Feel Good Inc.Gorillaz1rank/position

Gorillaz – Feel Good Inc. (Official Video)

In hindsight, you could say they were pioneers of what we now call VTubers.

Gorillaz is a project that began in 1998, a collaboration between Damon Albarn, frontman of the quintessential British rock band Blur, and comic artist Jamie Hewlett.

Their song “Feel Good Inc.,” famous as a 2005 iPod commercial track, is one of Gorillaz’s signature tunes—a standout from a virtual band that’s among the most widely known in the world and an exemplar of remarkable commercial success.

Featuring the veteran American hip-hop group De La Soul, it’s an exceptional, cutting-edge pop song built around a hip-hop groove—truly a classic born of the 2000s.

The track is thoroughly enjoyable on its own, but because Gorillaz is a conceptual project, your enjoyment will only multiply if you also check out the brilliant music video—said to be influenced by Castle in the Sky—and the richly detailed backstories of the characters.

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KOH-1

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DoncamaticGorillaz2rank/position

Gorillaz – Doncamatic (Official Video)

Released worldwide as the kickoff track for Gorillaz’s third phase, it introduced a new worldview that evolved the band’s signature laid-back, edgy vibe.

The voice saying “Doncamatic” that pops up throughout is actually that of the president of the Japanese company that invented the DoncaMatic, recorded by the man himself.

DraculaGorillaz3rank/position

Gorillaz-Dracula

This is a Dracula-themed track by Gorillaz, the music project led by Damon Albarn.

It’s a pure dub song, with effects-laden sounds whizzing around! The lyrics talk about going to a party without sleeping.

November Has ComeGorillaz4rank/position

Gorillaz – November Has Come – Demon Days

Damon Albarn, who rose to fame as the frontman of Blur, one of the UK’s most iconic bands.

His other project, Gorillaz, could now be said to have surpassed Blur in popularity.

The group’s uniquely languid vibe is perfect for the season when the weather starts to turn a bit chilly.

Among their tracks, the one I especially want to highlight is November Has Come, from the classic album Demon Days.

Over a heavy beat, the masked rapper MF DOOM delivers an explosive verse.

As for why November: interpretations of the lyrics vary, but within this song, November seems to signify a “new era of hip-hop.” November may be close to the end of the year, but for hip-hop, it’s surely only just beginning.

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Yoimachi Jēn

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5/4Gorillaz5rank/position

5/4

An experimental track from Gorillaz’s self-titled debut album, now remembered as a pioneering work by a virtual artist.

Released in March 2001, the piece—true to its title—centers on a 5/4 guitar riff while the drums proceed in 4/4, creating a hallmark polyrhythmic structure.

The unique tension and thrill produced by the guitar and drums pulsing on different cycles make it a prime showcase of the appeal of odd meters.

Although it was initially considered as a single, its bold approach led to the commercial release being shelved; nonetheless, it has earned high praise among fans as an early classic.

Aspiring musicians interested in arranging with irregular time signatures should definitely give it a listen!