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Gorillaz Release ‘The Mountain‘ – A Response to Political Turmoil
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The virtual band Gorillaz, created by musician Damon albarn and artist Jamie Hewlett, released their fifth studio album, The Mountain
, in 2017. the album served as a direct response to the political climate following the 2016 united States presidential election,specifically the feelings of division and uncertainty that permeated the nation and beyond.
Genesis and Inspiration
Albarn began working on The Mountain
promptly after the election results. He described a sense of shock and disbelief, which fueled the album’s creation. The project was conceived as a more immediate and reactive work compared to Gorillaz’ previous albums.Hewlett’s visual aesthetic for the album mirrored this sense of unease, depicting a looming, ominous mountain as a central motif.
Did You No? The album was largely written and recorded in just five days, a remarkably quick turnaround for a Gorillaz project.
musical Style and Themes
Musically, The Mountain
blends Gorillaz’ signature eclectic style with elements of American roots music, including blues, gospel, and country. The album features guest appearances from artists like Vince Staples and De La Soul. Lyrically, the album explores themes of isolation, paranoia, and the search for truth in a post-truth world. The title track, The Mountain
, is a haunting ballad that encapsulates these themes.
Release and Reception
The album was released on October 27, 2017, through Parlophone and Warner Bros. Records. It debuted at number 20 on the Billboard 200 chart in the United States and reached number 2 on the UK Albums Chart. critics generally praised the album for its timely themes and musical experimentation.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| US Presidential Election | November 8, 2016 |
| album Writing Begins | november 2016 |
| Album Recording | early 2017 |
| Album Release | October 27, 2017 |
| Billboard 200 Peak | November 4, 2017 |
Pro Tip: Explore the accompanying visual elements – Jamie Hewlett’s artwork is integral to the album’s overall message.
Impact and Legacy
The Mountain
is considered a meaningful work in Gorillaz’ discography, demonstrating their ability to respond to current events and create politically charged music. The album’s themes continue to resonate in a world grappling with political polarization and social unrest. It solidified Gorillaz’ position as a band willing to tackle complex issues through their art.
“It felt like the world was ending,and I needed to make something about it.” – Damon Albarn, discussing the inspiration behind the album.
The album’s success further cemented the unique collaborative relationship between Albarn and hewlett, proving their ability to create a compelling and relevant artistic statement.
Frequently Asked Questions about ’The Mountain’
- What inspired ‘The Mountain’ album? The album was directly inspired by the 2016 US presidential election and the resulting feelings of division and uncertainty.
- How long did it take to create ‘The Mountain’? Remarkably, the album was largely written and recorded in just five days.
- What musical genres does ‘The Mountain’ incorporate? The album blends Gorillaz’ signature style with American roots music like blues, gospel, and country.
- Who are some of the featured artists on ‘The Mountain’? Vince Staples and De La Soul are among the guest artists featured on the album.
