Gnarls Barkley Final Album
After an 18-year hiatus, Gnarls Barkley released the new single "Pictures" and announced their third and final album, "Atlanta," marking the end of an era for the acclaimed duo. The announcement caps their comeback after nearly two decades away from music.
The duo's debut, "St. Elsewhere" (2006), was a critical and commercial behemoth. Its lead single, "Crazy," became a global phenomenon, topping the UK charts for nine weeks and reaching number two on the US Hot 100. The track was the first to hit number one in the UK based on download sales alone and was later named the song of the decade by Rolling Stone. "St. Elsewhere" earned the duo two Grammy Awards for Best Alternative Music Album and Best Urban/Alternative Performance for "Crazy." The album itself was certified double platinum in the United States, selling over 2 million copies. Their unique blend of psychedelic soul, alternative rock, and neo-soul captured widespread attention. Their second album, "The Odd Couple," was released ahead of schedule in 2008 due to an internet leak. While it received positive reviews for its darker and more brooding tone, it didn't achieve the same massive commercial success as their debut. The album was seen as a more challenging and less pop-focused effort. During the 18-year hiatus, both members pursued successful individual careers. CeeLo Green released several solo albums, including "The Lady Killer" which featured the hit single "Fuck You," and served as a coach on "The Voice." Danger Mouse became a highly sought-after producer, working with artists like The Black Keys, Gorillaz, Adele, and Beck. The new single, "Pictures," is a nostalgic look back at CeeLo Green's childhood in Atlanta, specifically his memories of riding the MARTA public transit system. Green described the song as a "full-circle moment" that captures the "sweet, the sad, and the strange" spirit of Gnarls Barkley.
