Monkey Business by Black Eyed Peas

The new disc Monkey Business officially dropped the first week June 2005 giving Black Eyed Peas fans another jolt of some new hits that will keep their disc player busy. Like an exhibit at a carnival the theme on this album is apparent as a lot of variety is presented on this album. Despite being over saturated on the airwaves, one of the best tracks on this album is the second song, "Don't Phunk with my Heart". This fast paced dance song and its quirky lyrics instantly became a hit with the public and has garnered a huge MTV following due to its video and danceability. The first track, Pump It, is quickly ignored as another rebuffed remake featuring Dick Dales sample supported with nonstop passe chants that don't do much for me. This song feels more like a nursery rhyme that been rejuvenated with cadenced dance beats. Perhaps I expected more but the track, My Style is probably the weakest one on the album. Fashion designers may cling to this upbeat song, featuring Justin Timberlake but I seriously doubt this is going to get a lot of airplay. This is a song where rap meets hip-hop, in a bad kind of way. Someone please tell Justin, that just because it worked on the first album, Elephunk in the song, Where Is the Love, that doesn't mean the same formula will work here.


If you are looking for the hard-hitting truth, then the song, Don't Lie is just for you. I really like this song and think the beat and melody are real catchy. This hard hitting piece is not only entertaining but reflects the groups dynamic ability to crank out hits. Things slow down to a mid-tempo groove with the song titled, Gone Going featuring Jack Johnson who drops a sweep melody and sound that feels good. This song will garner a lot of attention serving as the breezy yet familiar song that's as comfortable as your favorite pair of loose fitting jeans. In the song, Disco Club the N-word is dropped leaving an odd taste of acceptance in my mind as I feel it is hear where the group attempts to grab or perhaps say anything that will harvest a few more fans. Fortunately the final track, Union ends on a good note offering the ray of hope I've come to expect in this groups music.


When comparing their last album Elephunk, one has to wonder if Black Eyed Peas has abandoned some of their originality in hopes of appealing to a broader audience where if it not for musical hooks their albums would never make it on mainstream radio. Regardless, I still like this album and like most fans think Fergie is hot. There is not doubt that Fergie is more than just a pretty face as she delivers big in the songs, My Humps and the first single, Don't Phunk With My Heart. Monkey Business may not be as original as their previous album, but there are enough jams on this album to keep your feet busy. There are enough guaranteed dance hits that will definitely make it on the dance floors and airwaves.


Final thoughts:

I'm a huge fan of the Black Eyed Peas, and understand the need for the group to sale records however like most groups I get a little nervous when groups start becoming the norm. If the Black Eyed Peas follow other groups, we can expect a solo album from the lovely Fergie and the demise of another group. For now, I'll keep my fingers crossed and hope for the best. This album is like the new 2006 Mercedes-Benz R-Class where a lot of marketable stuff is combined, the big question remains will Black Eyed Peas continue appealing to a crossover audience. Bottom line, some of the songs are extraordinary like the overplayed, "Don't Phunk With My Heart" however some of the lyrics and material lack inspiration. It is a good album for hanging out, partying and doing aerobics.


Complete Track Listing:

1. Pump It
2. Don't Phunk With My Heart
3. My Style
4. Don't Lie
5. My Humps
6. Like That
7. Dum Diddly
8. Feel It
9. Gone Going
10. They Don't Want Music
11. Disco Club
12. Bebot
13. Ba Bump
14. Audio Delite At Low Fidelity
15. Union