It’s been 25 years since the Black Eyed Peas released this globally embraced sophomore album, and this Anniversary Edition collects the 14 tracks across two vinyl LPs with some color variant options available.
“BEP Empire” starts the party with plenty of dense bass alongside the flowing vocals from will.i.am, adl.de.ap and Taboo, and “Weekend” follows with Esthero’s pretty voice that suits the lively, beat-driven delivery.
Further along, “Hot” welcomes Kim Hill’s soulful and expressive pipes to the hip-hop flavored climate, while “On My Own” enlists Les Nubian and Mos Def for the finger snapping, atmospheric and dance floor ready mood. “Bridging The Gaps,” one of the best tunes present, then blends pop, funk and hip-hop via the smooth melodies.
Later in the listen, the initially soft “Go Go” bursts into an animated, club ready anthem, but it’s Wyclef Jean’s contributions to the colorful and stylish “Rap Song” that invites singing along and makes this the best collaboration on the record.
Another excellent cameo arrives for the last track. Macy Gray’s inimitable singing is in attendance for the rhythmic “Request Line,” with is just as infectious as the rest of the effort.
The original album yielded three singles, which helped build momentum for the Black Eyed Peas’ worldwide fame that was coming soon. Hill, who played an important role in the songs, left the band a couple years after this was released and was replaced by Fergie.
The stars of the show, of course, are will.i.am, adl.de.ap, Taboo and Hill, but you can’t dismiss George Pajon (guitar), Printz Board (trumpet, bass, keys), Roberto Cani (strings), Suzanna Giordono (strings) and Susan Chatman’s (horns, strings) presence.
This may not have been one of the Black Eyed Peas’ best albums as far as the charts, but it’s an important part of their story and this reissue is much warranted.
