It’s a unique feeling — to put a new CD in the player. After examining the cover, the liner notes and the song titles, the time comes to put the music to the test. The first moments are critical, setting the stage for the rest of the album to develop.
The fourth full release from the Black Eyed Peas, Monkey Business, provides a letdown at that moment of truth. The surf guitar on the opening track, “Pump It,” is a sample of Dick Dale’s “Miserlou” — the song known to many as the theme to "Pulp Fiction" — and gives the listener nothing new at all.
The Black Eyed Peas are trying harder than ever for a pop sound on the new album. That, in itself, is not a bad thing; there is nothing wrong with appealing to a wide audience as long as the music is good. In the case of Monkey Business, it seems that quality is sacrificed for the sake of creating an accessible hook.
As the album progresses, it becomes apparent that dancing may be the best and only way to enjoy Monkey Business. This album could easily produce a number of dance-floor hits, with its fun and easy-to-listen-to style. But don’t try to look too deeply into these songs because you will find that they are practically hollow.
The lyrics are largely self-referential (one song is entitled “My Style”), which gets old fast. Despite all the praise they give themselves, their isn’t much on the album to back it up.
Some of the tracks, like “My Hump,” are just embarrassing — not only because of the ridiculous lyrics but also because of the unsubtle ripping-off of better artists. The chorus of the song reads, “My Hump, my hump, my lovely lady lumps,” and it does this ten times in a row, which makes it difficult to take this group seriously.
To their credit, they do redeem the track at the last minute by completely changing the tone and subject. The breakdown into a more soft, lounge rhythm occurs several times throughout the album and shows maturity on the part of the composers.
Two tracks show some thoughtfulness. “Don’t Lie” playfully deals with the compulsion to lie to your lover, and “Union” is a plea for world peace, featuring a guest appearance by Sting.
Most of the songs, however, are good for little else than being blasted in the background of a late-night house party.
