St. Elsewhere
by Gnarls Barkley
  • Record Label: Downtown
  • Release Date: May 9, 2006
User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 111 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 95 out of 111
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 111
  3. Negative: 7 out of 111

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  1. Fuerstenberg
    Feb 2, 2022
    8
    After almost 16 years, Gnarls Barkley's debut "St. Elsewhere" still puts a big smile on your face. And even if nothing comes close to the hype and legacy of "Crazy", it is still funky, mesmerizing and just really good neo soul.

    It is also remarkable that both artists stepped out of their regular roles for this often silly, ridiculous ride. And even if it sometimes gets confusing and all    After almost 16 years, Gnarls Barkley's debut "St. Elsewhere" still puts a big smile on your face. And even if nothing comes close to the hype and legacy of "Crazy", it is still funky, mesmerizing and just really good neo soul.

    It is also remarkable that both artists stepped out of their regular roles for this often silly, ridiculous ride. And even if it sometimes gets confusing and all over the place, the mass of disparate sounds are perfectly bond together. CeeLo Green and Danger Mouse simply harmonize brilliantly.

    My favorites:
    "Crazy"
    "Smiley Faces"
    "Just a Thought"
    "Who Cares?"

    ~ Fürstenberg
    February 2, 2022    … Expand
  2. clem666
    Aug 3, 2020
    8
    To work together is one of the best ideas CeeLo Green and Danger Mouse had. In 'St. Elsewhere' we don't stop passing from a music style to another. And every time they reach the top of music. Production of Danger Mouse is a true blessing for CeeLo, who is able to return the favor with his amazing voice and flow. From rap to soul he achieves to be powerful, measured, silent and explosive.To work together is one of the best ideas CeeLo Green and Danger Mouse had. In 'St. Elsewhere' we don't stop passing from a music style to another. And every time they reach the top of music. Production of Danger Mouse is a true blessing for CeeLo, who is able to return the favor with his amazing voice and flow. From rap to soul he achieves to be powerful, measured, silent and explosive. With this first project together they obtain to create unforgettable classics. If you are able to override their huge succes with 'Crazy' you could benefits a lot from their partnership. Even in 2006 Gnarls Barkley can teach a lot to all pop artists we are used to hear in the radio here in 2020. 'St. Elsewhere' is according to me the definition of sadly unknown and underrated work that people should be inspired from. Because listening to this album is accepting to be surprised at the beginning of each music track but the feeling of surprise does not diminish until the very end of the project. if you haven't done so already, stop wasting more time and go listen to 'St. Elsewhere'. You will thank me later.… Expand
  3. Cazweigun
    Nov 20, 2011
    10
    I've come back across this album after a few years and it just seems to have gotten better with age. Danger Mouse did a brilliant job with the production and meshes Cee-Lo's voice with some great inventive samples. Funk on an acid trip, is what best describes this.
  4. grandpajoe6191
    Nov 14, 2011
    9
    The only reason I listened to the album "St. Elsewhere" is because of "Crazy".
  5. EddieW
    Jul 30, 2007
    8
    A versatile album with great singers. The only thing I thought was lacking is "substance", this CD is more fun than serious and that of course it's not bad. Entertaining, that's for sure!
  6. KenanD
    May 16, 2007
    10
    Sound from the another planet. Great album !
  7. montysano
    Jan 14, 2007
    7
    A fine, somewhat crazed, piece of work. I love the music. But "St. Elsewhere" is a prime example of the overuse of compression in digital music. At higher volumes, it just sounds awful, and for somone who likes to listen loud, that's a drag.
  8. !?
    Jan 10, 2007
    9
    Great album, just short.
  9. ReubenF
    Dec 19, 2006
    7
    A slick polished album from duo Danger Mouse and Cee-Lo. 'Crazy' is the highlight, sounding like an instant classic, though it wears a little thin after a few plays. Interesting to find a cover of a Violent Femmes song on the album, who happen to be the first band I ever saw live, back when I was just 13. The album does not really live up to the standard of the lead single, A slick polished album from duo Danger Mouse and Cee-Lo. 'Crazy' is the highlight, sounding like an instant classic, though it wears a little thin after a few plays. Interesting to find a cover of a Violent Femmes song on the album, who happen to be the first band I ever saw live, back when I was just 13. The album does not really live up to the standard of the lead single, which is a pity. I love the artwork though.… Expand
  10. VickyM
    Dec 7, 2006
    10
    I love this cd and it flows and I go far away with it... as a fan of Joni Mitchell who experimented a lot with different syles of music, but stayed true to herself I can really appreciate this sound, the music and lyrics really make me feel a lot of things I have not felt in a long time, a strange and wonderful awakening to my spirit!!!
  11. NicoleD
    Dec 7, 2006
    10
    Great, simply genius album. The high energy only adds to its overall appeal. One of the year's best by far, with songs like "Smiley Face's" that make you wanna get out your seat and jam. Loved it loved it! Keep Rocking, Rapping, Popping Gnarles Barkley because this album breaks into all music genre's with ingenious ease!
  12. AndersH
    Oct 11, 2006
    9
    A 9 just for the reviving new sound the two bring to the muddled pop industry.
  13. LarryS
    Sep 17, 2006
    10
    All of the songs on this album were great, albiet short piece of total music paradise.
  14. BarbaraG
    Sep 16, 2006
    9
    I love this album since the first time I heard it.
  15. RickS
    Sep 9, 2006
    10
    This ablum blew me away.
  16. timm
    Aug 9, 2006
    8
    would be a 10 if track 1 was better, if boogey man didnt suck (beat is good but vocal melody is ridiculously uninventive), and if feng shui were more than an interlude. besides that, its still the best out right now
  17. NathanB
    Aug 8, 2006
    5
    One great song. Not much else
  18. Rusty
    Aug 7, 2006
    8
    I've enjoyed DJ Dangermouse and Cee-lo's work, but both of them together is clever, between Cee-los unique voice and Dangermouse's different and sometime "weird" beats, its perfect. It gets a little getting used, but I was actually satisfied with the album.
  19. rggggrg
    Aug 1, 2006
    10
    Gnalrs Rules
  20. JimmyP
    Jul 31, 2006
    10
    Danger mouse is a dangerous man....he's one of the only producers whose stuff sounds different most of the time...and his production goes great with Cee-Lo's voice...
  21. Ian
    Jul 28, 2006
    7
    **Shhluunk!** That's the sound of a punch right to the baby makers. Which is exactly what this album did to me. I appreciate this album for giving me a good reason to break out of my Neil Young and Bob Dylanesque musical shell. Not that I don't like any current music. I loved Arcade Fire's debut. It's just that nothing recently can compare to what those artists did for **Shhluunk!** That's the sound of a punch right to the baby makers. Which is exactly what this album did to me. I appreciate this album for giving me a good reason to break out of my Neil Young and Bob Dylanesque musical shell. Not that I don't like any current music. I loved Arcade Fire's debut. It's just that nothing recently can compare to what those artists did for their musical generations. Now that we have Gnarly Barkles we can sit back and enjoy the scene, knowing that the future of sound is in good hands.… Expand
  22. Gate
    Jul 17, 2006
    10
    St. Elsewhere and Stadium Arcadium of Red Hot Chili Peppers are the best albums of the year.
  23. TonyF
    Jul 13, 2006
    6
    a few memorable tracks, and a bunch of filler. that's just what i think. go buy a temptations record instead, seriously... or even cee-los solo stuff.
  24. othostice
    Jul 13, 2006
    9
    Danger Mouse is the first hip-hop producer that I have considered a musician. In his hands, a mixing board becomes an instrument.
  25. godonearth
    Jul 8, 2006
    3
    i give a 3 for 3 good songs
  26. eKOLINIOL
    Jun 25, 2006
    10
    new millenium soul. the music that marvin gaye would make if he was alive or james brown and prince would make if they were on their prime
  27. ChrisW
    Jun 25, 2006
    3
    1) First off it is way too confusing to listen to. Like pick a style and go with it! Don
  28. NZFan
    Jun 6, 2006
    9
    The only downfall of this album is that all of the songs are the type that will get played over and over and over for a short time until i get bored of them
  29. RIsinSon
    Jun 2, 2006
    10
    Cee-Lo and DJ Danger Mouse are a fearless pair that takes music to another level. Soulful, funky, fun, and meaningful equals a big ball of engery. In other words if you don't have it get it !!!!
  30. TheHams
    Jun 2, 2006
    10
    Dude! Were the three reviewers below me born with ears? Maybe they need to check their skulls for any earical-like orifices, because they suck. Ass. Kill them. This is also a great album.
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Awards & Rankings

58
#58 Best Album of 2006
39
#39 Most Discussed Album of 2006

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
81

Universal acclaim - based on 37 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 32 out of 37
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 37
  3. Negative: 0 out of 37
  1. Dot Music
    90
    Both artists have stepped outside their regular roles to make what feels like a genuinely instinctive, love-fuelled record that zings with an enthusiasm for all spectrums of music.
    Read full review
  2. musicOMH.com
    80
    Although this isn't a flawless album, it will undoubtedly be a huge hit and keep many people company through the long hot summer months ahead.
    Read full review
  3. New Musical Express (NME)
    80
    You certainly won't hear much else at the moment as inventive as this.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »