Gnarls Barkley, the duo of CeeLo Green and Danger Mouse, have released their first new single in 18 years, "Pictures," ahead of their final album, Atlanta, set for March 6. The album marks the end of the project they began two decades ago, drawing inspiration from their shared hometown. The single reflects on Green's childhood experiences riding Atlanta's MARTA train system.
Gnarls Barkley, consisting of CeeLo Green and Danger Mouse, released the single "Pictures" on February 25, 2026, as a preview to their upcoming album Atlanta, due out on March 6 via 10k Projects/Atlantic Records. This marks the duo's first new music since 2008's The Odd Couple, following their debut St. Elsewhere in 2006. The pair, who always intended to make a third album, reconnected last year to complete the project, which they describe as their final release under the Gnarls Barkley name.
The song "Pictures" draws from Green's teenage years in Atlanta during the 1990s. In a statement, Green recounted 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 8 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. 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.” He added, “’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.”
Since their last joint effort, Green has pursued a solo career, releasing albums such as CeeLo Green is Thomas Calloway in 2020, and served as a judge on The Voice. He also reunited with Goodie Mob for two records. In 2012, Green faced legal issues, pleading no contest to a felony count of furnishing ecstasy after an accusation of sexual battery; he received three years of probation and 360 hours of community service, later issuing a public apology in 2014. Danger Mouse has collaborated extensively, including on Cheat Codes with Black Thought in 2022 and work with artists like Karen O and Broken Bells.
Green has teased a Gnarls Barkley return for over a decade, noting in 2010 that they would start again soon, and in 2014 expressing surprise at ongoing fan interest. The album Atlanta, named for their hometown, features 13 tracks: 1. Tomorrow Died Today, 2. I Amnesia, 3. Pictures, 4. Line Dance, 5. Turn Your Heart Back On, 6. Let Me Be, 7. Cyberbully (Yayo), 8. Perfect Time, 9. Sweet Evil, 10. Boy Genius, 11. The Be Be King, 12. Sorry, 13. Accept It. It is available for pre-order.
