The journey began in earnest with the 2000 EP Tomorrow Comes Today, but it was the 2001 self-titled debut, Gorillaz, that shattered expectations. Propelled by the haunting, dub-influenced single Clint Eastwood, the album introduced the world to the four fictional members: 2D, Murdoc Niccals, Noodle, and Russel Hobbs. This era was characterized by a raw fusion of hip-hop, rock, and punk. To satisfy the growing cult following, the band followed up with G-Sides (2001) and the dub-heavy remix album Laika Come Home (2002), expanding their song count and proving that the virtual project was a deep, multi-layered musical experiment rather than a gimmick.
A brass-heavy hip-hop track showcasing Del the Funky Homosapien over a loop from John Dankworth's "Modesty Blaise."
The approximate total of 136 songs across 2000–2010 includes: The journey began in earnest with the 2000
A representative list of the era’s principal singles (radio/promotional/commercial), roughly matching the count of 14:
– A sweeping, bittersweet synth-pop masterpiece about finding love in a broken world. To satisfy the growing cult following, the band
While the studio albums are the main attraction, the compilation albums released during this decade are essential for understanding the band's creative process.
A standalone, upbeat pop single featuring British singer Daley, acting as a bridge out of the Plastic Beach era. The Deep Cut Universe: 136 Songs A standalone, upbeat pop single featuring British singer
Should we analyze the behind these albums?
A grand, conceptually driven concept piece themed around a floating island of garbage. The record saw Albarn shift toward vibrant synthesizer melodies mixed with classical orchestral instrumentation.
"Rock the House" (2001) – A horn-driven hip-hop track showcasing Del the Funky Homosapien's lyricism.