Cee-Lo Green - The Lady Killer, a review

Perhaps the foremost reincarnation of soul-pop we have, Cee-Lo has every right to be cherished. Going against the grain of soulless, bland pop, he's delivered and produced some of the recent times' best music: Gnarls Barkley's "Crazy", TLC's "Waterfalls", The Pussycat Dolls' "Dont'cha" (maybe not that one), Kelis' "Lil' Star"...my point? He's rather lovely.

So to the solo career. He's already released two albums to modest success, but he's now very much a big name and with the first single "Fuck You" (later censored to "Forget You") proving to be a global smash hit, he's on top of the world.

'The Lady Killer' begins with an intro that's something from a Bond movie - complete with pantomime evil villainry (some vague cackling about killing...ladies...) before descending into a manic frenzy of what I hereby dub "DnBr" - drum 'n brass. It's exciting and it's fun. 'Bright Lights Bigger City' follows with a catchy synth tune, and Green's vocals shine.

The single 'Fuck You' follows and I needn't describe it: it's brash, it's bold, it's infectious and it's fantastic. The lyrics are crass but simple, the tune is phenomenal, and the styling that's gone into the video is an irresistable throwback to soul at its peak: nostalgic, powerful and encapsulating. In 'Wildflower' there's another example of exemplary production, but its downbeat vocals contrast uneasily. It has potential to be a grower, but after even a couple of listens it feels like a missed opportunity.



'Bodies' by contrast is understated and to great effect: the brass and strings build a film noir setting, but the military drumbeat give it pace as well as tension. 'Please' begins with shotguns and spanish trumpets but after that it doesn't really travel - it's weighed down with a heavily prominent Sarah Sue, whoever she is, and isn't particularly a noteworthy track.

The Motown-glory however promptly and gloriously returns in "Satisfied", a track so retro and rose-tinted that Austin Powers would feel out of his depth. Cute sing-along chorus and stomping brass give this a real kick. 'I Want You' is similarly thrown-back, and Green's talented vocals go from strength to strength.

'Cry Baby' is something straight out of 2007's Mark Ronson (ie. good Mark Ronson) - a jukebox approach to production: it's so obvious and composed that it sounds like an era rather than a song. One of the album's catchier tunes. 'Fool For You' is next and comes with a jittery, uneasy rhythm. I don't think it's a coincidence that both of the songs I've liked least here are with featured artists: in a way, Cee Lo's vocals are background noise that blend with the music so seamlessly that to have another intruder disturbs the sound somewhat.

But fear no more, 'It's OK' is just what it says. A jazzy piano tune borrowed from the Four Tops' "I Can't Help Myself" builds to a soaring chorus and by now most pessimists will have turned off in a fit of dissatisfaction with modern nonchalance. Fortunately I have more patience and joy. 'Old Fashioned' is somewhat an ironic title, given his musical leanings, but the old fashioned virtues sung here are of love - and rather brilliantly too.

'No One's Gonna Love You' initially sounds a lot like a Lemar track I can't recall the name of, but I'm sure that's a good thing - as Lemar is another recent musician I respect for their fondness of, what I consider to be, real music. It's very obvious, yes, and that can get a little irritating after a while - but everything is there for a reason. Every string is a heartstring being pulled on, every drumbeat a heart thud, it's emotional and thrilling. And that brings me to the end, an Outro verson of the Intro's "Lady Killer Theme". Electric guitars somewhat shatter the mould and a similarly (to the intro) manic pursuit ensures the record goes out with a bang.

So to conclude: there are those who'll criticise artists for trying to emulate the past - because it's essentially copycat work and not at all current. But look at what's current. I rest my case - the album's packed with more emotion, more vocal talent, more ambition and earnesty, and pure MUSIC, than a lot of what I've heard this year, and for that, I can only commend Green.

Rating: 7/10
Highlights: Satisfied, Fuck You, It's OK, I Want You, Cry Baby
Avoid: Fool For You