After an 18-year hiatus, the innovative duo Gnarls Barkley – comprised of singer-songwriter CeeLo Green and producer Danger Mouse – are set to release their final album, Atlanta, on March 6. The announcement comes alongside the release of their first new single in nearly two decades, “Pictures,” a nostalgic track that hints at the soulful and experimental sound fans have come to expect from the Grammy-nominated group. The album will be released via 10k Projects/Atlantic Records.
The return of Gnarls Barkley marks a significant moment for music fans who were captivated by their 2006 debut, St. Elsewhere, and its chart-topping single “Crazy.” The duo followed up with 2008’s The Odd Couple before pursuing individual projects. Now, they’re bringing their unique creative partnership to a close with a project deeply rooted in their shared history.
A Childhood Inspiration: The Story Behind “Pictures”
“Pictures” draws inspiration from CeeLo Green’s childhood experiences riding the MARTA public transit system in Atlanta. According to a press statement, Green recalls a middle school principal consistently telling him to travel to school every Friday. “I was in eighth grade and I would leave school and ride the train alone from 8 A.M. Until 2:30 P.M.,” Green explained. “The hook of the song is literally about being on the train. When you are in transit it’s like a motion picture passing you by – staring out the window of the MARTA train.” This personal connection underscores the album’s tribute to their hometown and the formative experiences that shaped their artistry.
Listen to “Pictures” here: https://www.nme.com/news/music/gnarls-barkley-return-with-pictures-their-first-new-single-in-18-years-and-announce-final-album-atlanta-3931505
Solo Ventures and a Long-Awaited Reunion
While Gnarls Barkley has been dormant, both CeeLo Green and Danger Mouse have remained active in the music industry. Green released his sixth studio album, CeeLo Green is Thomas Calloway, in 2020, following previous albums Heart Blanche (2015) and CeeLo’s Magic Moment (2012). He is as well known for his time as a judge on the television show The Voice and collaborations with artists like Eminem, Tyrese, T.I., and Asher Roth. Gnarls Barkley first gained prominence in 2006 with the release of their debut album.
Danger Mouse, whose real name is Brian Joseph Burton, has also been prolific, producing albums for a diverse range of artists including Gorillaz, The Black Keys, and Sparklehorse. His recent work includes the 2022 album Cheat Codes with Black Thought and a 2025 collaboration with MorMor on the song “Wonder.” He first gained international attention for his mash-up album, The Grey Album, blending Jay-Z and The Beatles.
Atlanta Tracklist
The upcoming album, Atlanta, promises a fitting conclusion to the Gnarls Barkley story. Here’s the complete tracklist:
- 01 Tomorrow Died Today
- 02 I Amnesia
- 03 Pictures
- 04 Line Dance
- 05 Turn Your Heart Back On
- 06 Let Me Be
- 07 Cyberbully (Yayo)
- 08 Perfect Time
- 09 Sweet Evil
- 10 Boy Genius
- 11 The Be Be King
- 12 Sorry
- 13 Accept It
According to a press release, Atlanta “serves as a capstone to the Gnarls Barkley story.” The duo reconnected last year with the intention of completing this final chapter, fulfilling a long-held desire to finish what they started.
The release of Atlanta on March 6 will undoubtedly be a moment for fans to reflect on the impact of Gnarls Barkley’s unique sound and artistry. While this marks the end of a chapter, the legacy of their innovative music will continue to resonate.
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