What makes Anyway by CeeLo Green notable?

This album is notable for its exploration of themes surrounding resilience and positivity, highlighted by its title track which received substantial radio play. Additionally, CeeLo's unique fusion of genres has influenced the sound of contemporary R&B, paving the way for future artists blending soul and pop elements. When 'Anyway' was released in December 2011, CeeLo Green was experiencing a significant phase in his career following the massive success of his single 'Forget You' (2010). This album came after his critically acclaimed project 'The Lady Killer', showcasing his continued evolution as a solo artist within the mainstream music scene.

How many songs are on Anyway?

Anyway has 4 tracks, running approximately 14 minutes.

Anyway

CeeLo Green · 2011

14 min · 4 tracks · contemporary R&B

A vibrant blend of funk and contemporary R&B, infused with soulful melodies and CeeLo's distinctive vocal flair.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Anyway — The title track encapsulates the album's core message of perseverance and optimism, delivered through CeeLo's powerful vocal performance and an infectious groove.
→
Bright Lights Bigger City — This track stands out for its juxtaposition of urban nightlife excitement with introspective lyrics, showcasing CeeLo's ability to merge upbeat production with deeper emotional themes.
→
Inhaler — A standout in its energetic delivery, this song exemplifies CeeLo's playful yet poignant lyrical style while maintaining a danceable rhythm that captures the listener's attention.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

45 /100

Lowland

Higher than 5% of albums we've rated

The single presents solid writing and production but lacks strong cohesion due to varied styles across tracks.

What we noticed

The title track features a prominent horn section that drives the rhythm and complements CeeLo's vocal delivery.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 4/10

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Deep Cut — Solid entry in the catalog with significant themes, but not widely recognized as a standout.
Themes: urban nightlife excitement· perseverance through struggle· infectious groove· introspective cityscapes
Career context: When 'Anyway' was released in December 2011, CeeLo Green was experiencing a significant phase in his career following the massive success of his single 'Forget You' (2010). This album came after his critically acclaimed project 'The Lady Killer', showcasing his continued evolution as a solo artist within the mainstream music scene.
Stylistic neighbors: Anderson .Paak· Leon Bridges· Janelle Monáe