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. MelR.
    Sep 4, 2005
    9
    smooth. One of the only albums I can listen to more than once.
  2. 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!
  3. 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
  4. 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!
  5. 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!
  6. 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!
  7. Paxster
    Oct 11, 2010
    9
    This album should be given its own genre. It's neither here nor there with any one genre and is so vast it can't even be taken down to 2 or 3. You've got something like 'Last Living Souls' which is eeary melancholy pop mixed with 'Don't get lost in heaven' which verges on symphonic gospel. This is really a masterpiece from Albarn. An apex of his imagination. He deserves all the acclaim he gets.
  8. Jessatay
    Sep 26, 2010
    9
    After the success of their first album, they went farther in producing Demon Days, where this time it is set in a Apocalyptic world. This one fuses more pop than the last one, but less rap. They still have their great vibe, with the help of new guests on this album. Their a ton of great songs on this album, especially "Feel Good Inc." This wasn't the best album Albarn has produced, but oneAfter the success of their first album, they went farther in producing Demon Days, where this time it is set in a Apocalyptic world. This one fuses more pop than the last one, but less rap. They still have their great vibe, with the help of new guests on this album. Their a ton of great songs on this album, especially "Feel Good Inc." This wasn't the best album Albarn has produced, but one of the most inspiring albums. The end of the album wraps up the mood perfectly, when the basic strumming of the guitar on "Demon Days" tells what Damon has experienced himself. This album is easier to listen and get used to than the first album. Standouts : "Kids With Guns", "Feel Good Inc.", "DARE" Overall Score : 8.7… Expand
  9. 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
  10. xHEISENBERGx
    Mar 20, 2012
    9
    Demon Days represents an amazing blend of genre's and styles. After Gorillaz hit in 2001, I instantly fell in love with the band and it style. And from then to the release of Demon Days I kept wondering in what direction the group would go in. Demon Days thrusts Gorillaz in a much more ominous atmosphere and tosses out some great tracks, mixing various collaborators for a mezmorizingDemon Days represents an amazing blend of genre's and styles. After Gorillaz hit in 2001, I instantly fell in love with the band and it style. And from then to the release of Demon Days I kept wondering in what direction the group would go in. Demon Days thrusts Gorillaz in a much more ominous atmosphere and tosses out some great tracks, mixing various collaborators for a mezmorizing journey through a snapshot in the gorillaz universe.… Expand
  11. 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
  12. DDD99
    Oct 27, 2014
    9
    This album is (and was) an instant classic and arguably Gorillaz's best work. Nearly every track oozes with creativity and there are only two tracks that I would say are lacking overall (O Green World and All Alone). The production is amazing with nearly every track making fantastic use of a wide, wide array of diverse musical ideas and sounds. The only thing I could ask from this albumThis album is (and was) an instant classic and arguably Gorillaz's best work. Nearly every track oozes with creativity and there are only two tracks that I would say are lacking overall (O Green World and All Alone). The production is amazing with nearly every track making fantastic use of a wide, wide array of diverse musical ideas and sounds. The only thing I could ask from this album is: more please.… Expand
  13. 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
  14. LeoDiCaprioFan
    Apr 26, 2016
    9
    When I listen to the latest Gorillaz songs, their music gets better and better. This album can beat their first album into shreds because they always get better!. Literally I recommend the entire collection of Gorillaz for new Gorillaz fans!. So yeah
  15. bdurmaz
    May 1, 2017
    9
    Magnum opus of the Gorillaz. While many were expecting them to disappoint after a really promising debut, Damon and Jamie manage to top it with a more creative and more polished record. One of the very best in its decade.
  16. md5fungi
    Jun 1, 2020
    9
    Demon Days is a superb evolution of its predecessor, a quirky, spastic hip-hop pop album masterminded by Damon Albarn of Blur. While Gorillaz's debut was the band figuring out exactly what its vision was, Demon Days sees something much more fully realized, with catchy, meandering, and interesting songs fleshed out by a number of guest musicians. The balance between experimentalism andDemon Days is a superb evolution of its predecessor, a quirky, spastic hip-hop pop album masterminded by Damon Albarn of Blur. While Gorillaz's debut was the band figuring out exactly what its vision was, Demon Days sees something much more fully realized, with catchy, meandering, and interesting songs fleshed out by a number of guest musicians. The balance between experimentalism and mainstream pop is subtle and expertly done, and we are left with a side project that is on the brink of rising to the musicality of its parent.… Expand
  17. 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
  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. hatsandglasses
    Dec 17, 2021
    9
    Very good not as good as plastic beach or song machine 8f4u9j5hu84nmu45hku35hmjnu5h3
  20. jayman
    May 23, 2005
    8
    A fun listen. I like the beats, and despite some early negative reviews, this may need a few more listens for some. Enjoyable off the bat for me...should be a great summer record.
  21. IllyaZ
    May 30, 2005
    8
    Not bad at all...
  22. JamieM
    Aug 3, 2005
    8
    Sure, it takes a while to get into, but eventually you realize that " Demon Days" is pure experimental genius. Best Song: Dare
  23. LachlanW
    Apr 5, 2006
    8
    A very strong album. Some tracks are filler, but for the most part, the CD is a fantastic accomplisment. 'Dare' is one of the coolest songs that I will ever hear.
  24. joeblow
    Dec 3, 2005
    8
    Good album, but it would be better with less rapping.
  25. ZachL
    May 24, 2005
    8
    I like how they strayed away from the poppiness (is that even a word?) that the first record had and went for a darker feel. However, I do miss Del a bit.
  26. matthewa
    May 26, 2005
    8
    There is definetely some filler here (O Green World, White Light) but most of is just toe-tapping brilliance. A step up from their last album.
  27. aaronl
    Jun 18, 2005
    8
    Lots of lame hipster indie bands (postal service, go find) try to incorporate hip-hop/electronica/a beat into their music and ultimately fail, mainly because they just don't get what makes a good beat. this record understands hip-hop and has the pop-sensibility necessary to make a record like this work.
  28. 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
  29. 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
  30. jasonb
    May 24, 2005
    8
    new production sets this outing in the right direction...towards sonically soothing hip-pop
  31. Vampire25
    Jan 18, 2011
    8
    This album blends a bunch of musical elements together. I heard rap, rock, reggae, and funk. It's a great listen. The beats are catchy and the production is just great. Took me awhile to get into it but after a few tries, I really enjoy it now. All In All, a great album. B+
  32. j30
    Dec 9, 2011
    8
    I'm really surprised by all the negative reviews for this excellent sophomore record from the Gorillaz. So many great lush pop songs that will make your head spin. There are a few fillers, but for the most part it's a killer release.
  33. dante_finn
    Jul 8, 2014
    8
    Another well done album by Gorillaz. My favorite song from this album is "Feel Good Inc.". The rock they have has become really modern if you know what I mean. It showcases alternative hip hop with funk rock and I like that. The collaborations are really cool though.
  34. TrilobiteG
    Nov 19, 2015
    8
    A few disappointing tracks, but Demon Days has some real classics in it. Some really innovative and majestic songs such as Dare, Dirty Harry and Feel good inc
  35. guitarmaniac004
    Oct 21, 2017
    8
    My fav from the Gorillaz Discography. It's got some hits, got some slow songs. And it's an emotional rollercoaster. Damon Albarn's vocals are the highlight of the album. It's punchy and beautiful.
  36. WheelzFourReelz
    Jan 4, 2015
    8
    Even though the album does get excessively weird for my taste, Demon Days is a great follow-up to their solid self-titled album. It's got great beats and some absolutely magnificent lyrics. This is one worth listening to.
  37. colen
    Feb 4, 2016
    8
    Demon Days: the ape that could. Not afraid to be a little political and reeks of energy. Ugly, even, in a good way that is because it is like no other.
  38. Blanche
    Aug 11, 2017
    8
    When I realise that this album was released 12 years ago, I start to appreciate the forward-thinking, avant-garde quirks on it that extra little bit more. The record boasts a smorgasbord of genres with indie rock, hip-hop and electronic music all intertwining with each other to make for a remarkable, captivating experience. There are many varying singing styles here from Damon Albarn andWhen I realise that this album was released 12 years ago, I start to appreciate the forward-thinking, avant-garde quirks on it that extra little bit more. The record boasts a smorgasbord of genres with indie rock, hip-hop and electronic music all intertwining with each other to make for a remarkable, captivating experience. There are many varying singing styles here from Damon Albarn and co. Their vocals sit on top of impressive instrumentation with alternative flair. Trouble is, some of them grow tiresome quicker than expected and effectively become filler. Some fall flat from the first listen and never really recover.

    This album sneaks into my great category by the skin of its teeth. Despite its apparent flaws, it has many redeeming qualities. The most impressive quality being how well it has aged. Demon Days could be released this year and still be pretty good by today's standards.    … Expand
  39. than_Q
    May 16, 2016
    8
    Do not hate me for this, but walking into this critically acclaimed album I expected something amazing, however, when I started listening, I was confused for about the first 4 or so songs. The reason that I give an eight is because it got MUCH better when the 5th song, Dirty Harry, kicked in giving a funky synth groove. Where it falls for the first few minutes, it instantly recovers andDo not hate me for this, but walking into this critically acclaimed album I expected something amazing, however, when I started listening, I was confused for about the first 4 or so songs. The reason that I give an eight is because it got MUCH better when the 5th song, Dirty Harry, kicked in giving a funky synth groove. Where it falls for the first few minutes, it instantly recovers and delivers excellently.… Expand
  40. 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.
  41. spacebear1
    Feb 18, 2018
    8
    Gorillaz's sophomore album Demon Days is another fantastic, if not better, album by this incredibly unique and amazing band. The songs are even more catchy and fun to listen to. This album, in my opinion, is even better than the previous and I'm gonna give it an 8.7/10.
  42. Zedloof
    Jan 30, 2018
    8
    Demon Days is great! not my favorite Gorillaz album but is definitely high up there!
  43. KvanV
    Jun 6, 2005
    7
    There are some strong tracks on this album, and the rest grow on you with repeated listens. Feel Good Inc. is the most high energy song they have to offer. The rest is rather laid back and mid tempo, and the last three tracks can be written off completely as they are barely songs at all. I miss the energy and humor of the first album. Demon Days is a little darker, slower, and more There are some strong tracks on this album, and the rest grow on you with repeated listens. Feel Good Inc. is the most high energy song they have to offer. The rest is rather laid back and mid tempo, and the last three tracks can be written off completely as they are barely songs at all. I miss the energy and humor of the first album. Demon Days is a little darker, slower, and more political. Still it's a solid buy.… Expand
  44. DaneC
    Sep 3, 2005
    7
    Most of the tracks are fine, but its the collabrations that make this album great. De La Soul, one of the most respected groups in rap, and Mf Doom, one of the most respected artist in underground rap, appear on this album and make the usually unused repeat track button on your cd player so nesserary.
  45. ACDCritic
    Jul 6, 2005
    7
    The single Feel Good Inc. was outstanding, so I decided to purchase this CD. I really disliked the CD at first, (it's nothing like the hit single,) but on a second listen, I discovered a few tracks I liked. On a 3rd listen, I found most of this CD to be great. The CD just kinda grows on you. You probably won't like the CD on a first listen, but give it some time, and you'll The single Feel Good Inc. was outstanding, so I decided to purchase this CD. I really disliked the CD at first, (it's nothing like the hit single,) but on a second listen, I discovered a few tracks I liked. On a 3rd listen, I found most of this CD to be great. The CD just kinda grows on you. You probably won't like the CD on a first listen, but give it some time, and you'll discover a great CD. There are a couple of filler tracks, such as songs like Last Living Souls, (which has no hook whatsoever,) Every Planet We Reach Is Dead, (which is just dull,) and O Green World, which turns into just a bunch of techno noise. Except for those tracks, (and a couple of other unmemorable ones,) this CD is great, and some of these tracks are excellent. The last 3 tracks seem to be telling a story, and are basically linked together, ending the CD on a very good note. Definitely a great, innovative CD, and probably not what you are expecting. (A couple more songs similar in style to Feel Good Inc. wouldn't have hurt, though.) I took a point off the score of this great CD because of a couple of annoying and filler tracks. But definitely worth it. You may not like it on your first listen, but give it a chance.… Expand
  46. asfdsfd
    Nov 29, 2005
    7
    its so disappointing....
  47. 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.
  48. GamePlayer77
    May 25, 2021
    7
    Demon Days has some of the best 00s production I've ever heard. It's slightly let down by the clashing lyrics and/or vocals throughout some tracks, but is overall a great work.

    FAV TRACK: DARE
    LEAST FAV TRACK: White Light
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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 »