Benson&Hedges

Released in 2001, the self-titled album of Albarn's side project perfectly reflects the musical "turn" that kicked in at the start of the new millennium (especially in terms of international/commercial appeal) by a multitude of artists (both good and bad): a blend of genres, from breakbeat to classic rock ballads, from raw funky rap to cleaner, more accessible synth pop tracks. In short, there’s a bit of everything, and let’s not forget, there is above all the clear desire to appeal to less "educated" music listeners.