Gnarls Barkley - The Odd Couple
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Artist:
*Rating:*6.5 out of 10*The Good:* A short, fun, fast paced album that easily sucks you in.*The Bad:* "Open Book" ... wow.. horrible song.*Download These:* "Going On", "Surprise", "Run"
I've been a big fan of Cee-lo from his work with Tha Goodie Mob, to the collaborative Dungeon Family albums, and his two solo albums that were released early this decade. He's a criminally underrated lyricist and one of the few hip hop artists who can truly pair rapping and singing in the same song. But with all that said, I do NOT like Gnarls Barkley. I listened to their St. Elsewhere album exactly one time, and in my opinion it appealed to me so little that I couldn't make it through the entire LP. Due to my respect for Cee-lo's previous work and his reputation of being a serious artist, I won't call their music bad, but I will say theres something about it that doesn't connect with me. Since their debut album was released, Gnarls has become this all purpose wonder group who appeal to frustrated hip hop fans, and trend following MTV kids alike. So when you combine the greatness of their previous work, and the wild devotion they're currently receiving, I figure that I at least owe Gnarls Barkley a second shot to gain my ears. Let's see what happens....
One thing I did LOVE about The Odd Couple is that it's a whirlwind of an album. Each track is so short and concise, they're quick hitting tunes that pour over into the next, so the LP feels like a journey instead of a group of individual songs. There ARE some songs that I like better than others, but it's easy to get sucked into letting the entire disc play because of the way it's constructed. One track I'll step out of bounds and take a stance on is "Open Book", I honestly can't see how anyone can willingly listen to this and find it to be an enjoyable experience. Perhaps it's one of those songs that only make sense if you're high or something, that's got to be the only explanation. Cee-Lo's nasal-y teen angst vibe on "Whatever" came off slightly annoying, but I can understand the appeal this could have to other people. I'm sure you've all heard "Run" by now which is an absolutely contagious song, it probably won't take over the country like "Crazy" but it's great fun.I know it would kinda go against the little neat packaged successful formula that Gnarls Barkley has at the moment, but I sincerely wish Cee-lo would have spit a few bars on the album. Much like Andre 3000, Cee-Lo can hold a tune and it sounds nice, but when he spits on the mic it absolutely blows his crooning out of the water. Even if he only used it sparingly on a song or two on the album I think it could have added another potent demension.
I've been a big fan of Cee-lo from his work with Tha Goodie Mob, to the collaborative Dungeon Family albums, and his two solo albums that were released early this decade. He's a criminally underrated lyricist and one of the few hip hop artists who can truly pair rapping and singing in the same song. But with all that said, I do NOT like Gnarls Barkley. I listened to their St. Elsewhere album exactly one time, and in my opinion it appealed to me so little that I couldn't make it through the entire LP. Due to my respect for Cee-lo's previous work and his reputation of being a serious artist, I won't call their music bad, but I will say theres something about it that doesn't connect with me. Since their debut album was released, Gnarls has become this all purpose wonder group who appeal to frustrated hip hop fans, and trend following MTV kids alike. So when you combine the greatness of their previous work, and the wild devotion they're currently receiving, I figure that I at least owe Gnarls Barkley a second shot to gain my ears. Let's see what happens....
One thing I did LOVE about The Odd Couple is that it's a whirlwind of an album. Each track is so short and concise, they're quick hitting tunes that pour over into the next, so the LP feels like a journey instead of a group of individual songs. There ARE some songs that I like better than others, but it's easy to get sucked into letting the entire disc play because of the way it's constructed. One track I'll step out of bounds and take a stance on is "Open Book", I honestly can't see how anyone can willingly listen to this and find it to be an enjoyable experience. Perhaps it's one of those songs that only make sense if you're high or something, that's got to be the only explanation. Cee-Lo's nasal-y teen angst vibe on "Whatever" came off slightly annoying, but I can understand the appeal this could have to other people. I'm sure you've all heard "Run" by now which is an absolutely contagious song, it probably won't take over the country like "Crazy" but it's great fun.I know it would kinda go against the little neat packaged successful formula that Gnarls Barkley has at the moment, but I sincerely wish Cee-lo would have spit a few bars on the album. Much like Andre 3000, Cee-Lo can hold a tune and it sounds nice, but when he spits on the mic it absolutely blows his crooning out of the water. Even if he only used it sparingly on a song or two on the album I think it could have added another potent demension.
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