Socially critical aspects of the concept album "Demon Days" by Gorillaz

Using the example of the music video and song "Feel Good Inc."

Pre-University Paper , 2022 , 25 Pages , Grade: A

Musicology - Popular music

The main question this paper will be focusing on is what the socially critical aspects behind the concept album "Demon Days" by Gorillaz are and how the creators used animated virtual characters to convey their message.

The creators of the band Gorillaz implemented a new way of discussing serious topics by introducing four entirely virtual band members and creating a made-up world around them to move and perform in. Their goal was to produce a parody of the major label music industry and regain their authenticity and creative authority.

The themes and social critiques discussed in the album were analyzed by using its most popular song and music video "Feel Good Inc." and picking apart its different elements and putting them into context. The research in this paper shows that the main social critiques of the album were aimed at the music industry and mass consumption. The theme is set in a post-apocalyptical world, demonstrating the lasting effects of industrialization and capitalism.

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• Abstract
• Preface
• Introduction
• The founders of the band “Gorillaz”
  • The creation of the band
  • The intention behind the project
    • The intention behind the concept album "Demon Days"
• The virtual band members and their backstory
  • The socially critical aspects of the virtual characters
    • 2-D
    • Murdoc Niccals
    • Noodle
    • Russel Hobbs
• Analysis of “Feel Good Inc.”
  • Analysis of the socially critical aspects of the lyrics
  • Analysis of the musical elements
  • Analysis of the music video
    • Visual elements and their meaning
    • Possible visual references to pop culture
• Conclusion

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This paper examines the socially critical aspects of the concept album "Demon Days" by Gorillaz. It aims to understand how the creators utilized animated virtual characters to convey their message. The paper analyzes the album's themes and social critiques using its most popular song, "Feel Good Inc.", and its accompanying music video.

• The creation and purpose of the virtual band Gorillaz.
• The socially critical aspects of the virtual characters and their backstories.
• The social critiques presented in the song "Feel Good Inc." through its lyrics, musical elements, and music video.
• The impact of the album's themes on the music industry and contemporary society.
• The use of virtual characters as a tool for expressing artistic freedom and conveying social commentary.

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

This paper begins by introducing the concept of the virtual band Gorillaz and their origins. It explores the intention behind their creation and specifically focuses on the motivation behind their concept album "Demon Days".

The next section delves into the individual virtual band members and their backstories. It analyses the social commentary embedded in their character portrayals and examines the stereotypes they represent.

Finally, the paper analyzes the song "Feel Good Inc.", exploring its lyrics, musical elements, and music video. It identifies the social critiques embedded within these elements and how they contribute to the overall message of the album.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

The key concepts explored in this paper include the social criticism of the music industry, mass consumption, virtual characters, artistic freedom, and the impact of industrialization and capitalism on society. The paper draws on the example of Gorillaz's concept album "Demon Days" and its most popular song "Feel Good Inc." to illustrate these themes.

• Grade: A
• Author: Anonym (Author)
• Publication Year: 2022
• Pages: 25
• Catalog Number: V1263947
• ISBN (PDF): 9783346710208
• Language: English
• Tags: socially, demon, days, gorillaz, using, feel, good