RnB star CeeLo Green says Heart Blanche, his first album in five years and out this week, is only the beginning of what's in store for the 40-year-old.
He is returning to the spotlight after a professional hiatus that began last year with his departure as mentor in the United States version of The Voice, following a drug charge.
Green says he used the time for introspection and creativity and Heart Blanche is result. "This album is a prequel to the rest of the music I want to release in the very near future," he says. "[It's] the start of a new beginning."
Is Heart Blanche your most personal album yet?
It’s always personal to some degree, but much more introspective this time around than what I’ve been able to be over the last five years professionally. The last time I did it to this degree was under the alias Gnarls Barkley.
Can you talk about the single Robin Williams?
For this generation, Robin Williams' untimely and unfortunate death is probably more synonymous with that of his actual life's work. So I'm going back to Mork & Mindy and The World According to Garp and Popeye – things I actually grew up with – so I know Robin a little bit better. It wasn't meant to be a tribute to the extent of an obituary. ... I got to address my own empathy for him in a personal way, but also make it general and applicable to everyone.
What was your process making this album?
I’ve been recording this album for about three years. I did some recording in Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Atlanta, the Bahamas, Palm Springs, California. I’ve been all over the world recording this album. I’m proud to say that I was very proficient and prolific and I got an awful lot of work done. I have amassed a large amount of material and I’ll be able to use it in increments.
Did you always know you would be a musician?
I would say so. Elton John, for example, or Earth, Wind & Fire, or KISS and Sly Stone, David Bowie – these people who were iconic images [and] fashionistas, I’m cut from their cloth. I’m encouraged from their era of entertainment. I do feel like I represent that for a new generation.
Does the little kid in you freak out now that these artists are essentially your peers?
It makes sense to me and I’m cool around these people. I get a chance to be with Prince and I’m cool around him. Because I feel like I know him. I feel like I grew up with him. They feel like extended family, like uncles and aunts.
How creatively satisfying has this new album been?
I’m content with the album but I’m not complacent with the album. I can do more and I want to do more. I want to first be reintroduced, and I want the people to be reminded of who I am in an artistic capacity, and they will see my generosity because my cup just runneth over with song: with melody, with harmony, with sentiment and a sweetness for all.
• Heart Blanche (Atlantic Records) is out now
* Associated Press