Released: May 9, 2005

Genre: Alternative rock, hip hop

Length: 3:41

Album: Demon Days

Lyricist: Damon Albarn

Producer: Danger Mouse

Feel Good Inc by Gorillaz

Instruments and Vocals

• Instruments: Bass guitar, electric guitar, drums, synthesizers, keyboards.
• Effects: Sampling, reverb, distortion.
• Vocals: Lead vocals by Damon Albarn, rap vocals by De La Soul.

Main Instrument and Style

The bass guitar is the main instrument driving the song. Its funky groove blends seamlessly with hip-hop and alternative rock, creating an infectious mix that defines the track’s energetic style.

Key and Pitch

Feel Good Inc is in the key of D minor. The pitch is moderate, providing a dark yet groovy atmosphere.

Prevalent Notes

The song prominently uses the notes: D, F, G, A, C. These are played in a repetitive, rhythmic pattern on the bass to create an infectious groove. The guitar and synth add rich textures by weaving in and out of the bassline.

The tower loomed like a grim monolith amidst a sea of steel and concrete, a reverberating hub of hollow laughs and machine churns. Neon lights flickered sporadically, casting sickly hues on the swarm below. No windows showed daylight. Everything felt like a dystopian ballet of chaos and manufactured solace.

Jaden stood on the precipice of it all, peering down at the currents of people moving to the pervasive beat. “Nothing ever stops,” he thought, as a cycle of endless energy looped around him. Inside, more labyrinthine hallways echoed with empty joy, painted smiles plastered on every surface.

A drone zipped by overhead, crackling with static as it projected an advertisement onto the tower’s surface. “Feel good,” it repeated with synthetic insistence, the words dissolving into an electric haze. Jaden watched as a group of disinterested bystanders mechanically danced, their limbs moved more by rhythm than emotion.

He looked up, far above. Somewhere among the clouds floated an island- a fleeting mirage of calm that he yearned for. “What if there’s a way out?” This fleeting gap tore at his core; beneath the kaleidoscope of neon, a sliver of yearning cracked through.

As laughter echoed from the city’s catacombs, Jaden felt ironically content and yet disturbingly empty, his mind looping back to the baseline—like a song you can’t escape. “Feel good, Inc,” he mused, a ghost of a smile forming. The irony wasn’t lost on him.

The lyrics do not strictly follow an AABB pattern throughout. However, there are instances of couplets that exhibit this form:

• “City’s breaking down on a camel’s back”
• “They just have to go ’cause they don’t know whack”

Focus on using such couplets to create cohesion and connecting themes while allowing for variation.

The verses are primarily in F# minor. The tonal quality supports the themes of disillusionment and juxtaposes the upbeat instrumentals.

Radical shifts in rhythm are present, from syncopated phrasing in verses to more consistent rhythms in the chorus. The contrast enhances emotional delivery. Note the use of half-time feel during the verses.

• Focus on syncopation for lyrical impact.
• Include pauses for tension and release.

Advanced writers should consider:

• Utilize juxtaposition in themes for depth.
• Keep phrasing concise; brevity can amplify meaning.
• Experiment with contrasting rhythmic structures to create interest.
• Incorporate conversational elements into lyricism for relatability.
• Emphasize imagery that can be both surreal and grounded.

Feel Good Inc by Gorillaz

Verse 1: Windmill and dreams imagery, a call for liberation from monotonous life. Brief hint of nostalgia.

Chorus: The repetitive hook, embodying the song’s title, suggesting an ironic take on corporate-induced happiness.

Verse 2: Rapid delivery touches on consumer culture and isolation, critical tone.

Chorus: Reiteration of the hook, deepening the irony and adding layers to the song’s critique on society.

Bridge (Laughing Gas Section): Haunting, disjointed laughter amidst talk of falling and fighting for survival; surreal break from the previous sections.

Rap Section: Fast-paced, delves deeper into themes of control and the struggle against corporate influence, showcasing a blend of defiance and despair.

Chorus / Outro: Final repetition of the chorus serves as a closing circle, ending where it began but with more intensity; the “Feel good” phrase echoes out.

Feel Good Inc – Chord Progression

Main chords for piano and guitar:

• Intro & Verse: Dm – F – A – Bb
• Chorus: Dm – Bb – F – C

Playing Instructions

– For the intro, play the chords with a consistent rhythm.
– Use a steady strumming pattern on guitar; try down-down-up-up-down.
– On piano, emphasize the off-beats for a more dynamic sound.

Notes

– The song has a steady tempo. Keep it steady.
– Add some bass notes for depth when playing on piano.
– Syncopation in the bass line can add groove.

Music Analysis of “Feel Good Inc” by Gorillaz

Melody

The melody of “Feel Good Inc” is characterized by a simple, repetitive structure. The main vocal line is catchy and features a limited range. It demonstrates the use of a motif that loops throughout the song.

The verses mostly revolve around a few persistent notes with slight variations that keep the listener engaged. The chorus introduces a wider range, but still remains relatively confined, giving it an anthemic quality that’s easy to remember.

Importantly, the contrasting vocal styles—Damon Albarn’s smooth, laid-back delivery versus the more urgent, fragmented delivery of the rap sections—add a layer of complexity to the melodies.

Harmony

The harmony in “Feel Good Inc” is minimalist yet effective. The progression is primarily based on a few chords that reinforce the mood of the track.

It utilizes a repetitive structure, launching with a layered sound that features synth pads and guitar riffs. The harmonic structure complements the melody; nothing too complex, allowing the focus to remain on the vocal lines and rhythm.

The song’s harmonic backdrop creates a lounge-like feel, perfectly juxtaposed with the lyrics that delve into themes of superficiality and hedonism.

Rhythm (including Time Signature and Tempo)

The song is set in 4/4 time signature and maintains a moderate tempo around 140 BPM. This allows it to have a steady, danceable groove that captures the listener’s attention.

The rhythm section is heavily influenced by hip-hop and electronic music. The beat is consistent, providing a foundation that supports the diverse vocal deliveries. The bass line is prominent, giving a solid underpinning that drives the track forward.

Variations in the rhythm during the transition between sections keep things interesting. The introduction of breaks and pauses, especially in the chorus, enhances the overall dynamic of the song.

Conclusion

Overall, “Feel Good Inc” is a well-crafted piece that balances melody, harmony, and rhythm effectively. Its simplicity is its strength, allowing layers of complexity to unfold with repeated listens.

For musicians, the song provides a clear example of how minimalistic structures can achieve emotional depth and catchiness, making it a modern classic worth analyzing.

Recording Quality/Production

“Feel Good Inc.” showcases a hybrid production approach blending live recordings and digital finesse. Recorded primarily at the Studio 13 in London, the track utilizes high-resolution audio for its crisp elements. The final mix was done in Pro Tools, emphasizing clarity and dynamic range.

Technical Details

The recording runs at 44.1 kHz at 24-bit depth, ensuring a wide frequency range and detailed sound stage. Analog synths were used for warmth, while digital instruments filled in the texture.

Techniques Used in Recording

Critical to this production is layering. Each instrument is meticulously tracked with multiple takes, allowing for selective comping. The bassline, recorded with a direct input (DI), gives a solid foundation before adding other elements.

Mixing and Mastering

The mix employs a parallel compression technique on drums, creating punch without sacrificing dynamic range. The mastering utilized iZotope Ozone, focusing on maintaining loudness while preserving the original tonal balance.

Effects Processing

Reverb and Delay

Various reverb types are applied throughout. The lead vocals utilize a rich plate reverb for smoothness, while instruments like the guitar have a subtle hall reverb for spatial depth. A ping-pong delay on the vocal hooks creates a sense of movement.

Compression and Modulation

The vocal tracks feature multi-band compression to control sibilance without dullness. The modulation effect on the synths adds a user-defined chorus that thickens the sound and creates an inviting atmosphere.

Special Equipment

Microphones

The lead vocals were tracked using a Neumann U87, known for its clarity and natural tonal character. Background vocals utilized Shure SM57s for a tighter sound, minimizing bleed.

Preamps

A Universal Audio 610 tube preamp is used, providing warmth and richness to recordings, especially on the vocals and bass.

Recording Medium

The track was recorded on a hard disk recorder, allowing for extensive editing capabilities while minimizing dropout issues common in tape.

Effects Pedals and Processors

A BOSS DS-1 Distortion was utilized for the guitar parts, imparting an edgy texture. The synths incorporated a Moogerfooger MF-101 Lowpass Filter for resonance shaping, enhancing their funk-driven characteristics.

Deconstructing “Feel Good Inc”

The title is ironic. “Feel Good” suggests positivity, but the song unveils a deeper malaise.

Musical Elements

The bassline drives the track, heavy and hypnotic. It creates a sense of urgency while juxtaposing the upbeat vocals.

Loops and samples give it a cyclical feel, reflecting the repetitive nature of modern life.

Lyric Themes

• Isolation: The imagery suggests loneliness amid consumerism.
• Airport of Distraction: A metaphor for how we escape reality.
• Commercialism: Critique of how happiness is commodified.

Vocal Delivery

2D’s voice is both airy and haunting. He contrasts the upbeat sound, revealing underlying discontent.

Del the Funky Homosapien’s verse sharpens the critique, adding a layer of cynicism.

Visuals and Culture

The animated characters symbolize the disconnect and chaos of digital life, reflecting modern anxieties.

It’s a commentary on society’s obsession with appearances, hinting at emptiness beneath the surface.

Conclusion

“Feel Good Inc” challenges the listener. It’s not about feeling good; it’s about confronting the hollow chase for happiness.