Celebrating 20 years since their groundbreaking self-titled debut, Gorillaz have released "G Collection: The Studio Albums,” a special edition box set inclusive of the virtual bands six studio albums, exclusively for Record Store Day 2021. Gorillaz was founded in 1998 by Blur’s Damon Albarn and featured comic-book artist Jamie Hewlett designing and drawing the visuals.
Through their career Gorillaz have released six studio albums to critical acclaim. Their musical style saw Albarn depart from the distinct Britpop of his band Blur and instead explore a variety of musical styles including hip hop, electronic music and world music through an eccentrically postmodern approach. Each album draws from various styles of music and their discography is impressively diverse - this collection features the most complete way to enjoy the musical excellence of Gorillaz.
Each time I listen to their music, the sound of Gorillaz brings me a uniquely otherworldly feeling of joy and endearment. Their ability to stay up to date with consistent releases and constant anticipation cements them as a truly timeless act. As a band that has been with me for years, I also carry a vivid memory of sitting down in front of the TV and being blown away by the film clip for “Dirty Harry.” Questions flew across my mind as I was utterly entranced by the music video in front of me, how is animation being mixed with real life? What is this song? Who are these guys? This marked the beginning of my love for the Gorillaz.
For those of you who don’t know, the are Gorillaz a virtual band created and sustained solely by former Blur frontman Damon Albarn, who takes an entirely different direction with Gorillaz. His otherworldly production creates tangible, moving atmospheres through various genres of music outside Britpop. Often boasting an impressive lineup of features, each albums takes a slightly different direction, because of this I think the easiest and most concise way is to review their “Discography” chronologically.
Shocking the world in 2001 with a self-titled debut album, “Gorillaz” boasted brilliant musicianship and an impressive breadth of musical styles from the offset. The album features a driving and funky, high-energy rhythm that blends sounds of hip-hop, trip-hop, electronic, lo-fi, pop, UK Garage and more in an incredibly concise manner. Following their debut was the impressively refined and established release of “Demon Days” in 2005, the album that is arguable the virtual band's best, this is certainly the one I have spent the most time with. Though it features some of the Gorillaz darker and more melancholic moments (highlighted by production from Danger Mouse) “Demon Days” almost presents some of the most fun, upbeat, unique and possibly standout songs to date.
The next release in this collection I would hail as my favourite. I believe “Plastic Beach" to be the most cohesive and impressive Gorillaz release to date. Here the musicianship, songwriting and use of features seem perfected. The songs are somewhat reminiscent of “Demon Days” but executed with more beauty and emotion. I feel like Albarn took more time with this album, resulting in a more intimate and complete record, one without a dull moment.
Initially underwhelming, the more dance focused “Humanz” has since grown on me. The album is outright colourful, with lots of RnB sensibilities it celebrates an impressive variety of features across its uplifting and vibrant tracks.
The shortest gap between any releases in this collection, just over a year after “Humanz” came “The Now Now,” an album that took a step back from the high volume of features on its predecessor to focus more on songwriting and melodies. The result is an album that focuses more on the musicianship of Albarn and ultimately feels like one of his most complete and detailed works to date.
The most recent work in this box set, “Song Machine Season One” returns to an impressive lineup of features without sacrificing any of the cohesion of “The Now Now.” Still incredibly vast in sonic breadth, this album is sharp, engaging and melodic, its high volume of features and fluid and fitting. This feels like the Gorillaz most accessible to date.
The overall alluring, the fantastic and surreal world that Damon Albarn has created through his music has maintained all of its excitement and charm throughout the years. The only fault I could give this release is the barring of 2010’s “The Fall,” though I believe it’s the Gorillaz weakest release to date, it’s still well-worthy of inclusion. A great way to kickstart, complete or continue a Gorillaz record collection, this box set offers some of the best and most unique music the 21st century has to offer.
9.5/10 - Handsome Will
P.S.: If you’re searching for a coloured version of “Song Machine Season One,” we’ve got a beautiful orange copy available on our site!
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