Top 10 Gorillaz Songs

This track was scrapped at the last minute to be the fourth and final single of the Gorillaz’s third effort, which is a shame because it’s one of Plastic Beach’s high points. With elements of trip hop and some faux-rapping from 2D, it’s groovy, psychedelic and electric. And despite not being released as a single, “Rhinestone Eyes” still made the top 40 of Billboard’s alternative songs chart.

Featuring a horn loop from John Dankworth as well as some solid rap verses from Del the Funky Homosapien, this song is one of the group’s more distinctly hip hop-flavored tunes. With influences from the jazz and funk world, “Rock the House” made the top 20 in the UK. As the third single from the Gorillaz’s eponymous first record, it also came with yet another classic cartoon video featuring the band paying homage to films like “The Shining” and “Mr. Freedom.”

#8: “19-2000” feat. Tina Weymouth Gorillaz (2001)

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The second single from their debut album is slower, but has a nice melody from 2D and then Noodle, voiced by Tina Weymouth from the Talking Heads, jumping in with a short but catchy chorus. A number one single in New Zealand, the second Gorillaz single also made the top 10 in the UK as well as the top 40 of Billboard’s pop and alternative charts.

Adding to the Gorillaz’s love for having high-profile guests on their tracks, this particular number features the Swedish band Little Dragon. The result is this almost four-minute tune with front woman Yukimi Nagano singing ever so sweetly with Damon Albarn over a sample of the theme song to BBC’s “Tomorrow’s World.” Nagano occasionally sang “Empire Ants” with the band at certain points during the Gorillaz’s Escape to Plastic Beach tour.

#6: “Kids with Guns” feat. Neneh Cherry Demon Days (2005)

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Featuring guest vocals from Neneh Cherry, this song was released as a double A-side single with another track from Demon Days entitled “El Mañana.” Inspired by a real-life incident at Damon Albarn’s daughter's school, “Kids with Guns” was top 40 UK hit. With its trip hop and alternative rock sound, it also hit the top 40 of the Australian, Italian and Irish Singles charts.

#5: “On Melancholy Hill” Plastic Beach (2010)

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One of the poppiest songs the Gorillaz have ever done, “On Melancholy Hill” is also one of Plastic Beach’s biggest highlights. Though its pretty Beatles-inspired melody and the retro feel of its instrumentals make it a song that deserved success; sadly, it didn’t chart nearly as high as many of their other singles. That said, the synth and psychedelic-infused ballad did make several best of lists at the end of 2010.

They named their first single after Clint Eastwood, and in keeping with that theme, this track was named after one of the actor’s films. With elements of trip hop and a guest rap verse from Bootie Brown of the Pharcyde, “Dirty Harry” is actually a finished version of a track that Damon Albarn included on a 2003 solo EP. This extended take by the Gorillaz went on to become a top 20 smash in the UK.

With production from Danger Mouse and a memorable spoken word part from Shaun Ryder of the Happy Mondays, this song is one of the danci-est on Demon Days and also one of the Gorillaz’s biggest singles in Europe. Topping the UK chart and cracking the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, “DARE” has 2D doing the backing vocals and Roses Gabor as Noodle doing the lead. Meanwhile, its corresponding music video featured references to horror movies like “The Exorcist,” “The Birds” and “The Ring.”

#2: “Feel Good Inc.” feat. De La Soul Demon Days (2005)

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Musically, this song covers a lot of ground, with influences from funk, hip-hop and drum and bass. Not only that, but the chorus features acoustic guitars from Noodle on top of 2D’s vocals. Two rap verses from De La Soul give it that extra punch. Considered by some to be one of the best songs of the 2000s, “Feel Good Inc.” also became Gorillaz’s first and only top 40 hit in the States. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions: - “Stylo” feat. Bobby Womack and Mos Def Plastic Beach (2010) - “El Mañana” Demon Days (2005) - “Tomorrow Comes Today” Gorillaz (2001) - “Doncamatic” feat. Daley “Doncamatic” single (2010) - “Revolving Doors” The Fall (2011)

Although some might argue that Del the Funky Homosapien was the biggest star of the Gorillaz’s first charting track, “Clint Eastwood” also has that unforgettable chorus referencing the guy they named the song after. The single was very much a sign of things to come in the band’s future, as it was the first big example of their ability to blend genres seamlessly. As the band’s first song to go gold in many countries, it was accompanied by a memorable animated music video that introduced the world to the virtual band. Do you agree with our list? Which Gorillaz song is your all-time favorite? With new Top 10s published daily, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.