Unit 2 assignment
2000's to present day
"Feel Good Inc." - Gorillaz
Performance
Gorillaz 'Feel Good Inc.' was the lead single from the 2005 'Demon Days' album.
The song is a vibrant fusion of alternative rock, hip-hop, and electronic beats. The catchy
melodies and funky basslines thrill the listener, and the lyrics explore themes of societal
disillusionment, isolation, and escapism.
The song boasts a rich varied blend of instrumentation, centred around a prominent bassline
that uses a funky groove. Electronic synthesizers and drum machines add modern flair, while
electric and acoustic guitar parts combined with keyboard melodies provide depth.
The song primarily features Damon Albarn and Jamie Hewlett, the core members of Gorillaz but
involves several other contributors. Albarn leads the vocals and contributes to both songwriting
and production. Additionally, the hip hop group De La Soul provides guest vocals. Together,
they create a dynamic collaboration on "Feel Good Inc.".
From the start, the song's vibrant bassline and dynamic rhythm merge alternative rock, hip-hop,
and electronic elements into a sonic landscape. Charismatic vocals and lively rap verses infuse
energy and attitude, balancing themes of disillusionment, isolation and escapism. It emanates
empowerment and liberation, featuring infectious melodies and pulsating rhythms that offer a
thrilling journey, leaving listeners uplifted.
The songs diverse musical elements blend seamlessly, creating a cohesive and engaging
sound. Precise vocals and skilled rap verses add depth. The song features meticulously crafted
sounds, capturing Gorillaz's eclectic style. Overall, it enhances the impact, immersing listeners
in its vibrant atmosphere.
Driven by a funky bassline and modern electronic drums, the song thrives on its infectious
groove. Raw guitar riffs and textured synthesizers add depth, while the vocals and rap verses
maintain engagement. Overall, its rhythm and feel are captivating and infectious.
Technology
For "Feel Good Inc." DAWs were likely used for composing and mixing, enabling
experimentation with sounds and effects. MIDI controllers and software instruments may have
been used to incorporate electronic elements and synthesize sounds.
The production likely incorporated sampling technology to integrate audio snippets and effects,
such as drum beats or vocal snippets, enhancing depth and texture.
A prominent effect in the song is distortion, notably on guitar parts, enhancing its alternative
rock sound. Vocal effects like reverb and modulation are also applied.
Electronic effects are used a lot in the song, with synthesizers and keyboards treated with delay
for an eclectic, experimental feel. Electronic drums and percussion likely underwent
compression and EQ to ensure punchiness and clarity in the rhythm section.
The song's production likely involved various studio effects and techniques during mixing and
mastering, such as sidechain compression, stereo imaging, and equalization to balance the mix
elements.
The song combines live instruments with electronic elements, likely recorded using multitrack
recording. Extensive editing and layering of vocals and instruments likely contributed to its rich
texture.
Gorillaz primarily used Studio 13 in London, renowned for capturing live instrumentation and
facilitating experimentation with electronic elements. Additionally, they frequently used portable
recording setups and home studios during production.
Music theory
The song's moderate tempo drives it with energy and groove, enhanced by a syncopated
rhythm, creating a dynamic and infectious feel.
The vocals drive the catchy melody of the song, infusing it with a playful and upbeat quality that
perfectly complements the lively instrumentation, enhancing its overall catchiness.
The song boasts a simple yet effective chord progression, offering a solid foundation that
supports the melody and rhythm.
The song is written in E flat minor in 4/4. Various chord progressions and melodic elements
within E flat minor are used, adding depth and cohesion to the composition.
The song is typically tuned to standard tuning.
The arrangement centres around a driving bassline, electric guitar appregios, layered with
electronic beats, synths, and keyboards for depth and texture. The song structure is Intro –
Verse - Chorus – Verse – Interlude – Chorus – Verse – Outro. The songs chord progression is
D♯ minor, G♯ minor, and A♯ minor Carefully crafted, it creates a dynamic and engaging listening
experience, with each element contributing to the song's distinctive sound.
Musical Context
The song draws from a diverse range of musical styles, including alternative rock, hip hop and
electronic music. The song showcases Gorillaz's talent in blending diverse influences into an
innovative musical experience.
Damon Albarn, Gorillaz's lead vocalist and co-founder, primarily wrote "Feel Good Inc." with
bandmate Jamie Hewlett, responsible for the band's music video. The American hip hop group
De La Soul, contributed the rap verses.
The song's broad appeal spans fans of alternative rock, hip-hop, and electronic music, thanks to
its diverse blend of musical styles. Its catchy melody, infectious rhythm, and thought-provoking
lyrics which resonate listeners of all ages and backgrounds.
Lyrics
The lyrics combine catchy hooks, clever wordplay, and thought-provoking themes. While not
strictly structured, they often follow a pattern and rhyme within lines or couplets, adding to the
song's conversational and free-flowing lyrical style.
The song has a repetitive chorus and memorable melodies increasing it’s singability. The catchy
refrain draws listeners in, while the rhythmic cadences and engaging phrasing of the verses
make them enjoyable to sing along with.
Lyrically, the song explores societal disillusionment, isolation, escapism, and consumer culture's
influence, addressing modern life's superficiality, the quest for freedom and authenticity, and the
challenge of finding genuine connections. Despite its weighty themes, the song maintains a
playful and energetic tone, making it both thought-provoking and enjoyable to sing along with.
In total, the lyrics of the song enhance its lasting appeal, that are both relatable and memorable
1960 to 1980
"Highway to Hell" - AC/DC
Performance
"Highway to Hell" is a instantly recognisable classic rock song by the Australian rock band
AC/DC. It was released as the first single as well as the first track from their 1979 album of the
same name, which became one of their most successful albums.
The song is known for its raw and powerful instrumentation, capturing the essence of hard rock.
The instrumentation of the song combines electrifying guitar riffs, solid basslines, powerful
drumming, and dynamic vocals to create a hard-hitting and iconic rock song.
The song features Bon Scott's gritty vocals, Angus Young's electrifying guitar, Malcolm Young's
rhythm guitar, Cliff Williams' steady basslines, and Phil Rudd's powerful drumming.
AC/DC's 'Highway to Hell' is a powerhouse of energy, driven by iconic guitar riffs and Bon
Scott's gritty vocals. The rhythm section keeps the song charging forward relentlessly. With raw
vocals, blistering guitar solos, and thunderous percussion, it embodies AC/DC's signature hard
rock sound, evoking the thrill of the open road with an electrifying energy that defines the song
as a standout in AC/DC's catalogue.
The song features a brisk tempo and relentless rhythm that mirrors its urgent theme. The
rhythm guitar, bass, and drums create a solid foundation driving the song's hard-hitting rock
groove. This infectious energy captures the essence of classic hard rock.
The song is regularly used in popular culture and appears in several movies including
Megamind, School of Rock and Iron Man.
Technology
In terms of recording technology, the song likely utilized analogue equipment typical of the era,
such as analogue tape machines, mixing consoles, and outboard gear like compressors and
equalizers. This analogue recording process contributed to the warm and organic sound
associated with classic rock recordings.
The guitars were likely recorded using amplifiers miked up in a studio setting, capturing the
distinct tones of Angus Young's guitar playing. The vocals were likely recorded using dynamic
microphones, providing a gritty and powerful vocal texture that suits the song's rebellious vibe.
The song keeps it simple with guitar effects, relying mostly on gritty distortion for its raw energy.
The guitar occasionally uses a wah-wah pedal for expressive solos, while minimal delay and
reverb add depth. Compression ensures a consistent, punchy sound.
The engineering of the song aimed to preserve the band's raw energy and iconic sound. Using
traditional analogue recording methods, engineers focused on capturing the authenticity of the
band's live performance. They positioned microphones and adjusted amplifier settings to
highlight the guitar and Bon Scott's vocals. Techniques like compression and equalization
enhanced dynamics and balance.
AC/DC recorded "Highway to Hell" at London's Roundhouse Studios, renowned for its top-tier
facilities in the 1970s. Their professional setup and skilled engineers captured the band's
energy flawlessly, shaping the iconic anthem we know today. Roundhouse's esteemed
reputation likely contributed to the song's enduring impact on music history.
Music Theory
The song features a catchy melody driven by the vocals and the guitar riffs. Following a blues-
based rock structure in A major, the song's straightforward harmony complements its driving
rhythm and powerful instrumentation.
The songs key enables powerful chords and smooth progressions, enhancing the song's
energetic vibe. It suits Bon Scott's vocals and allows Angus Young's iconic guitar riffs to shine.
Overall, the key choice amplifies the dynamic atmosphere.
The song is in standard tuning delivering powerful chords typical of hard rock. Its classic, blues-
based structure, led by catchy guitar riffs and gritty vocals, is anchored by a solid rhythm
section.
The song structure is Intro – Verse - Chorus – Verse – Chorus- Bridge – Guitar Solo - Chorus –
Outro.
The song really uses chords form the key of D major (the D, G and A) but as the song revolves
around A, this is the mixolydian mode of the D major scale.
Musical context
The song channels their signature hard rock style, influenced by legends like Chuck Berry and
Little Richard. The song embodies rock 'n' roll rebellion, depicting a hedonistic life on the road.
Written during a transitional period for the band, it reflects their resilience and determination.
The audience for the song is mainly fans of hard rock and classic rock, drawn to its energetic,
rebellious nature with powerful guitar riffs, driving rhythms, and gritty vocals. Its iconic status in
rock music culture makes it appealing to audiences of all ages.
Lyrics
The lyrics are reflective of the nature of constant touring and a musician’s life on the road and
based on the Canning Highway which connects Perth Kwinana freeway to its port Freemantle.
The lyrics of the song have a simple AABB rhyme scheme, making them catchy and easy to
sing along with. This pattern repeats throughout the song, making it memorable. The repetitive
chorus, featuring the line "I'm on the highway to hell," enhances its singability, especially during
live performances. Overall, the straightforward lyrics and catchy rhymes contribute to the song's
enduring popularity.
