Gorillaz - Stylo (Parlophone)

'Stylo' is exactly the type of single you've come to expect from Gorillaz. Intelligent and pushing boundaries musically, it's a track that still manages to conform to a pop nostalgia that makes it instantly accessible.

The first thing you'll notice is the bass-heavy and funky beat that holds 'Stylo' together. It builds a dark atmosphere, but it's the kind of 80s electro pop groove that Depeche Mode or the Pet Shop Boys at their peak would have been proud of.

Albarn's vocals are subdued and soulful, but equally uplifting ("Out of depression, Rise above"), however it's the guest vocalists that give 'Stylo' its edge. That's probably the key to Gorillaz's continued success, choosing people to contribute to the project that aren't instantly obvious, but that are perfectly suited to the material.

Here Bobby Womack's soulful section helps 'Stylo' to soar above the tag of 'just another average pop song'. He's on fine form too; with an almost James Brown-esque wail he declares his "love of electric". Meanwhile, Mos Def's rap, which is relegated to the end of the single mix, but far more prominent on the album version, adds a contemporary feel to the otherwise retro track.

As an introduction to the band's third album Plastic Beach, 'Stylo' doesn't give much of a clue as to whether there's a completely new direction for Murdoc and Co, but that doesn't really matter. It's another perfectly crafted and truly original creation from Damon Albarn's diverse and seemingly endless list of ideas.

Rating: 4/5

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Artist: Gorillaz Title: Plastic Beach Released: 09/03/2010 Buy Now \| View Details	Artist: Gorillaz Title: Demon Days Released: 24/05/2005 Buy Now \| View Details

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