R&B/Soul
Gnarls Barkley reunite for final album, Atlanta, after 18 years, share new song Pictures
Gnarls Barkley have made their long-awaited return after 18 years - but their new album is their curtain call.
Gnarls Barkley have ended their nearly two‑decade break by unveiling a brand‑new single, Pictures — their first release in 18 years and the lead track from what they are calling their final album.
The duo, made up of CeeLo Green and producer Danger Mouse, have reunited for a third studio record titled Atlanta, due for release on March 6.
The new single was co‑written and produced by Danger Mouse, marking the pair’s first collaboration since 2008’s The Odd Couple.
Gnarls Barkley became one of the defining acts of the 2000s with their debut album St. Elsewhere and its global hit Crazy, which topped charts worldwide.
Their follow‑up album continued their reputation for genre‑blending experimentation before the project went quiet.
Speaking about their return, Green said the new single feels like reconnecting with the roots of the project.
He explained: “Pictures is like going back to square one. It’s a full‑circle moment.
“The spirit of Gnarls Barkley is always self‑discovery — the sweet, the sad, and the strange. The universe, the adventure inside of yourself.”
Green revealed the track was inspired by his childhood in Atlanta, particularly memories of riding the city’s MARTA train system.
He said: “The song came from a childhood experience.
“I had a middle school principal who, every Friday, would tell me to go when I would get to school. Without fail. I was in 8th grade and I would leave school and ride the train alone from 8am until 2:30pm. 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.”
