Demon Days
by Gorillaz
  • Record Label: Virgin
  • Release Date: May 24, 2005
User Score
8.9

Universal acclaim- based on 589 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 551 out of 589
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 589
  3. Negative: 29 out of 589

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  1. JoS
    Sep 4, 2005
    10
    Brilliant.
  2. AaronD
    Jan 14, 2006
    10
    Absolute wicked album and there est yet!!!!!
  3. IsaacR
    May 1, 2006
    10
    you know this cd is cool when a black guy likes it. and i do!!!! i love it (track 10:all alone rocks)
  4. asfdsfd
    Nov 29, 2005
    7
    its so disappointing....
  5. Gunner
    May 24, 2005
    9
    This word may be cliched, but I think 'deep" is a good one to use as a description for the album. It delves further than thier first effort, and is definitely a creeper (a fast one though). Ilke one reviwer said, it has so many elements crammed in, it's really quite impressive. Wicked album!
  6. jasonb
    May 24, 2005
    8
    new production sets this outing in the right direction...towards sonically soothing hip-pop
  7. EvilE
    May 25, 2005
    9
    good catchy fun beats and tunes, but is a bit boring at times. I do recommend it to anyone who liked the first album!
  8. AnthonyE
    May 27, 2005
    10
    the first gorillaz record was great, but this ones so much better.
  9. EmiliaH
    May 27, 2005
    10
    Excellent! Damon is incredible, his voice is amazing. The rythms are so different between one another....... but it isn't a problem, all of them are combined perfectly!
  10. RoloR
    Jul 24, 2005
    10
    This album was the best one ive bought this year, far surpasing any sound created anywhere the gorillaz have done it again and will continue i hope!
  11. shellib
    Aug 25, 2005
    10
    This album is the best album out for 2005, the gorillaz are tyhe best artists around at the moment! 5 stars!
  12. jacobm
    Aug 29, 2005
    9
    Great album, but I must say that the hip hop is lacking. I love the 8-bit sounding beats mixed in... excellent sound!
  13. keving
    Jan 28, 2006
    10
    g
  14. SamiS
    Apr 23, 2006
    10
    This CD is the BEST!!!!! I listen to it all the time! I cant decide which song is my favorite, they are all so freaking cool!No matter what mood im in, I moving to the groove of the music, and my friends love it to!Great album,Great job,.....Great music!
  15. goandrewgo
    Dec 3, 2010
    10
    One of the greatest mix of music styles and imaginations - pleasant and disturbing, rough and smooth, apocalyptic and dreamy. Singles will make you feel fresh but whole album can leave huge mark on your attitude to modern music.
  16. bsurma
    Feb 9, 2011
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This unexpected mix of many (mainly the laid back type) music styles is really enjoyable and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys them. Of course, it's not perfect, but it's really good. My personal favourites are Feel Good inc. and O Green World. They really suck me in. The first is more fun and the beat is "clearly visible". The second, however, is more moody and the guitar kicks in most of the time. I like how Damon sounds good in many types of different songs.
    So, if you like having fun while listening to music, this album is for you, even if it lacks certain momentum from the first album. Try it for yourself and see!
    Score: 9.0    … Expand
  17. Zedloof
    Jan 30, 2018
    8
    Demon Days is great! not my favorite Gorillaz album but is definitely high up there!
  18. barologist
    May 3, 2020
    9
    Funky sounds, innovative, unique, and a total classic. You won’t be disappointed. Feel Good Inc. has one of the best basslines to ever hit a bass guitar.
  19. indianlink
    Sep 3, 2020
    10
    when 2D goes *singing noises* I stop beating my son for a second to admire the beauty
  20. Fire_MusicFreak
    Apr 19, 2021
    10
    My absolute favorite album ever. This has all sorts of genres and all of the ones I like. Every song on here is a banger. Its dark elements and post-apocalyptic topics fit so well. I feel like every time I listen to this album it gets better and better, no matter how many times I listen to it. And the production on this thing is absolutely amazing. The hard bass on some tracks and theMy absolute favorite album ever. This has all sorts of genres and all of the ones I like. Every song on here is a banger. Its dark elements and post-apocalyptic topics fit so well. I feel like every time I listen to this album it gets better and better, no matter how many times I listen to it. And the production on this thing is absolutely amazing. The hard bass on some tracks and the vocals are mixed very well. The song writing on this thing is frickin amazing.

    Favorite Song: Feel Good Inc
    Least Favorite Song: White Light    … Expand
  21. hatsandglasses
    Dec 17, 2021
    9
    Very good not as good as plastic beach or song machine 8f4u9j5hu84nmu45hku35hmjnu5h3
  22. BobR
    Jul 21, 2007
    10
    ridiculously hip... you'll fan over this band
  23. SierraH
    Feb 20, 2007
    10
    Yes, a 10. And no, I'm not exaggerating. I used to be very mainstream and closed-minded about music, listening almost entirely to rap and pop in the charts. I heard Demon Days from a friend before I even knew who Gorillaaz were, and thought, 'This album is crap.' And forgot about it. One day, I decided to check out Gorillaz, after remembering Feel Good Inc. First listen, I Yes, a 10. And no, I'm not exaggerating. I used to be very mainstream and closed-minded about music, listening almost entirely to rap and pop in the charts. I heard Demon Days from a friend before I even knew who Gorillaaz were, and thought, 'This album is crap.' And forgot about it. One day, I decided to check out Gorillaz, after remembering Feel Good Inc. First listen, I liked Feel Good Inc., DARE, and El Manana. 2nd listen, Kids with Guns, Last Living Souls. 3rd listen, the entire album was absolutely brilliant. Damon Albarn is a genius, which shows in this masterpiece. I can't... think of any words to describe it, except to listen to it a couple of times, and this album will open up an entirely whole new world of music for you. Oh, and it's been a year. Still not tired of any of the songs, something I've never come across before. Brilliant. A work of art, not to mention Jamie Hewlett's absolutely fantastic drawings of Gorillaz. Through this band, I discovered music I thought I never like before. BUY IT!… Expand
  24. Sam
    May 13, 2007
    10
    Awesome, awesome album, any way you look at it. Passing over the obvious genius of hit "Feel Good, Inc." (and it is genius), DARE and El Manana are two other favorites. Check out the music video for Feel Good.
  25. DanA
    Jun 24, 2007
    9
    Better than anything else Gorillaz has put out, which says something.
  26. justinf
    Oct 13, 2008
    9
    It is spectacular. the best songs from this album are: White Light, Dirty Harry, Feel Good Inc., el manana, and Kids with Guns. tHIS ALBUM IS A Must-buy!
  27. TomP.
    Jan 5, 2008
    8
    No longer does the color of your skin make a suitable reason for your bad taste in music. I know this isn't really a full hip hop/rap CD, but you can play the few tracks that do include rap to your friends and keep your reputation as you begin to realize how much more that music, if you could call most rap that, has to offer. So for the sake of music, put down Soulja Boy....Oh god No longer does the color of your skin make a suitable reason for your bad taste in music. I know this isn't really a full hip hop/rap CD, but you can play the few tracks that do include rap to your friends and keep your reputation as you begin to realize how much more that music, if you could call most rap that, has to offer. So for the sake of music, put down Soulja Boy....Oh god PLEASE PUT DOWN SOULJA BOY...and get this CD, then show your friends this CD, THEN, after you've realized how shitty almost all the music you've been listening to is, pick up a radiohead CD or something. besisdes, you owe it to those that want to be able to hear good music on the radio.… Expand
  28. PaulaG.
    Feb 13, 2008
    10
    It's the best record I've ever listen to, no doubt.
  29. DavidH.
    Apr 9, 2008
    9
    Definetly one of the best albums of the year! Original, experimental with dark and mysterious overtones. Every track stands out as different from the next. Overall, its near masterful. Intro is great gives u a real taster of the feel of the album. last living souls 9/10, kids with guns 10/10, o green world 7/10, dirty harry 9/10, feel good inc. 10/10, el manana 10/10, every planet we Definetly one of the best albums of the year! Original, experimental with dark and mysterious overtones. Every track stands out as different from the next. Overall, its near masterful. Intro is great gives u a real taster of the feel of the album. last living souls 9/10, kids with guns 10/10, o green world 7/10, dirty harry 9/10, feel good inc. 10/10, el manana 10/10, every planet we reach is dead 8/10, november has come 10/10, all alone 10/10, white light 5/10, dare 10/10, fire coming out of a monkeys head 9/10, don't get lost in heaven 10/10, demon days 10/10.every song great except white light!… Expand
  30. PhilipD.
    Sep 22, 2008
    8
    This is a tough one. Fans of Gorillaz will love it, fans of Feel Good Inc won't. I believe that every (decent) band comes up with one song which doesn't go with their style, yet is so amazing it is still worth releasing just to save that one idea. (I would say Linkin Park- Faint and California Dreaming by the Mamas and the Papas are other examples of this). I've heard of This is a tough one. Fans of Gorillaz will love it, fans of Feel Good Inc won't. I believe that every (decent) band comes up with one song which doesn't go with their style, yet is so amazing it is still worth releasing just to save that one idea. (I would say Linkin Park- Faint and California Dreaming by the Mamas and the Papas are other examples of this). I've heard of people who now hate Gorillaz because Feel Good brought them mainstream. All I can say is that this one song stands out above the other songs as being one of the finest pieces of music ever. So strange, yet so widely loved by all ages. So where does this leave the rest? I like Dare for its catchy beat but it doesn't have quite the same depth. Dirty Harry kind of falls under the same category. I can't help but rate this on how I feel the rest of the music compares to Feel Good Inc. The rest of the CD is still better than most CDs out there in my opinion, but I'm starting to wonder if they should have released Feel Good in the same album. Gorillaz beat themselves into a corner with that song but I am so pleased they released it I'm going to give this CD a rating of 8/10.… Expand
  31. VidM
    Aug 13, 2007
    7
    An improvement over their debut. There's some really good stuff here, but there's still a ton of crap to sift through to get to it.
  32. FrancescoR
    Dec 23, 2008
    10
    It is impossible sayin' that this album belongs to a kind of music, because it is just a super-mix of everything, which makes a very pleasant listening. It is an album that will be remembered for years, for decades, and even if you don't know what's the meaning of the texts of the songs, you feel as if that innovative music, that the first time you heard sounded so strange It is impossible sayin' that this album belongs to a kind of music, because it is just a super-mix of everything, which makes a very pleasant listening. It is an album that will be remembered for years, for decades, and even if you don't know what's the meaning of the texts of the songs, you feel as if that innovative music, that the first time you heard sounded so strange and "different", tells you about something that you can't explain by words, something that we can feel in the air every day: it's just the life we live, in a world that too much times looks grey and empty...the world that we can find in "Demon Days"...ya, of course it is exaggerated, but the question is...how much?… Expand
  33. RickW.
    Mar 28, 2008
    10
    Probably my all-time favorite album...completely unique
  34. TurkRocks
    Nov 15, 2006
    10
    I think this is one of the most CLEVER things I have ever experienced. Only thing I really have to say about people who do not enjoy the simple yet so full hearted affect that these 4 wonderful characters have on us are bitter, stuck up, and probably alone. This, while it may be a steryotype - most the times will hold fact. While being human - my accusation will not be perfect, and have I think this is one of the most CLEVER things I have ever experienced. Only thing I really have to say about people who do not enjoy the simple yet so full hearted affect that these 4 wonderful characters have on us are bitter, stuck up, and probably alone. This, while it may be a steryotype - most the times will hold fact. While being human - my accusation will not be perfect, and have its flaws but that does NOT diminish the stunning, amazing, fantastic, wonderous, dazzling, splended, breath taking album and series. Gorillaz - Original, simple, beautiful.… Expand
  35. critic_1
    Dec 15, 2011
    10
    Despite it's many faults, Demon Days still â
  36. khvivi
    Dec 26, 2013
    10
    Probably my favorite album of all time. despite the diversity of the music styles on the album, all of them are amazing tunes that I never skip should they arrive on a shuffled playlist.
  37. aran9
    Mar 27, 2013
    10
    I personally don't give a f*ck about what, these haters think, we're all aloud our opinion on things, but a lot of people are seeing this album as the type of music tailored for the average person to listen to as he or she is driving to work on their weekly grind. Its not. This music is an acquired taste sure, but not in the rotten fish sushi manner where some people say its delicious, butI personally don't give a f*ck about what, these haters think, we're all aloud our opinion on things, but a lot of people are seeing this album as the type of music tailored for the average person to listen to as he or she is driving to work on their weekly grind. Its not. This music is an acquired taste sure, but not in the rotten fish sushi manner where some people say its delicious, but its really just a pile of rotten fish. No, this album is a creation. Try and see it through Damon Albarn's eyes. A massive collaboration with many people, and a telling of the high concept band's story. Sure, there are some tracks that I wasn't that into, but with an open mind you can easily say that most of the songs are just as good as "Dare or "Feel Good inc." but simply passed under the radar and didn't make it as mainstream, playing-on-every-station hits. And lets face it, what was the last Album you bought where you loved EVERY SINGLE F*CKING SONG...I've never had such an experience. Looking at the reviews now, you'd think that it really is a love-it-or-hate it album. By the way, thank you if you're still reading this far, it means a lot that my opinion is so important to you. People are either to narrow minded to see the beauty of, and the brilliance, this album brings to the table. Its not perfect, nothing is, but compared to other albums on the market? Yes, it is perfect. Its hard to see how some of the songs like "All Alone" didn't make it to the charts.

    In conclusion, you will not regret buying this album if you love Gorillaz, hell even Damon Albarn's works in general, if you're not afraid to try new things or any way patient to savour music goodness. If you base your opinion of music on what people say and how distracting it is then you should probably get back to the weekly grind...    … Expand
  38. stratagemmedley
    Nov 21, 2014
    9
    Demon Days is a fantastic follow up to Gorillaz's first album. However there is a slight problem, if you could indeed call it a problem, the album is very hard to quantify, to put into a genre. Demon Days takes influence from rap, rock, R'nB, pop and country however at the same time it manages to filter out the negative tropes of the genres, meaning both those who like or dislike theDemon Days is a fantastic follow up to Gorillaz's first album. However there is a slight problem, if you could indeed call it a problem, the album is very hard to quantify, to put into a genre. Demon Days takes influence from rap, rock, R'nB, pop and country however at the same time it manages to filter out the negative tropes of the genres, meaning both those who like or dislike the influences will still very much enjoy the music, for example I normally dislike the aforementioned styles of music, yet still fell in love with Demon Days, which is very much a hard thing to do.
    The fell of the album is also incredibly dark, without trying to be edgy, yet at the same time manages to sound fairly upbeat, which is a rare talent amongst artists. This album really is quite special, it manages to appeal to all without compromising, to have repetitive vocals without being annoying, to have every song sound different without it being forced or the quality being downplayed.
    Shortly put this really does manage to both have all the advantages and near none of the disadvantages, it's only once a while music manages to do this and with how cheap the album is, I absolutely recommend you buy this.    … Expand
  39. heniu97
    Feb 26, 2017
    9
    Gorillaz. It's complicate. Their music is not for everyone for being unique and weird, but soon as you enter "inside" the songs, it's a complete masterpiece as good as the self-titled album and Plastic Beach.

    Feel Good Inc. is the only song all agree it's, at least, cool, and personally I think it's because it is the best song in the album that is so good, that even being weird, almost    Gorillaz. It's complicate. Their music is not for everyone for being unique and weird, but soon as you enter "inside" the songs, it's a complete masterpiece as good as the self-titled album and Plastic Beach.

    Feel Good Inc. is the only song all agree it's, at least, cool, and personally I think it's because it is the best song in the album that is so good, that even being weird, almost everyone like it. But it's not the unique masterpiece in the album. All the first half is full of amazing tunes, and the second, while presenting excellent songs, there are some more "normal" ones. But this con is recovered by the union of all the songs, that are like one hour story, telling you about loneliness, hedonism, self esteem, war and so many more negative things that happens in the world... and it's expressed incredibly well. For example, there is one song, Dare, that is very "happy" compared to other work in Demon Days, but that's because fits perfectly the message (improve your self auto esteem, to cheer).

    Then appears the Demon Days song, were it's an amazing finale for the album, telling you that besides all the sadness and crude true, there is hope and light to it, making a "happy ending" for the story.    … Expand
  40. gorillaz123
    Apr 9, 2017
    10
    best **** album ever i was 3 when this came out and i still love it! i don't see why people can not like it its great and better then gorillaz. LOVE IT
  41. benjigoo
    Dec 9, 2018
    8
    Very solid album. My only complaint is that some of the non-single songs were a little same-samey or boring, not bad but just kinda forgettable. Other than that, this album sounds fantastic. The lyrics are beautiful, and the album has a classic rock sound, with hip hop influence. I must also say though, this album is overrated in the Gorillaz community.
  42. TheLBacon
    Jun 11, 2018
    9
    This album is honestly one of the best I've heard. It doesn't stick to one specific genre such as hip-hop; it revels in mixing different genres or themes while all sounding similar to the Gorillaz style, such as mixing hip-hop and alt-rock in "Feel Good Inc", or the space-themed "Every Planet We Reach is Dead". The instrumentals are excellent with a lot of melodies and bass lines and theThis album is honestly one of the best I've heard. It doesn't stick to one specific genre such as hip-hop; it revels in mixing different genres or themes while all sounding similar to the Gorillaz style, such as mixing hip-hop and alt-rock in "Feel Good Inc", or the space-themed "Every Planet We Reach is Dead". The instrumentals are excellent with a lot of melodies and bass lines and the vocals of 2D (or Damon Albarn) being so varied in range, making each song memorable from lyrics alone. Speaking of which, the lyrics in most of the songs are great and have a lot of thought that go into a good amount of them, with the exception of "DARE" and others. Honestly, this album holds up a lot better than most others today and I think it deserves a lot of the praise it did back in 2005, with only 1 or 2 songs not being completely up to the same standard that the other songs make.

    Least Favourites: Last Living Souls, November Has Come, All Alone
    The rest are great in my opinion    … Expand
  43. DemonLlama331
    Sep 29, 2018
    10
    Even after 13 years, Demon Days remains as good as it was when it first came out. I still have it on CD, and as soon as I get a record player, I plan on getting it on vinyl.
  44. Jam_Boy_
    Sep 5, 2019
    10
    One of the greatest albums releases in the 21st century. Completely ahead of its time. Masterpiece.
  45. BorkSimpson
    Jan 22, 2020
    10
    Lovely and timeless album. It mixes countless genres and develops new styles to enjoy.
  46. xXXCuckLordXx
    Mar 31, 2020
    10
    masterpiece. I choose this rating because iv'e been listening to this lp for so long
  47. Dzum
    Jul 30, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Well, this is a very great album. All tracks on this album is masterpiece. 10/10… Expand
  48. sofisbn
    Jan 22, 2023
    10
    Gorillaz's music isn't for everyone but when you decide to navigate into their music and the story behind every album, you will appreciate every detail because you know Damon's lyrics and sounds are not something to miss. His lyricism keeps evolving through the years, but he did it so well in this album.
    A concept that probably isn't the taste of a certain people, a mix of sounds that can    Gorillaz's music isn't for everyone but when you decide to navigate into their music and the story behind every album, you will appreciate every detail because you know Damon's lyrics and sounds are not something to miss. His lyricism keeps evolving through the years, but he did it so well in this album.
    A concept that probably isn't the taste of a certain people, a mix of sounds that can make you crave for more of it. 'Feel Good Inc.', the single that attracted the most public and views, it's great any way you look at it. I still like that bass line like the first time I heard it, magnificent.
    It it also features a track that might appeal to those looking for a specific sound, a danceable one, 'DARE'. I want to make a special mention for track number eight of the album, 'Every Planet We Reach Is Dead', a song that for years I consider one of the best I've ever heard. From minute 2:07, the magic begins to flow with a captivating voice that Damon Albarn decides to bring in this melody melody that follows what I consider the best instrumental on the album. An unmissable fusion of instruments, a violin that is at the exact point of the song, a synthesizer that steals a few seconds to simply perfect the song, it never ceases to amaze me every time I hear it, the best song on the album in my opinion.
    Years go by and Demon Days continues to be one of Gorillaz's best projects, each of their singles had something that surprised me, and the album as a whole was like a gift to me. Without a doubt, deserves all the support and appreciation fans of the fictional band give to Demon Days.    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

45
#45 Best Album of 2005
18
#18 Most Discussed Album of 2005
2
#2 Most Shared Album of 2005

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
82

Universal acclaim - based on 37 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 34 out of 37
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 37
  3. Negative: 0 out of 37
  1. Uncut
    90
    A dazzlingly clever record--great beats, brilliant production, top tunes and some of Albarn's best singing. [Jun 2005, p.106]
  2. Amazon.com
    80
    Demon Days actually is even better than its predecessor.
    Read full review
  3. New Musical Express (NME)
    80
    Before you even consider the sonic and melodic innovation paraded through the album there’s so much crammed into each of these fifteen songs (without any one of them sounding overproduced or cluttered) that repeated listening is a must.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »