The 55-year-old London-born artist Damon Albarn has lived several music lives (at least). First, he was the frontman of the Britpop band Blur. Since then, he co-created the “virtual” hip-hop group Gorillaz. In terms of talent and success, that’s a darn strong two-for-two.
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But just because someone starts a project doesn’t mean they write that band’s biggest hits. Well, in the case of Albarn and Gorillaz, the vocalist and all around standout performer did in fact co-write some of the group’s best-known tracks. Here below are four hit songs you likely didn’t know Albarn co-wrote for Gorillaz.
“Clint Eastwood”
Written by Damon Albarn, Del tha Funkee Homosapien, Jamie Hewlett
This song has a chorus audiences begin singing as soon as it comes on. Released as the first single from Gorillaz’ 2001 self-titled debut LP, the track includes Albarn’s falsetto voice and the skillful rhymes from indie rapper Del tha Funkee Homosapien. The track earned its name because of its resemblance to the theme song from actor Clint Eastwood’s film The Good, the Bad and the Ugly. But more than that, it’s just a classic hip-hop offering, released at the turn of the new century. That combined with the iconic animated images from Gorillaz makes this one of the most enduring works of the century. On the refrain, Albarn sings,
I ain’t happy, I’m feeling glad
I got sunshine in a bag
I’m useless but not for long
The future is coming on
I ain’t happy, I’m feeling glad
I got sunshine in a bag
I’m useless but not for long
The future is coming on
It’s coming on, it’s coming on
It’s coming on, it’s coming on
“Feel Good Inc”
Written by Trugoy the Dove, Damon Albarn, Danger Mouse, Jamie Hewlett
From Gorillaz’ 2005 album Demon Days, this song’s video continues the gritty anime-like art from the band’s first LP. The song features the trio of De La Soul spitting fire. The track was also produced by acclaimed beatmaker Danger Mouse (of Gnarls Barkley fame). On the acoustic-driven, heavenly chorus, Albarn sings between De La Soul bars,
Windmill, windmill for the land
Turn forever hand in hand
Take it all in on your stride
It is ticking, falling down
Love forever, love is freely
Turned forever, you and me
Windmill, windmill for the land
Is everybody in?
“Kids With Guns”
Written by Damon Albarn, Danger Mouse, Jamie Hewlett
Another from Demon Days, this song bears the signature rhythmic production of super producer Danger Mouse—that thump, thump, thump. The song’s theme, sadly though, is as relevant today as ever. On the track, Albarn soars vocally, delivering something of a droning tone to begin the tune and then flying like a parasailing passerby on the chorus. During said refrain, he sings divinely,
Now they’re turning us into monsters
Turning us into fire
Turning us into monsters
It’s all desire
It’s all desire
It’s all desire
“Dirty Harry”
Written by Damon Albarn, Danger Mouse, Jamie Hewlett, Bootie Brown
From the 2005 Demon Days, this Grammy-nominated song is part-psychedelia, part-children’s chorus and all heart. Looking at the music video below, it’s hard to tell which is more compelling: the music or the cartoonish art. Thankfully, we don’t have to choose. Venturing into the world of Gorillaz is to venture into the imagination of a genius or three. Yet, sometimes you have to let others cook. Here, Albarn passes the mic to beloved indie rapper Bootie Brown of the group The Pharcyde, who raps with indelible passion,
In my backpack
I got my act right
In case you act quite difficult
And your result weaken
With anger and discontent
Some are seeking in search of like Nimoy
I’m a peace-loving decoy
Ready for retaliation
I change the whole occasion to a pine box, six-under
Impulsive, don’t ask why or wonder
Orders given to me is
Strike and I’m thunder with lightning fast reflexes
On constant alert from the constant hurt
That seems limitless with no dropping pressure
Seems like everybody’s out to test ya
Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images
