I wish I could give this 3 and a half stars (The Odd Couple - Gnarls Barkley)

Member Name: bz2886

Product:	The Odd Couple - Gnarls Barkley
Date:	17/10/08 (22 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Powerful music, great vocals,

Disadvantages: some weaker tracks, dark at times

Gnarls Barkley are a US duo whose music blends together a few different styles. The group is made up of instrumentalist and DJ, Dangermouse (known for his bootleg, 'The Grey Album' a mix of Jay-Z's 'Black Album and The Beatles 'White Album.') and hip-hop vocalist Cee-Lo Green.

The group fuses a few experimental stylings with elements of Soul and Hip-Hop primarily. They have released two albums so far, this one, 'The Odd Couple' in Spring of 2008 and 'St. Elsewhere' their 2006 debut release. Most people will know them for the track off their first album, 'Crazy' was number one in the UK for some weeks. This record even topped the charts in more than 10 countries worldwide and catapulted the two musicians into the spotlight.

=== The Album ===

The album consists of 13 tracks, and runs just under 40 minutes.

[Track 1 - Charity Case]

The tracks clicks into gear with rattling cymbal heavy drums and an unexpectedly good bit of xylophone playing. The vocals of Cee-Lo show how powerful of a singer he is. His vocals really impact along with the beat. The beat is pretty funky and the drumming isn't bad either. This song isn't outstanding and ends abruptly but it does give you an idea of what's to follow. A good start.

[6.5/10]

[Track 2 - Who's Gonna Save My Soul]

The track is slow and mellowed but it does have a sombre atmosphere right from the beginning. The lyrics are deep and inquisitive and dominate this track over its gloomy but vibrant backbeat. The drums are the other main punctuation in the track, repetetive and slightly on the slow side. It won't have you doing anything more than swaying if you want to dance, better for those times when you'd rather remain seated. A good track though, impressive lyrics and nobody's perfect are they?

[7/10]

[Track 3 - Going On]

The track opens with a melodic harking of backing vocalists and then the drums kick in to a fast and free-flowing beat, much better in terms of your average dancefloor. The quick pace and Cee-Lo's confident vocals mix well and the song is probably the best one so far. The drums utilise a nice reverb towards the end of the track and violins fade the track away.

[8/10]

[Track 4 - Run]

More pacey drums from the outset and Cee-Lo is going for it on this track. This was released as the first single off this album but only peaked at 32nd in the UK. The lyrics are sharp if a little horror-filled. If you hear the track, you'll see why I struggled to find an adjective. The lyrics are basically chilling but are delivered in such a non-threatening way that all that seems to matter is the pace of the track. I quite like this one.

[8/10]

[Track 5 - Would Be Killer]

The lyrics are a bit dark, once again. I never really payed that much attention to the group's other tracks or their lyrics until just this listen now, this track is a little seedy, maybe eerie. The beat is slow and pounding, a little nightmareish at times. The talent is obvious but I'm not a fan of this song. It's giving me bad vibes.

[4.5/10]

[Track 6 - Open Book]

The track has some sort of deep-breathing chanting at beginning. The beat is a little like that off an old arcade game, the lyrics are resoannt and some of the notes are harmonised in the chorus. The track is a bit strange with regards to its beat and the lyrics are full of the positive enrgy of their blue content. A refreshing track, different but this passes the test.

[7/10]

[Track 7 - Whatever]

The beat is a simple looping drumbeat with what I think is a keyboard and Cee-Lo shunning everybody in the world throughout the lyrics whilst a Hip- Hop chorus of 'La-La-La-Las' is on call to back him up whenever required. Altogether though, a forgettable track, pretty uninspiring stuff.

[5/10]


[Track 8 - Surprise]

The drums entreé with pacey rhythm and Cee-Lo is at the top of his noisy but soulful game on this tune. There is a little latinesque clacking sound from an unknown instrument, or they might just be finger snaps, I can't tell. The song is smooth and is more obviously soul than hip-hop easily. They are not just a hip-hop duo. Gnarls Barkley show here that they do have more to them than just that and a hit single. I got the album because of when I saw them do a live version of this track on TV, so it's safe to say I like this song.

[9/10]

[Track 9 - No Time Soon]

The vocals are strained at first and intentionally lack vibrance. This is probably the best way here, they lyrics are decent but the beat is grim again. Not uplifting stuff on this track but it doesn't mean its not still good. A sort of tempered sadness in the track but a decent track in it's own right.

[6/10]

[Track 10 - She Knows]

A surreal floating melody to this song, then the drums bounce in, softened though, rhythmic yet calm. The vocals are thunderous without being harsh and the peaceful nature of the melody keeps the track laid back eevn at it's crescendos. Pretty good.

[6.5/10]

[Track 11 - Blind Mary]

The keyboard is back with a charming and harmless beat here. The brightest track on the album in terms of character and not as openly dark as some of the other tracks. I don't know if the lyrics are incorporating some sort of metaphor but it's quite a catchy and bouncy little number if a little cheesy. I don't care if it's a little cheesy anyway, I think it deserves a decent rating.

[8/10]

[Track 12 - Neighbors]

A bit more of a Hip-Hop one here. A thumping drum beat and subtle echoing sample make this the case, the beat is typical of such a style. Cee-Lo does well on the mic although I do think that not everyone will like his style so much. The chorus is simple but that never hurt anybody, the song is decent but no more.

[6.5/10]

[Track 13 - A Little Better]

The bassline is prominent and the drums are slow and dwelt upon. There is an occasional piano part to the piece which takes care of the chorus so the vocals can be kept simple and clear. The last track is a well-mannered offering, the bassline playing it out just as it led in and the album spins to a complete stop.

[6.5/10]


=== Overall ===

A decent album overall, especially when listened to as an album, rather than as individual tracks. It is an atmospheric record which doesn't lack character and is very good in places. Unfortunately it is let down by slight inconsistency. The lyrics are interesting and powerful if a little intense at certain times. Personally, I like this album. It is easy to appreciate such an album and the talent of the vocals are undeniable. It definitely has it's flaws and I wouldn't call it a favourite by a long shot, but 'The Odd Couple' is a confident release from a slightly underexposed artist and whilst it may not suit everybody or every occasion, it has it's time and place.


Also posted on ciao.co.uk

Summary: A decent album, some very good songs but let down by inconsistency.