Throwback Thursday: Demon Days, by Gorillaz

In 2005, experimental alternative rock/hip-hop group Gorillaz changed the face of music by releasing their most well known album: Demon Days. Though they had already built up some notoriety with their 2001 debut release Gorillaz, it was this album that really put them on the map. The virtual cartoon band created by Damon Albarn and contributed to by multiple artists earned their place among the big boys with this album that brought experimental music into a more mainstream light, going five times platinum.

Demon Days is one of the most fascinating records I have ever listened to. It brings together so many styles, ranging from hip-hop, to electronica, to indie, to reggae, to dub, to pop, to alternative rock, to even moments of jazzy blues and other genres. This album is known for spawning the hit single Feel Good Inc., which has made itself a permanent spot on many people's 2000's playlist. The lyrics are also quite profound, making it more than just music for background listening. This is a full listening and attention giving experience.

Feel Good Inc. is definitely the most fun on the album. When that distorted laughter starts the song and that iconic bass line kicks in, you know you're about to have a good time. Even though 60% of the lyrics are rapping, I as primarily a fan of rock n' roll have found myself enjoying the song to the point where even I have learned to play certain parts of it on bass and guitar. It has that deep fast, but not too fast groove to it that snares anyone in regardless of what genre they like. I have to give this song credit where it's due. It's made me and so many other people give different genres we might not have before a chance.

Every Planet We Reach is Dead is one of those hidden gems that I cherish more than the singles from an album. It has this slow swanky, swaying, swing jazz/blues vibe to it. At the same time though, there is enough electronic instrumentation added onto the piano, drums, and other real instruments that it is definitely something more modern as well. It's the perfect marriage of old and new. Of course, it helps that they had Ike Turner doing the piano on this track. It grooves, and yet at the same time is haunting. Definitely a classic in my opinion.

Demon Days is a very clever album. It's certain to have something for everyone on it. The problem with that though is that it is so diverse that there will be several tracks you don't really care for on it. That's kind of the issue I had with it. There are a handful of tracks I absolutely love to death, a couple I'm kind of on board with, and then the rest I couldn't care less about. Regardless, it's still worth picking up and checking out. It's a great way for you to broaden your musical horizons and find new kinds of music for you to add into your library.

Demon Days, by Gorillaz receives 2.8 out of 5 stars.

Track List:

1. Intro
2. Last Living Souls
3. Kids With Guns
4. O Green World
5. Dirty Harry
6. Feel Good Inc.
7. El Manana
8. Every Planet We Reach is Dead
9. November Has Come
10. All Alone
11. White Light
12. DARE
13. Fire Coming Out of the Monkey's Head
14. Don't Get Lost in Heaven
15. Demon Days

Buy the album on Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/Demon-Days-Gorillaz/dp/B000TENKEK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1489133150&sr=8-1&keywords=Demon+Days