Gorillaz

Damon and Jamie, Jamie and Damon. Who could have thought that an agreement to live in an apartment after breakups in their relationships, ranting about the state of the music business and plasticity on TV, would lead into one of the more consequential and influential groups on music history. Never before had their been a virtual group (shrouded in mystery before the jig was up) making music as though the 22nd Century was on their front door and have it be the basis for complete and utterly eclecticism. It shouldn't have worked (in lesser hands, it wouldn't have) but, thankfully, it did and provided its creators a new springboard for their creativity after years of being acknowledged (rightfully) for who and what they were. Their albums would get more ambitious, more hit-laden, more guest-starring but this is where it starts and what a start it is.

Wow, despite the fact that this tore through my university like norovirus on a cruise ship, I forgot just how absolutely fucking boring this trope is. The diametric opposite of what I consider to be good music.

It brings a lot to the table but does not set it. Good but messy.

Tepid. Boring. Pedestrian. Damon Albarn coasting because of a post-grunge hangover?

I was only familiar with Gorillaz hits until now. I found the LP got off to a so-so start with the first two songs, but really picked up after that. The sequence of songs that begins with New Genius (brother) is great and there’s absolutely no filler until the end of the album. I especially like Sound Check (Gravity). The cast of characters that Damon Albarn brings in keeps it fresh and you never know what to expect. Despite the high level of creativity and genre swings it all hangs together nicely (even Ibrahim Ferrer sounds like he belongs)! A great album.

I think we are lucky to have Damon

The next two Gorillaz albums are better, but I guess this one's included for cultural significance. When I first heard it I remember being surprised by how many tracks seemed more like sonic experiments than fully formed songs, and I think that's true of the band as a whole at this point: an interesting experiment that would become more well-realised over time. The eclecticism was there from the start, though; I love 5/4, Tomorrow Comes Today & Slow Country for very different reasons. And I reckon Clint Eastwood remains their 'definitive' track - it still sounds fresh today. A fun, quirky listen: 3.5 stars.

Well, I guess 13 is my lucky number since this is the 13th album I got here. Not the first time I'm listening to it. I love everything Damon Albarn - from Blur to Gorillaz. And this Gorillaz album is no exception. Re-Hash - introduces you to the fun Gorillaz-specific beat and has an almost optimistic note to it. It signals that the album is gonna sound catchy from the start. Absolutely love the work on vocals here, specifically during the "It's the money or stop" part; the way Damon ends it with "It's yeah" is simple, but it seals the deal for me. 5 / 4 - probs my favorite song in 5 / 4 time. The way Damon uses his voice here to enhance the simple lyrics is perfect. The “ She made me kill myself” part is just *a chef’s kiss* Tomorrow comes today - nice use of harmonica, a more moody, slower song. Definitely interesting, and shows the versatility of this album’s sound New Genius (Brother) & Sound Check (Gravity)- these 2 go a bit hand in hand for me and probs are my least favorite of the album, sure they still have their purpose, and even the “Dj-ing” sounds have their place here Clint Eastwood - classic. A well-balanced sound, between Damon’s melodic verse and Teren’s rap. And the beat is just perfect. Man Research (Clapper) - fun little song Punk - symbolically mixed at places with “digital” sounds Double bass - feels like an interlude for the second part of the album While I think the first half of this album is definitely stronger, I still have here some highlights: Starshine, 19-2000 All in all, not a perfect album, but still a great one. A 4 / 5 in my book.

Garbage. Didn’t like this. Was never a fan of Blur and Damon Albarn’s voice just grates on me. Nil point. (Said in a French accent France 🇫🇷)

This was always going to be a 5. Always. Gorillaz was so... out there. Just so out there when this album dropped. "Clint Eastwood" blew my mind with its genre bending when I first heard it. I still get a tingle every time I hear that hi-hat hit. And it's not the only banger on this album. In fact, most of the album slaps. I can't listen just once. Gorillaz always gets an instant repeat.

Clint Eastwood is an absolute belter of a song. Gorillaz are an all time fav for me. They were so good live!!

Gorillaz was one of those bands that was everywhere when it came out, and I fucking hated it. I thought the half-anime look was stupid, I thought their music was piddle for idiots who didn't have distinctive taste, I thought the whole vibe surrounding them sucked. I also thought it was funny that Noel Gallagher said he hopes Damon Albarn gets AIDS. I still think that's funny. I still think Gorillaz is an insult to decent music and its popularity a good indication of just how retarded far too many people are. I still have no interest in this whatsoever and I'm gonna struggle to get through the whole thing. 1/5.

one of my favorite albums of all time, can't believe this got cut from the list and not replaced with another gorillaz album

<3

HEEEELLOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

I find it doesn't achieve the same effect on me that this album used to have in its day, but it's still a great and innovative album nevertheless. It literally took me years to be able to get the klezmer inspired Clint Eastwood tune out of my head, and it's not like there is a shortage of breakthroughs in this album otherwise: M1 A1 is an all time favourite I'd gladly point a finger at.

Love this album, real head bopper and brings me to a happy place

Classic, brings me back to 6th grade. A complete masterpiece with unassuming twists and turns and a funky, yet storybook like sound.

Rock Recipes, Installment Two: “Ape Juice” Ingredients: -One part Deltron 3030 -One part Beck -One part leftover animations picked up from the UPA cutting room floor -16 oz. room temperature tap water -3 oz. Gran Marnier -3 oz. Sambuca Instructions: -Combine ingredients into a large glass pitcher. -Stir gently, while mindlessly staring out your kitchen window, for 30 minutes. -Pour contents of pitcher down your sink drain -Open your streaming platform of choice -Search for Deltron 3030 -Select their 2000 album, “Deltron 3030” -Enjoy.

Not sure what’s going on with the Gorillaz album, as it was all over the place – and much of it was forgettable… There were a couple of rap songs that were pretty pedestrian… There was a Latin song on the album – but if I want to listen to something like that, I’ll listen to an artist who excels in that genre… The 2 most listenable songs for me were “Tomorrow Comes Today” & “Dracula” – though neither of them are anything to write home about… The musical core for “M1 A1” sounded pretty much like U2’s “Zoo Station” – only not nearly as interesting, and “Man Research” MAY indeed be the worst freakin’ song that I’ve ever heard… Seriously – it’s an absolute abomination… I continue to be amazed by how l lame the albums released in the 2000’s have been so far on the 1,001 list… So far, maybe 1 out of 10 of the 2000’s albums have been decent – but what has been held up as an example of musical excellence from the 2000’s, has been shocking to say the least… A solid 1 in my book, and I find it completely mindboggling, that there are folks who think this album is a 4 or 5…

### In-Depth Review of "Gorillaz" by Gorillaz The debut album by the virtual band Gorillaz, released in 2001, stands as a unique and influential work in the music industry. This innovative project, created by musician Damon Albarn and artist Jamie Hewlett, blends various musical styles and genres, leading to a distinctive and memorable auditory experience. Here, we delve into the album’s lyrics, music, production, themes, and influence, while also weighing its pros and cons. #### Lyrics The lyrics in "Gorillaz" often juxtapose whimsical and dark themes, reflecting a balance between playful storytelling and serious undertones. Tracks like "Clint Eastwood" and "Tomorrow Comes Today" showcase this duality effectively. "Clint Eastwood" features lines like "I ain't happy, I'm feeling glad, I got sunshine in a bag," which present a paradoxical mixture of optimism and melancholy. This lyricism reflects the human condition, capturing both light and dark sides. The album also explores themes of disillusionment and societal critique. In "Man Research (Clapper)," the lyrics address the absurdity of consumer culture with lines like "They thought I was a spaceman, diggin' in the moonlight." Such lines indicate a critique of how society places value on materialism and surface-level success. However, some lyrics can feel abstract and esoteric, potentially alienating listeners who prefer straightforward narratives. This abstraction, while artistically intriguing, might not resonate with all audiences. #### Music Musically, "Gorillaz" is a melting pot of genres, including alternative rock, hip-hop, dub, and electronica. This eclectic mix is one of the album's strongest points. Tracks like "19-2000" and "Rock the House" exhibit the band’s ability to blend catchy melodies with unconventional sounds. "Clint Eastwood" stands out with its fusion of hip-hop beats and reggae influences, underpinned by Del the Funky Homosapien's rap verses. This track exemplifies the band’s genre-bending approach, making it accessible yet innovative. "Tomorrow Comes Today" introduces a melancholic atmosphere with its dub influences and haunting melodies. The use of traditional and electronic instruments creates a soundscape that is both nostalgic and futuristic. However, this diversity can sometimes lead to a lack of cohesion. The album feels like a collection of disparate sounds rather than a unified whole, which might be jarring for listeners seeking a more consistent sonic experience. #### Production The production quality of "Gorillaz" is a testament to Damon Albarn’s versatility and ingenuity. The album’s sound is meticulously crafted, with layers of instrumentation and effects that create a rich, immersive experience. The use of sampling, live instruments, and electronic elements is balanced expertly. The production shines on tracks like "Clint Eastwood," where the mix of live bass, drum machines, and sampled sounds creates a dynamic and engaging listening experience. The clarity and depth of the production allow each element to stand out while contributing to the overall texture. However, the experimental nature of the production can sometimes result in uneven quality. Certain tracks might feel overproduced, with too many competing elements that obscure the core musical ideas. This issue is evident in "Man Research (Clapper)," where the complexity of sounds can overwhelm the listener. #### Themes "Gorillaz" delves into themes of modern life, alienation, and the interplay between technology and humanity. The album reflects a world where digital and real-life experiences are increasingly intertwined. "5/4" addresses themes of media consumption and its impact on society. The repetitive lines "She made me kill myself" hint at the destructive influence of media on self-perception and behavior. This theme of media critique recurs throughout the album, suggesting a skepticism towards mass communication and its effects. Environmental concerns are also touched upon in "Sound Check (Gravity)." The lyrics "Gravity on me never let me down gently" metaphorically speak to the relentless pressure of modern life and the environmental degradation caused by human activity. The virtual nature of the band itself is a commentary on the digital age, where virtual personas can have a significant impact on reality. This meta-theme adds a layer of complexity to the album, inviting listeners to consider the implications of living in a mediated world. #### Influence The influence of "Gorillaz" on the music industry is profound. It paved the way for virtual bands and projects that leverage multimedia for storytelling. The album’s success demonstrated that blending diverse genres could lead to commercial and critical acclaim. The use of animation and virtual personas in music videos and live performances was groundbreaking. It allowed for a unique form of artistic expression that transcended traditional music boundaries. This approach influenced subsequent artists and bands to experiment with multimedia and non-traditional forms of presentation. Moreover, the album’s eclectic style encouraged a more open-minded approach to genre blending in popular music. It showed that mainstream success could be achieved without adhering to conventional genre classifications, inspiring artists to explore and integrate diverse musical influences. #### Pros 1. **Innovative Blend of Genres**: The album’s fusion of rock, hip-hop, dub, and electronica offers a refreshing and unique listening experience. 2. **High Production Quality**: Meticulous production and sound design create an immersive and dynamic auditory landscape. 3. **Thought-Provoking Themes**: Lyrics explore relevant themes such as media influence, environmental concerns, and the impact of technology on society. 4. **Cultural Impact**: Pioneered the concept of virtual bands and multimedia integration in music, influencing future artists and projects. 5. **Memorable Tracks**: Songs like "Clint Eastwood" and "19-2000" stand out for their catchy hooks and innovative sound. #### Cons 1. **Lack of Cohesion**: The eclectic mix of genres and styles can lead to a disjointed listening experience. 2. **Abstract Lyrics**: Some lyrics are overly abstract and may alienate listeners who prefer more straightforward storytelling. 3. **Overproduction**: Certain tracks suffer from an overabundance of competing sounds, which can obscure the musical ideas. 4. **Inconsistent Quality**: The experimental nature of the album results in varying quality across tracks, with some songs feeling less polished than others. ### Conclusion "Gorillaz" by Gorillaz is a seminal album that challenged the conventions of the music industry. Its innovative blend of genres, high production quality, and exploration of contemporary themes set it apart as a groundbreaking work. While the lack of cohesion and abstract lyrics may be drawbacks for some listeners, the album’s impact and influence cannot be overstated. It opened new avenues for artistic expression and encouraged a more inclusive and experimental approach to music-making. "Gorillaz" remains a vital and influential album, reflecting the complexities and contradictions of modern life through its unique virtual lens.

Wow Gorillaz self-titled debut? Is it even fair to rate or comment on an album I've been revisiting and enjoying for nearly 25 years? It's in my bones, it's in my blood. But yeah, great. So much of it holds up. Crazy and inventive Damon Albarn side project produced with Dan the Automator?? Every song still as cool and good as the last time I listened to it. How do you come up with an idea as silly as "Let's make a virtual cartoon band" and it all works this well? And it's enough of a hit that they just kept doing it? Slow Country is the track I revisit the most for whatever reason and holding off on jumping to that track and just experiencing the album from front to back again was neat. 19-2000 > Slow Country > Tomorrow Comes Today > Starshine > Double Bass > Re-Hash > Sound Check > 5/4 > Clint Eastwood > Latin Simone > Rock the House > M1 A1 > New Genius > Punk > Man Research Hahah it feels kinda crazy to give this a 5 but I don't know what else to do. It's a 5!

Great debut album of the 2000s

Solid album. Wasn't sure what to expect and enjoyed it a lot more than I thought I would. Not my usual listen but I'm glad I heard it.

A reminder both of how good Clint Eastwood is and how many other great song are on this album that got overlooked. Tomorrow comes today, sound check, so good

As someone who had been a fan of both Damon Albarn and Jamie Hewlett for nearly a decade when this came out, I knew I would be and instant fan. I honestly thought it would be an experimental noise fest like the Blur remix album. I was wron, this was an instant classic and a soundtrack that lifted me up during some pretty rubbish times.

very good album, didnt love my first listen but it’s really grown on me. feels oddly similar to the avalanches

What a debut! Gorillas bring everything into this. A decade defining single, catchy choruses everywhere and solid production. Damon Albarn has always had talent but being able to mask himself behind Jamie Hewletts animation elevated him, obviously!

This is quite far from my taste, but somehow one of my favourite band and this album is a masterpiece. In my opinion the most exciting song is Double Bass, which is quite unexpected.

My dad gifted me this album after accidentally buying it for himself (he got them confused with the The Avalanches). Great album with far more big recognisable tunes than I remembered. Easy ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

yes let’s fucking GO 4.8

Ten years ago today, I was four months into having Clint Eastwood stuck in my head nonstop - it didn't get dislodged until CHVRCHES released their alarm Every Open Eye that September, and replaced the earworm with Make Them Gold. I would have been a lot more upset to get this album in 2015 than I am in 2025, when the 6 month earworm is just a funny story from the past. Anyway. Pretty good, but Gorillaz did improve with subsequent albums, and this feels like the warmup for the really good stuff.

Def a fun jam. Never love seeing an album is over an hour but this was very vibey.

Honestly this is one of my first CDs. I have so much nostalgia for this....

A good album this. Get 4 stars just for the Clint Eastwood track

This isn't something I'd conventionally listen to (outside the obvious hits - Clint Eastwood and 19-2000, my personal favourite) but this is just so fresh, so interesting, and takes you back to a simpler time where this would have just sounded so fucking futuristic and awesome. Solid 4. Might buy a copy!!

So very dope. I love the balance of electronica sound experiments and radio ready jams. Everything is effortless and competent. It’s all so very easy to listen to, and I think it totally holds up all these years later. I can see why this is on here. Feels like a bit of a turning point for the genre - mashed up as it might be. Great album!

My ratings for popular music after 2000 tend to be pretty low. Even though Gorillaz is not a group that is in heavy rotation for me, I appreciate what they are doing in the modern age, the concepts are fun, and I like to check in every now and then to see what they are coming up with next. Crazy this project is 25 years old, but does not sound dated.

a lot better than i thought it would be. most of the trip hop stuff is great and the dub stuff is good too. it gets a little weaker towards the end but that’s bound to happen with such a long tracklist

81/100. Gorillaz’s self-titled debut album is a great record packed with genre-blending creativity. It played a major role in pushing trip-hop forward and served as inspiration for many artists that followed. With its unique sound and experimental production, it remains a great listen that still feels fresh today.

Vaguely interesting in places but for the most part horrific. Every track a slog to get through. The concept always sounded a bit wanky. At least I now know the music itself is no better. Prime cut: Double Bass

I’m having a generationally good run on music this week again. 2 5’s in a row is always a good omen. “Feel Good Inc.” and the Gorillaz were my first big love in music. I’ve been listening to these guys my entire life. I’ve grown up with them and seen every stage of their evolution with great interest. While I’d rather have preferred Demon Days over this if I had to pick only 1 Gorillaz album, this is still undeniably a 5 star album. Me labeling it as anything other than that would be directly antithetical to my entire being. This is the band that introduced me to Deltron and MF DOOM, 2 of my all time favorite rappers. While only the former is present on this album, he’s also responsible for what I believe are the 2 best songs on the album, “Clint Eastwood” and “Rock the House”. Both of those songs are worth the price of admission alone. That isn’t to say 2D doesn’t absolutely kill it on vocals though, he’s another absolutely iconic part of the band. They must have had so much fun on this project. Every song sounds completely distinct from the last, and they’re all absolute ear candy. When this came out, it was unavoidable. You either loved it or hated it. After that, it took on a life of its own and the rest was history. What a great first album by one of my favorite bands of all time. Bonus, I’ve never heard this version of “Clint Eastwood” before either with Ed Case, but it’s fantastic. There’s a 3rd version on the album G-Sides with Phi Life Cypher, and even that’s good. I guess they just have a million different versions of that song, and it makes sense. The song is fantastic!! They’ve even sang it live with MF DOOM himself, which was legendary as well btw. I could talk about this band all day in a positive light. Listing my favorite songs on this album would simply be me copy and pasting the entire set list. And the album art!! Gotta love the classic Gorillaz geep with the graffiti of the bands name. It even manages to capture their unique personalities as well. Love this album. Love the Gorillaz. If the book gets another update, it would be a crime not to include Demon Days or Plastic Beach. Further more, since they were frequent collaborators, this may be one of the few moments where I get to request they add MF DOOM as well.

имба. Latin Simone - одна из любимых песен, жаль что на альбоме не версия с вокалом. любители фанатских клипов, зацените на ютубе - Gorillaz - Latin Simone FULL HD - NO PROFIT VIDEO (read details)

Phantastisch. Albarn ist einer der genialsten Köpfe zeitgenössischer Popmusik. Besser kann man Genregrenzen nicht überwinden, und sein Songwriting ist sowie überragend. Dazu ein einzigartiges visuelles Konzept: Musikgeschichte. 5/5

Gorillaz are my favorite band of all time, and not only is this one of my favorite Gorillaz albums, this is one of my favorite albums of all time. So, because of that, I’m going to switch gears: I’m giving a ranking of every song on the album(I’ll play by my own rules, and ignore the bonus tracks that weren’t on the original album-but-they are fantastic too). So, here is my ranking of each song, from worst to best(keep in mind, there are no “bad” songs on this album in my opinion). 15. “Re-Hash”: If I love an album, I usually hate picking intros, or outros as the worst track on the album because those are the bread, and butter of albums, but I couldn’t help myself this time, because this is clearly the worst song. The boring title of the song reflects the entirety of the song-just simplistic acoustic guitar, and melancholy singing. It’s still okay, but I skip it almost every time I listen to this album because it’s the only song on the album I would rank just “okay”. 14. “Starshine”: This is a bit of a snoozer, and the lyrics are dry, and repetitive. It’s a a cute slow jam, but it’s towards the bottom of this incredible album. 13. “Double Bass”: “All of which makes me anxious, at times unbearably so” are the only lyrics of the song, which is mainly encased by Bass(or should I say Double-Bass) Guitar. It’s still fun to jam out too, but it’s obvious as to why I have twelve songs ranked ahead of it. 12.: “Latin Simone(Que Pasa Contigo?)”: Literally the only reason I don’t have this song ranked higher is because it’s the only song that’s exclusively not spoken in English, and that’s the only language I can fluently understand. The drums, the guitar, the horn, everything about it is so good(R.I.P. Ibrahim Ferrer). 11.: “Punk”: This song is a tribute to Damon Albarn’s other band, Blur. It’s the lone Punk Rock song on the album, and it’s obvious Albarn is having fun singing gibberish, as well as random space-ship style noises one would hear in a Twilight Zone episode. If I liked Punk Rock Music better, I’d rank it higher. 10.: “New Genius(Brother)”: One could argue this is a Halloween song due to the spooky “oooo” vocals in the back, eerie harmonica, and disturbing lyrics. It’s definitely one I like to creep myself out with in October. 9.: “Sound Check(Gravity)”: The beautiful intro reminds me of a theme from a Zelda video game, and some of the beautiful violin play flutters throughout the song. The main thing holding this one back in the ranking is the fact the entire song is discussing…gravity. 8.: “Man Research(Clapper)”: Unfortunately, I still don’t understand the lyrics, or title of this song, but I still love singing “ya ya ya ya ya” over, and over again, as well as that haunting “hero” chant by Albarn. Could this song actually be about mental insanity? 7.: “Rock The House”: This is the definition of classic Gorillaz: Del The Funky Homosapien, horns, various beats, catchy lyrics, rhythms that make it easy to dance to, and….a recorder? What can go wrong when you rock the house? 6.: “5/4:” The song title is relevant, since that’s the time measure of the song, and you didn’t hear “she turned the dead on”, whether those should have been the lyrics, or not. This is the only song on the album with a touch of Country Music blended within it(and thank God for that). 5. “M1A1”: This is such an incredible way to end the album! With what is probably the loudest Gorillaz song ever, the opening was taken from the movie Day Of The Dead, and the build up to the climax is one of the most euphoric experiences I’ve ever had. 4. “Slow Country”: I don’t know if they referred to speed, a location, or if they meant “rural”, but the title is irrelevant here: This song is perfect for playing on your beach vacation. The tropical “breeze”, Albarn’s soothing voice, and the organ make this a fun Summer jam. 3. “19-2000”: The title of the song, and meaning of the lyrics is saying what we already knew: We ventured into a new millennium. With the voice of “Noodle”, the quirky beats, and the very catchy tune, it’s easy to see why this made my top three. At the time, there was a tremendous amount of excitement going into the new millennium(don’t blame them; they didn’t know any better). 2.: “Tomorrow Comes Today”: The title is an oxymoron, and then we quickly figure out that’s the point. In the most serious, and dark song on the album, the Gorillaz successfully predicted the technological, and digital takeover of the 21st Century, and it’s a terrifying experience we can hear in Albarn’s voice. 1. :”Clint Eastwood”: Titled after the famous American actor(due to the allusions hear in the song from the movie, The Good, The Bad and The Ugly), the greatest Gorillaz song of all time, and one of the greatest songs in the 21st Century takes the number one spot. The bass drums, Del The Funky Homosapien spitting out some of the best rap verses we’ll ever hear, the haunting chorus, the melodica, and the length of the song make this such an incredible journey. Personally, I think this would have been the ideal song as an outro, but what do I know?

Love

Album of my childhood. The beat to 19-2000 will never cease to bring up nice memories of summer, and especially FIFA games. Singing (and rapping) parts of Clint Eastwood is an essential part of every get-together with my friends. Sound of Re-hash, when starting the vinyl puts me into a great humour straight away. This is one of those rare fully positive albums (melody, not necessarily the lyrics), that I really love. Definitely 5/5, only Demon Days would be rated higher in my humble opinion.

Classic

Ace!

Gorillaz? Hell yeah

I love it - It’s a real classic for me

Hits to spot.

Gorillaz' debut is such a fun and unique project that while not taking itself too seriously, still lays the groundworks for one of the most interesting musical projects out there with completely made up band members and an insane amount of lore that I won't even pretend to understand.

Very fine Gorillaz album.

Geweldig album. Het is geen Demon Days natuurlijk, maar hier staan ook wel een paar schijven op. Gorillaz is één van de vele bewijzen van hoe geniaal Damon Albarn is. 4.2

overall good. very unique songs. 19 - 2000, clint Eastwood, tomorrow comes today, and Fracis Forever standout. a huge mix of styles.

I knew of Gorillaz but hadn’t listened to much of their material. Some interesting stuff here, I enjoyed 5/4, Clint Eastwood one of their biggest.. can’t say that it’s been one of my favorite albums from the project but I would listen again. 3.5/5

Man, this album is just as cool today as it was when it debuted over 20 (!!!) years ago. It's easy to forget that it was so long ago because megahit Clint Eastwood STILL gets played on every alt-rock station as if it were released yesterday. As a teenager at the time when this came out, they are the first "virtual band" that I can remember taking seriously. These guys knew themselves, they knew they wanted to do something different, and they knew how they wanted to do it from the beginning of their career; with their debut album, they were not only already setting a foundation for their own signature sound, but also an eclectic alternative/trip hop/lo-fi sound that many other band would embrace in the new millennium and attempt to make their own. Speaking of eclectic, this album is all over the place, but in a good way. They don't limit themselves to any specific sound or genre from track to track, and any given one track is likely to have a mishmash of genres and musical stylings. And yet, everything they do on this album sounds intentional, cohesive, and cleanly executed. All these years later, it was fun to reexamine this album, find a new appreciation for it, and find that it has really stood the test of time.

⭐️⭐️⭐️ 1001 Albums- # 74 There is no 🦍 in the room here; a creative fusion of alternative, hip hop and elctro-pop as a very entertaining side project for Damon Albarn, which doesn’t Blur the effect… An experimental melting pot that pulls a myriad of genres—yet somehow never feels disjointed. Albarn’s melodic instincts are filtered through the gritty, sample-heavy production of Dan the Automator, creating a sonic playground that feels both chilled-out and sharply futuristic. Gorillaz weren’t just a band—they were a virtual project with a comic-book mythology. The 2001 album wasn’t just an audio experience; it was part of a larger narrative. Every music video, website, and artwork deepened the sense that 2-D, Murdoc, Noodle, and Russel were real. This immersive concept gave the album an extra layer of depth—like each track was a window into a surreal, animated dystopia. 🎧 Classic Track: Clint Eastwood 🎧 Deep Cut Gem: Double Bass 🎧 Personal Favorite: Punk 🎧 Memorable Standout: M1 A1 Damon Albarn’s voice ranges from ghostly to soulful, rarely showy but always effective. The featured artists—especially Del the Funky Homosapien—add essential flavor. His performance on “Clint Eastwood” and “Rock the House” is charismatic, serving as the spirit possessing drummer Russel. There’s also an unexpected turn from Ibrahim Ferrer (Buena Vista Social Club) on “Latin Simone”, which adds emotional weight. As aforementioned, what set Gorillaz apart even more than their sound was their identity as a fictional band. Unlike traditional acts, Gorillaz used animation and narrative to construct their personas. 2-D, the gloomy frontman with black eyes; Murdoc, the demonic bassist; Noodle, the mysterious child prodigy from Japan; and Russel, the haunted drummer—each had backstories, motivations, and evolving relationships. Their world unfolded across music videos, websites, and interviews, creating a level of transmedia storytelling rarely seen in pop music. This innovation served a dual purpose. First, it allowed Albarn to creatively distance himself from the Britpop expectations placed on him after Blur, giving him the freedom to explore different musical identities. Second, it offered a subtle critique of celebrity culture itself—replacing the human artist with a fabricated persona. Gorillaz questioned the authenticity obsession in music: Did it matter who was behind the art, or just how it made you feel? 🖼️ Album Artwork: Personas of this virtual band What Gorillaz demonstrated was that visual identity could be just as powerful as sonic identity. By removing the “face” of the artist, the project encouraged listeners to focus on the music, the world-building, and the feeling. In some ways, it predicted modern trends: from anonymous artists like Marshmello or Daft Punk to the rise of VTubers and digital performers in contemporary internet culture.

Almost there, but ultimately unsatisfying. Like a single coat of cheap paint in a really great color on a dry wall. Also, their art inexplicably gives me the heebie jeebies.

I feel bad giving this a 3 since it’s so well produced, but alas. What massive attack wishes they sound like.

Day 27 - June 28, 2024 I have no idea why this album is classified as rock lmao. Not my cup of tea, but it had catchy songs. 3/5

No. 210/1001 Re-Hash 3/5 5/4 3/5 Tomorrow Comes Today 4/5 New Genius 3/5 Clint Eastwood 4/5 Man Research 3/5 Punk 3/5 Sound Check 3/5 Double Bass 2/5 Rock the House 3/5 19-2000 2/5 Latin Simone 3/5 Star Shine 2/5 Slow Country 4/5 M1 A1 2/5 Average: 2,93 Album didn't really work for me.

I like maybe two total songs made by them, one of which was on the album (Clint Eastwood). Otherwise I don't get the appeal of their music. Sure, they have a unique sound and they use cartoon characters to represent themselves but outside of that... this was just... meh? 6/10.

Nice little album to turn on and chill to.

I really tried to come at this with an open mind because I know I’ve got preconceptions about Gorillaz and I wanted to give this a fair hearing, but it’s just not for me. I found it to be full of half thought out experiments and wide leaps in styles. It bored me towards the end, just another plodding hip hop beat and some random vocal. Not for me and I struggle to see the mass appeal.

Most of it was nonsense and noise, but there was a song or two that were tolerable

Um. This isn't a bad record, there are interesting things here and there, and it has some elements that are musically cool. That said, it makes me think of a quote from a friend of mine -- "the Black Eyed Peas are the sort of musical act you think about creating with your friends when you are nine" -- Gorillaz are basically that sort of thing, somewhat updated, less dance oriented, more of a trip hop sort of feel in places. I don't understand why this album is on this list and Digable Planets "Refutation" isn't -- hell, I'd take Beastie Boys "Check Your Head" or "Hello Nasty" over this, even with several BB albums on the list already. (I discovered later that this seems to have been removed from more recent editions of the list LOL)

If Screamdelica had been better, it would have sounded like this, which is still only okay.

I hate this album. This isn't coming from any bias, as I have never listened to it before, and I actually like a few Gorillaz songs - but this album is just absolute dogshit. It's inattentive, vapid, uncreative, boring, and honestly painful to listen to. I had to fight the urge to turn it off half way through. Fuck this album.

2001 - 64 mins. Clint Eastwood and 19-2000 are the hits. First few were ok, clint and 19-2000 weren't as good as I remembered. Didn't like falsetto, couple cringe songs. Towards the end 4 skips in a row. 1.5/5

There are definitely some stinkers on this album, but the highs are so high that it balances it out, also the production throughout is just superb. I really like the early Gorillaz catalogue when they had more obvious Trip Hop elements. Low 5.

One of the best of this century

One of Gorillaz's best albums in my opinion. My personal favorite is plastic beach, but this is my second favorite album. So different for the time it was released. Very intriguing concept of an album. It always surprises me how their first album was a concept album that had a digital band that was backing for it. There is even a lore behind all of the fictional characters of the band. Groundbreaking album by a groundbreaking band.

Tem que dar 5 para esses álbuns, nostálgicos, mas cheios de música boa. Gosto muito de Latin Simone, que eu acho que é a minha preferida do álbum, junto de 5/4. Gosto muito dos singles, Re-Hash, Tomorrow Comes Today, Clint Eastwood e 19-2000. Além desses gosto da vibe de Rock the House, Slow Country, Double Bass e New Genious (Brother).

I remember going to target when I was 11 and watching the Clint Eastwood music video for the first time. I really fell off from this band until plastic beach came out. After that, I found there discography to really have a lot of solid albums. One of my favorite bands of all time

Just great. The beats were fresh and timeless at the same time while picking up great influence from their features. One of those albums that my grandkids will listen to and respect.

9/10

50,000,000 stars

top tier

Gorillaz é uma banda que eu ouço desde o berço, basicamente. Desde criança este CD esteve em minha casa, e é impossível mensurar o impacto que os álbuns pré-Humanz tiveram nos meus anos formativos. De 2018 pra cá eu meio que caí em desilusão com o output da banda, e hoje não os acompanho tão ferozmente quanto naqueles anos, mas ainda assim, eu mantenho um carinho grande pelos álbuns iniciais deles, esse, Demon Days e Plastic Beach, discos estes que foram obsessões minhas por muitos anos. Não é difícil ver o porquê. Eu nunca fui tão doido pelo aspecto “virtual” da banda, a lore ou seus personagens. Meu foco sempre foi mais na parte musical. Gorillaz não é meu álbum favorito deles, não chega nem perto, mas é um que mantém um nível de consistência alto, que nunca mais foi replicado pelo grupo. O disco é simples. Sua grande pegada é a mescla de gêneros, com o estilo dub misturado com um rock tradicional e algumas pitadas de rap. Dá pra ver que Damon estava com uma certa ressaca de seus anos britpopianos, apesar que às vezes dá pra ver esse lado seu transparecendo em uma faixa ou outra deste disco. Aqui, os convidados são empenhados com parcimônia e ótimo gosto, o que difere drasticamente esse disco dos seus sucessores. Prefiro assim, gosto muito da voz do Damon, e é ótimo que os instrumentais brilhantemente produzidos pelo Dan the Automator possuem espaço para respirar, incluindo a incrível canção Double Bass. Há diversos destaques deste álbum. Minha canção favorita é sem dúvida Tomorrow Comes Today. Latin Simone e Starshine são outros exemplos da forma com que o minimalismo é usado magistralmente em toda duração do álbum, com raras exceções onde acho que eles erraram um pouco, sendo o maior exemplo a faixa Rock The House, a que menos gosto e a que eu facilmente trocaria por algum dos B-Sides (nesse caso, G-Sides), como Dracula ou Left Hand Suzuki Method. Serei sincero agora, ao gerar este álbum esta manhã eu honestamente pensei comigo mesmo “Não tem como dar 5 estrelas pra este disco”. Mas depois de ouvi-lo novamente, percebo que estou enganado. Meu viés é forte demais para ser suprimido, e as memórias afetivas e nostálgicas gritam mais alto que meu senso crítico. Não consigo ser objetivo com um álbum que me acompanha desde o berço! É 5 e pronto. 5/5

Pretty goooood

Varied, clever and skillfully written and thus far more interesting than anything Albarn ever wrote with Blur, this genre-buster marks the start of the most creative alternative rock project of the 21st century. A little uneven (Punk has a whiff of the pop-punk fad of the era) and not quite as polished as later efforts but all of the core components are here. An album very much of its time (was there another time trip-hop was this mainstream?) and worth a listen if you want a look at a route hip-hop and rock could have taken without the rise of Bling and the garage rock revival respectively.

It's a nostalgia bias, but I love it.

Another one that I know every note of. Gorillaz hit in a way that's hard to explain today.... it was the animation, sure, but it was a way for Albarn to show his chops far, far beyond what he could pull off in Blur. And it showcased his love for rap and hip-hop... Albarn has an honest love of black music and artists and pulls them in to amazing collaborations. This is true musical history here. Don't miss out. And it still fucks, 24 years later.

Fan

Haven't heard this release since 2001. Still sounds so damn fresh. Brilliant!

Forgot how good this album was, the Del tracks are obviously a highlight but there's not a bad track here.

Still an absolute banger of an album

Il mio album preferito dei gorillaz, ci sono elementi elettronici ma non sono cosí presenti come negli album successivi. Di recente hanno pubblicato su yt un’esibizione live di tutto quest’album (molto consigliata). Note di rilievo: punk è la sigla di una trasmissione che faceva alessandro borghese su sky uno, kitchen sound (troppo bella, quando la vita era facile); 5/4 è effettivamente in 5/4. Pezzo preferito Tomorrow comes today

clint eastwood banger 19/2000 banger M1 A1 surprisngly good

2001 anthems blessed by Del. 6/5

I love Gorillaz!

CLassic 19-2000 is the best

Classic Gorrillaz. Varied and excellent

one of the only things i like that Damon Albarn has done

Repeat listen

Super duper

Gorillaz just have a way of making you feel so cool for listening to them. Or for feeling like you can never be as cool as them and you're punching above your weight, maybe. Can't help but love their sound

I've loved this album for years, it's difficult to see it in a new light.