Track Review: Gnarls Barkley - "Run"

Rating: 4.8 / 5.0
I have always maintained that Gnarls Barkley's debut St. Elsewhere was one of the best records of 2006. Cee-Lo has the best voice in hip hop today and, as it was coupled with Danger Mouse's razor sharp production, the result was truly stunning. What was always the most appealing about St. Elsewhere was that Gnarls sounded like they were just having a shitload of fun. That band didn't care if anyone liked the record, which gave it an impulsiveness that was impossible to resist.

The prospect of a sophomore album terrified me. When I first heard about The Odd Couple, I was really nervous. When I heard that the first single from that album had been released, I didn't even want to hear it, let alone review it. But I fought through the fear, and have been rewarded with the best song of 2008. Danger Mouse's production provides a brilliant foundation for this stunning, frantic, organ-based panicky, gospel, hip-hop gem. Cee-Lo belts out like his life depends on it, with less focus on melody and more focus on frenetic verses overflowing with syllables. The slippery, almost-rushed verse gives way beautifully to an insistent chorus.

The beats are crisp but understated. Drum kit blends seamlessly with hand claps and shakers to give the percussion a delightfully human feel, along with plenty of vocal tracks to flesh out the otherwise shockingly sparse arrangement. Gnarls Barkley is still having fun. The only difference with this song - and God willing, this album - is that now they know you are too.

-PTC