Gorillaz - El Mañana

Review by Lynn Rich

Album Review: Gorillaz – El Mañana Gorillaz have always been a bit of an enigma, blending visuals, storytelling, and genre-defying sounds into something that feels both familiar and otherworldly. Released in 2006, El Mañana is no exception. It’s a mini-album (or EP, depending on how you look at it) that packs a punch with its mix of rock, hip-hop, pop, and electronic influences. The styles range from lo-fi and downtempo to leftfield techno, making it a wild ride for anyone who presses play. One track that sticks out is the live version of "Hong Kong," recorded at Manchester Opera House. There’s just something haunting about it—like walking through an empty cathedral at dusk. The orchestration by The Reykjavik West End Brass Band adds this cinematic weight, while the strings (courtesy of Isabelle Dunn on cello and others on viola and violin) give it an emotional depth that hits hard without trying too much. You don’t expect a cartoon band to make you feel existential, but here we are. Then there’s “El Mañana,” which feels like the heart of the project. It starts off dreamy, almost like a lullaby, before building into this lush, layered anthem. Ghostigital’s vocals add a raw edge, and the production work by Jason Cox and Danger Mouse keeps everything tight yet experimental. If you’ve ever wanted to hear what melancholy might sound like as a song, this is probably it. Plus, the Metronomy remix included here gives the track a fresh twist, leaning more into electro vibes while keeping the soul intact. What makes El Mañana stand out isn’t just its genre mashups or stellar credits—it’s how human it feels. Sure, Gorillaz is technically a virtual band, but these tracks breathe real emotion. Whether it’s the political undertones in “Stop The Dams” or the sheer beauty of “Hong Kong,” the album reminds us why music matters. Fun fact? This release came out across Europe, the UK, and the US under labels like Parlophone and Virgin. And let’s not forget J.C Hewlett’s artwork, which perfectly matches the vibe: abstract, colorful, and slightly off-kilter. Looking back, El Mañana feels ahead of its time—even now. Maybe that’s why it still resonates. Or maybe it’s because listening to it feels like stepping into another world, one where rules don’t apply and creativity runs free. Either way, it’s a gem worth revisiting. And hey, if nothing else, it proves that even animated bands can break your heart. Who knew?

Artist: Gorillaz
Album: El Mañana

2006

Rating: 3.0

Review
About Album
Download
Tracks
Video
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Catalog Numbers
Labels
Listen online
Formats
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Credits
Notes
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About Artist
Interesting fact
Comments
Related albums

Download

Filename: gorillaz-el-maana.zip

MP3 size: 21 mb
FLAC size: 404.6 mb

Download

Tracks

Track	Duration	Preview
Hong Kong (Live at Manchester Opera House)	6:36
El Manana	3:50
El Mañana	3:57
Hong Kong (Live At Manchester Opera House)	6:36
El Mañana (Metronomy Remix)	5:43
Stop the Dams	5:39
Stop The Dams	5:42

Video

Gorillaz - El Mañana (Official Video)

Images

télécharger l'album Gorillaz - El Mañana

Album herunterladen Gorillaz - El Mañana

Catalog Numbers

00946357919 2 1
0946 3 60693 2 6

Labels

Virgin
Parlophone
Not On Label
Parlophone Records Ltd.

Listen online

lytte på nettet
écouter en ligne
online luisteren
ouvir online
kuunnella verkossa
online anhören
escuchar en línea
ascolta in linea
lyssna på nätet

Formats

CDr
Single
Promo
CD
Vinyl
12"
Single Sided
White Label
2 × File
AAC
Reissue
128 kbps

Companies

Role	Company
Phonographic Copyright (p)	EMI Records Ltd.
Copyright (c)	EMI Records Ltd.
Marketed By	EMI
Distributed By	EMI
Recorded At	Kong Studios
Mixed At	Pierce Rooms
Mastered At	Masterdisk
Published By	EMI Music Publishing Ltd.

Credits

Role	Credit
Remix	Metronomy
Artwork	J.C Hewlett, Zombie Flesh Eaters
Cello	Isabelle Dunn (tracks: 1)
Double Bass	Al Mobbs (tracks: 1), Emma Smith (tracks: 1)
Guitar	Simon Tong (tracks: 1)
Lead Vocals	Ghostigital (tracks: 2)
Mastered By	Howie Weinberg (tracks: 1)
Orchestra	The Reykjavik West End Brass Band (tracks: 2)
Producer	Jason Cox
Mixed By	Jason Cox
Engineer	Jason Cox
Programmed By	Danger Mouse
Viola	Amanda Drummond (tracks: 1), Stella Page (tracks: 1)
Violin	Antonia Pagulatos (tracks: 1), Sally Jackson (tracks: 1)
Written-By	Gorillaz

Notes

Two track version of the single released in Europe. Listed on the side as 'Copy Protected'.
Made in the EU

Barcodes

Barcode: 0 94635 79192
Barcode: 0 94636 06932 6
Rights Society: ASCAP

About Gorillaz

Virtual band founded in 1998 by from , and comic-book artist designing and drawing the band. It can be found in The Guiness Book of World Records under Most Successful Virtual Band. When the band were first created in 1998, the original concept was a group named 'Gorilla', with a slightly different lineup. The lineup of characters is: - Lead singer, keyboards, additional instruments. Gained his nickname from injuries he sustained in a car accident (vocals performed by ). - Bassist, additional instruments. Sold his soul and middle name to the devil for the band's success. - Guitarist. A Japanese expat, she was shipped to the band in a crate at 8. - Drummer. An American expatriate, possessed by the ghosts of his late friends; Creator of Hobbs Hot Sauce. Former members: Del The Ghost Rapper - Rapper. One of the above friends, he was sent to the afterlife by the Grim Reaper following their first album (vocals performed by ). Paula Cracker - Guitarist. 2D's girlfriend of two months, she was kicked out of the band for having an affair with Murdoc. She was a part of the band when they were known as 'Gorilla'. Cyborg Noodle - Guitarist. Robotic replica of the real Noodle who replaces her on Plastic Beach. - Bassist. Former Gangreen Gang member (from the cartoon The Powerpuff Girls), joined in 2018 to fill in for Murdoc while he's serving time in jail after being framed for smuggling. There was also an actual gorilla who played bongos, also during the band's time as 'Gorilla'.

Name Vars

G'Z
Gorilla
Gorillas
Gorrillaz
Gurrillaz
The Gorillaz
Xg O R I L L A Zx
´êé¹
ࡗऴܸ΋
ࡗܸ࠭΋

Members

Damon Albarn
Miho Hatori
Cass Browne
Jamie Hewlett
Dan Nakamura
Teren Delvon Jones
Remi Kabaka Jr.

Interesting fact about Album

Did you know that Gorillaz's *El Mañana* album is a treasure trove of musical diversity? It blends genres like Rock, Hip Hop, and Electronic with styles such as Lo-Fi and Techno. Released in 2006, it features live recordings from Manchester Opera House and even includes a remix by Metronomy. Fun fact: the track *Hong Kong* showcases a full orchestra, courtesy of The Reykjavik West End Brass Band, adding a cinematic touch to the album’s vibe.