Gnarls Barkley, the renowned musical collaboration featuring CeeLo Green and Danger Mouse, has unveiled their latest single, "Pictures," marking their first new material in nearly two decades. This release offers a glimpse into their forthcoming album, titled "Atlanta," which is slated for release on March 6 through 10k Projects/Atlantic Records. This album is anticipated to be their concluding work as Gnarls Barkley, following their previous successful records, "St. Elsewhere" (2006) and "The Odd Couple" (2008). The duo's reunion last year sparked the creation of this new music, fulfilling a long-held intention to complete a trilogy of albums.
Reflecting on the new single, CeeLo Green described "Pictures" as a return to their origins, embodying the spirit of self-exploration that defines Gnarls Barkley's artistry, encompassing themes that are sweet, melancholic, and eccentric. The inspiration for the song stems from Atlanta's MARTA public transportation system, a vivid memory from the artists' youth in the 1990s. Green recounted personal experiences of riding the train alone as a middle schooler, likening the journey to a "motion picture passing by" while gazing out the window.
Beyond their work as Gnarls Barkley, both Green and Danger Mouse have pursued individual careers. Green released his sixth solo album, "CeeLo Green is Thomas Calloway," in 2020, while Danger Mouse has engaged in various collaborations with prominent artists. The prospect of new Gnarls Barkley music has been a topic of discussion for over a decade, with Green hinting at a return as early as 2010. The sustained public interest in their collaboration motivated them to finally record new material, viewing Gnarls Barkley as an "alter ego" and an "out-of-body experience."
The return of Gnarls Barkley with new music signifies the enduring power of artistic collaboration and the pursuit of creative visions. Their journey demonstrates that even after prolonged breaks, true artistry can rekindle and continue to inspire both the creators and their audience. This new chapter not only provides fresh sounds but also brings a sense of completeness to their discography, reinforcing the idea that dedication to one's craft ultimately leads to meaningful and impactful creations.