Gnarls Barkley Drops Final Album

The duo's 2006 debut, *St. Elsewhere*, was a critical and commercial behemoth, largely thanks to the single "Crazy." The song became the first UK number-one single based on download sales alone and was named the best song of the decade by Rolling Stone. The album itself earned a Grammy for Best Alternative Music Album and achieved platinum certification in the U.S. Their 2008 follow-up, *The Odd Couple*, was also met with positive reviews but did not achieve the same massive commercial success as its predecessor. The album's release was rushed after it leaked online, and it ultimately sold significantly fewer copies than their debut. Following this album, the duo went on an 18-year hiatus. Both artists have thrived in their separate careers. Danger Mouse (Brian Burton) has become one of the most sought-after producers in music, winning multiple Grammys and shaping albums for artists like Gorillaz, The Black Keys, Beck, and Adele. He also co-founded the successful indie rock band Broken Bells. CeeLo Green (Thomas Callaway) had a significant solo career, releasing the viral hit "Fuck You!" (edited for radio as "Forget You"), which earned five Grammy nominations. He was also a founding member of the pioneering Southern hip-hop group Goodie Mob and gained mainstream visibility as a coach on the reality TV show *The Voice*. The new album, *Atlanta*, is being billed as their final chapter, a project they returned to after years of life and other creative pursuits getting in the way. The decision to end the collaboration is presented as a way to finish what they started and close the book on their own terms. Early reviews and the lead single "Pictures" suggest *Atlanta* is a reflective and nostalgic project, a "love letter" to the city where both artists have roots. The sound has been described as moving from "sentimental self-analysis to gospel-tinged funk anthems," exploring their shared history and memories.