About Stefan Halley
Location: Malmo, Sweden
Occupation: Editor-in-Chief
Bio: Stefan has been writing reviews for seven years and started Pop Syndicate out of need to voice his mis-guided opinion.
Posts: 719
More from this author
Gnarls Barkley prove they can do more than just one hit song. The Odd Couple is solid sophomore release.
To be honest, I thought Gnarls Barkley would be a one hit wonder. “Crazy” is a great song that was played to death when it was released. Danger Mouse and Cee-Lo return with The Odd Couple. It’s everything their debut album, St. Elsewhere, is and more. The Odd Couple is just as ambitious and unpredictable as their last album but where St. Elsewhere felt like the duo were still trying each other out, their sophomore album has the two coming out with both guns blazing.
The first track, “Charity Case” is another strong upbeat song with an awesome distorted female addition. Cee-Lo’s high-pitched voice keeps the song moving forward at a solid pace while singing about how he can’t take care of anyone but himself much less a charity case. What’s great about pop music is when it works, it’s upbeat, fun and makes you want to start moving some part of your body. “Run”, the first single released, is lyrically dark but the song is so upbeat and manic that you can’t help but want to bounce along with it, and it’s every bit as strong as “Crazy”. “Who’s Gonna Save My Soul” slows things down as Cee-Lo sings about redemption.
“Whatever” sounds like a whiney, bratty kid bragging about being a loner. It gets a bit annoying before it’s all over. However, “Blind Mary” more than makes up for it. It’s a song about an ugly guy in love with a blind woman that doesn’t realize how ugly he is or it’s a song about pot. It’s hard to tell. This song has a strong chance to be a hit single as well. “A Little Better” closes out the album with Cee-Lo coming to terms with his inner demons.
Gnarls Barkley prove that they aren’t one hit wonders. They’ve overcome their sophomore slump with solid line up of songs. Not every track is a winner and I’m fairly indifferent to several of the songs but I don’t hate any of them. Still, there are enough really good numbers that I could easily recommend this album to others. Gnarls Barkley has a great future ahead of them if they keep putting quality work out like The Odd Couple.
If this album is as toneless and useless as the first album then I’ll avoid this one too.
it’s much better than their first album.
Marc, there’s no place for your blasphemy, here!
I’m starting a new thread: Throw rocks at Marc! He’s got it coming now.
That first album was boring and terrible. As I remember it, I barely made it through one listen. The only song worth any value was Crazy, which was a catchy little diddy.
Well let me ask you this Marc, what is YOUR taste?
To ask someone to define their taste is to try and untangle a frustrating knot. As many will claim, my tastes range far and wide. I think I can name you some favorites in just about every genre except screamo and black metal.
I know what I like and what I don’t.