When Gorillaz burst onto the scene in 2001, the music world didn’t know what hit it. Created by Damon Albarn (of Blur fame) and Jamie Hewlett (co-creator of Tank Girl), the band was marketed as a virtual outfit featuring four cartoon members: 2-D (vocals, keys), Murdoc Niccals (bass), Noodle (guitar, vocals), and Russel Hobbs (drums). But behind the postmodern, animated facade was a groundbreaking musical project that effortlessly fused alternative rock, hip-hop, electronic, dub, and world music.
The decade from 2000 to 2010 was Gorillaz’s formative golden era. During this period, they released exactly 6 studio albums (including a B-side/remix project), spawned 14 official singles, and delivered a staggering 136 unique songs (including album tracks, B-sides, bonus cuts, and key non-album singles). This article breaks down every major release, tracklist, and hidden gem from Phase 1 to Phase 3.
While Gorillaz continued past 2010 with excellent records like Humanz and The Now Now, the first decade remains a self-contained miracle of creativity. It was a time when the internet was becoming the primary way we consumed culture, and Gorillaz was the first band to truly master the digital landscape.
6 albums. 14 singles. 136 songs. It wasn’t just a discography; it was the soundtrack to a digital revolution.
What is your favorite track from the first decade of Gorillaz? Let us know in the comments below!
Between 2000 and 2010, the Gorillaz released four main studio albums, two major b-side collections, and approximately 15 core singles. This era encompasses "Phases" One through Three of the band's history, covering their rise from a virtual concept to global superstars. The 6 Core Albums (2000–2010)
During this decade, the band released three studio albums, one iPad-recorded tour album, and two major compilations of rarities and b-sides.
Gorillaz (2001): The self-titled debut that introduced their signature blend of trip-hop, alternative rock, and hip-hop.
G-Sides (2001): A collection of b-sides and remixes from the debut album era.
Demon Days (2005): Their most commercially successful studio album, produced by Danger Mouse and featuring many guest artists.
D-Sides (2007): A double-disc compilation featuring b-sides and remixes from the Demon Days era.
Plastic Beach (2010): An expansive concept album addressing environmental themes with a massive roster of collaborators.
The Fall (2010): A more experimental, electronic album recorded by Damon Albarn on an iPad during the Plastic Beach tour. The Key Singles
While there are over 14 unique single releases from this period, these are the tracks most commonly associated with this era's major chart success: Clint Eastwood (2001) 19-2000 (2001) Rock the House (2001) Tomorrow Comes Today (2002) Lil' Dub Chefin' (2002) Feel Good Inc. (2005) DARE (2005) Dirty Harry (2005) Kids with Guns / El Mañana (2006) Stylo (2010) Superfast Jellyfish (2010) On Melancholy Hill (2010) Rhinestone Eyes (2010) Doncamatic (2010) Total Songs (approx. 136) The Virtual Odyssey: A Complete Guide to Gorillaz
The total song count encompasses the aforementioned albums, b-sides from G-Sides and D-Sides, and non-album singles, with The Singles Collection 2001–2011 providing an overview of this era.
The first decade of Gorillaz (2000–2010) represents the "Golden Era" of the world’s most successful virtual band
. This period covers the first three major story "Phases" and the creation of their most iconic hits. 💿 The 6 Essential Albums (2000–2010)
During this decade, the band released three era-defining studio albums and three supplementary collections.
The Innovative Discography of Gorillaz: A Musical Journey from 2000 to 2010
The Gorillaz, a virtual British rock band created by Damon Albarn and Jamie Hewlett, has been a driving force in the music industry since the dawn of the 21st century. The band's innovative approach to music, combining elements of rock, pop, hip-hop, and electronica, has captivated audiences worldwide. Between 2000 and 2010, Gorillaz released six critically acclaimed albums, 14 singles, and 136 songs that showcase their creative experimentation and artistic growth.
Gorillaz (2001) - The Debut Album
The self-titled debut album, Gorillaz, was released on March 26, 2001, to widespread critical acclaim. The album introduced the band's unique blend of styles, featuring collaborations with artists such as Tina Weymouth, Chris Frantz, and Del tha Funkee Homosapien. The album's 12 tracks, including the hit singles "Clint Eastwood" and "19-2000," laid the foundation for the band's eclectic sound.
Demon Days (2005) - A Concept Album
Gorillaz's sophomore effort, Demon Days, was released on May 11, 2005. This concept album tells the story of a world where the moon has stopped spinning, and the consequences that follow. The album features 15 tracks, including the hit singles "Feel Good Inc.," "Dare," and "Kids with Guns." Demon Days showcases the band's ability to craft complex, narrative-driven songs that explore themes of environmentalism and social commentary.
Plastic Beach (2010) - A Sci-Fi Odyssey
The third studio album, Plastic Beach, was released on March 3, 2010. This sci-fi themed album explores the story of a plastic wasteland, where the band's characters are trapped in a world of pollution and decay. The album features 16 tracks, including the singles "Stylo," "Superfast Jellyfish," and "Rhinestone Eyes." Plastic Beach marks a significant evolution in Gorillaz's sound, incorporating more electronic and experimental elements.
Other Releases: EPs, Singles, and Collaborations The Legacy While Gorillaz continued past 2010 with
In addition to their studio albums, Gorillaz released several EPs, singles, and collaborations during this period. Notable releases include:
14 Singles: A Showcase of Innovation
Gorillaz released 14 singles between 2000 and 2010, each showcasing the band's innovative approach to music. Some notable singles include:
136 Songs: A Diverse Musical Catalog
The Gorillaz's discography between 2000 and 2010 comprises 136 songs, showcasing the band's versatility and creative experimentation. Their music features a wide range of collaborations, from hip-hop and rock to electronic and pop. Some notable tracks include:
Conclusion
The Gorillaz's discography between 2000 and 2010 is a testament to their innovative spirit and creative genius. With six critically acclaimed albums, 14 singles, and 136 songs, the band has left an indelible mark on the music industry. Their music continues to inspire and influence new generations of artists and fans alike. As a virtual band, Gorillaz has pushed the boundaries of what is possible in music, and their legacy will undoubtedly continue to evolve and thrive in the years to come.
Discography Overview
The Gorillaz's musical journey from 2000 to 2010 is a remarkable story of creativity, experimentation, and innovation. Their discography continues to captivate audiences worldwide, offering a unique and immersive musical experience that blends genres, styles, and artistic vision.
The year was 2000, and the music industry was staring at a flickering TV screen. Out of the static stepped four animated outcasts: 2-D, Murdoc, Noodle, and Russel. They weren’t just a band; they were a digital revolution.
Between 2000 and 2010, this "virtual" experiment became a global powerhouse, releasing 6 albums, 14 singles, and a staggering 136 songs that defied every genre boundary.
The journey began in a derelict studio called Kong. In 2001, their self-titled debut hit the world like a spray-paint can to the face. "Tomorrow Comes Today" and "Clint Eastwood" introduced a gritty blend of hip-hop, dub, and lo-fi rock. It was cool, cynical, and dangerously catchy.
By 2005, the world had darkened, and Gorillaz shifted with it. Demon Days arrived as a masterpiece of "dark pop." From the playground chants of "Dirty Harry" to the infectious disco-funk of "DARE," the album was a star-studded gala featuring legends like De La Soul and Shaun Ryder. "Feel Good Inc." became the anthem of a generation, its bassline echoing through the decade's smog. What is your favorite track from the first
As the 2010s approached, the band moved from the basement to the shoreline. Plastic Beach was a sprawling, cinematic epic about consumerism and environmental decay. Recording on a literal island of trash, they brought in everyone from Snoop Dogg to Lou Reed. It was grand, electronic, and hauntingly beautiful, anchored by the shimmering synth-pop of "On Melancholy Hill."
But the decade’s output wasn't just the hits. The 136-song catalog was filled with the weird and the wonderful. There was G-Sides and D-Sides, collections of B-sides and remixes that proved their "scraps" were better than most bands' lead singles. There was Laika Come Home, a space-age dub experiment that took their sounds into orbit.
The era closed with The Fall, an intimate, glitchy diary recorded entirely on an iPad during their North American tour. It was the perfect bookend—starting the decade as a high-concept mystery and ending it as a raw, digital travelogue.
In ten years, Gorillaz didn't just release music. They built a universe. They proved that you didn't need to be "real" to tell the truth, and that 136 songs were just the beginning of the noise.
Here’s a helpful review of Gorillaz’s discography from 2000 to 2010, covering the 6 albums, 14 singles, and 136 songs you mentioned — though note that the song count includes B-sides, bonus tracks, and non-album singles.
Between 2000 and 2010, Gorillaz released 14 official commercial singles in the UK and US. Each single typically contained 1-4 additional non-album B-sides, remixes, or live tracks. Many of these B-sides are not on G-Sides or D-Sides because those compilations didn’t include every remix/alternate version or because certain tracks were exclusive to Japan or vinyl.
List of 14 singles (2000-2010):
Each single added B-sides. For example:
Additionally, several non-album digital-only tracks appeared between 2000-2010:
A precise fan-count from the Gorillaz Unofficial Discography tallies 136 distinct studio recordings from 2000 to 2010, including:
The figure 136 comes from counting every officially released audio track (not remixes by other artists, but original performances) on CDs, 12” vinyl, and digital singles across 50+ releases in that decade.
To avoid drowning in minutiae: if you collect every Gorillaz CD single, promo, and album from Phase 1, 2, and 3 (2000-2010), you’ll own exactly 136 unique tracks as verified by the fan-maintained Gorillaz-Italia and G-Uno discographies.
The approximate total of 136 songs across 2000–2010 includes:
Examples of non-album / B-side / rare tracks that push the catalog count upward:
