"The Singles Collection 2001–2011" is a compilation album by the British virtual band Gorillaz, released on 28 November 2011. The album is a collection of the group's singles released between 2001 and 2011, excluding The Fall. It was made available in four different editions: standard, deluxe, 12" vinyl, and a 7" single box set.
The Singles Collection 2001–2011 serves as a comprehensive retrospective of Gorillaz's singles spanning from their debut in 2001 through to 2011. It includes a mix of well-known tracks from their first three studio albums (Gorillaz, Demon Days, and Plastic Beach) as well as their more recent work, providing a snapshot of the band's evolution over the course of a decade.
The compilation features many of Gorillaz’s most iconic songs, including “Clint Eastwood,” “Feel Good Inc.,” “DARE,” “Dirty Harry,” “On Melancholy Hill,” and “Stylo.” The tracks reflect the band's signature fusion of genres like alternative rock, hip hop, electronica, and funk, alongside the experimental visuals and collaborations with a wide range of artists.
The album also includes several remixes and rarities. Some versions, such as the deluxe edition, offer additional tracks, including alternate versions of the band's hits and live recordings. The deluxe box set contains the singles as 7" vinyl records, making it a collector’s item for fans of the band’s physical releases.
One notable aspect of The Singles Collection 2001–2011 is that it doesn’t include songs from The Fall (2010), the album Gorillaz released as an experimental project recorded while the band was touring. Despite The Fall being released within the time frame of this compilation, its exclusion was a conscious decision, possibly due to the nature of its production and release, which was more of a side project than a traditional studio album.
The album was well-received for capturing the diverse sounds and artistic vision of the band, and it highlighted Gorillaz's impact on both pop culture and the music industry over the years. The release also served as a celebration of their achievements, cementing their place as one of the most innovative and influential virtual bands of all time.
The Singles Collection 2001–2011 showcases Gorillaz’s ability to combine cutting-edge music with innovative multimedia artistry, solidifying their legacy as pioneers in both the virtual band concept and genre-blending music.
