listing
| all_writing  = [[Damon Albarn]] and produced by Damon Albarn and [[Richard Russell (XL Recordings)|Richard Russell]]
| total_length =
| title1   = [[Everyday Robots (song)|Everyday Robots]]
| length1  = 3:56
| title2   = Hostiles
| length2  = 4:10
| title3   = [[Lonely Press Play]]
| length3  = 3:42
| title4   = [[Mr Tembo]]
| note4    = featuring The Leytonstone City Mission Choir
| length4  = 3:43
| title5   = Parakeet
| length5  = 0:43
| title6   = [[The Selfish Giant (song)|The Selfish Giant]]
| note6    = featuring [[Natasha Khan]]
| length6  = 4:46
| title7   = [[You and Me (Damon Albarn song)|You and Me]]
| note7    = featuring [[Brian Eno]]
| length7  = 7:05
| title8   = [[Hollow Ponds]]
| length8  = 5:00
| title9   = Seven High
| length9  = 1:00
| title10  = [[Photographs (You Are Taking Now)]]
| length10 = 4:43
| title11  = The History of a Cheating Heart
| length11 = 4:00
| title12  = [[Heavy Seas of Love]]
| note12   = featuring Brian Eno & The Leytonstone City Mission Choir
| length12 = 3:44
}}
{{Track listing
| headline = iTunes special edition bonus tracks
| total_length =
| title13   = Father's Daughter's Son
| length13 = 3:39
| title14   = Empty Club
| length14 = 3:16
}}

{{Track listing
| headline        = ''Everyday Robots'' DVD
| title1          = Track by Track Video
| length1         = 15:42
| note1           = Bundle Only
| title2          = [[Everyday Robots (song)|Everyday Robots]]
| note2           = Live from Fox studios Los Angeles
| length2         = 3:57
| title3          = Hostiles
| note3           = Live from Fox studios Los Angeles
| length3         = 4:34
| title4          = [[Lonely Press Play]]
| note4           = Live from Fox studios Los Angeles
| length4         = 4:04
| title5          = [[Hollow Ponds]]
| note5           = Live from Fox studios Los Angeles
| length5         = 4:40
}}
;'''Sample credits:'''
* "Everyday Robots" contains a sample of "[[Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca|Cabenza de Gasca/The Gasser]]", from the 1960 album, ''[[Lord Buckley|Buckley's Best]]'', as written and performed by [[Lord Buckley|Richard Buckley]].<ref name="uX-dhT6qoXA"/>
* "Mr Tembo" contains a sample of "Lions", from the 1959 album ''[[Lord Buckley|Way Out Humour]]'' as written and performed by [[Lord Buckley|Richard Buckley]].<ref name="ReferenceA"/>
* "The Selfish Giant" contains a sample of "[[The Happy Prince and Other Tales|The Selfish Giant]]" composed by [[Kenny Clayton]], written by [[Oscar Wilde]] and performed by [[Robert Morley]].<ref name="Vblurpage.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.vblurpage.com/discography/damon/everyday.htm |title=Damon Albarn – Everyday Robots – album info |publisher=Vblurpage.com |access-date=30 April 2014}}</ref>
* "You and Me" contains a field recording of [[Notting Hill Carnival]] and the [[Central line (London Underground)|Central line]] train leaving [[Leytonstone tube station|Leytonstone]] station on the [[London Underground]].<ref name="Vblurpage.com"/>
* "Hollow Ponds" contains a sample of the Central line train leaving Leytonstone station on the London Underground and of the [[playground]] of Albarn's old school.<ref name="autogenerated1976"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://pitchfork.com/features/interviews/9367-damon-albarn/ |title=Interviews: Damon Albarn &#124; Features |work=Pitchfork Media |date=7 April 2014 |access-date=12 April 2014}}</ref> 
* "Photographs (You Are Taking Now)" contains a sample from the 1964 [[audiobook]] ''[[The Psychedelic Experience|The Psychedelic Experience: A Manual Based on the Tibetan Book of the Dead]]'' as written and performed by [[Timothy Leary]].<ref name="schedule.sxsw.com">{{cite web|url=http://schedule.sxsw.com/2014/events/event_MS27773 |title=Schedule &#124; sxsw.com |publisher=Schedule.sxsw.com |access-date=12 April 2014}}</ref>
*"Heavy Seas of Love" contains a sample of "[[Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca|Cabenza de Gasca/The Gasser]]" as written and performed by [[Lord Buckley|Richard Buckley]] from the 1960 album, ''[[Lord Buckley|Buckley's Best]]'', as written and performed by [[Lord Buckley|Richard Buckley]].<ref name="uX-dhT6qoXA"/>

==Personnel==
Credits adapted from ''Everyday Robots'' inside cover and from [[Allmusic]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/everyday-robots-mw0002624027/credits |title=Everyday Robots – Damon Albarn &#124; Credits |publisher=AllMusic |access-date=30 April 2014}}</ref>

{{Div col}}
* [[Damon Albarn]] – vocals, piano, guitar, [[omnichord]], ukulele, backing vocals, [[drum machine]], bass, [[choir]], [[Korg M1]], synthesizer, executive production, additional production, [[Audio mixing (recorded music)|mixing]], [[Audio engineering|engineering]]
* [[Lord Buckley|Richard Buckley]] – [[Sample (music)|voice sample]] (tracks 1, 4 and 12), backing vocals
* Veona Byfield-Bowen – choir, chorus
* Dan Carpenter – trumpet
* Jamie Carter – director and editor 
* Kris Chen – [[spoken word]]
* [[Demon Strings]] – [[String (music)|strings]]
* Isabelle Dunn – strings
* Margurita Edwards – choir, chorus
* Ian Eason – audio
* [[Kaktus Einarsson]] – assistant engineer 
* [[Brian Eno]] – guest vocals (tracks 7 and 12), backing vocals, [[synthesizers]]
* John Foyle – assistant engineer
* Conroy Griffiths – choir, chorus
* Nicholas Hougham – [[french horn]]
* [[Natasha Khan]] – guest vocals (track 6), backing vocals
* Ollie Langford – violin
* Yonni Lappin – camera operator 
* [[Timothy Leary]] – voice sample (track 10), backing vocals
* The Leytonstone City Mission Choir – choir, guest vocals, backing vocals
* Charles Moriarty – photography technician
* [[Robert Morley]] – [[Sample (music)|voice sample]] ([[The Selfish Giant (song)|track 6]])
* Kevin Metcalfe – mixing, mastering
* Celia Murphy – choir, chorus
* Jerome O'Connell – [[Steelpan|steel pans]]
* Mary Oldacre – choir, chorus 
* [[Passion Pictures]] – CGI Production
* Antonia Pagulatos – strings
* [[The PSM|Pauli the PSM]] – live drums
* Alice Pratley – strings
* [[Richard Russell (XL Recordings)|Richard Russell]] – executive production, [[drum programming]], [[MIDI]], drum machine, [[Music Production Center|MPC]], [[Akai|AKAI MPC 500]], production, spoken word, mixing, [[sampling (music)|sampling]], [[Roland TR-909]], engineering
* Kotono Sato – strings
* Stephen Sedgwick – [[Sound recording and reproduction|recording]], engineering, mixing
* Seye – live bass, live guitar
* [[Mike Smith (saxophonist)|Mike Smith]] – live keyboards, string arrangements
* [[Aitor Throup]] – packaging, creative director
* [[Simon Tong]] – additional guitar
* Patsy Walsh – choir, chorus
* [[Jeff Wootton]] – live guitar, live bass
{{Div col end}}

==Charts and certifications==
{{col-begin}}
{{col-2}}

===Weekly charts===
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;"
|-
! scope="col"| Chart (2014)
! scope="col"| Peak<br />position
|-
{{album chart|Australia|26|artist=Damon Albarn|album=Everyday Robots|rowheader=true|accessdate=6 May 2014}}
|-
{{album chart|Austria|12|artist=Damon Albarn|album=Everyday Robots|rowheader=true|accessdate=9 May 2014}}
|-
{{album chart|Flanders|8|artist=Damon Albarn|album=Everyday Robots|rowheader=true|accessdate=9 May 2014}}
|-
{{album chart|Wallonia|9|artist=Damon Albarn|album=Everyday Robots|rowheader=true|accessdate=9 May 2014}}
|-
{{album chart|BillboardCanada|20|artist=Damon Albarn|album=Everyday Robots|rowheader=true|accessdate=27 December 2020}}
|-
{{album chart|Denmark|4|artist=Damon Albarn|album=Everyday Robots|rowheader=true|accessdate=9 May 2014}}
|-
{{album chart|Netherlands|19|artist=Damon Albarn|album=Everyday Robots|rowheader=true|accessdate=6 May 2014}}
|-
{{album chart|France|6|artist=Damon Albarn|album=Everyday Robots|rowheader=true|accessdate=9 May 2014}}
|-
{{album chart|Germany4|7|artist=Damon Albarn|album=Everyday Robots|rowheader=true|id=235792|accessdate=27 December 2020}}
|-
!scope="row"|Greek Albums ([[IFPI Greece|IFPI]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ifpi.gr/charts_el.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140610212800/http://www.ifpi.gr/charts_el.html|language=el|publisher=[[IFPI Greece]]|access-date=10 June 2014|archive-date=10 June 2014|title=Official Cyta-IFPI Charts - Top-75 Albums Sales Chart - Εβδομάδα: 22/2014}}</ref>
| 65
|-
{{album chart|Hungary|6|year=2014|week=18|rowheader=true|accessdate=8 May 2014}}
|-
{{album chart|Ireland|3|year=2014|week=18|rowheader=true|accessdate=7 May 2014}}
|-
{{album chart|Italy|10|artist=Damon Albarn|album=Everyday Robots|rowheader=true|accessdate=9 May 2014}}
|-
! scope="row"| Japanese Albums ([[Oricon Albums Chart|Oricon]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/108117/products/1069092/1/|title=エヴリデイ・ロボッツ デーモン・アルバーン|trans-title=Everyday Robots|publisher=[[Oricon]]|language=ja}}</ref>
| 21
|-
{{album chart|New Zealand|15|artist=Damon Albarn|album=Everyday Robots|rowheader=true|accessdate=6 May 2014}}
|-
{{album chart|Poland|40|id=863|rowheader=true|accessdate=11 May 2014}}
|-
{{album chart|Portugal|29|artist=Damon Albarn|album=Everyday Robots|rowheader=true|accessdate=27 December 2020}}
|-
{{album chart|Scotland|2|date=2014-05-10|artist=Damon Albarn|rowheader=true|accessdate=6 May 2014}}
|-
{{album chart|Spain|42|artist=Damon Albarn|album=Everyday Robots|rowheader=true|accessdate=7 May 2014}}
|-
{{album chart|Sweden|44|artist=Damon Albarn|album=Everyday Robots|rowheader=true|accessdate=9 May 2014}}
|-
{{album chart|Switzerland|6|artist=Damon Albarn|album=Everyday Robots|rowheader=true|accessdate=9 May 2014}}
|-
{{album chart|UK|2|date=2014-05-10|artist=Damon Albarn|rowheader=true|accessdate=6 May 2014}}
|-
{{album chart|Billboard200|32|artist=Damon Albarn|rowheader=true|accessdate=27 December 2020}}
|-
{{album chart|BillboardAlternative|5|artist=Damon Albarn|rowheader=true|accessdate=27 December 2020}}
|-
{{album chart|BillboardRock|12|artist=Damon Albarn|rowheader=true|accessdate=27 December 2020}}
|-
{{album chart|BillboardTastemaker|5|artist=Damon Albarn|rowheader=true|accessdate=27 December 2020}}
|-
|}
{{col-2}}

===Year-end charts===
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;"
|-
! scope="col"| Chart (2014)
! scope="col"| Position
|-
! scope="row"| Belgian Albums (Ultratop Flanders)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ultratop.be/nl/annual.asp?year=2014&cat=a|title=Jaaroverzichten 2014|publisher=Ultratop|access-date=8 August 2020}}</ref>
| 94
|-
! scope="row"| Belgian Albums (Ultratop Wallonia)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ultratop.be/fr/annual.asp?year=2014&cat=a|title=Rapports Annuels 2014|publisher=Ultratop|access-date=8 August 2020}}</ref>
| 109
|-
! scope="row"| French Albums (SNEP)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://snepmusique.com/les-tops/le-top-de-lannee/top-albums-annee/?annee=2014|title=Top de l'année Top Albums 2014|publisher=SNEP|language=fr|access-date=8 August 2020}}</ref>
| 172
|}

===Certifications===
{{Certification Table Top}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=United Kingdom|award=Silver|artist=Damon Albarn|title=Everyday Robots|type=album|relyear=2014|certyear=2015|id=13168-3998-2}}
{{Certification Table Bottom | noshipments=true}}
{{col-end}}

==Release history==

{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;"
|-
! scope="col"| Region
! scope="col"| Date
! scope="col"| Label
! scope="col"| Format
! scope="col"| Ref.
|-
! scope="row"| Australia
| 25 April 2014
| [[Parlophone]]
| [[Compact disc|CD]], [[Music download|digital download]]
|<ref name="iTunes AU">{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/au/album/everyday-robots-special-edition/id796953576 |title=Everyday Robots (Special Edition) by Damon Albarn |date=25 April 2014 |publisher=[[iTunes]] (AU) |access-date=27 April 2014}}</ref>
|-
! scope="row"| Poland
| rowspan="2"|28 April 2014
| [[Warner Music Group|Warner Music]]
| CD, [[LP record|LP]], CD+[[DVD]], digital download
| <ref name="PL release">{{cite web |url=http://www.warnermusic.pl/index.php?action=katalog&album_id=16926 |title=EVERYDAY ROBOTS (1 CD) |language=pl |publisher=[[Warner Music Group|Warner Music Poland]] |access-date=12 May 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140513011555/http://www.warnermusic.pl/index.php?action=katalog&album_id=16926 |archive-date=13 May 2014 |df=dmy-all }}</ref>
|-
! scope="row"| United Kingdom
| Parlophone
| CD, digital download
|<ref name="iTunes UK">{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/everyday-robots/id796955158 |title=Everyday Robots by Damon Albarn |date=25 April 2014 |publisher=[[iTunes]] (UK) |access-date=27 April 2014}}</ref>
|}

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==External links==
*{{official website|http://www.damonalbarnmusic.com/|Damon Albarn official website}}

{{Damon Albarn}}

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:2014 debut albums]]
[[Category:Damon Albarn albums]]
[[Category:Albums recorded at Studio 13]]
[[Category:Warner Records albums]]
[[Category:Parlophone albums]]
[[Category:Albums produced by Damon Albarn]]
[[Category:Albums produced by Brian Eno]]
[[Category:Albums produced by Richard Russell]]