Released 20 years ago
St. Elsewhere
Gnarls Barkley · 2006
42 min · 16 tracks · alternative rock
A vibrant fusion of soul, rock, and electronic elements that challenges genre boundaries with playful yet introspective lyrics.
Top tracks — play these first
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Crazy — This track not only propelled Gnarls Barkley into mainstream consciousness but also exemplifies their innovative blend of genres with its catchy melody and reflective lyrics. Its haunting production paired with CeeLo's distinctive vocals creates a compelling emotional landscape.
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Gone Daddy Gone — A cover of a Violent Femmes classic, this version infuses a fresh perspective with an upbeat arrangement that contrasts its slightly melancholic lyrics. The playful instrumentation showcases Gnarls Barkley's creative reinterpretation while maintaining a deeper narrative.
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Smiley Faces — This track combines whimsical lyrics with a soulful groove, reflecting themes of happiness versus sadness. Its infectious rhythm captures the essence of the album's playful yet serious undertones.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends genres with unique structures and strong production, making it distinct yet cohesive despite some pacing issues.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a high-energy track that sets a vibrant tone, followed by the hit single 'Crazy' which introduces a more introspective lyrical theme.
- Several tracks feature unconventional song structures, such as 'Gone Daddy Gone,' which employs a repetitive chorus and layered instrumentation.
- The pacing shifts notably between tracks, with some maintaining a steady groove while others introduce abrupt tempo changes, particularly in 'The Boogie Monster.'
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. 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.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- short, engaging listening sessions
- dynamic emotional journeys
- reflective moments of introspection
- varied tempos and moods
Where this album fits
- Career context
- St. Elsewhere is Gnarls Barkley's debut album, released in 2006 when the duo comprised CeeLo Green and Danger Mouse was still forming their unique sound. Coming off the success of their single 'Crazy,' this album solidified their presence in the alternative music scene and showcased their genre-blending approach.
- Stylistic neighbors
- CeeLo Green· OutKast· Janelle Monáe
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Just a Thought
The shift to first-person reflection invites listeners into an intimate internal dialogue about personal struggles and societal expectations.
This moment employs a more introspective tone than other tracks, showcasing vulnerability through direct engagement with the listener.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Go‐Go Gadget Gospel 2:19
- 2 Crazy 2:58
- 3 St. Elsewhere 2:30
- 4 Gone Daddy Gone 2:28
- 5 Smiley Faces 3:05
- 6 The Boogie Monster 2:50
- 7 Feng Shui 1:26
- 8 Just a Thought 3:42
- 9 Transformer 2:17
- 10 Who Cares? 2:27
- 11 Online 1:48
- 12 Necromancer 2:57
- 13 Storm Coming 3:08
- 14 The Last Time 3:25
- 15 Transformer (instrumental) 3:00
- 16 The Boogie Monster (instrumental) 2:14
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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