The Old School
For those that are old enough to remember, the 1950s were a simpler time. They were a place of drive-in movies, malt chocolate shakes, and waiting until marriage to do the nasty. These days it’s overpriced movie tickets, Four Loko, and movie theater make-out sessions (maybe more). Well, Cee Lo Green is bringing back nostalgia for the ‘50s in a big way with his latest release, The Lady Killer.
Cee Lo’s soulful and well-produced album brings back the ’50s retro sound. Many classic soul influences can be heard on this album. Cee Lo incorporates elements such as female backing vocals, horns, strings, quick guitar chords, and plenty of rhythm. The Lady Killer also has a theatrical element with a spy movie theme.
Cee Lo puts on a stellar vocal performance with riveting highs, catchy melodies, and vocal charisma. His unique, nasally voice brings a certain charm to the songs while his slow and soulful ballads just as well as upbeat tracks. There are sexy and jazzy elements such as a muted trumpet that add to the ambiance.
Like his previous hit “Crazy” with Gnarls Barkley (his collaboration with Danger Mouse), The Lady Killer contains yet another stunner. “Fuck You!” is an extremely catchy song with a very cheerful, upbeat rhythm about the tearful subject of losing the girl he loves to a man with more green in his pocket. The song features groovin’ piano, funky guitar, and an organ with heavy vibrato. Other standouts on the album include “Bright Lights Bigger City,” which features a catchy beat, “Billy Jean” bass, and cool synths. “Love Gun” sounds like it could be on a James Bond film soundtrack with brass instruments, sexy guitar riffs, and gunshots.
Overall, The Lady Killer is a nicely orchestrated album with drama, soul, and sex appeal. Cee Lo’s emotional vocals make the songs compelling and are a great mood setter for that drive-in movie date. Don’t forget the malt chocolate shake (two straws) and you better bring her home by eleven!
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