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Gnarls Barkley’s second album “The Odd Couple” was expected after the serious coin made from the band’s debut “St. Elsewhere.” And while this duo can make some timeless music that could hold up even with the Motown renaissance back in the 60’s- their second album doesn’t make much leeway in terms of development from their first album. This unpredictable pairing of Danger Mouse and Cee-Lo isn’t as fresh the second go-round. That’s not to say that it’s not enjoyable, it’s just not as fresh. Danger Mouse’s beats on the album are amazing- virtually every track is masterful in that department; but some problems with that do arise… the flow from track to track is a little rough… there are too many fade-ins. Something that can work but in this case it just comes off as laziness. Cee-Lo provides the vocal work for Gnarls and he has his great moments- “Going On” is amazing and could be the successful follow up single to “Crazy” that the label is looking for. “Run” is an outstanding track- but is a little short and is one of the fade-ins that hinder the album. That aside, Cee-Lo’s vocals on the track are fast, furious, and charismatic. Gnarls Barkley making a second album is worth some serious props- only because it wasn’t that expected by true fans of these two artists and it’s another 13 tracks of mastery in the same mold of their debut. Gnarls loses some points for not doing anything differently and there were some weird choices in actual album production (the fade-ins namely) that take a great deal away from the listening experience. Nonetheless, what’s produced here are 13 tracks of some serious modernized soul-funk that can make any music fan happy. This might be the last set of Gnarls Barkley songs… something that’s highly probable because both of these guys are true artists and artists can get restless… but this isn’t the last you’ll hear from Danger Mouse or Cee-Lo- for now though- just enjoy this unique pairing’s musical collaboration.
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