Song #52: Gorillaz feat. Mos Def and Bobby Womack - "Stylo"

 Fucking YES! First it's announced that Gorillaz are still active. Then we hear news of an album in the works. Now, just days after they're confirmed as Coachella headliners, not only is the record confirmed (Plastic Beach, out in March), but we also get the first taste of the new record in its single!

The track is difficult to describe. It's all minor-key and decidedly downbeat, yet the tempo and Damon Albarn's ever-reliable vocals keep things interesting and sprightly. Mos Def appears, distorted and warped in the background (which really isn't the best way to treat one of the world's best MCs), and Bobby Womack rips up the beat with a truckload of soul intermittently throughout the song. It's a difficult one to wrap your head around - but then again, I can remember having a similar experience with a previous Gorillaz song. It was called Feel Good Inc., which then went on to serve its duty of being fucking awesome. Can only hope the very same for this particular track - we're onto a winner, hopefully!

FINAL RATING (/10): 7.5

Plastic Beach - get excited!

x
David