The Odd Couple

I was really disappointed when I first got this album right around the time it came out, because I was such a huge fan of the first album, and really wanted more of the same. If that's what you're expecting, I'm not going to tell you not to get the cd, because I think it's really good, but I would warn you that you might be surprised. What really made me take a step back was how sad a lot of this album is. I admit that I haven't read through all of the lyrics, but from the tone, and what I've picked up from my many listens, this album seems to come out of a deep underlying sadness that the musicians want to come to terms with. It's not about getting happy or anything, but it is about looking for some meaning or beauty in the sadness. My favorite is "Who's Gonna Save My Soul", but "Blind Mary" and "A Little Better" are amazing as well. There are a couple of tracks that are weaker than the rest ("Would Be Killer"), but on the whole, it's a haunting, melancholy album that I highly recommend. In some ways is closer in tone to what you might expect from an Eliot Smith type, but with Danger Mouse producing, you know you're going to get something quality to listen to.

For fans of classic soul and funk, Gnarls Barkley sounds like a godsend - combining classic funk, soul and blues melodies with hip hop rhythms and modern sounds. However, their first album, despite its killer single "Crazy", was a bit of a disappointment to me, despite some highlights. But on "The Odd Couple" they have put together a consistent album which makes full use of their talents. The album starts with an excellent foursome of songs, culminating in the blues-soaked "Who's Gonna Save My Soul" featuring some spine-tingling vocals by Cee Lo. After hitting a bit of a lull in the middle, with some good but not great tracks (especially after the first four) - we get to "Blind Mary" - what a great tune and another perfect highlight of this disc.This is simply a great album and the best I have heard in 2008 so far.

Were this to be the first release by Gnarls Barkley, I would give it 5 stars without question. It has a good mix of mo-town grooves with a modern spin that gives it an edge that is very desireable (just like their first release) in this day of regurgitated crap that all sounds the same.That being said, this is not the first release by the duo and so, they must contend with the stunning succes of their damn-near-perfect St. Elsewhere. Still, its a good album and I checked 5 stars though that is rounded up from 4.5 stars.It really isn't that there is anything wrong with this album. It is an excellent effort with all of the desired qualities that made the first effort so wondeful. To be honest, in my humble opinion, this album doesn't really contain any standouts (as opposed to the freshman effort which had "Smiley Faces", "Just a Thought", "Who Cares", and of course, the world-renowned "Crazy"), though it is a thorough and solid effort that deserves a listen; it just doesn't have anything REALLY special like the first album did (but don't let that take anything away from what they have done here; it is really daggone good).This pair, Danger Mouse & Cee-Lo, have put out a strong somphomore effort that is deservedly receiveing attention and rave reviews. The fact that it is not quite "St. Elsewhere" is immaterial. These guys set the bar too high with their first album, but that should not be punishable by 1 star reviews, rather, it should be praised, as should this album, for keeping up the quality while not just remixing the first effort.So, to sum up, St. Elsewhere is still the better of the 2 albums, but if you like that album, this shouldn't dissapoint. Don't listen to the naysayers and morons that wanted an exact repeat of St. Elsewhere. That is what is wrong with music today; it all sounds the same and people want it all to sound the same; it's so freekin' boring. Damned if you do, damned if you don't; I guess.Don't hold it against these guys that they EVOLVED a little and DIDN'T rely solely on what they had already done; some of the reviewers are complaining, that is really what people mean if they say that this isn't St. Elsewhere and give it 1 or 2 stars. I definitely think this is worthy of the legend that will be known as Gnarls Barkely.I only hope that they have something special lined up for their third release; it's gonna get tougher and tougher for these guys to keep producing at the high level which they have now maintained through 2 albums. They have the opportunity to really be something special; let's hope it happens.

Familiar with both Mouse and Cee-lo's previous works, I checked out Elsewhere and was very impressed. The album was brilliant and even after hearing Crazy eleventy million times over that summer, even that song was still listenable and fun.Upon hearing that their second album was coming out, I worried for a moment about the sophomore jinx and how it could effect what was originally a bit of a novelty group. I feared a cheap Crazy remake and some hit-and-miss tunes. Banish the thought. Even the single Run evokes Crazy in catchiness only, contrasting Crazy's off-beat drum line with a simple and quick tempo driven by a zippy high-hat and sing-alongs. But the real joys can be found with the rest of the album. This second effort mixes hip-hop-ish beats with jangly 50's pop song chimes and effects, layered over the top with occasionally playful, occasionally deep and introspective lyrics, molded into pleas, entreaties, and deadpans by Cee-lo's always intriguing vocal delivery.The closest thing to a clunker for me is track 6, I just can't get with the beat (or lack of!). And not every musical foray by these two is going to work for everyone, but their moments of brilliance buy a lot of goodwill for the infrequent B- track that occasionally shows up. And for A+ tracks, Charity Case, Going On, and Surprise are all gems.If you liked Elsewhere, do pick up this album as well. You won't be disappointed.

I'm not a music writer nor do I aspire to be one, so I will keep this short. I felt that this cd far surpassed the previous release in terms of enjoyment for me. I liked that it had less heavy "hip hop" sounding songs that I felt the first release had.Each song is beautifully crafted and I love Cee-lo's soulful vocals. Even on the tail end of the cd where songs usually get dull he blows you away with Blind Mary and Neighbors (two of my favorite songs). This is true alternative, nothing out there sounds like this. Buy it now.

They should make another album together

With the exception of tracks 5 and 6 that I'm personally not keen on, this is a really good album; Great songs, great vocal performances and a really original sound. I suppose you could describe it as contemporary soul.I have owned this for quite a while now, but find that if I don't hear for a few days I have withdrawal symptoms. It's great to sing along to in the car.

very good

Contains 'run', which was featured in X-men: first class; but do not buy this just for that song: there's plenty to discover here!!!!

On the first couple of listens i have to admit i didn't think that much of the album but by the third that changed. My stand out tracks would be no.13 and no.2, his voice and the subject he sings about, top stuff. Overall a mighty album.