After an 18-year hiatus following their second album, the duo Gnarls Barkley – comprised of producer Danger Mouse and singer/rapper Cee-Lo Green – are set to release a new single, “Pictures.” This release precedes the arrival of their third and final full-length album, Atlanta, on March 6, through 10k Projects/Atlantic.
A Return to Roots
Cee-Lo Green describes the new single as “like going back to square one,” framing it as a “full circle moment.” He further explains that the core of Gnarls Barkley has always been about “self-discovery,” encompassing a range of emotions and experiences.
The inspiration for “Pictures” stems from Green’s childhood. He recalls a middle school principal consistently dismissing him from school every Friday, leading to solo train rides on Atlanta’s MARTA public transit line from 8am to 2:30pm. He states the song’s hook is “literally about being on the train,” and that transit feels like “a motion picture passing you by.”
From Sudden Success to Separate Paths
Danger Mouse and Cee-Lo Green initially gained widespread recognition in 2006 with their multi-platinum album, St. Elsewhere. They followed this success with The Odd Couple in 2008, performing 100 live shows over two years. While they always intended to create another album, individual pursuits intervened.
During the intervening years, Green released solo albums, rejoined the Atlanta rap group Goodie Mob, appeared as a coach on The Voice, and authored a memoir. Danger Mouse formed the band Broken Bells with James Mercer of The Shins and collaborated as a producer with artists including U2, Adele, A$AP Rocky, and Gorillaz.
Atlanta Track List
The complete track list for Atlanta is as follows:
- Tomorrow Died Today
- I Amnesia
- Pictures
- Line Dance
- Turn Your Heart Back On
- Let Me Be
- Cyberbully (Yayo)
- Perfect Time
- Sweet Evil
- Boy Genius
- The Be Be King
- Sorry
- Accept It
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the album title, Atlanta?
The album title and the single “Pictures” both draw inspiration from Cee-Lo Green’s childhood experiences in Atlanta, specifically his time riding the MARTA public transit line.
How long has it been since Gnarls Barkley released an album?
It has been 18 years since Gnarls Barkley released their second album.
Will Gnarls Barkley perform live following the release of Atlanta?
The source does not contain information about potential live performances.
Given the album is described as their “final” full-length, will Gnarls Barkley continue to collaborate in the future?