New Gold

A golden reunion spanning nearly two decades.

Released on 31 August 2022, "New Gold" stands as the second single from Gorillaz' eighth studio album, Cracker Island. This track marks a significant reunion for American rapper Bootie Brown, who joins British virtual band Gorillaz and Australian music project Tame Impala for their first collaboration since "Dirty Harry" in 2005. The song's journey began in 2020, with its earliest teaser appearing on Noodle's Instagram on 1 February of that year. Although it was excluded from Song Machine, Season One: Strange Timez because the band "never seemed to get [their] tune finished," it found its home as a lead track for their eighth album. The single achieved notable chart success, reaching number four on the US Bubbling Under Hot 100 and peaking at number two on the US Alternative Airplay chart.

Quick Facts

Artist

Gorillaz featuring Tame Impala and Bootie Brown

Album

Cracker Island

Released

31 August 2022

Genre

Alternative pop
synth-pop
disco-funk
neo-psychedelia

Length

3:25

Label

Parlophone, Warner

Writer

Damon Albarn
Kevin Parker
Romye Robinson
Greg Kurstin

Producer

Greg Kurstin
Gorillaz
Kevin Parker

Lore & Background

The narrative behind "New Gold" is rooted in a long gestation period that began in 2020. Damon Albarn revealed that while the track was initially intended for Song Machine, Season One: Strange Timez, it was shelved because they could not finish the tune at the time. Albarn hinted that the song might eventually surface as part of the second season of Song Machine, but instead, it became a cornerstone of Cracker Island. The track's live debut occurred on 19 August 2022 during the Gorillaz World Tour 2022, serving as a prelude to its official release just two days later. A period of creative refinement where the band revisited unfinished ideas to craft a collaboration that bridges generations and genres.

Reader's Guide

For listeners exploring "New Gold," the track offers a clear entry point into the Cracker Island era. It features a distinct lineup where Tame Impala takes on a massive role, covering instruments ranging from drums to Wurlitzer, while Bootie Brown returns to the fold after his last appearance in 2005. The song's performance on the charts is a key metric of its reception, specifically hitting number two on the US Alternative Airplay chart and number four on the Bubbling Under Hot 100. Fans can trace the song's history from its first live performance on 19 August 2022 to its official release on 31 August 2022. The extensive personnel list, featuring engineers like Greg Kurstin and mixers like Mark "Spike" Stent, underscores the meticulous production quality that defined this specific collaboration.

Did You Know?

"New Gold" marks Bootie Brown's second collaboration with Gorillaz, his first since "Dirty Harry" in 2005.
Tame Impala contributed vocals, synthesisers, bass, guitars, drums, and Wurlitzer to the recording.
"New Gold" was shortlisted for Song of the Year at the APRA Music Awards of 2024.