Every Planet We Reach Is Dead was written by Damon Albarn and Jamie Hewlett apart of the virtual band Gorillaz. Released on May 23, 2005 in the United Kingdom, which is where the band is from. This song is a part of their "Demon Days" album. Although the better known song from this album is Feel Good Inc., I find this song to be deeper and more interesting to listen to. I listened to Gorillaz a lot when I was younger and just recently rediscovered my love for them and this album specifically. Recently I was fortunate enough to use this song in a dance studio I am apart of. Even though there is a strong melancholy feel to the song, when listening to it I feel that there is this feeling of hope. That as long as we continue to acknowledge the issues, they stay relevant in the discussion. A good reminder to get outside, live your life, but be respectful to the earth.
Lyrics
Throughout the song Albarn is talking about a woman who he has felt lost to lately. The woman is earth, Mother Nature to be exact. As LastFM states "The sight of Mother Nature, though still beautiful, is now eclipsed by civilization." Albarn sings "I love the girl, but God only knows it's Getting hard to see the sun coming through." As a society we take for granted the beauty around us in its natural form. There are multiple songs on this album that agree the world and how humans have started its destruction. Leaving us and the singer asking towards the end of the song in the bridge "but what are we going to do?"
Vocals
Damon Albarn is lead vocals for this song. Although he sounds like he is staying pretty consistent the vocal range is from B2 to E4 in the original key E Minor. His voice in some parts almost seemed stacked. You can hear him clearly as the main but also him almost echoed on doubled up singing the same words. There is also a slight background humming during different portions that give this older nostalgic feel. The London community Gospel Choir are the ones who "soulfully sing backing vocals underneath him, as is Damon is a preacher in a post-apocalyptic chapel in an hour of need."
Tempo
The overall tempo of the 4 minute 55 second song is 88 BPM. Per SongBPM "The track runs ... with a E key and a minor mode. It has average energy and is somewhat danceable with a time signature of 4 beats per bar." I definitely do a slow, soulful dance when listening to this song.
Chords
This song is considered an easier or even beginner song to play. The song uses Em, Am, Bm, and C chords throughout. Originally played in the E minor key. The chords in this song match the lyrics in my opinion, strong but simple.
Instruments
Throughout the song there are many instruments being used from keyboard, bass guitar all the way to violas and a violin. One of the more interesting background instruments is the piano. In the this song Ike Turner is actually the one on piano accompanying Albarn's lyrics. Turner was once a pioneer of the rock 'n' roll genre but with charges of domestic violence this is actually one of his last performances.
Sources
“BPM and Key for Every Planet We Reach Is Dead by Gorillaz: Tempo for Every Planet We Reach Is Dead.” SongBPM, songbpm.com/gorillaz/every-planet-we-reach-is-dead. Accessed 25 Feb. 2024.
“Demon Days.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 16 Feb. 2024, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demon_Days.
“Every Planet We Reach Is Dead Chords by Gorillaz.” Songsterr Tabs with Rhythm, www.songsterr.com/a/wsa/gorillaz-every-planet-we-reach-is-dead-chords-s7954. Accessed 25 Feb. 2024.
“Learn to Sing in Tune with Pitch Training from Singing Carrots.” Gorillaz - Every Planet We Reach Is Dead: Vocal Range & Original Key | Singing Carrots, singingcarrots.com/song?song=gorillaz-every-planet-we-reach-is-dead. Accessed 25 Feb. 2024.
SS, Jack. “Every Planet We Reach Is Dead.” Gorillaz, gorillazsongbysong.blogspot.com/2017/07/every-planet-we-reach-is-dead.html. Accessed 25 Feb. 2024.
“Wiki - Every Planet We Reach Is Dead - Gorillaz.” Last.Fm, www.last.fm/music/Gorillaz/_/Every+Planet+We+Reach+Is+Dead/+wiki. Accessed 25 Feb. 2024.
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ReplyDeleteI think "Every Planet We Reach Is Dead" by Gorillaz is important because it shows how people relate to nature. The way I picture Damon Albarn's lyrics is that they paint a picture of Earth as a lost lover, overshadowed by civilization's impact. Albarn's vocals, ranging from B2 to E4, convey the emotional depth of the lyrics, supported by the London community Gospel Choir's soulful backing vocals. Really good song. I enjoyed it!
ReplyDeleteFirst off, yes, the Gorillaz just hit gold with every song they produce. I think one of the highlights of their song is how the beat is highlighted on every 2nd and 4th note with what sounds like clapping. Making it easy to keep with the rhythm and providing a strong anacrusis throughout the song.
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