Having Sold over 26 million records worldwide and are cited by Guinness World Records as the world’s “Most Successful Virtual Band”, Gorillaz are an English virtual band formed in 1998 by musician Damon Albarn and artist Jamie Hewlett, from London, England. Virtual band Gorillaz discography consists of seven studio albums, three compilation albums, eleven extended plays, one remix album, and forty-two singles.
One day in the late ’90s, comic-book artist Jamie Hewlett and Blur singer Damon Albarn were sitting around in their West London flat watching TV—a brand-new Panasonic, eight channels on screen at once. Their eyes were glazed, their minds empty. The images just kept coming. This was the dawn of reality TV—shows that turned so-called real life into prepackaged stories and people into cartoons. The question hit them: If culture was already fake, why keep pretending it was real? At first glance, the idea of an animated “virtual band”—the sprightly 2-D, rogue Murdoc Niccals, gangsta Russel Hobbs, and sweet outsider Noodle—seemed a little gimmicky, an art-school shot at mainstream pop. But in retrospect, Gorillaz’s work—the electro-indie pop of “Feel Good Inc.” and “Dare,” the leftfield hip-hop of “Clint Eastwood” and “Dirty Harry,” the bits of American gospel, African folk, and dub—reflected a rootless, fragmented world that has only gotten more familiar with time. That they had no fixed lineup and an ever-rotating series of vocalists and collaborators (from Elton John to De La Soul, Clash bassist Paul Simonon to Afro-Cuban singer Ibrahim Ferrer) not only undercut old ideas of what it meant to be a “band,” it projected a vision that felt communal, even a little utopian, unbound by borders cultural, stylistic, or otherwise. Even when they projected dystopia, they made the future sound bright (“On Melancholy Hill”). Bands are bands. In Gorillaz, we got a living, breathing playlist. So, if you are a die heart fan of Gorillaz Albums then check out here we have list of Gorillaz albums in order of release so far.
Gorillaz Albums Available on: Apple Music
All Gorillaz Studio Albums in Order of Release Date
1. Gorillaz (2001)
Gorillaz, the self-titled debut album by the virtual band Gorillaz, was released in 2001. Created by Damon Albarn and Jamie Hewlett, Gorillaz brought a unique blend of alternative rock, hip-hop, and electronic music to the music scene. The album features a diverse range of tracks, each with its own distinctive style and guest vocalists.
From the infectious hit single “Clint Eastwood,” which combines catchy melodies with rap verses by Del the Funky Homosapien, to the hauntingly beautiful “Tomorrow Comes Today,” Gorillaz showcases an experimental and genre-blending sound. The album also includes collaborations with artists like Ibrahim Ferrer, Miho Hatori, and Tina Weymouth, further expanding its sonic landscape.
Gorillaz captivated listeners with its innovative concept of a virtual band and its animated music videos, which brought the animated band members to life. The album’s songs tackle themes of urban isolation, consumerism, and the power of media, reflecting the band’s satirical and thought-provoking approach.
With its eclectic mix of genres and memorable tracks, Gorillaz’s debut album remains a groundbreaking and influential release in the world of music.
2. Demon Days (2005)
Gorillaz’s “Demon Days,” released in 2005, is a genre-defying masterpiece that showcases the band’s innovative blend of alternative rock, hip-hop, electronica, and pop. With its dark and apocalyptic themes, the album presents a hauntingly beautiful journey through a dystopian world. Led by the enigmatic virtual band members, 2D, Murdoc, Noodle, and Russel, “Demon Days” features collaborations with a diverse range of artists, including De La Soul, Neneh Cherry, and Shaun Ryder.
From the infectious opening track “Intro” to the melancholic anthem “Feel Good Inc.,” the album captivates listeners with its atmospheric production and thought-provoking lyrics. Songs like “DARE,” “Dirty Harry,” and “El Mañana” further showcase Gorillaz’s ability to seamlessly blend different musical styles, creating a sound that is uniquely their own. With its innovative storytelling and experimental soundscapes, “Demon Days” solidified Gorillaz’s status as one of the most influential and boundary-pushing acts of the 2000s.
3. Plastic Beach (2010)
Gorillaz’s album “Plastic Beach,” released in 2010, is a sonic masterpiece that takes listeners on a unique musical journey. The band, led by Damon Albarn and Jamie Hewlett, seamlessly blends elements of alternative rock, hip-hop, electronic, and world music to create a distinct and vibrant sound.
“Plastic Beach” is a concept album that explores themes of environmentalism, consumerism, and the state of the modern world. The songs are infused with a sense of melancholy, juxtaposed with infectious melodies and catchy hooks. The album features a diverse range of collaborations, including Snoop Dogg, Lou Reed, Mos Def, and many more, adding depth and variety to the tracks.
With its richly layered production, thought-provoking lyrics, and eclectic fusion of genres, “Plastic Beach” stands as a testament to Gorillaz’s innovative approach to music-making. It remains an essential listen for fans and newcomers alike, capturing the band’s ability to create a sonic landscape that is both immersive and deeply resonant.
4. The Fall (2010)
Gorillaz’s album “The Fall” was released in 2010 as a unique addition to their discography. The album stands out from their previous works as it was predominantly created during their 2010 North American tour using an iPad. “The Fall” captures the essence of Damon Albarn’s creative process on the road, reflecting the band’s experiences and inspirations during their travels.
The album takes listeners on a sonic journey through a range of experimental and electronic soundscapes. It has a more introspective and atmospheric quality compared to Gorillaz’s earlier albums. “The Fall” incorporates a variety of genres, blending elements of alternative rock, trip-hop, and ambient music.
With its lo-fi production and raw energy, “The Fall” embraces imperfections and spontaneity. The album possesses a sense of immediacy and intimacy, providing an authentic glimpse into the creative mindset of Gorillaz during their tour. It stands as a testament to the band’s ability to adapt and innovate, offering fans a distinctive musical experience that showcases their ever-evolving artistic vision.
5. Humanz (2017)
Gorillaz’s album “Humanz,” released in 2017, is a captivating and experimental musical journey. With its unique blend of electronic, pop, and hip-hop elements, the album showcases the band’s signature sound while incorporating diverse collaborations with an array of artists. “Humanz” explores themes of political unrest, societal disconnection, and the human condition in a rapidly changing world.
The album’s tracks are filled with infectious beats, catchy melodies, and thought-provoking lyrics. From the energetic and danceable “Andromeda” featuring D.R.A.M to the introspective and haunting “Busted and Blue,” the album offers a range of emotions and sonic textures. Standout songs like “Saturnz Barz” featuring Popcaan and “Ascension” featuring Vince Staples display Gorillaz’s ability to fuse different genres seamlessly.
“Humanz” challenges listeners to reflect on the state of humanity while providing an immersive and eclectic sonic experience. It solidifies Gorillaz’s reputation as musical innovators and further establishes their unique place in the contemporary music landscape.
6. The Now Now (2018)
Gorillaz’s album “The Now Now,” released in 2018, showcases a captivating and introspective musical journey. The album embraces a more stripped-down and intimate sound compared to its predecessors, focusing on Damon Albarn’s soulful vocals and melancholic melodies. With a blend of electronic beats, synth-pop elements, and hints of funk, “The Now Now” creates a sonic landscape that is both familiar and fresh. The album explores themes of loneliness, self-reflection, and the impact of technology on modern society.
Tracks like “Humility” and “Lake Zurich” exude a laid-back vibe with infectious grooves, while songs like “Sorcererz” and “Tranz” offer more energetic and vibrant experiences. Albarn’s introspective lyrics and emotive delivery shine through tracks like “Fire Flies” and “Kansas,” adding a poignant layer to the album’s overall narrative.
“The Now Now” showcases Gorillaz’s ability to evolve and experiment with their sound, resulting in a cohesive and introspective musical experience that captivates listeners from start to finish.
7. Song Machine, Season One: Strange Timez (2020)
Gorillaz’s “Song Machine, Season One: Strange Timez” is a captivating musical journey released in 2020. The album is a unique blend of genres, featuring collaborations with a diverse range of artists. With its distinct sound and innovative production, Gorillaz once again pushes the boundaries of their signature virtual band concept.
“Song Machine, Season One: Strange Timez” showcases a rich tapestry of musical styles, including pop, hip-hop, electronic, and alternative rock. Each track feels like a sonic adventure, taking listeners on a thrilling ride through various moods and emotions. The album’s standout feature is the impressive roster of guest artists, including the likes of Elton John, Beck, St. Vincent, and many more. Their contributions add depth and diversity to the album, resulting in a truly eclectic collection of songs.
Overall, “Song Machine, Season One: Strange Timez” is a testament to Gorillaz’s continued creativity and willingness to experiment. It serves as a testament to the band’s ability to create immersive and boundary-pushing music that captivates audiences across the globe.
8. Cracker Island (2023)
Gorillaz’s “Cracker Island” is a highly anticipated album released in 2023, marking another creative milestone for the virtual band. This eclectic and innovative collection of songs takes listeners on a sonic journey through various genres and musical landscapes. The album blends elements of pop, rock, hip-hop, and electronic music, seamlessly fusing them together to create a unique and captivating sound. “Cracker Island” showcases Gorillaz’s ability to experiment with different styles while maintaining their signature artistic vision. The lyrics delve into thought-provoking themes, tackling social issues, personal reflections, and imaginative storytelling. With guest appearances from a diverse range of artists, the album presents an immersive and collaborative experience. “Cracker Island” stands as a testament to Gorillaz’s continued evolution and their commitment to pushing the boundaries of contemporary music.
How many albums does Gorillaz have?
The discography of British virtual band Gorillaz consists of EIGHT studio albums, THREE compilation albums, ELEVEN extended plays, ONE remix album, and FOURTY-SIX singles.
List of Gorillaz Albums in Order of Release Date
The List of Gorillaz Albums in Order of Release Here!
1. Gorillaz — 26 March 2001
2. Demon Days — 11 May 2005
3. Plastic Beach — 3 March 2010
4. The Fall — 25 December 2010
5. Humanz — 28 April 2017
6. The Now Now — 28 April 2017
7. Song Machine, Season One: Strange Timez — 23 October 2020
8. Cracker Island — 24 February 2023
Conclusion:
Gorillaz, the virtual band created by Damon Albarn and Jamie Hewlett, has crafted a remarkable discography that defies categorization. From their self-titled debut to their latest offerings like “Humanz” and “The Now Now,” Gorillaz have consistently pushed musical boundaries, blending various genres and collaborating with an array of talented artists. Each album tells a unique story, culminating in a body of work that showcases the band’s evolution and innovation in the realm of music and visual art.
