The Gorillaz's self-titled debut album is a genre-defying masterpiece that blends elements of hip-hop, rock, and electronic music. With Damon Albarn's haunting vocals and Dan the Automator's innovative production, each track tells a unique story and creates a distinct atmosphere. From the infectious single "Clint Eastwood" to the eerie ballad "Tomorrow Comes Today," it's a groundbreaking record that remains relevant and influential today.
What do you get when you combine Damon Albarn, singer for Britpop superstars Blur, with hip-hop producer Dan The Automator? Gorillaz, silly! Albarn takes a busman's holiday and avails himself of the opportunity to take the kind of sonic risks one would be unlikely to find on a Blur album. This isn't hip-hop or dance music per se, though "Rock the House" is a bona-fide party rap tune, and Dan The Automator adds plenty of hip-hop elements and trip-hop beats throughout.
Ultimately, GORILLAZ is occupied by Albarn's arch, twisted pop vision filtered through a dizzying array of electronic sounds and studio manipulations. There are some interesting stylistic experiments, too, as on the Latin-style "Latin Simone," which features a guest vocal from none other than Cuban legend Ibrahim Ferrer, and "Slow Country," which, despite its title, is an excursion into the atmospheric land of dub reggae. This is a far cry from Britpop--imagine Blur in a sonic kaleidoscope. And then try in vain to imagine either of the Gallagher brothers attempting anything close to this.
Gorillaz: 2D, Noodle, Russel, Murdoc (a.k.a. Damon Albarn, Del Tha Funky Homosapien, Sky Edwards, Dan The Automator).
Recorded at Gee Jam Studios, Jamaica.
"Clint Eastwood" was nominated for the 2002 Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance By A Duo Or Group.
- Format: Vinyl
- Released: 03/17/2015
- Genre: Pop, Hip-Hop, Rock
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Track Listing:
A1 Re-Hash
A2 5/4
A3 Tomorrow Comes Today
A4 New Genious (Brother)
B5 Clint Eastwood
B6 Man Research (Clapper)
B7 Punk
B8 Sound Check (Gravity)
C9 Double Bass
C10 Rock The House
C11 19-2000
C12 Latin Simone (Que Pasa Contigo)
D13 Starshine
D14 Slow Country
D15 M1 A1
D16 Clint Eastwood (Ed Case/Sweetie Irie Refix)
