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Humility (song)
Humility (song)
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"Humility"
Remixes cover art
Single by Gorillaz featuring George Benson
from the album The Now Now
Released31 May 2018 (2018-05-31)
Genre
Length3:17
Label
Songwriters
Producers
Gorillaz singles chronology
"Andromeda (D.R.A.M. Special)"
(2017)
"Humility"
(2018)
"Lake Zurich"
(2018)
George Benson singles chronology
"Show Me the Love"
(2010)
"Humility"
(2018)
Audio sample
Music video
"Humility" on YouTube

"Humility" is a single by British virtual band Gorillaz featuring American jazz guitarist George Benson. It was released on 31 May 2018 along with "Lake Zurich" as the first single from their sixth studio album, The Now Now. On 12 July 2018, two remixes of the song by Superorganism and DJ Koze were released. It charted in a total of 8 countries reaching number 85 on the US Billboard Hot 100, with its highest position in any chart being number 7 on Billboard's Hot Rock Songs chart.

Promotion and release

[edit]

The song was first announced on 30 May 2018 when Zane Lowe confirmed The Now Now's release and stated that Damon Albarn would be debuting the song on the Beats 1 program the following day.[6] The next day, the song debuted with a music video featuring Jack Black and was digitally released along with another single, "Lake Zurich".[7] On 13 May 2022, the music video was re-uploaded to the Gorillaz YouTube channel with commentary from virtual band member Murdoc Niccals.

Music video

[edit]
2-D and Black as seen in the video.

The music video for the song was filmed in Venice Beach, Los Angeles, California and features Jack Black.[8]

It begins with footage of 2-D roller-skating around Venice Beach interspersed with shots of Black playing a guitar.[9] This sequence appears multiple times throughout the video, mainly in between the appearances of the different Gorillaz members. After the opening sequence, Noodle is shown checkmating Remi Kabaka, one of the producers for The Now Now and the voice actor of Russel, during a round of chess.[9] Ace Copular, Murdoc's temporary replacement, is then seen observing two men play basketball in front of a mural of George Benson. After a player makes a successful dunk, Ace deflates the ball with a pocketknife, ending the game.[9] After this, various video clips of local residents are shown. Near the end of the video, Russel can be seen standing on the side of the boardwalk. When 2-D skates in his direction, he extends his leg and trips him.[9] When 2-D recovers, his white eyes turn black, and he attempts to skate again, only to end up falling.

The video was produced by The Line in collaboration with Blinkink and Ruffian, with rotoscoping by Trace VFX. It was directed by Gorillaz co-creator Jamie Hewlett and co-directed by Tim McCourt, Max Taylor, and Evan Silver.[10]

Remixes

[edit]

On 12 July 2018, a single containing two remixes of the song by British indie pop band Superorganism and German EDM producer DJ Koze was released. The Superorganism remix adds lead singer Orono Noguchi's voice to the song along with a snippet of rap lyrics from another Gorillaz song, "Clint Eastwood", while the DJ Koze remix is mostly instrumental.[11]

Personnel

[edit]
  • Damon Albarn – vocals, synthesizer, guitar, additional drum programming
  • George Benson – guitar, additional vocals
  • James Ford – bass guitar, synthesizer, drums
  • Remi Kabaka Jr. – percussion, drum programming
  • John Davis – mastering engineer
  • Mark DeCozio – additional engineering
  • Samuel Egglenton – engineering assistant
  • Stephen Sedgwick – mixing engineer, recording engineer, engineering

Charts

[edit]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
"Humility" is a song by the British , featuring American jazz guitarist . Released on 31 May 2018, it serves as the from the band's sixth studio album, , which came out on 29 June 2018 via Parlophone Records. The track blends with elements, highlighted by Benson's signature guitar riff and Damon Albarn's melodic vocals, exploring themes of and from modern isolation. Its , directed by co-creator , features animated depictions of the band's fictional members alongside a live-action cameo by actor skateboarding at Venice Beach, California. Upon release, "Humility" achieved notable commercial success, debuting at number 85 on the US Billboard Hot 100—Gorillaz's first entry on the chart since 2006—and reaching number 7 on the Hot Rock Songs chart, driven by 7.5 million US streams and 8,000 downloads in its first week. It also marked George Benson's return to the Hot 100 after 33 years, at his 15th entry overall. The song's performance contributed to Gorillaz reaching their best-ever rank on the Billboard Social 50 chart, surpassing their previous peak of No. 19, reflecting a surge in fan engagement.

Background and development

Writing process

Damon Albarn served as the primary songwriter for "Humility," crafting the track as part of Gorillaz's sixth studio album . Drawing from themes of and isolation, Albarn wrote the to explore escaping loneliness, influenced by his experiences during the band's 2017 U.S. tour for the previous album . These personal elements emerged in the pre-recording phase, reflecting Albarn's introspective approach following Gorillaz's extended hiatus from 2011 to 2016, during which he pursued solo and collaborative projects. In collaboration with , Gorillaz's co-creator and visual artist, Albarn incorporated conceptual ties to the band's animated universe, envisioning the song within the fictional narrative of the characters like 2-D, who voices themes of disconnection. The writing sessions spanned 2017 and early 2018, with much of the material sketched on the road—such as atop buildings or aboard buses across America—before being refined in Albarn's . A pivotal aspect of the song's development involved Albarn's invitation to , the legendary guitarist whose work Albarn had long admired. In late 2017 or early 2018, Albarn reached out to Benson, initially connecting over a before asking him to contribute the track's distinctive guitar . Benson, then 75, initially turned down the invitation but ultimately added his parts remotely after reconsideration, enhancing the song's soulful dimension. Initial demo sketches captured the song's laid-back vibe, utilizing simple tools like for melody and structure outlines, with titles like "" retained from these early digital drafts. These prototypes emphasized a breezy, summery groove, setting the foundation before transitioning to full recording sessions in February 2018 at Studio 13 in .

Recording sessions

The recording sessions for "Humility" took place primarily at Studio 13 in during early 2018, as part of the broader production for Gorillaz's album . These sessions were completed by February 2018, allowing for a swift turnaround from initial tracking to finalization within a compressed timeframe that emphasized live band dynamics and minimal external collaborations. The process focused on capturing a cohesive, intimate , with co-producer James Ford playing a central role in guiding the track's development alongside Gorillaz creators and . Ford's contributions extended to instrumental performances, including bass lines that anchored the song's funky groove, ensuring a tight rhythmic foundation without overcomplicating the arrangement. A key aspect of the sessions involved meticulous layering of tracks to achieve the song's warm, retro-infused texture. Albarn recorded his lead vocals as the virtual band member 2D in multiple passes, with Ford overseeing the integration to highlight their clarity and emotional delivery against the instrumental bed. George Benson's signature parts were added as overdubs, providing melodic flourishes and solos that complemented the core band's sound; these were tracked remotely and layered in post to enhance the track's breezy, collaborative feel. Drum tracking, handled primarily by Kabaka, utilized live takes to maintain an organic pulse, while bass elements—partly performed by Ford—were recorded with emphasis on punchy, analog warmth to evoke a aesthetic. The use of analog equipment was pivotal in shaping the song's nostalgic tone, drawing from Albarn's extensive collection of vintage synthesizers. Notably, the main synth patch was likely created using one of Albarn's Prophet synthesizers, contributing to the lush, shimmering undertones that give "Humility" its distinctive retro glow. This approach prioritized hardware warmth over digital processing, with decisions during sessions favoring subtle enhancements to preserve the live energy of the performances. By March 2018, the track was fully realized within the album's context, ready for mixing.

Musical composition

Style and structure

"Humility" blends electronic pop with and subtle influences, drawing from the smooth guitar traditions of 1970s soul artists like , whose contribution infuses the track with a breezy, rhythmic warmth. The song's genre fusion creates a laid-back, summery vibe that evokes coastal cruising rather than dense complexity. The track follows a straightforward verse-chorus form in C major at a moderate tempo of 80 BPM in 4/4 time, structured as an intro leading into verse-chorus alternations, followed by repeated choruses, an outro, and a gentle end. Primary chords include G, Am, C, F, Em, and D, supporting a twirling, continuous flow that builds subtle energy without abrupt shifts. Instrumentation centers on George Benson's prominent electric guitar riff, characterized by flickering downstrokes that merge and for an euphoric, springy effect, complemented by burbling synths and light electronic percussion. Synth wisps add confetti-like accents, while a synth bass line underscores the easy groove, emphasizing interplay over layered density. The production adopts a minimalist that prioritizes groove and subtlety, with whispering electronic textures and Benson's smooth licks creating a hazy, carefree atmosphere akin to early fused with modern indie electronics.

Lyrics and themes

The lyrics of "Humility," written primarily by and performed by the fictional frontman 2-D, center on themes of isolation, , and the necessity of amid personal and societal pressures. The song opens with a plea from : "Calling the world from isolation / 'Cause right now, that's the ball where we be chained," evoking a sense of in one's own mind or circumstances, while urging connection with others through lines like "Shoot it true, I need you in the picture / That's why I'm calling you." The narrative unfolds in a first-person perspective that blends with advisory tones, shifting from to . In the verses, 2-D raps in a conversational style about reclaiming agency—"I don't want this isolation, see the state of me now / Calling the hunter with the 'Cause right now, that's what I be"—before the chorus reinforces a of grounded awareness: "Stay , keep your head down / Know yourself, know your crowd / Stay humble, stay humble / Ride or die, stay humble." This structure mirrors the project's virtual anonymity, allowing exploration of fame's pitfalls without direct autobiography, as the band's concept inherently promotes a humble detachment from . The refrain's repetition emphasizes as a defense against ego, critiquing culture's demands while advocating for authentic self-knowledge drawn from the band's long-standing fictional lore. Influenced by Albarn's experiences sustaining as a faceless entity over two decades, the underscore as a strategy in , with phrases like "know your " suggesting vigilance in navigating public scrutiny. The song's breezy yet poignant tone ties into the album 's broader motifs of amid achievement, where serves as both personal refuge and broader societal antidote.

Release and promotion

Single release

"Humility" was released on May 31, 2018, as the lead single from Gorillaz's sixth studio album, . The track, featuring jazz guitarist , was made available through digital download and streaming platforms under the Parlophone and Warner Bros. Records labels. The single's rollout coincided with the announcement of , set for release on June 29, 2018, where "Humility" serves as the album's opening track. The band revealed the single via their official social media channels, including a post sharing the music video link and details for the album, accompanied by artwork depicting the animated frontman 2-D alongside Benson.

Marketing efforts

To build anticipation for "Humility" as the from Gorillaz's sixth studio album The Now Now, the band initiated a multi-platform teaser campaign in late May 2018. Posters featuring cryptic phrases such as "G Is the Magic Number" and "Save Us From Him" appeared in urban locations and online, directing fans to TheNowNow.tv, where an animated snippet revealed the album title and a June 29 release date set to a bouncy track. These elements, shared via the band's official and channels, generated buzz by tying into Gorillaz's lore of escapades, with the "Save Us From Him" slogan hinting at internal narrative tensions involving character Murdoc Niccals. The single itself premiered on Zane Lowe's Beats 1 radio show on May 31, 2018, where discussed the album's stripped-back production and light collaborator approach, emphasizing a return to core band dynamics. Following the digital release, "Humility" received targeted airplay on and adult contemporary stations, including KROQ in and stations monitored by Billboard's chart, where it debuted at No. 40, marking Gorillaz's strongest radio presence since 2006. This strategy leveraged the song's breezy, jazz-infused groove to appeal to broader audiences beyond niche indie formats. Merchandise efforts focused on exclusive pre-order bundles to drive album sales, including a limited-edition deluxe box set with petrol-blue 180g vinyl, a 52-page 2D booklet, four art prints by Jamie Hewlett, six enamel pin badges, and a digital download code. These were promoted through the official Gorillaz store and partners like Amoeba Music, which distributed numbered promotional posters echoing the teaser slogans. Tour tie-ins extended the campaign, as the single's announcement coincided with dates for an extension of the Humanz World Tour, including North American arena shows in fall 2018 featuring "Humility" in setlists alongside classics, with venue-specific merch like 2D-emblazoned apparel available on-site.

Music video

Concept and production

The music video for "Humility" was directed by , co-founder of , with co-directors Tim McCourt, Max Taylor, and Evan Silver, blending hand-drawn 2D animation of the band's virtual members with live-action footage to create a vibrant, sun-drenched narrative set against the backdrop of a beach community. The creative vision emphasized a lighter, more playful tone compared to previous videos, featuring lead singer 2D rollerskating along the boardwalk while interacting with real-world elements, alongside other animated band members like drummer Russel Hobbs and a temporary stand-in for bassist named , all evoking a sense of communal joy and simplicity. Filming took place entirely in Venice Beach, California, capturing the area's iconic , gym, and street performers to ground the animated characters in a lively, authentic environment. Production occurred in the months leading up to the video's release on May 31, 2018, with live-action sequences handled by Evan Silver and animation produced at The Line studio in , involving a team of animators who integrated Hewlett's character designs seamlessly with practical shots. The hybrid approach required precise compositing to place animated figures like 2D amid real skateboarders, dancers, and locals, ensuring fluid interactions that enhanced the video's dynamic energy. Key cast included live-action performer Jack Black, who appears as himself busking on guitar and dancing exuberantly along the beach, providing a humorous, celebrity contrast to the animated band. Additional live-action roles featured bodybuilder Alex Okafor, basketball players Dexter Homan and Brent Martin, and a chess player portrayed by Gorillaz co-creator Remi Kabaka Jr., while jazz guitarist George Benson, the song's featured artist, appears in an animated cameo performing with the band. The production, overseen by companies like Blinkink, The Line, and Ruffian, highlighted Hewlett's signature style of merging cartoonish whimsy with real-world spontaneity, though specific challenges in animation-live-action synchronization were not publicly detailed.

Release and reception

The music video for "Humility" premiered on the official Gorillaz YouTube channel on May 31, 2018, directed by Jamie Hewlett and featuring live-action elements with Jack Black. It was distributed primarily through YouTube, with the video quickly gaining traction among fans for its blend of animation and real-world footage shot at Venice Beach. Viewer reception highlighted the video's vibrant visuals and playful energy, particularly the roller-skating sequences and nods to skate culture in the iconic skate park setting, though some noted a leisurely pacing that mirrored the song's relaxed tempo. Media coverage in outlets like praised the video's nostalgic evocation of 1980s skate scenes, while emphasized its return to Gorillaz's colorful, root-inspired aesthetic with a summery, laid-back charm.

Critical reception

Reviews from critics

Upon its release, "Humility" received generally positive reviews from music critics, who praised its breezy, summery vibe and the seamless integration of George Benson's guitar work as a refreshing shift from the denser sound of Gorillaz's previous album, . noted how the track "whisper[ed] in your ear rather than shout[ed] in your face" while delivering a "modest to togetherness," with Benson's "flickering guitar" described as a "purely euphoric sound" that added spring to Damon Albarn's vocals. similarly celebrated it as a "bouncing return to form," emphasizing Albarn's "wistful vocals cheekily sid[ing] up against a playful beat" in what evoked the band's earlier, more introspective style. Some critics, however, found the song pleasant yet lacking the bold experimentation that defined Gorillaz's past work. The Guardian's review of the parent album described "Humility" as an "excellent single" elevated by Benson's "beautiful liquid guitar," but critiqued the overall project—including the track—as "too much of a breeze," suggesting it prioritized relaxed over the "stressful " of prior releases. Similarly, a review in noted that while the song's "cheery beat" and Albarn's "relaxed vocals" were enjoyable, there was "nothing particularly inventive" in its sound compared to the band's more adventurous outings. Aggregate scores reflected this mixed but favorable reception, with earning a Metacritic rating of 73/100 based on 28 reviews, where "Humility" was often cited as a standout opener that captured the album's themes of isolation and connection amid personal reflection. Consequence of Sound echoed this in their album analysis, observing how the track's lyrics on —"I don't want this isolation/See the state I'm in now"—resonated with fans by blending upbeat instrumentation with underlying emotional depth, marking a pared-down evolution for the band. Critics frequently compared it to earlier hits like "Feel Good Inc." for its infectious, feel-good energy, though updated with a more subdued, jazz-inflected polish.

Accolades and impact

"Humility" did not receive major award nominations specific to the track itself, though Gorillaz as a band earned a nomination for British Group at the 2019 Brit Awards, reflecting the momentum from their 2018 releases including the single. The accompanying music video, directed by Jamie Hewlett and animated by The Line studio, garnered attention for its vibrant depiction of 2-D roller-skating along Venice Beach, blending hand-drawn animation with live-action elements and featuring a cameo by Jack Black on guitar, which resonated within skate and street culture communities. This visual style contributed to its placement in summer playlists and media highlighting alternative animation in music, enhancing Gorillaz's enduring appeal in pop culture. The song's cultural footprint extends to its role in inspiring fan engagement and remixes, including versions by and , which expanded its reach into indie electronic scenes without formal covers from notable artists. On streaming platforms, "Humility" has accumulated over 156 million plays on as of 2025, underscoring its lasting popularity and contribution to the band's digital footprint. In Gorillaz's discography, "Humility" and its parent album signified a deliberate shift toward a more organic, synth-pop-infused sound rooted in influences, minimizing guest features to emphasize Damon Albarn's songwriting and the virtual band's core dynamic—a contrast to the collaborative excess of 2017's . This approach influenced subsequent projects like (2020), where the band balanced episodic releases with renewed creative intimacy, allowing for genre experimentation while maintaining an accessible, band-centric foundation. The album achieved silver certification in the UK for 60,000 units, bolstering Gorillaz's commercial stability amid evolving music consumption.

Commercial performance

Chart performance

"Humility" achieved chart success on several international music charts following its release. In the United Kingdom, the song peaked at number 81 on the UK Singles Chart and remained on the chart for 2 weeks. In the United States, it debuted at number 85 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking Gorillaz's first entry on the chart since 2006, driven by 7.5 million US streams and 8,000 downloads in its first week. It also reached number 7 on the Hot Rock Songs chart and number 15 on the Alternative Airplay chart, where it spent 12 weeks. The track topped the World Digital Song Sales chart. The song's performance helped Gorillaz reach number 1 on the Billboard Social 50 chart for the first time. The song charted in other European territories as well, peaking at number 49 on the Belgium Ultratop 50 and number 90 on the France Singles Top 100.
Chart (2018)Peak positionWeeks on chart
UK Singles (OCC)812
US Billboard Hot 100851
US Hot Rock Songs (Billboard)7
US Alternative Airplay (Billboard)1512
US World Digital Song Sales (Billboard)1
Belgium (Ultratop 50)491
France (SNEP)901

Certifications and sales

No certifications were awarded to "Humility" by the (BPI) or the (RIAA).

Other versions

Remixes

Two official remixes of "Humility" were released on July 12, 2018, as part of a digital single featuring contributions from electronic acts and . The remix transforms the original's upbeat, summery groove into a more experimental , incorporating speaker-rattling synths, additional vocals from the group's lead singer Orono Noguchi, and a brief of rap lyrics from Gorillaz's earlier track "." Clocking in at a slower of 78 BPM compared to the original's 160 BPM, it emphasizes distorted electronic elements and playful flourishes that extend the track's runtime to over four minutes. In contrast, the DJ Koze remix adopts a house-influenced electronic approach, featuring subtle vocal manipulations, shimmering guitar textures, and a sparkling, atmospheric build that shifts the mood toward introspective . Running at a brisk 172 BPM, it highlights Koze's signature delicate production style, with extended instrumental passages that highlight George Benson's guitar work in a more ethereal context. Both remixes are available digitally through major streaming platforms, including as a standalone EP on and , and have been featured in official Gorillaz-curated playlists.

Live performances

"" received its live debut at KROQ's Sound Space in on October 19, 2018, in an acoustic rendition, followed by its full band debut with guest on guitar at the Demon Dayz Festival in on October 20, 2018. The performance marked the first onstage appearance of the collaboration, following the song's studio release earlier that year, and was part of Gorillaz's headlining set at their self-curated event. The track became a staple in Gorillaz's live repertoire during the extension of the World Tour in 2018, where it was performed at major festivals and venues including Rock im Park in and the Wells Fargo Center in . It occasionally appeared in setlists during the tour in 2022, such as at the FTX Arena in Miami. As of 2025, the song has not been performed live in recent tours, such as the House of Kong Residency at the in . Variations of the song included acoustic renditions, such as the stripped-down set at KROQ's Sound Space in on October 19, 2018, which emphasized harmonica elements and a more intimate arrangement led by . Full band versions became less frequent after 2019, with later performances often opting for scaled-back or guest-free interpretations to highlight the track's melodic core.

Credits and personnel

Vocals and instrumentation

The vocals on "Humility" are led by Damon Albarn, who performs both the melodic choruses and the spoken-word rap verses in the character of the band's fictional frontman, 2-D. George Benson provides featured backing vocals, adding a smooth, jazzy harmony to the track. Instrumentation features prominent guitar work by George Benson, including the song's distinctive riff and solo, which infuses the track with a classic jazz-funk flavor. Albarn contributes keyboards, synthesizer, and additional guitar, forming the core melodic and harmonic foundation. James Ford plays bass guitar and drums, while also adding synthesizer layers for texture. Remi Kabaka Jr. handles drum programming and percussion, driving the upbeat rhythm.

Production team

The production of "Humility" was led by producers and James Ford, who oversaw the recording sessions alongside the band's core creative direction. Recording engineer Stephen Sedgwick captured the performances, with additional engineering support from Mark DeCozio on specific elements like George Benson's guitar contributions. Mixing duties were performed by Stephen Sedgwick, ensuring the track's balanced blend of jazz-infused pop elements. The final mastering was conducted by John Davis at Metropolis Mastering in . A&R and management responsibilities were managed by Nick Weindling and the Ltd. team through Eleven Management.

References

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