iTunes Session cover

Released 16 years ago this October

iTunes Session

Gorillaz · 2010

69 min · 9 tracks · alternative rock

A vibrant showcase of genre-blending sounds where hip-hop grooves meet art pop melodies and electronic textures.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Clint Eastwood Start here — This track serves as a defining anthem for Gorillaz, blending catchy hooks with introspective verses and showcasing their unique sound.
  • →
    Feel Good Inc. — With its infectious beat and layered production, this track illustrates the band's commentary on consumerism and escapism, remaining a fan favorite.
  • →
    On Melancholy Hill — This song exemplifies the band’s shift towards a more melodic style while maintaining their signature experimental edge, enriching the overall atmosphere of the session.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

58 /100
Treeline
Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The EP showcases reimagined tracks with strong production but lacks a cohesive narrative flow.

What we noticed

  • The first six tracks are reimagined versions of earlier songs, each featuring new arrangements and instrumentation that differ significantly from the original recordings.
  • The final track is an interview that provides insight into the band's creative process, contrasting with the musical content of the previous tracks.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • wave-like pacing with dynamic shifts
  • melancholic undertones for reflective moments
  • engaging interview for deeper insight
  • upbeat tracks for social settings
  • for afternoon chill sessions

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer straightforward formats
  • dislike lengthy spoken interludes

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Deep Cut — Offers reimagined tracks, showcasing creativity but not a primary entry point.
Themes
consumerism critique· melodic experimentation· virtual collaboration
Career context
By 2010, Gorillaz had established themselves as a pioneering force in alternative music with three successful studio albums. Released shortly after the band's third album, 'Plastic Beach', the 'iTunes Session' captures their evolving sound, mixing fan favorites with transformative live arrangements that reflect their artistic growth.
Stylistic neighbors
Blur· Beastie Boys· Massive Attack

Tracklist

  • 1 Clint Eastwood Start here 4:32
  • 2 Dirty Harry 3:47
  • 3 Feel Good Inc. 3:37
  • 4 Kids With Guns 3:47
  • 5 Stylo 4:32
  • 6 Glitter Freeze 4:04
  • 7 On Melancholy Hill 3:47
  • 8 Rhinestone Eyes 3:22
  • 9 iTunes Interview 37:37

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata