Common Sense Note
Parents need to know there's a lot going on under the flashy musical surface of Gnarls Barkley's second album, including some introspective and sometimes somber lyrics, which are truthful but fine for young teens. "F--k" is said twice in one song and the band references drugs in passing, but other than that, there's not a lot to be concerned about.
Families can talk about how this album represents an "odd couple." The duo is made up of two very different musicians. How does the music reflect the combination of different styles, such as rock and hip-hop? How unusual is it to see a mixed race duo? Do you think this contributes to the group's appeal?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Jacqueline Rupp
Gnarls Barkley is back with a follow-up to the duo's hugely popular and critically-acclaimed debut. Consisting of super-producer Danger Mouse and vocalist Cee-Lo, Gnarls Barkley creates a unique sound that is difficult to classify into one musical genre. They may be a unique pairing, but they're also a match made in modern music heaven, seamlessly combining a cross-section of American musical genres from everything from blues and jazz to doo-wop and techno.
There are plenty of musical effects, catchy choruses, and up-tempo beats, but these two musicians make more than just pretty music. The lyrics are thoughtful, sometimes even philosophical and somber, accented by Cee-Lo's sincere and affable vocals. Gnarls Barkley is bold enough to create a sound all its own, welcoming fans of all musical stylings. Those who dug the single "Crazy" from the group's first album won't be disappointed by this new offering, with standout tracks such as "Neighbors" and "She Knows" maintaining that familiar "Gnarly" mash-up sound.
For more hip-hop fusion, try Gorillaz, OutKast, or The Roots.
Reviewed: 03/19/2008
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ViolenceThe track "Would Be Killer" deals with violent issues, though not explicitly or directly: "Did you know I could be/a would be killer/If suddenly I should be/I would be killer…Oh I've been entered by evil/So someone best love me right now." There's also: "And didn't have long to know/that you don't have to be grown to go/I could have died so long before/Then I finally saw the sign/And I made it on down the line/one step at a time." |
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LanguageOne song, "Whatever," has some lines of profanity: "She's going steady with someone else/I don't know what else to do/said f--k me/well f--k you too/I know it sounds real sad but true/Being alone is nothing new." |
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Social BehaviorDeep thoughts throughout the funky tracks, such as "Ooh it's probably plain to see/that there's a whole lot of pain in me...Yet here I am trying again/'cause I refuse to die in vein/The circumstances put soul in me/and there ain't no holding me" and "I don't have any friends at all/'cause I have nothing in common with ya'll/So who's gonna catch me if I fall/my back's always against the wall/I don't have anything to say/I want everything to go my way/Shut up mom it is not OK/I'm alone almost every day." |
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Drug/Alcohol/Tobacco"Can't you feel the pain/when the needle hits the vein/Ain't nothing like the real thing/I've seen it once before/and oh it's something else." |
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