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"Stylo" (CD single) (by Gorillaz, Hip-hop)

common sense media says

Nonsensical techno-funk safer than group's past work.

parents & educators say
See all 8 reviews | Review it

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that there's nothing to worry about here. The lyrics really don't make much sense, so even if there was a negative message, most listeners would be hard pressed to understand it. What parents do need to take notice of is the success of this virtual band. Their endurance and popularity may usher in a new trend of virtual bands that push the envelope with creators hiding behind fictional characters who don't have to answer to the consequences of reality.

Positive messages: There are a few positive lines amongst the abstract observances, such as "out of depression, rise above."
Positive role models: Because the real musicians behind this group don't readily identify themselves, there's a questionable issue of artistic ownership and taking not only credit, but also responsibility for one's creation.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on "Stylo" (CD single)

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
  • Families can talk about digital downloads and the reduction in CD singles. Do you think this is a good trend? Why? Is it a beneficial change for the environment? Does purchasing a song online make you spend more money on music than if you had to go to the store to purchase a physical CD? Is it more difficult to keep track of online purchases?
  • Talk about virtual bands. What do you think about music from a group of fictional characters? Who are the real people behind this music? Do you think using fictional characters can make it easier for the real musicians to misbehave or create inappropriate content?
  • Talk about appropriate lyrics. How can you determine whether content is appropriate for your age group? Parents, if you don't understand some lyrics, does that mean there could be iffy content buried in slang references? Can a band put out a mix of safe and questionable content? Does this make it harder to determine what's okay for kids?

What's the story?

What's the story?
Old-school soul singer Bobby Womack and rapper Mos Def might seem like an odd collaboration, but when you realize that Gorillaz is behind "STYLO," the duet isn't as surprising. That's because the virtual band Gorillaz has been mashing unlikely artists together for over a decade now. In fact, their experimental cast of fictional band members and hard-to-categorize electronic music is now a well-known and established franchise that has proven itself with multiple successful albums. With this initial single off of their 2010 album, Gorillaz incorporate funk, hip-hop, and rap elements into a song about energy, emotions, and, of course, eccentricities.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
"Push up, overload, legendary, heavy glow, sunshine, thunder roll." What? To know whether this single is indeed any good, it would help to know what the heck the lyrics are actually referring to. Aside from the head-scratching message, the eerily smooth hooks combine with impassioned verses, a repetitive techno background chorus, and a steady beat to make their own statement, regardless of the spoken words. It's an ultra-modern retro contradiction, and it's a whole lotta fun to listen to!

Music themes & details

Music Details
Released on: January 26, 2010
Genre: Hip-hop
This review was written by Jacqueline Rupp
 
 

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Review "Stylo" (CD single)

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Most useful reviews by all members

S.R.R.
teen, 15 years old
14
 
1 of the best bands ever--- BUT WHO THE HECK WANTS THEIR 9YR OLD KID LISTENING TO A SMOKER SING?? XD!
oh-- and for that feel good inc video--- i interperated it as a sex addict--- good song, but HA let your 9yr olds listen to that. Some possitive influences.. but i dont think there good rolemodels-- even though there funny. Murdoc is a drunk who some how managed to get in a car crash and made 2-D's eyes get all messed... and 2-D is a smoker... *lets think* " YEA, I WANT MY KID TO BE A DRUNK AND MESS UP SOMEONES EYES!" even though it's not real, I WOULD NOT RECOMEND KIDS UNDER 12 listen to it* Yea.. i dont think it's working im just trying to get you parents not think that this band is for young kids XD
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Lukepi
teen, 16 years old
8
 
"Love, electricity, shockwave, central"
This song ROCKS.
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cookeymccoy
kid, 12 years old
11
 
Not a good influence
scary man all the videos are i was watching one with my cousin and they killed a number of people
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espngy15
teen, 14 years old
10
 
GREAT SONG
i love this song great everything gorillaz know how to do it just right parents great song for your gym playlist
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mathgirlie
teen, 14 years old
8
 
Another mind-blowing Gorillaz song!
"Stylo" is squeaky clean and great for all ages! When listening to it, however, beware. It makes you want to buy a high-end sports car, don a pair of sunglasses, and drive as fast as you can down a highway while blaring this song out of the speakers.
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BlueRocks360
kid, 13 years old
13
 
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Synchronicity
teen, 18 years old
8
 
They're BAAACK.
Here's one album I can't wait for. The Gorillaz are quite possibly the best virtual band, ever, and while their previous material might be inappropriate for younger kids, this is fine. Like some of their other songs, this is basically a whole lot of nonsensical lyrics with an electro-dub-funk beat. Mos Def and Bobby Womack are amazing on this track, and I can't wait to see what other awesome guests the Gorillaz teamed up with on their new album, Plastic Beach. (Previous guests on other albums included Mos Def [again], Del tha Funkee Homosapien, Ibrahim Ferrer from the Buena Vista Social Club, and Bootie Brown.) It's not as good as, say, "Feel Good Inc." or "Clint Eastwood", but everything by the Gorillaz is excellent. So, no surprise here. Get this track now.
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PersinmGlitch
kid, 13 years old
11
 
The Music Video
You might want to watch out for the music video,because there is a part were cyborg noodle tries to shoot a police vehical to keep the police from chasing them for speeding,other than th music video,its good for kids around eleven
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