Every Gorillaz Album Release Date and the Complete History of Their Musical Phases

Gorillaz, the world’s most successful virtual band, has redefined the boundaries between music, art, and digital storytelling since their inception in 1998. Created by musician Damon Albarn and artist Jamie Hewlett, the group consists of four animated members: 2-D, Murdoc Niccals, Noodle, and Russel Hobbs. Over the past two decades, their discography has evolved through distinct "Phases," each marked by a unique visual aesthetic and a radical shift in musical direction.

Understanding the release timeline of Gorillaz albums is not just about tracking dates; it is about tracing the evolution of alternative pop culture in the 21st century. From their trip-hop beginnings to their recent ventures into synth-pop and global collaborations, here is the comprehensive guide to every Gorillaz studio album release date and the creative eras they define.

Quick Reference: Gorillaz Studio Album Release Dates

For those seeking a rapid overview of the band's primary discography, the following table lists all studio albums released to date, along with their respective launch years.

Note: While speculative reports regarding a ninth album titled "The Mountain" suggest a 2026 release, this remains unconfirmed by official band channels as of late 2024.

Phase 1: The Self-Titled Debut and the Rise of the Virtual Band (2001)

The journey began officially on March 26, 2001, with the release of the self-titled album, Gorillaz. This era, known as Phase 1: Celebrity Take Down, introduced the world to the four animated characters living in Kong Studios.

Musically, the debut album was a melting pot of Albarn’s Britpop sensibilities filtered through the lens of hip-hop producer Dan the Automator. The lead single "Clint Eastwood," featuring the haunting rap verses of Del the Funky Homosapien, became a global phenomenon. In our retrospective analysis, the production of this era is characterized by its gritty, lo-fi textures and heavy dub basslines—a stark contrast to the polished pop of the late 90s. The album successfully blended Latin influences in tracks like "Latin Simone" with punk-inspired energy in "5/4," proving that a "cartoon band" could be taken seriously as a sophisticated musical project.

Phase 2: Demon Days and Global Superstardom (2005)

After a four-year hiatus, Gorillaz returned on May 23, 2005, with Demon Days. This release marked the transition into Phase 2: Slowboat to Hades. Produced by Danger Mouse, the album shifted away from the lo-fi dub of the debut toward a more structured, dark, and grand sonic landscape.

Demon Days is widely considered the band’s magnum opus. It tackled themes of environmental decay, war, and spiritual isolation. The release dates of its singles—"Feel Good Inc." (May 2005), "DARE" (August 2005), and "Dirty Harry" (November 2005)—dominated the charts throughout the year. The album featured an incredible roster of guests, including De La Soul, Shaun Ryder, and Ike Turner. From a technical perspective, Demon Days demonstrated a mastery of vocal layering and choral arrangements, particularly in the closing title track. The album eventually went six times platinum in the UK, solidifying the band's status as a household name.

Phase 3: Plastic Beach and the iPad Experiment (2010)

Phase 3, titled "Escape to Plastic Beach," brought two distinct studio albums in a single year. The first, Plastic Beach, was released on March 3, 2010. This project moved the fictional narrative to a floating island of trash in the Pacific Ocean.

Plastic Beach (March 2010)

Plastic Beach saw Damon Albarn taking a more prominent role in the orchestral and synth-heavy production. The album featured legendary collaborators such as Lou Reed, Snoop Dogg, and Bobby Womack. The sound moved toward a bright, shimmering synth-pop aesthetic, though it maintained an underlying melancholy related to its ecological themes. The track "On Melancholy Hill" remains a fan favorite for its clean, melodic production and nostalgic atmosphere.

The Fall (December 2010)

In a surprising move, Gorillaz released The Fall on December 25, 2010. Originally distributed for free to fan club members before a wider commercial release in 2011, this album is famous for being recorded almost entirely on an iPad during the band's North American tour. It is a minimalist, atmospheric, and deeply personal record that feels like a travelogue of 2-D’s inner thoughts. Tracks like "Revolving Doors" showcase a stripped-back version of Albarn's songwriting, focusing on simple electronic loops and acoustic elements.

The Seven-Year Hiatus and the Return with Humanz (2017)

Following the internal creative tensions and a long silence, Phase 4: We Are Still Learning was launched with the release of Humanz on April 28, 2017. This album served as a reaction to the political upheaval of the mid-2010s, though Albarn famously instructed his collaborators to avoid mentioning specific politicians to ensure the music remained timeless.

Humanz was criticized by some for having "too many guests," with 2-D’s vocals appearing less frequently than in previous eras. However, in an era of streaming and playlist culture, the album was ahead of its time. It featured a diverse array of artists including Grace Jones, Pusha T, and Mavis Staples. The production was heavily influenced by dance and club music, utilizing sharp, aggressive synthesizers and heavy drum machines.

Phase 5: The Now Now and the Return to Basics (2018)

Just over a year after Humanz, Gorillaz released The Now Now on June 29, 2018. This album, part of Phase 5: No More Unicorns Anymore, was a direct response to the feedback from the previous record. It featured very few guest artists and put the spotlight back on 2-D’s (Albarn’s) vocals.

The sound of The Now Now is breezy, summer-inspired, and heavily influenced by 80s new wave and funk. Tracks like "Humility" and "Tranz" showed a band that was comfortable in its own skin, moving away from the sprawling guest-heavy narratives toward a more cohesive, singular vision. For many fans, this era felt like a return to the "soul" of the band, providing a perfect soundtrack for the summer of 2018.

Phase 6: Song Machine and the Episodic Revolution (2020)

In 2020, Gorillaz pivoted their release strategy with Song Machine, Season One: Strange Timez, released on October 23. Rather than dropping a traditional album all at once, the band released "episodes" throughout the year, each with its own music video and unique collaborative partner.

This approach mirrored the way modern audiences consume content. The album brought together an eclectic mix of legends and rising stars, from Robert Smith (The Cure) and Elton John to slowthai and 67. The production was high-energy and varied, reflecting the spontaneous nature of the "Song Machine" episodes. It successfully revitalized the band's creative momentum during the global pandemic, offering a sense of connection through its collaborative spirit.

Phase 7: Cracker Island and the Cult of Modernity (2023)

The eighth studio album, Cracker Island, arrived on February 24, 2023. This era, Phase 7: The Last Cult, focused on themes of digital echo chambers, occultism, and the search for meaning in a hyper-connected world.

Produced in collaboration with Greg Kurstin, the album returned to a polished, synth-heavy pop sound. The title track "Cracker Island" featuring Thundercat is a standout for its driving bassline and funky rhythm. Other notable collaborations included Tame Impala, Bad Bunny, and Stevie Nicks. The album felt like a refinement of the band's recent explorations, blending psychedelic pop with the cynical wit that has always been a hallmark of Jamie Hewlett’s visual world.

Future Outlook: Is The Mountain Real?

Rumors have been circulating within the fan community regarding a ninth studio album titled The Mountain. Some sources, including unverified retail listings and fan-edited wikis, have suggested a release date of February 27, 2026. These reports claim the album will draw heavy inspiration from Indian classical music and include collaborations with artists like Bizarrap and Anoushka Shankar.

However, it is vital to note that as of late 2024, there has been no official confirmation from Damon Albarn or the Gorillaz production team. Historically, Albarn often works on multiple projects simultaneously (including Blur and his solo work), meaning release windows can shift unexpectedly. Fans are encouraged to follow the official Gorillaz social media channels and their "Song Machine" portal for confirmed announcements.

B-Sides, Compilations, and EPs: Expanding the Timeline

To truly understand the Gorillaz release history, one must look beyond the standard studio albums. The band has a rich history of releasing B-sides and remix collections that are just as essential to the lore as the main records.

• G-Sides (2001): A collection of B-sides from the Phase 1 singles, featuring the fan-favorite "Ghost Train."
• Laika Come Home (2002): A dub remix album of the debut by Spacemonkeyz.
• D-Sides (2007): A massive two-disc collection of B-sides and remixes from the Demon Days era, including "Hong Kong."
• The Singles Collection 2001–2011 (2011): A retrospective celebrating the first decade of the band.
• Meanwhile EP (2021): A three-track tribute to the Notting Hill Carnival, released during the Phase 6 era.

How to Follow the Gorillaz Release Cycle

Following Gorillaz is a multimedia experience. Unlike traditional bands, their "releases" often include short films, online games, and interactive stories. To stay updated:

1. Watch the Music Videos: Jamie Hewlett’s animations are where the narrative "Phases" are officially confirmed.
2. Check the "Lore" Updates: The band’s official website often features "chats" with Murdoc or 2-D that hint at upcoming music.
3. Monitor Damon Albarn’s Interviews: As the sole permanent musical contributor, Albarn often lets slip details about the direction of the next project months before an official announcement.

Summary of the Gorillaz Discography

Since their debut in 2001, Gorillaz has maintained a prolific release schedule, rarely going more than a few years without new material (with the exception of the 2011-2017 hiatus). Their ability to adapt to new technologies—from Flash-based websites in the early 2000s to AR concerts and episodic streaming today—has kept them relevant across three different decades. Whether they are exploring the environmental ruins of Plastic Beach or the digital cults of Cracker Island, the release dates of their albums mark pivotal moments in the evolution of virtual artistry.

FAQ: Common Questions About Gorillaz Album Releases

When is the next Gorillaz album coming out?

While there is significant speculation about an album titled The Mountain releasing in February 2026, there is no official confirmation yet. Fans should expect news in late 2025 if a 2026 window is intended.

Which Gorillaz album came out first?

The band's self-titled debut, Gorillaz, was released on March 26, 2001. It was preceded by the Tomorrow Comes Today EP in late 2000.

Why was there a long gap between The Fall and Humanz?

The seven-year gap between 2010 and 2017 was due to a hiatus where Damon Albarn focused on other projects, including Blur’s The Magic Whip and his solo album Everyday Robots, while Jamie Hewlett focused on his art exhibitions.

What is the difference between an "EP" and a "Phase" in Gorillaz history?

An EP (like Meanwhile) is a short musical release. A "Phase" refers to the entire creative era encompassing an album, its art style, the fictional storyline of the characters, and the subsequent world tour.

Is The Fall considered a main studio album?

Yes, The Fall is officially recognized as the fourth studio album, despite its unique recording process on an iPad during a tour.