Party To Go Please

The Black Eyed Peas know how to get a room moving, and they don’t screw with that formula on Monkey Business. From the opening shot on “Pump It,” the Peas deliver strong rhythms and engaging rhymes, complimented perfectly by Fergie’s harmonies. The middle of the album falters by the standards the Peas have set for themselves, but still provides solid party music.The standout track “My Style” stars Justin Timberlake (again), but it’s the beats that make it irresistible – compliments of Timbaland. The album was mostly recorded while the Peas toured in support of Elephunk, and the backstage party cum jam session energy carries into their newest recordings.

ame Fergies gets much more airtime on this album, but her vocals don’t always showcase the talent she’s displayed earlier. Nevertheless, her featured track “My Humps” is a lot of fun simply because of its outrageousness. “Whatcha gonna do with all that breast/All that breast inside that shirt/I’m gonna make make make you work/Make you work work/Make you work.” Awesome. Those are the lyrics, and yes they actually do work (as long as listeners don’t take their music too seriously.)

ame Considering the Peas essentially make funked-out pop, they’re still taking small chances with their music. On “Bebot” Apl de Ap rhymes in Tagalog, with “Pilipino!” being chanted in the background. The song works extremely well, as does “Gone Going,” which samples Jack Johnson to perfection.

ame To balance it all out the Peas still bring in many guest stars, with this rotation including the afore-mentioned Timberlake as well as James Brown, John Legend, Q-Tip and Talib Kweli. It’s mostly fluff, but it’s good fluff.