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

Pre-University Paper from the year 2022 in the subject Musicology - Popular music, grade: A, , language: English, abstract: 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.