It’s been 20 years since producer Danger Mouse and rapper/vocalist CeeLo Green first hit it out of the park by forming the alternative soul duo Gnarls Barkley. The two got the world going with their two albums, 2006’s St. Elsewhere and 2008’s The Odd Couple, and hit singles like “Crazy” and “Who’s Gonna Save My Soul?” that revived the psychedelic soul sound for a new generation. Sadly, it’s been a very long 18 years since their sophomore set, and that left many wondering if we’d ever hear something from the pair again. The wait is over, though, as they’ve dropped their first new single since The Odd Couple with “Pictures” and announced their third — and apparently final — album Atlanta.
“Pictures” offers a bit of nostalgia on CeeLo’s part as he sings about his Atlanta upbringing. Danger Mouse sets everything against a wistful backdrop filled with strings, keys and a steady drumbeat while the “Fool For You” singer paints images of different memories of his life — from his latchkey childhood to some of the unfortunate outcomes that happened along the way — as he yearns for home.
“Looks like motion pictures / Staring out the window of the MARTA train / On an adventure / Then back home again,” he sings on the chorus. “Looks just like pictures / Staring out the window of the MARTA train / It’s an adventure / ’Til I make it back home again.”
Atlanta will include “Pictures” as well as 12 other cuts from Gnarls Barkley as they mount what will be their last musical chapter together (for now, at least). The song titles have our interest piqued, especially cuts like “I Amnesia,” “Cyberbully (Yayo)” and “Sweet Evil.” We can’t wait to hear the album in full and won’t have to wait much longer. The set will arrive in stores on Friday, March 6th.
As you prepare for its impending arrival, check out the Atlanta cover art and tracklist right here. Then, catch up on Gnarls Barkley’s history in a promo video for the album below.
Gnarls Barkley Atlanta tracklist:
1. Tomorrow Died Today
2. I Amnesia
3. Pictures
4. Line Dance
5. Turn Your Heart Back On
6. Let Me Be
7. Cyberbully (Yayo)
8. Perfect Time
9. Sweet Evil
10. Boy Genius
11. The Be Be King
12. Sorry
13. Accept It
