Record Breaker

2023 has been quite the year for Damon Albarn, he has become the first artist in the history of the Official Charts, to have a UK Number One album with two different groups.

‘Cracker Island’ with his group Gorillaz and then ‘The Ballad of Darren’ with Blur. Let’s not forget the tours he has done with both bands as well including two nights at Wembley Stadium with Blur. 

It’s been quite the year. I think it’s worth mentioning though, that both of these albums are amazing. ‘Cracker Island’ in my opinion is Gorillaz finest work. A conciese brilliant pop album much more conventional than previous releases but still rich and deeply satisfying.

With some of the bands best collaborations to date. They vary from Tame Impala on the brilliant ‘New Gold’ to Thundercat on the albums title track and even Stevie Nicks, yes Fleetwood Mac’s Stevie Nicks on ‘Oil’.

Adeleye Omotayo provides vocals on one of the albums best tracks ‘Silent Running’ and really sets the trend for the record. It’s amazing to see Damon provide artists a platform to perform. This track is not only a highlight of the album but also of the bands discography.

‘Skinny Ape’ is the best track on the album though in my opinion and this song does not need a huge collaboration. It sees Damon create a culmination of his career to date. We get moments of Blur, Gorillaz drum machines and a dance drop. It’s breathtaking. 

Most people would be satisfied with that, but not Damon.

We already knew Blur were reuniting. Those Wembley dates had been pencilled in before the release of ‘Cracker Island’. However we were not expecting the European Tour.

That was a rather nice surprise. It was even more of a surprise that I got to go! (Sorry Lauren) 

When Damon, Graham, Alex and Dave announced new music on the 18th of May with ‘The Narcissist’ and then subsequent album ‘The Ballad of Darren’ the world was shocked.

The album has been out now for a few weeks. It is breathtaking. One of Blur’s best. A collection of songs that showcase the band as brilliant musicians but reinforces the band between them. 

Damon has gone through a rather bad breakup this year and having these two creative outlets has clearly helped him. But more importantly having his friends. Graham Coxon, Alex James, Dave Rowntree and Jamie Hewlett with him has allowed him to achieve what he has.

Albarn is one of the most talented and important musicians we have in England. This record showcases just how brilliant he is. Two of his projects just happen to be two of the most important bands in Britain! 

Thank you for reading x