Description
CeeLo Green – CeeLo Green and His Perfect Imperfections – Double Red Galaxy Vinyl Records
VMP Hip-Hop Record of the Month for April 2023. Comes with exclusive listening notes booklet.
First ever vinyl reissue of CeeLo’s immersive solo debut
Lacquers cut by Barry Grint, Alchemy Mastering at AIR
Pressed on Exclusive 2LP Red Galaxy Vinyl
Listening notes booklet by Dimas Sanfiorenzo
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic
CeeLo Green and His Perfect Imperfections is the debut solo album by CeeLo Green, released on April 23, 2002. Known for his unique voice and eclectic style, CeeLo Green was already an established artist as part of the Southern hip-hop group Goodie Mob before venturing into a solo career. This album showcases his ability to blend various genres, including hip-hop, soul, funk, and R&B, while also revealing his eccentric and creative personality.
Before releasing his debut solo album, CeeLo Green (born Thomas DeCarlo Callaway) had gained recognition as a member of Goodie Mob, a group associated with the Dungeon Family collective, which also included OutKast. Goodie Mob was influential in shaping the sound of Southern hip-hop in the 1990s, with a focus on socially conscious lyrics and innovative production.
CeeLo’s decision to pursue a solo career allowed him to explore a broader range of musical influences and personal themes. “CeeLo Green and His Perfect Imperfections” reflects his desire to break free from conventional hip-hop boundaries and express his artistic vision without restraint.
The album is known for its eclectic mix of sounds, blending traditional Southern hip-hop with elements of funk, rock, and soul. Some standout tracks include:
“Bad Mutha” – The opening track is a bold, funky declaration of CeeLo’s artistic independence. It sets the tone for the rest of the album with its confident lyrics and vibrant production.
“Closet Freak” – The lead single from the album, “Closet Freak” is an energetic, funky track that became one of CeeLo’s early solo hits. It’s a celebration of individuality and nonconformity, both in its lyrics and its eclectic, James Brown-inspired production.
“Country Love” – A slower, soulful track that reflects CeeLo’s Southern roots, blending hip-hop with bluesy undertones and showcasing his powerful vocal range.
“Big Ole Words (Damn)” – A lyrically complex track that features CeeLo’s rapid-fire delivery over a laid-back, jazz-influenced beat. It highlights his versatility as both a rapper and a singer.
“Suga Baby” – A groovy, love-themed song that combines playful lyrics with a funky rhythm, illustrating CeeLo’s ability to blend humor with musical sophistication.
CeeLo Green and His Perfect Imperfections was a bold statement from an artist determined to push boundaries and defy genre classifications. The album’s title reflects CeeLo’s embrace of his unique style and persona, celebrating his imperfections as part of what makes his music distinct and powerful.
The album was not a massive commercial success at the time of its release, but it garnered critical acclaim for its originality and CeeLo’s willingness to experiment. It laid the foundation for his later work, both as a solo artist and as part of Gnarls Barkley, where he continued to explore and expand his musical horizons.
The album is now considered a cult classic, admired for its fearless genre-blending and CeeLo’s unapologetic self-expression. It showcased his potential as a solo artist and paved the way for his future successes, including hits like “Crazy” with Gnarls Barkley and his solo hit “Fuck You.”
CeeLo Green and His Perfect Imperfections is a testament to CeeLo’s ability to transcend the boundaries of hip-hop and create music that is both deeply personal and universally appealing. For fans of eclectic, genre-defying music, this album remains an essential listen.
Track Listing
Bad Mutha
Close Encounters (Break)
Big Ole Words (Damn)
Closet Freak
Live (Right Now)
El Dorado Sunrise (Super Chicken)
A Thug’s Concern (Break)
One For The Road
Let Him Sing If He Wants To (Break)
Spend The Night In Your Mind
Suga Baby
Gettin’ Grown
Bass Head Jazz
Microhard
Under The Influence (Follow Me)
Medieval Times (Great Pretender)
Country Love
Awful Thing
Maintenance Man (Break)
Young Man (Sierra’s Song)
Well Damn, Lo (Break)