Gorillaz Demon Days

No longer just fun and games...

With Dan the Automator gone, Gorillaz turned to the equally eclectic Danger Mouse to put together an album that is quite simply an outstanding, albeit difficult follow-up to their self-titled debut. Don't let the poppy "Feel Good Inc.," featured in the new iPod ads, fool you, the majority of songs here are sculpted with much darker tones, feeling almost industrial in their delivery with such songs as "O Green World." If there is one aspect of the album that still holds true from their debut it is that there is still something for everyone. Bassheads will love the entirety of the album, as the beats and baselines are rocking as ever, fans of the happy-go-lucky Gorillaz of old will be able to find some fun on this album too (though it's harder to come by) on the two lead singles "Feel Good Inc." and "Dirty Harry" as well as "DARE." Fans of Damon Albarn will enjoy the greater focus he has put to the vocals, and with Danger Mouse on board it appears that the two collaborate much more nicely than Albarn had with Dan the Automator, as there is a very natural flow through the entirety of the album. Much of the difficulty in this album is that Demon Days is best enjoyed when played from beginning to end, and in hearing it all at once, there is a realization that these guys have elevated what was once thought of as a novelty band to an exceptionally intelligent band that, now with two exceptional records under their belts, has to be taken seriously. Demon Days is one of the few albums in recent times that takes you through an entire experience, an experience that exists not within this world but in another place and at another time. There are some great guest spots on this album as well, as MF Doom, who never disappoints, is outstanding on "November Has Come," and Shaun Ryder provides an extra spark on the previously mentioned "DARE." There is also a great spoken word piece provided by Dennis Hopper on "Fire Coming out of The Monkey's Head." All in all this is an exceptionally well done album that truly shows the genius of both Albarn and Danger Mouse, it should be exciting to see where Gorillaz can go from here.

Overall rating: ★★★★½