On their first single off their debut album, “Joints &
Jam,” this multiethnic L.A. trio makes its mission clear:
“When you hear the cut, baby doll, I know you’ll feel it, hon /
Get up on the floor, start movin’ some / body parts that got
brothers acting dumb.” Obviously, these Peas aim to make
any stiff, cross-armed wallflowers feel out of place amid a
sea of bobbing, grooving bodies. Eschewing talk of bitches
and bullets, Black Eyed Peas lay down a mix of clever,
feel-good lyrics and breezy ’n’ bouncy jazz-tinged tracks.
The mic styles of this thrift store-outfitted, goofily named
trio (that’s Will.I.Am, Apl.de.Ap and Taboo, to you) may not
be ear-bending, but from the Busta Rhymes-esque
crowd-pleaser “Clap Your Hands” to the groovy, perfectly
named “Head Bobs,” these guys work their blend of live
musicianship and programmed beats to consistently fine
effect. And songs like “Fallin’ Up” show them to be pretty
down-to-earth, as well. “You try to dis our function, by
stating that we can’t rap / Is it cuz we don’t wear Tommy
Hilfiger or baseball caps?”
Rocking the body instead of racking up body bags, these
Peas provide a healthy dose of positive summer fun.
— David Wollock
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Patrick Saunders
saundp@rpi.edu
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institiute
"Free my heart so my soul may fly"
"Free my mind of my worldly wants and desires"
"I look towards heaven with my arms open wide"
"Take my hand come and take my hand"