Music review: CeeLo Green, Heart Blanche

It's nearly 10 years since Gnarls Barkley brought the infectious hit Crazy to our ears.

Since then, half of that duo, CeeLo Green, has had greatest success with F*** You, and its companion Forget You, from his 2010 album The Lady Killer.

Heart Blanche is his fifth studio album, and it's not short on the fun factor Green has become known for.

That said, the lead single Robin Williams is a poignant reflection on the comedian's death - "We've got to laugh the pain away," he sings.

Mother May I, written with Mark Ronson, is full of soul but a bit of a dirge, and his sampling of what must be one of the saddest TV theme tunes - Taxi's Angela - on Sign of the Times doesn't do much to increase the frivolity, though its familiarity is welcome.

Given what has been going on in his personal life, perhaps the deflated tone is understandable, but the best track here is the upbeat Est. 1980s, full of pop culture references, like a music-themed We Didn't Start The Fire (and Billy Joel is namechecked here too).

All up, there's enough trademark CeeLo Green magic to make this a worthwhile listen.

Rating: 3.5/5