Gnarls Barkley Returns After 18 Years
Gnarls Barkley dropped their third and final album *Atlanta*, ending an 18-year hiatus. The project from CeeLo Green and Danger Mouse is already being described as a "slam dunk" by critics. This marks the duo's first release since 2008's *The Odd Couple*.
Their debut album, *St. Elsewhere*, arrived in 2006, achieving multi-platinum status and winning a Grammy for Best Alternative Music Album. The lead single, "Crazy," became a global phenomenon, topping charts in numerous countries and notably becoming the first UK No. 1 single based on download sales alone. The song's success was so immense the band eventually pulled it from stores so people wouldn't get sick of it. During their 18-year hiatus, both artists remained prolific. Danger Mouse (Brian Burton) became a highly sought-after producer, winning multiple Grammys and working with artists like Gorillaz, The Black Keys, and Adele. CeeLo Green released several solo albums, including the 2010 hit *The Lady Killer* which featured the viral single "Fuck You" (or "Forget You"), and also served as a coach on the reality TV show *The Voice*. The duo's new and final album, *Atlanta*, is described as an ode to the city that raised them and a "full circle moment." The lead single, "Pictures," is a soulful and nostalgic track inspired by CeeLo Green's memories of riding the MARTA public train system alone as a teenager. *Atlanta* consists of 13 tracks and is said to explore themes of memory, legacy, and self-awareness, steeped in southern gospel and funk grooves. Early reviews describe the project as a mesmerizing and psychedelic outing that balances sonic exploration with urgent, inspired anthems, picking up right where the duo left off. The reunion and album release have also resurfaced discussions around past controversies involving CeeLo Green, including a 2013 court case and his subsequent comments on social media.
