The Dutchess by Fergie

I have never been a fan of Fergie, I have always blamed her for ruining Black Eyed Peas and turning them from a cool, undergroud hip hop band with a soulful conscience to a commercial outfit whose main prerogative was crossing over. It was of no surprise to me to hear that she released an album last year and to be honest, of no interest. However ever since Gossip Girl made it's debut a few weeks ago with Fergie's song, Glamorous in the background, I have been totally addicted to it. So when a work colleague lent me her album, The Dutchess, I decided to give it a spin.

First of all, I was not impressed with the cover which has Fergie in a kneeled position wearing what seems to be a black negligee. I personally think she looks like a high class hooker. Anyway to the music.

Top tracks:

Fergalicious
The album gets off to a poppin start with the catchy Fergalicious. You could be forgiven for mistaking this for a Black Eyed Peas track but not surprised as Will i. am is the producer. Think of My Humps with a psychedelic spin and you are on the right track

Clumsy
This is reggae like with a ska (ish) vibe and probably the sort of song that Sean Kingston would have released as his second single if Fergie had not got there first.

London Bridge
Hey I really like this especially the chorus. This song is very vibrant and the kind of tune that you would gyrate to in the morning.

All That I Got (The Make Up Song)
This is a lovely melody that you can imagine Mariah Carey singing but unlike Ms Carey, Fergie does not over sing it.

Glamorous
The signature of the album and without doubt the best. This is simply a pop tune that does not pretend to be anything else. Fergie’s dulcet tones are very suited here.

Finally
I actually really like this, it is a slow one with a piano accompanying it but it works well with her voice. It very melodic and very uplifting.

Get Your Hands Up
This might as well be another Black Eyed Peas tune, they feature on it and it is so the groups style. Very high energy and pulsating.

Could have really down without:

Pedestal
The most significant aspect of this song is the beginning, which starts off with the lullaby, 'London Bridge is Falling Down.' Other than that it is an average R&B track.

Voodoo Doll
This is an attempt of Fergie to do some Lovers Rock but failing miserably.

Here I Come
Nothing to say about this apart from the fact that it is Fergie rapping over the best of Get Ready Here I Come by Eddie Kendricks and The Temptations. Not bad but a big fat zero for originality.

Velvet
If you are finding it hard to sleep than play this track and I can guarantee it will send you off.

Big Girls Don't Cry (Personal)
After doing R&B and hip hop, Fergie tries her hand at rock. This is not my cup of tea at all; I find it very bland and middle of the road. When I first heard it I thought it was Pink.

Mary Jane Shoes
Nice name as I am a fan of those type of shoes. But is is just another pitiful attempt from Fergie to master reggae. Give it up girl, it ain't happening!

Losing My Ground
She sounds like Britney in the beginning, I got totally spooked. This is an ok track and nothing really special.

Wake Up
Another rock song which is very forgettable which is a huge shame because the last song on the album is supposed to make the artist go out with a bang and this is more of ploff.

R&B, hip-hop, reggae, singing and rapping, Fergie tries it all. However, the phrase ‘Jack of all Trades and master of none’ comes to mind. There are some really good tracks here like London Bridge, Glamorous. Finally and Fergalicious which are mixed with some very bland ones such as Wake Up, Big Girls don’t Cry and Velvet. Overall this album is surprisingly good and I would recommend it.