Gorillaz, the virtual band created by Damon Albarn and Jamie Hewlett, has been captivating audiences with their eclectic sound and innovative music videos since their debut in 2001. Combining elements of hip-hop, rock, electronica, and various other genres, the band has produced a vast array of songs that have resonated with fans across the globe. With six studio albums and numerous singles under their belt, Gorillaz have become one of the most successful and influential bands of the 21st century.
In this article, we will be exploring the 10 best Gorillaz songs of all time. These songs have been chosen based on their popularity, critical acclaim, and impact on the music industry. Each song on this list is a testament to Gorillaz’s ability to push the boundaries of music and create something truly unique. From their early hits like “Clint Eastwood” and “Feel Good Inc.” to more recent tracks like “Humility” and “Aries,” we will be taking a deep dive into the band’s discography and exploring what makes each of these songs so special. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual listener, this list is sure to provide a comprehensive overview of Gorillaz’s greatest hits.
1. Feel Good Inc.
Feel Good Inc. by the British virtual band Gorillaz is an alternative hip-hop song with an infectious beat and catchy hooks. The track features vocals from De La Soul, who rap about the struggle to maintain positivity in a world that often feels overwhelming and dystopian. The lyrics are full of playful wordplay and surreal imagery, while the music is a fusion of rock, electronic, and hip-hop influences. The music video features the animated band members cruising through a surreal landscape filled with bizarre characters and surreal imagery, adding to the overall trippy and otherworldly vibe of the song.
2. Clint Eastwood
Clint Eastwood is another hit from Gorillaz and features the distinctive baritone voice of lead singer Damon Albarn. The song is a blend of hip-hop, rock, and trip-hop elements and features a haunting melody and hypnotic beat. The lyrics reference the famous actor and his iconic characters, using them as metaphors for the idea of inner strength and resilience. The music video features the animated band members in a desert landscape, with Albarn and rapper Del the Funky Homosapien taking on the roles of different characters in a surreal and visually striking narrative. Overall, Clint Eastwood is a moody and atmospheric track that showcases Gorillaz’s unique and genre-defying style.
3. On Melancholy Hill
On Melancholy Hill is a dreamy and introspective song from the virtual band Gorillaz. The track features lead singer Damon Albarn’s signature crooning vocals set against a backdrop of swirling synths and gentle acoustic guitar. The lyrics explore feelings of loneliness and melancholy, while also hinting at a sense of hope and optimism. The music video is a beautifully animated and surreal journey through a colorful and fantastical world, adding to the overall dreamlike and introspective mood of the song.
4. Dirty Harry
Dirty Harry is another standout track from Gorillaz and features a bombastic beat and energetic rap verses from guest artist Bootie Brown of The Pharcyde. The lyrics tackle issues of war, politics, and social justice, with Albarn’s soaring vocals providing a counterpoint to Brown’s hard-hitting rhymes. The music video features the animated band members in a military-style parade, complete with tanks and helicopters, driving home the song’s message of protest and dissent. Overall, Dirty Harry is a powerful and politically charged song that showcases the depth and versatility of Gorillaz’s music.
5. Dare
Dare is a funky and upbeat track from the virtual band Gorillaz, featuring guest vocalist Shaun Ryder of the Happy Mondays. The song features a catchy chorus and a driving beat, with Ryder’s distinctive Manchester accent adding to the overall energy of the track. The lyrics celebrate the idea of taking risks and following your desires, with the music video featuring the animated band members dancing their way through a futuristic disco. The visuals and music come together to create a fun and infectious party anthem that is impossible not to dance along to.
6. Rhinestone Eyes
Rhinestone Eyes is a haunting and ethereal song from Gorillaz that features lead singer Damon Albarn’s soaring vocals set against a backdrop of moody synths and atmospheric guitars. The lyrics explore themes of isolation and self-discovery, with Albarn’s emotive delivery capturing the song’s sense of longing and introspection. The music video is a beautifully animated and surreal journey through a post-apocalyptic world, with the band members encountering a cast of strange and mysterious characters along the way. Overall, Rhinestone Eyes is a stunning and emotionally resonant track that showcases the depth and complexity of Gorillaz’s music.
7. Empire Ants
Empire Ants is a song by British virtual band Gorillaz featuring Little Dragon. It begins with hauntingly beautiful synths and lead singer Yukimi Nagano’s soft, almost ethereal vocals before transitioning into a rhythmic beat and Damon Albarn’s signature crooning. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a post-apocalyptic world where the protagonist is searching for hope and a better future. Nagano’s vocals interject with a poignant refrain, “All of which makes me anxious,” adding to the sense of uncertainty and desperation. The song gradually builds into a crescendo of layered instrumentals, leaving the listener with a sense of yearning.
8. Kids with Guns
Kids with Guns is an upbeat track from Gorillaz’s album “Demon Days”. The song features pounding drums, infectious guitar riffs, and a catchy chorus. The lyrics are a critique of modern society’s glorification of violence and the effects it has on young people. The chorus “Kids with guns, take up arms from here” suggests that society is responsible for arming its children with dangerous ideas and weapons. Despite the serious message, the song remains danceable and enjoyable. The electronic bridge adds an otherworldly element to the track, underscoring the idea that the violence depicted is a product of a dystopian future.
9. Tomorrow Comes Today
Tomorrow Comes Today is the debut single of British virtual band Gorillaz. The song features a hypnotic beat, melancholic synths, and frontman Damon Albarn’s subdued vocals. The lyrics describe the feelings of loneliness and isolation that come with modern city life. The chorus, “Everybody’s here with me, we got no camera to see, don’t think I’m all in this world, the camera won’t let me go,” suggests a detachment from reality and a desire for something more. The song’s dreamlike quality and haunting melody create a sense of unease, leaving the listener with a feeling of longing.
10. 19-2000
19-2000 is a funky track from Gorillaz’s debut album. The song features a catchy melody, bouncy bassline, and playful lyrics. The chorus, “Get the cool shoe shine,” is a reference to the band’s own merchandise line and a nod to the consumer culture they critique. The music video features the band driving a dune buggy through a colorful, animated desert landscape, adding to the song’s playful, carefree vibe. The song’s infectious groove and playful lyrics make it a fan favorite and a staple of the band’s live shows.
Macey West is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
