When Damon Albarn and Jamie Hewlett created Gorillaz in 1998, they unleashed something unprecedented—a virtual band that would become one of the most innovative and sonically adventurous musical projects of the 21st century. Over two decades and multiple albums, Gorillaz has delivered genre-defying tracks that blend alternative rock, hip-hop, electronic, dub, and world music into a constantly evolving sonic universe. From their self-titled debut to their recent experimental releases, Gorillaz has consistently pushed boundaries while maintaining mainstream appeal. This collection celebrates the twenty tracks that best represent the band’s creative genius, cultural impact, and musical diversity.
“Feel Good Inc.” – The Genre-Defining Masterpiece
Released in 2005 from the album Demon Days, “Feel Good Inc.” remains Gorillaz’s signature achievement and most recognizable track worldwide. The song’s infectious bass line, courtesy of producer Danger Mouse, creates an immediately hypnotic groove that contrasts brilliantly with De La Soul’s guest verses and 2-D’s melancholic vocal delivery. The production layers laughing vocals, strings, and that unforgettable melodica riff into a sound that feels simultaneously dystopian and irresistibly danceable. The track topped charts in multiple countries, peaked at number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100, and earned the band a Grammy nomination, cementing its status as a cultural touchstone. Its music video, featuring the band members trapped in a rotating tower, perfectly captured the song’s themes of consumerism and manufactured happiness—making “Feel Good Inc.” as visually iconic as it is sonically brilliant.
“Clint Eastwood” – The Breakthrough That Started Everything
The track that introduced the world to Gorillaz in 2001 remains an absolute classic, featuring Del the Funky Homosapien’s unforgettable rap verses over a minimalist beat that builds into something unexpectedly powerful. The song’s lo-fi production aesthetic, with its simple keyboard melody and sparse drum programming, created space for Del’s philosophical lyrics about maintaining creative integrity and personal sunshine even in darkness. What makes “Clint Eastwood” so enduring is how it captured early 2000s alternative culture while sounding completely outside any specific genre or trend. If you’re exploring more genre-bending music from this era, check out our comprehensive collection at Songs where we dive deep into tracks that redefined their respective genres. The track’s success—reaching number four on the UK Singles Chart—proved that audiences were hungry for something genuinely different, paving the way for Gorillaz’s ambitious career.
“On Melancholy Hill” – Dreamy Pop Perfection
From 2010’s Plastic Beach, “On Melancholy Hill” showcases Gorillaz’s ability to craft genuinely beautiful, emotionally resonant pop music without sacrificing their experimental edge. The song features shimmering synths, a steady disco-influenced beat, and 2-D’s most tender vocal performance, creating a wistful atmosphere that feels like watching the ocean from a distance. The lush production includes layered backing vocals, subtle string arrangements, and a mixing approach that places the listener inside a nostalgic reverie. Its music video, featuring the band members on separate journeys toward reunion, adds emotional weight to lyrics about connection and isolation. This track demonstrates that Gorillaz could compete with any mainstream pop act while maintaining complete artistic authenticity, making it a perfect gateway for new listeners discovering the band’s diverse catalog.
“Stylo” – Star-Powered Electro-Funk Excellence
Featuring Bobby Womack and Mos Def, “Stylo” from Plastic Beach delivers pure adrenaline through its driving bassline and relentless energy. The production builds from a simple synth arpeggio into a full-blown electronic assault, with Womack’s soulful vocals providing emotional gravity against the track’s futuristic sonic landscape. Mos Def’s verse adds hip-hop credentials while the overall arrangement nods to classic funk and disco traditions filtered through a distinctly modern electronic lens. The mixing is immaculate—each element occupies its own sonic space while contributing to an overwhelming sense of forward momentum. The extended car chase music video, directed by Jamie Hewlett, became instantly iconic, with Bruce Willis making a memorable appearance that added to the track’s cinematic quality and cultural cachet in 2010.
“Rhinestone Eyes” – Understated Brilliance
Often overlooked in favor of flashier tracks, “Rhinestone Eyes” from Plastic Beach represents Gorillaz at their most melodically sophisticated. The song’s intricate guitar work, propulsive rhythm, and layered vocal harmonies create a texture that reveals new details with each listen. Lyrically, it explores environmental themes through vivid imagery, with references to nature reclaiming industrial spaces perfectly matching the album’s conceptual framework. The production balances organic instrumentation with electronic elements seamlessly, while the verses build tension that releases perfectly into the anthemic chorus. Though it wasn’t released as a traditional single, “Rhinestone Eyes” has become a fan favorite precisely because it rewards deeper engagement, showcasing the album-oriented artistry that has always distinguished Gorillaz from more commercially-minded projects.
“Dare” – The Dance Floor Phenomenon
Featuring Shaun Ryder of Happy Mondays, “Dare” from Demon Days is pure, uncut dance-pop energy wrapped in Gorillaz’s signature aesthetic. The song’s simple, repeating synth hook and Ryder’s distinctive Manchester accent create an intoxicating combination that feels both minimal and maximal simultaneously. The production strips away unnecessary elements, letting the groove speak for itself while subtle details—backing vocals, percussion flourishes, string stabs—add depth without cluttering the mix. It became a massive club hit across Europe, reaching number one in the UK and demonstrating Gorillaz’s ability to dominate mainstream charts without compromising their artistic vision. The track’s accessibility made it a crossover success that introduced countless new listeners to the band’s broader experimental work.
“Humility” – Breezy Brilliance with George Benson
Released in 2018 from The Now Now, “Humility” features jazz guitar legend George Benson and represents a more stripped-back, summery direction for Gorillaz. Benson’s smooth guitar work provides the melodic foundation, while 2-D’s vocals float effortlessly over a laid-back groove that recalls yacht rock and soft funk influences. The song’s simplicity is deceptive—the arrangement demonstrates remarkable restraint, with producer James Ford allowing space and silence to work as effectively as the notes being played. Its music video, featuring the band roller-skating along Venice Beach, captured a carefree spirit that contrasted beautifully with the darker themes of previous albums. “Humility” proved that Gorillaz could evolve their sound dramatically without losing the essential qualities that made them distinctive in the first place.
“Dirty Harry” – Military March Meets Hip-Hop
Another standout from Demon Days, “Dirty Harry” features Bootie Brown of The Pharcyde delivering potent anti-war commentary over a militaristic drum pattern and haunting children’s choir. The song’s arrangement brilliantly juxtaposes innocence and violence, with the sweet vocals of the children providing chilling contrast to lyrics about conflict and moral compromise. The production builds in intensity, adding orchestral elements and distorted guitars until the track becomes an overwhelming sonic assault that mirrors its thematic content. It showcases Gorillaz’s ability to make overtly political music that works equally well as pure sonic experience, never letting message override musicality. The track reached number six on the UK Singles Chart, proving that audiences responded to Gorillaz’s more challenging material just as enthusiastically as their pop-oriented singles.
“Feel Good Inc.” – Expanded Discussion
Returning to “Feel Good Inc.” warrants additional analysis because its production techniques influenced countless artists in subsequent years. The way Danger Mouse layered that bass line—slightly off-kilter, with subtle variations that keep the groove from becoming monotonous—became a template for alternative hip-hop production throughout the late 2000s. The strings, recorded live rather than synthesized, provide warmth that contrasts with the electronic elements, creating sonic tension that mirrors the lyrical themes. When experiencing this track through quality headphones, as detailed in our headphones comparison guide, the stereo separation and layered production become even more apparent, revealing details that casual listening misses entirely.
“Saturnz Barz” – Popcaan’s Dancehall Injection
From 2017’s Humanz, “Saturnz Barz” features Jamaican dancehall artist Popcaan and represents Gorillaz’s most successful fusion of Caribbean influences with their alternative foundation. The track’s wobbly, bass-heavy production creates an unsettling atmosphere that perfectly matches its apocalyptic lyrical themes, while Popcaan’s distinctive patois delivery adds authenticity to the dancehall elements. The song structure defies conventional pop formatting, with extended instrumental sections and unconventional transitions that challenge listener expectations. Its 360-degree VR music video, which placed viewers inside a haunted house with the band, demonstrated Gorillaz’s continued commitment to pushing visual boundaries alongside sonic experimentation. The track performed strongly on alternative and urban radio, showcasing the band’s ability to bridge genre divides two decades into their career.
“19-2000” – Infectious Energy and Sonic Experimentation
The original album version from the self-titled debut showcases Gorillaz’s early electronic pop sensibilities, but it’s the Soulchild Remix that truly elevated this track to classic status. The remix amplifies the song’s energy with a faster tempo, enhanced bass response, and additional production flourishes that made it a radio staple throughout 2001. The track’s seemingly nonsensical lyrics actually explore themes of automotive culture and movement, delivered with the playful irreverence that characterized early Gorillaz material. Its music video, featuring the band driving through a dystopian landscape in a floating Jeep, became one of MTV2’s most-played videos and helped establish the visual language that would define Gorillaz’s aesthetic. The production’s blend of live instrumentation and electronic programming created a template that alternative music would follow for years.
“Andromeda” – D.R.A.M.’s Collaborative Highlight
Featuring D.R.A.M., “Andromeda” from Humanz offers a more introspective, almost spiritual listening experience compared to the album’s generally chaotic energy. The production creates an expansive sonic landscape with reverb-drenched synths and a steady, hypnotic beat that evokes the cosmic imagery of its title. D.R.A.M.’s soulful contribution adds warmth and humanity to the track’s futuristic production, while 2-D’s vocals float ethereally through the mix like transmissions from distant space. The song’s structure allows for extended instrumental sections that create room for contemplation, making it ideal for headphone listening where the subtle production details can be fully appreciated. It demonstrates Gorillaz’s continued evolution toward more ambient, atmospheric soundscapes without abandoning their pop sensibilities entirely.
“Empire Ants” – Little Dragon’s Ethereal Collaboration
From Plastic Beach, “Empire Ants” features Swedish electropop group Little Dragon and represents one of Gorillaz’s most beautifully realized compositions. The track begins with acoustic guitar and minimal percussion, creating an intimate, almost fragile atmosphere before exploding into an electronic crescendo that feels like witnessing sunrise. Lead singer Yukimi Nagano’s vocals blend seamlessly with the production, her distinctive tone adding vulnerability to lyrics about persistence and gradual transformation. The song’s structure—quiet beginning, massive climax, gentle resolution—demonstrates sophisticated compositional thinking rarely found in alternative music. Its placement near the end of Plastic Beach provides emotional catharsis after the album’s conceptual journey, making it essential to the record’s overall narrative arc and sonic palette.
“Momentary Bliss” – Slowthai and Slaves Join Forces
Released in 2020 as part of the Song Machine project, “Momentary Bliss” features UK rapper slowthai and punk duo Slaves in a high-energy fusion of hip-hop and punk rock. The track’s aggressive production, with distorted guitars and pounding drums, represents Gorillaz embracing rawer, more confrontational sounds than their typically polished studio work. Slowthai’s rapid-fire delivery contrasts with Slaves’ more melodic punk-influenced vocals, creating dynamic tension that drives the song forward relentlessly. The production intentionally avoids excessive polish, maintaining a live-band energy that captures the spontaneity of the Song Machine concept—where Gorillaz released tracks episodically with diverse collaborators. This approach revitalized the band’s creative process and demonstrated their continued relevance in an era where traditional album cycles had become less culturally significant.
“DARE” – Extended Analysis of Cultural Impact
Beyond its immediate success as a dance track, “Dare” represented a crucial moment when alternative music fully embraced electronic dance music without irony or distance. The song’s Manchester influences, courtesy of Shaun Ryder, connected Gorillaz to the lineage of British rave culture and the Madchester movement, legitimizing EDM elements within alternative rock contexts. The mixing emphasizes mid-range frequencies, creating a sound that translated perfectly to both club sound systems and radio play—a technical achievement that many producers still study. For optimal appreciation of the track’s layered production, exploring options in our earbuds comparison can reveal details that standard speakers might miss, particularly the subtle vocal harmonies and percussion elements that provide textural depth beneath the prominent synth hook.
“Tranz” – Hypnotic Electronica from The Now Now
“Tranz” from The Now Now delivers pure dance floor euphoria through its insistent four-on-the-floor beat and mesmerizing vocal loops. The song’s production embraces repetition as a virtue, with the chorus hook cycling endlessly in a way that induces genuine trance states during extended listening. Synthesizer arpeggios weave through the mix, adding melodic movement while the rhythm section maintains unwavering consistency. It showcases Gorillaz’s ability to create effective electronic music that respects dance music traditions while maintaining their distinctive aesthetic identity. The track’s relatively minimal approach—especially compared to the maximalist production of earlier albums—demonstrates artistic maturity and confidence, proving that Gorillaz no longer needed to overwhelm listeners with complexity to maintain their experimental credibility.
“November Has Come” – MF DOOM’s Legendary Feature
From Demon Days, this collaboration with underground hip-hop legend MF DOOM represents one of the most celebrated guest appearances in Gorillaz’s extensive catalog. DOOM’s intricate, internal-rhyme-heavy verses showcase his legendary technical skill, while the production provides a perfectly minimal backdrop that allows his wordplay to command full attention. The beat’s jazzy piano sample and head-nodding rhythm create an old-school hip-hop atmosphere that contrasts beautifully with Demon Days‘ generally more experimental production approach. For hip-hop purists, this track served as validation that Gorillaz respected rap traditions while incorporating them into their broader artistic vision. The collaboration came during DOOM’s most creatively fertile period, making it a historical document of two innovative forces working at their respective peaks.
“Cracker Island” – Thundercat’s Funky Contribution
The title track from their 2023 album features legendary bassist Thundercat and represents Gorillaz’s most recent creative evolution. The song’s funky bassline, courtesy of Thundercat’s virtuosic playing, provides a groovy foundation for lyrics exploring themes of cult mentality and group psychology. The production balances retro funk influences with contemporary electronic production techniques, creating a sound that feels both nostalgic and completely current. It demonstrates that Gorillaz remain vital creative forces capable of evolving their sound without abandoning the core elements that made them distinctive. The track’s relatively straightforward structure compared to their more experimental work suggests artistic confidence—they no longer need to prove their boundary-pushing credentials with every release.
“Kids With Guns” – Dark Energy from Demon Days
Another Demon Days highlight, “Kids With Guns” combines menacing electronics with lyrics addressing youth violence and societal breakdown. The production creates a claustrophobic atmosphere through layered synthesizers, processed vocals, and a relentless rhythm that suggests paranoia and threat. It represents Gorillaz at their darkest thematically, addressing serious social issues through abstract, impressionistic lyrics rather than direct commentary. The song’s structure builds tension continuously without providing cathartic release, leaving listeners in a state of unresolved anxiety that mirrors the thematic content. Its controversial music video, featuring the animated band members in various states of decay and violence, pushed boundaries even for Gorillaz’s typically provocative visual approach.
“Superfast Jellyfish” – Gruff Rhys and De La Soul Unite
From Plastic Beach, this track features Super Furry Animals’ Gruff Rhys and returning collaborators De La Soul in a satirical take on consumer culture and fast food. The production deliberately evokes commercial jingles and advertising music, with bright, artificially cheerful sounds contrasting ironically with lyrics criticizing corporate manipulation. The song’s playful surface conceals genuinely biting social commentary, demonstrating Gorillaz’s ability to package serious messages in accessible, entertaining musical frameworks. Rhys’s distinctive Welsh-accented delivery adds quirky charm, while De La Soul provides hip-hop authenticity and rhythmic drive. It exemplifies the conceptual cohesion of Plastic Beach, where individual tracks function both as standalone songs and as components of a larger artistic statement about environmental destruction and commercial excess.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Gorillaz’s most successful song commercially?
“Feel Good Inc.” remains Gorillaz’s biggest commercial success, having achieved multi-platinum certifications in multiple countries and reaching the top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100. The track topped charts across Europe, sold millions of copies worldwide, and earned the band their first Grammy nomination for Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals in 2006. Its music video became one of the most-watched on early YouTube, accumulating hundreds of millions of views and introducing Gorillaz to global audiences who might not have discovered them through radio play alone. The song’s commercial success proved that genuinely experimental music could achieve mainstream acceptance without compromise, paving the way for countless alternative artists in subsequent years.
Who are the actual musicians behind Gorillaz?
While Gorillaz is presented as a virtual band with animated members 2-D, Murdoc Niccals, Noodle, and Russel Hobbs, the project is primarily the creation of Damon Albarn (Blur frontman) and visual artist Jamie Hewlett (Tank Girl creator). Albarn writes, produces, and performs the majority of the music, providing 2-D’s singing voice and playing various instruments throughout their catalog. However, Gorillaz functions more as a collaborative project than a traditional band, with Albarn recruiting dozens of guest musicians, producers, and featured artists for each album. This approach has included collaborations with producers like Danger Mouse, James Ford, and Dan the Automator, alongside featured artists ranging from underground rappers to soul legends, creating the diverse sonic palette that defines Gorillaz’s sound.
Which Gorillaz album is considered their best?
Critical consensus generally points to Demon Days (2005) as Gorillaz’s masterpiece, though Plastic Beach (2010) has its passionate defenders. Demon Days achieved remarkable commercial success while pushing artistic boundaries, featuring dense production, sophisticated arrangements, and heavyweight collaborations that elevated alternative music’s ambitions during the mid-2000s. The album addressed themes of war, environmental collapse, and spiritual emptiness through abstract yet emotionally resonant songwriting, while tracks like “Feel Good Inc.” and “Dare” became defining songs of their era. Its cohesive conceptual framework, combined with consistent quality across all tracks, makes it the ideal entry point for new listeners and the album most fans return to repeatedly throughout their relationship with Gorillaz’s extensive catalog.
How does Gorillaz create their unique sound?
Gorillaz’s distinctive sonic identity comes from Damon Albarn’s willingness to blend seemingly incompatible genres without concern for traditional boundaries or commercial expectations. The production process typically begins with Albarn creating basic instrumental frameworks, then inviting collaborators from diverse musical backgrounds to contribute their specialized expertise—whether hip-hop verses, electronic production techniques, or traditional instrumentation. This collaborative approach, combined with high-quality production that emphasizes clarity and sonic space, allows each element to shine while contributing to a cohesive whole. The mixing typically features wide stereo separation, careful frequency management, and dynamic range that rewards attentive listening through quality audio equipment, revealing layers that casual listening might miss entirely.
What makes Gorillaz different from other virtual bands or music projects?
Unlike most virtual band concepts which function primarily as marketing gimmicks, Gorillaz integrates the visual and narrative elements deeply into the musical project’s identity through Jamie Hewlett’s artwork and elaborate fictional backstories for each band member. The animated characters have developed personalities, relationships, and evolving storylines across albums, creating genuine narrative continuity that fans follow with the same investment they’d give fictional characters in other media. This commitment to the virtual band concept extends to music videos, live performances using projection and holographic technology, and extensive multimedia content that expands the Gorillaz universe beyond just audio recordings. The combination of Albarn’s musical ambition and Hewlett’s visual creativity creates a truly multimedia artistic experience that transcends traditional band structures completely.