Artist: Gnarls BarkleyAlbum: The Odd CoupleRecord Label: Downtown Records
When vocalist Cee-Lo Green and mash-up DJ-turned-superstar producer Danger Mouse first hooked up in 2006, the result was the critically acclaimed album St. Elsewhere. The duo grabbed two Grammies and a platinum plaque, and their hit track “Crazy” became the first single ever to top the singles charts exclusively through online sales. Now the group, who does not draw its name from NBA Hall-of-Famer Charles Barkley (or at least that’s what they’re telling his lawyers), returns with its sophomore effort entitled The Odd Couple.
The early mood of The Odd Couple is a continuation of the dark and haunting sounds St. Elsewhere began to explore; a slow, chilling quality embraces the music on songs such as “Who’s Gonna Save My Soul” and “Going On.”
Conversely, other tracks, like “Blind Mary,” emit a feel-good aura which could put a smile on the grimmest of faces. The blending of sounds from track to track is what creates the genuine Gnarls Barkley sound. Much like St. Elsewhere, The Odd Couple is an ever-shifting and morphing experience, constantly bouncing between highs and lows — from the oohs and ahs of “Charity Case” to the soft acoustic strumming of “No Time Soon.” The album achieves indelible versatility while still refusing to compromise the quality and intricacies which can sometimes be lost in many artists’ chameleon cloaks.
Despite its solid efforts, the album does have a glaring hole in the sense that it lacks a “Crazy.” That is, there’s no track that reaches out and grabs your ears. Although tracks such as “Going On” make a for a pleasant poppy listen, they don’t enter your mind and refuse to leave it like “Crazy” or “Smiley Faces” from St. Elsewhere did.
The final verdict: this album lacks the attention-grabbing hits of St. Elsewhere, but even upon first listen it is an intriguing experience. It is a marked progression and continuation of the unique sounds carved out by Gnarls Barkley in its debut, and will not disappoint die-hard fans. However, those merely looking to rehash the lightning in a bottle that was “Crazy” need not apply.
Although its commercial viability may come into question, from a progressive and artistic standpoint, the album is one of the new year’s finest. Perhaps Cee-Lo himself said it best when he quipped: “It’s just bigger, badder, bolder … I know we’re always so modest, but let me toot my own horn. It’s really f@%ing good.”
