McLovin
Like leap years and the Olympic Games, Cee Lo Green hits come once every four years. In 2006, he was one half of Gnarls Barkley alongside Dangermouse, with Crazy spending nine weeks at the summit. In 2010 he went it alone, with this retro-cool single and splendid video.
It makes sense that for radio friendliness, the song's title could be gently reworked to gain solid airplay (and achieve a group X Factor performance). But I think something quite interesting happens with the word change. 'Fuck you' is like saying goodbye with your middle finger up - in other words, you're still hurting like hell. While 'forget you' seems more upbeat, and you're ready to move on.
I loved this instantly but, much like Crazy, its ubiquitous nature means that its appeal has gradually worn off for me. However, I still think the middle eight is extraordinary. 'Now baby, baby, baby, why you wanna wanna hurt me so bad?' Cee Lo sings, halfway between a screech and a cry. 'And I'm like UH! Why? UH Why?? UH WHYY Laadddy!?!....I LOVE YOU, I STILL LOVE YOUUU OHHHH!'. In his falsetto wailing, he manages to encapsulate all the grief, anguish and utter vulnerability that a devastating heartbreak can cause. That he performs it in such a comic manner downplays this and keeps the bouncy tone going into the final chorus. But every time I listen to it, it's the part I'm most looking forward to hearing.
See you in 2014 Mr. Green!
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