Gorillaz- The Happy Dictator (Song Lyrics)

Gorillaz

The Happy Dictator

Single from Album: The Mountain 

[Intro: Russell Mael]
I am the one to give you life again
I am the one to save your soul, amen

[Verse 1: 2-D & Russell Mael]
As the shadows, they are forming, come and join me centre stage (Oh, what a happy land we live in)
If you're empty and abstracted and your broken heart is full of rage (Oh, what a happy land, oh, yeah)
In a world of fiction, I am a velvet glove (Oh, what a happy land we live in)
I am your soul, your resurrection, I am the love (Oh, what a happy land, oh, yeah)
Ah, ah, ah, ah
Ah, ah, ah, ah
Ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah
So look out to the west now, see where the devil lies (Oh, what a happy land we live in)
Its pharmakon is with you and your empire it is paralysed (Oh, what a happy land, oh, yeah)
I'll propagate eternity and seal it with my kiss (Oh, what a happy land we live in)
So look into the coffin and let me grant your wish (Oh, what a happy land, oh, yeah)

[Chorus: 2-D & Russell Mael]
No more bad news
So you can sleep well at night
And the palace of your mind will be bright
Ah, ah, ah, ah
Ah, ah, ah, ah
Ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah

[Verse 2: 2-D & Russell Mael]
Everything is slowing down yet everything is faster (Oh, what a happy land we live in)
While everyone's consuming I'll save you from yourself (Oh, what a happy land, oh, yeah)
Upon this world of fiction, my love I will bestow (Oh, what a happy land we live in)
And as we march into the future, happiness will grow (Oh, what a happy land, oh, yeah)

New Gorillaz Album 2025 - Out Now

Damon Albarn has unveiled the long-awaited next chapter in the Gorillaz discography. Titled The Mountain, the band’s first album since 2023’s Cracker Island is slated for release on March 20 via their freshly launched label, Kong. The album spans 15 tracks and kicks off with a striking new single, “Happy Dictator”, featuring none other than Sparks.

The record’s production credits include Gorillaz themselves, alongside James Ford, Samuel Egglenton, and Remi Kabaka Jr., with special input from Argentine producer Bizarrap. Recording sessions took place at Albarn’s own Studio 13 in London, his studio in Devon, and spanned across India (Mumbai, New Delhi, Rajasthan, Varanasi), Turkmenistan (Ashgabat), Syria (Damascus), and cities across the United States including Los Angeles, Miami, and New York.

The Mountain brings Gorillaz’s signature global sound into even sharper focus, with guest appearances that span five languages: Arabic, English, Hindi, Spanish, and Yoruba. Among the album’s diverse collaborators are Idles, Kara Jackson, Yasiin Bey, Johnny Marr, Black Thought, Anoushka Shankar, and Omar Souleyman. There are also pow
erful posthumous contributions from Bobby Womack, Dave “Trugoy the Dove” Jolicoeur, Dennis Hopper, Mark E. Smith, Proof, and Tony Allen, creating a rich sonic archive that blurs past and present.

Scroll down for the full tracklist and upcoming UK & Ireland tour dates, which kick off March 21 in Manchester and feature guests like Trueno and Sparks on select shows.

The Mountain Tracklist:

1. The Mountain (feat. Dennis Hopper, Ajay Prasanna, Anoushka Shankar, Amaan Ali Bangash & Ayaan Ali Bangash)

2. The Moon Cave (feat. Asha Puthli, Bobby Womack, Dave Jolicoeur, Jalen Ngonda & Black Thought)

3. The Happy Dictator (feat. Sparks)

4. The Hardest Thing (feat. Tony Allen)

5. Orange County (feat. Bizarrap, Kara Jackson & Anoushka Shankar)

6. The God of Lying (feat. Idles)

7. The Empty Dream Machine (feat. Black Thought, Johnny Marr & Anoushka Shankar)

8. The Manifesto (feat. Trueno & Proof)

9. The Plastic Guru (feat. Johnny Marr & Anoushka Shankar)

10. Delirium (feat. Mark E. Smith)

11. Damascus (feat. Omar Souleyman & Yasiin Bey)

12. The Shadowy Light (feat. Asha Bhosle, Gruff Rhys, Ajay Prasanna, Amaan Ali Bangash & Ayaan Ali Bangash)

13. Casablanca (feat. Paul Simonon & Johnny Marr)

14. The Sweet Prince (feat. Ajay Prasanna, Johnny Marr & Anoushka Shankar)

15. The Sad God (feat. Black Thought, Ajay Prasanna & Anoushka Shankar)

UK + Ireland Tour Dates:

• 03-21 – Manchester, England – Co-op Live

• 03-22 – Birmingham, England – BP Pulse Live

• 03-24 – Glasgow, Scotland – OVO Hydro *

• 03-25 – Leeds, England – First Direct Arena *

• 03-27 – Cardiff, Wales – Utilita Arena *

• 03-28 – Nottingham, England – Motorpoint Arena *

• 03-29 – Liverpool, England – M&S Bank Arena *

• 03-31 – Belfast, Northern Ireland – SSE Arena *

• 04-01 – Dublin, Ireland – 3Arena *

• 06-20 – London, England – Tottenham Hotspur Stadium ^*

* with Trueno
^ with Sparks

How Rock Stars Relax and Pamper Themselves

 

Life in the spotlight may look glamorous, but behind the curtain, rock stars often live a whirlwind of endless touring, late-night shows, and creative demands. With such a high-energy lifestyle, it’s no surprise that many musicians seek unique ways to relax and recharge. From indulgent spa routines to the calming comfort of a walk-in bath, rock stars have found their own rituals for self-care.

The Balance Between Chaos and Calm

While music thrives on intensity and passion, even the most iconic figures need downtime. Touring across continents, juggling interviews, and performing in front of thousands can take a toll on both mind and body. To maintain balance, many rock stars schedule dedicated relaxation days where the focus shifts from amplifiers and soundchecks to peace and restoration.

Walk-In Baths: A Luxurious Escape

One surprisingly popular indulgence among performers is the use of walk in baths. Unlike standard tubs, walk-in baths are designed for both safety and comfort, making them ideal for easing muscle aches after a physically demanding activity. The therapeutic benefits—warm water jets, ergonomic seating, and the ability to soak without strain—offer a level of relaxation perfectly suited to artists recovering from the physical demands of touring. For a rock star, slipping into a walk-in bath isn't just about luxury; it's about giving the body the reset it desperately needs.

Damon Albarn’s Calming Approach

Damon Albarn, frontman of Blur and co-creator of Gorillaz, is known for his restless creativity. Yet even for someone constantly experimenting with sound, Albarn emphasises the importance of slowing down. Away from the stage, he has often spoken about his love for quiet spaces, where he can reflect and unwind. For an artist like Albarn, relaxation can be as much about mental clarity as physical rest. Whether it's retreating into nature, spending time with family, or indulging in calming rituals, his approach underscores how essential it is for even the busiest musicians to nurture themselves.

Spa Treatments and Massage Rituals

Many musicians complement their relaxation routines with professional spa treatments. Deep tissue massages are especially popular, helping to ease the strain of repetitive performances. Rock stars often spend hours gripping instruments, moving across stage floors, or headbanging under hot lights—activities that push their bodies to the limit. A therapeutic massage not only soothes the body but also encourages better sleep, which is crucial for artists constantly crossing time zones.

Meditation, Yoga, and Mindful Escapes

The mental demands of fame can be just as taxing as the physical. Increasingly, rock stars are turning to mindfulness practices, including meditation and yoga. These practices help them quiet the noise of public life, reconnect with themselves, and stay grounded. Yoga, in particular, provides both a mental and physical reset, stretching muscles tightened from touring while also calming the mind.

Pampering Beyond the Ordinary

For some, pampering goes beyond traditional relaxation. Rock stars are known to enjoy exotic wellness retreats, private saunas, or even holistic therapies like sound baths. These unique experiences allow them to step away from the demands of celebrity life and reconnect with their creative spirit. Whether it's floating in a sensory-deprivation tank or taking a long soak in a walk-in bath, the goal remains the same: to find tranquillity amid chaos.

Image attributed to Pixabay.com

What Could Be on the New 2025 Gorillaz Album? Clues, Collaborations, Surprises

With Damon Albarn confirming a brand-new Gorillaz album arriving in 2025, speculation is swirling about what fans can expect from the ever-evolving virtual band. Between cryptic interviews, Jamie Hewlett's Instagram confirmation, and a few tantalising quotes in the press, we’re starting to get a picture albeit a surreal, animated one of what’s to come.

From Albarn’s recent comments, we know three key things:

1. The album is due out in 2025/2026.

2. It will feature lyrics in four languages.

3. He’s been working intensively on it alongside his opera, The Magic Flute II, La Malédiction.

That’s more than enough to spark our imaginations. So, let’s dive into the possibilities.

Multilingual Madness: What Are the Four Languages?

The most intriguing teaser so far is that the album will be in four languages. Gorillaz have always operated without national or linguistic borders, and Albarn is no stranger to working with global artists from Mali to Puerto Rico. This could mark the most culturally diverse Gorillaz release yet.

Speculatively, we might see:

• French – fitting given Albarn’s ongoing opera work in Paris and his French media interviews.

• Spanish – Gorillaz collaborated with Bad Bunny on Tormenta, and Albarn has previously shown love for Latin American music.

• Arabic or Hebrew – Albarn recently expressed interest in working with artists from Israel and Palestine, which may be reflected here.

• English – naturally, the band’s core language won’t be left behind.

A multilingual Gorillaz album not only fits the global chaos of the times but may also symbolise Albarn’s intent to transcend political borders through art.

Who Might Feature?

A Gorillaz album wouldn’t be complete without an eclectic mix of guest stars. Past collaborators include Lou Reed, Bobby Womack, Vince Staples, Kali Uchis, Elton John, and Little Simz. On Cracker Island alone, Albarn brought in Thundercat, Stevie Nicks, and Bad Bunny, showing that he’s still pulling A-list guests into the animated universe.

Given his recent remarks and activity, a few strong contenders for the new album include:

• African artists: Albarn continues to champion his Africa Express project, which brings together artists across the African continent. We might see a fresh feature from artists like Fatoumata Diawara, Moonchild Sanelly, or Burna Boy.

• Middle Eastern voices: Following his commentary on wanting to work with musicians from Palestine and Israel, it’s possible that rising voices from this region could be spotlighted — a powerful move in today’s climate.

• European or French artists: As Albarn is based in Paris for his opera, collaborations with French musicians (perhaps Christine and the Queens, Orelsan, or Aya Nakamura) wouldn’t be a stretch.

• Longtime friends: Don’t rule out a return from De La Soul, Little Dragon, or Damon’s Blur bandmate Graham Coxon, either.

Albarn has always approached collaboration with a sense of creative freedom. In past interviews, he’s described Gorillaz as a platform where ideas can emerge spontaneously, saying, “I like making records that feel like a conversation between cultures.”

Sound and Themes: What Will It Feel Like?

While Cracker Island leaned into funky synths, surreal escapism, and satire of cult culture, the next album may take a different turn. Albarn has described the current world as “crazy” and “hysterical” — themes which may well find their way into the music.

Given Albarn’s protest against AI in music — he recently joined over a thousand musicians on a silent album opposing the UK government’s stance — we might see themes of technological anxiety, identity, and resistance woven into the record. Expect eerie electronic textures, dystopian undertones, and philosophical lyrics veiled in pop hooks — classic Gorillaz fare.

And considering Albarn is juggling this alongside an opera, the album may also include orchestral interludes, theatrical arrangements, or even a narrative structure. He’s no stranger to concept-driven projects (Plastic Beach, Humanz), and with the mention of a six-week deadline to finish it, the pressure could fuel something urgent, raw, and experimental.

Live Shows and the Visual World

The new album will also coincide with a series of Gorillaz live performances in London this August and September, where the band will play their past albums in full. These shows, alongside their House of Kong exhibition, suggest that Gorillaz are preparing fans for a bigger narrative arc — perhaps one that this new album will complete or expand.

Jamie Hewlett’s visual contributions will likely follow suit, creating a vivid, possibly cross-cultural animated world that matches the album’s global sound.

If Damon Albarn's recent activity is any indication, the upcoming Gorillaz album will be genre-defying, globe-trotting, and multi-lingual — a sonic antidote to modern chaos and division. With cryptic hints and the usual Gorillaz secrecy, the record could turn out to be a dazzling collage of collaboration, commentary, and catharsis.

One thing’s for sure: it won’t be boring.