- Label
- Warners
- Release date
- 31st March 2008
- Genre
- R&B
- Buy this album
- Order CD
Second album from R&B megastars cranks up soul, loses something
As Gnarls Barkley's first single, Crazy, was such an unprecedented smash, the two men behind it and the ecstatically-received first album St Elsewhere - producer Dangermouse and vocalist Cee-Lo - had their profiles boosted from underground heroes to pop idols. While the listening public went wild for St Elsewhere's blend of retro soul and soundtrack music with hip-hop beats and production techniques, recognition of the two members' back catalogues - spanning straightforward new jack swing to uneasy, glitchy electronica - gave an insight as to where this startlingly original sound had its roots.
In a regrettable swing towards crowd-pleasing, The Odd Couple builds on the most popular elements of St Elsewhere - unique and soulful vocals, hand-clapping Motown-goes-electronic backing stomps, big choruses, a nod towards the elements of hip-hop - and repeats, repeats and repeats. While The Odd Couple is clearly the work of talented individuals, there's nothing on here which grabs you and makes you want to know more - and some tracks, like the singles Run and Who's Gonna Save My Soul, just sound tired and samey. Beautifully-produced and meticulous in terms of musicianship as this may be, it's nothing we've not heard before.
More to try: Dangermouse & Jemini: Ghetto Pop Life Gorillaz: Demon Days
