Damon Albarn's 12 best songs: from Blur to Gorillaz and beyond

23 March 2024, 18:00

The Blur frontman and Gorillaz mastermind celebrates his birthday on 23rd March. Let’s look back at some of his classic compositions.

By Radio X

@RadioX

1. Blur - There's No Other Way (1991)

   Look at the bowl cut! When Blur were being pitched as a baggy band, they made this surreal video for their first big hit, There’s No Other Way. It makes us REALLY fancy a roast dinner right now.

   

   Blur - There's No Other Way

2. Blur - Popscene (1992)

   After the lukewarm critical response to their debut album Leisure, the lads kind of lost their way for a bit before pretty much inventing Britpop. This one-off single was from their short-lived “grunge/shoegaze” period.

   

   Blur - Popscene

3. Blur - Parklife (1994)

   We couldn’t leave this one out. Quadrophenia star Phil Daniels attempts to sell double-glazing to the Great Unwashed with young Damon as his apprentice. A satire on 90s Britain? Who cares?

   

   Blur - Parklife

4. Blur - Country House (1995)

   The Blurs went head-to-head with Oasis with this whimsical ditty that was meant to be about Food Records boss Dave Balfe. Silly fun.

   

   Blur - Country House

5. Blur - Song 2 (1997)

   Woo hoo! The great reinvention of Blur in the late 90s. Coxon discovered his love for Pavement and Damon learnt how to mosh.

   

   Blur - Song 2

6. Blur - Tender (1999)

   One of the gloomiest songs ever - and yet one of the most uplifting. From the album 13.

   

   Blur - Tender

7. Gorillaz - Clint Eastwood (2001)

   The last thing we expected from Damon Albarn was a collaboration with Tank Girl artist Jamie Hewlett, and yet that is what we got. And it was good.

   

   Gorillaz - Clint Eastwood (Official Video)

8. Gorillaz - Dirty Harry (2005)

   One of the cartoon band’s biggest and best grooves: it’s got dub reggae stylings, a rap and a choir of kids while Damon sings. Cheers.

   

   Gorillaz - Dirty Harry (Official Video)

9. The Good The Bad And The Queen - Kingdom Of Doom (2007)

   Another major collaboration for Albarn - he teamed up with former Clash man Paul Simonon, The Verve’s Simon Tong and the whole thing was produced by Danger Mouse. Intriguing stuff.

   

   The Good, The Bad and The Queen - Kingdom Of Doom [Official Music Video]

10. Gorillaz - Stylo (2010)

    From the underrated album Plastic Beach, this tune features none other than Bobby Womack on the soundtrack and Bruce Willis in the video. Damon Albarn is a popular man.

    

    Gorillaz - Stylo (Official Video)

11. Damon Albarn - Heavy Seas Of Love (2014)

    It took Damon until 2004 before he was prepared to release an album as himself. This is its most soulful moment.

    

    Damon Albarn - Heavy Seas Of Love (Official Video)

12. Gorillaz - We Got The Power (2017)

    The virtual band cranked up back into action with an optimistic album of eclectic tunes. The closing number features Jehnny Beth of London scenesters Savages.

    

    Gorillaz - We Got The Power (Official Audio)