★ ★ ★ 1/2 out of 5
One day, the promotional rollout for Fergie's official sophomore solo album will become a case study for pop music fanatics. Nearly eleven years following the successful release of her debut album The Dutchess -- which featured three number one hits -- and seven years following her last project with The Black Eyed Peas, the "Glamorous" singer is finally able to present her newest labor of love to eager, and sometimes impatient, fans.
Preceded by four diverse singles, the first being released back in 2014, the eclectic Double Dutchess is now on the shelves. With one foot in the future, Fergie does appear to have trouble letting go of her artistic past, creating a juxtaposition of influences that will either please or divide critics. Mixing pop, hip-hop, R&B, rock, and at times, jazz, the project is an enjoyable mess of inspiration that still comes off as quintessential Fergie Ferg.
Following "LA Love (La La)" feat. YG, the explicit "M.I.L.F. $", the optimistic "Life Goes On", and the Nicki Minaj-assisted "You Already Know", the new album sheds light on the artist's personal and destructive past life, troubles in paradise, appetite for dominance and future goals. Though the path to its release has been chaotic, in the end, Fergie has stuck true to her guns and maintained creative control in order to create a 13-track follow up effort that feels like a natural progression, if only the general public did not need to wait over a decade.
As the album opener, “Hungry” featuring Rick Ross, becomes a warning of what’s in store. Instead of the upbeat pop influences featured on her debut album, ominous production creeps in to highlight Fergie’s bold ambitions and insatiable appetite for success. Most of Fergie’s proclamations, her insight into internal frustration, were initially heard a year ago, but the truth of her words has not changed. In fact, given the parent album’s long journey, they have become much more important.
Sonically inspired by the tone of her debut solo single, “Like It Ain’t Nuttin’” finds Fergie boasting about accomplishments, effortless success and her abrasive attitude. Supported by heavy piano keys, the hip-hop-leaning effort is a melting pot of inspiration that does not take itself too seriously. “I didn't mean to hurt 'em, I didn't mean to kill 'em, I didn't mean to make 10, 20, 100 million, and ever since I made it, I been murdered on the ceiling,” she presses on the second verse.
Though “You Already Know” incorporates numerous genre influences, jumping from 90s dance, to hip-hop, and throwing a bit of jazz into the mix towards the end, the single ultimately maintains course and hits all points. Again, we hear Fergie boasting about her accolades and glamorous life, as Nicki Minaj plays a supportive role by delivering a golden verse. With a beautifully delivered chorus, one of the highlights of the album, Fergie claims her spot as one of the most innovative veterans in the game today.
The experience of a dysfunctional relationship has tainted the artist as she sings of living in a nightmare on “Just Like You”, an edgy yet somber affair. The reckless romance has left a lasting negative impression on Fergie, causing her to see visions of demons and question her own morals. Utilizing a captivating and emotive vocal delivery, the artist works to shed light on the darkness as she tries to move forward from her past. Overall, it’s an effective display of good vs. evil.
All albums come complete with a grand ballad moment. “A Little Work” takes that place here. As Fergie digs deep into her own past and mind to share moments of trauma and heartbreak, she tells moving stories of the struggling single mother and defeated warrior to sing that perfection is impossible to achieve. “We're all just a little bit broken, we're all just a little bit hurt, we've all got wounds half open, we all can use a little work,” she belts on the rousing chorus, an honest and sincere revelation.
Official third single "Life Goes On" transported listeners back to 2006, latching on to a tranquil, tropical-pop vibe, reminiscent of Fergie's previous smash "Big Girls Don't Cry". With heartfelt appeal and an acoustic, instrumentally-driven beat that then transforms into a subtle EDM-influenced production, the artist contemplates the daily uncertainty that comes with the end of a relationship. Though there may be a mix of frustration and sadness buried within the lyrical content, in the end, it's all about seeing the beauty in life around.
"M.I.L.F. $" is as unpredictable an album single as Fergie and her career. The fast-paced effort interestingly kicks off with the tongue-in-cheek, radio-ready chorus, with the artist letting it be known that beauty and sex appeal does not necessarily disappear or diminish with age. Filled to the brim with sexual innuendos, the infectious club track satisfied most and exuded a relaxed playfulness that should have fared much better on the radio airwaves upon initial release.
Given the recent news of her split with husband Josh Duhmel, the impact of bittersweet “Save It Till Morning” hits that much harder. Supported by acoustic guitar, Fergie details complicated scenarios unraveling in her current relationship. Instead of dwelling on the fights and bad blood, she prays for a stress less night of sleep. However, in the end, she appears to be coming to terms with the concept of severing ties with her significant other, for her own betterment.
Featuring the adorable vocals of her son Axl Jack on the intro, gears switch for the globe-trotting, EDM-styled “Enchanté (Carine)”. Inspired by the initial flurry of emotions that come along with the start of a blossoming relationship, Fergie can’t seem to hide her excitement and nerves. “This feeling, can't lose it, it's better to use it, to find out, discover, how we like each other,” she playfully sings before the subtle yet infectious production creeps in to sweep the listener away on their unpredictable, romantic journey.
“Tension” takes the album down a psychedelic path, exuding Kylie Minogue dance vibes, as Fergie seduces a potential suitor from the other side of the dance floor. The artist does not shy away from expressing her carnal desires, getting hot and bothered by just the sight of the stranger. In addition to a change in lyrical content and direction, the sultry vocal performance is an unexpected treat for listeners. They hear Fergie deliver a commanding performance, giving up control in the process.
Three years ago, Fergie officially started her solo sophomore album adventure. “L.A. Love (La La)” is a hip-hop laced track that references almost every city in the world. The DJ Mustard-produced effort was a vast departure from the sugary pop singles found on her debut album, but still carried the rough charm and intriguing, confident vocals that are normally associated with a Fergie release. It was not the most imaginative start, but it accomplished its job to generate excitement.
Singing on the beach with sand between her toes and the support of a relaxed reggae beat, Fergie blasts her lover for lies, wandering eyes and infidelity on “Love Is Blind”, an upbeat production with misleading underlying meaning. The artist highlights an endearing commitment to remaining devoted and honest, through sickness and in health, but her man appears to not have the same vision for their future. Clearly oblivious to the flashing warning signs, she pushes forward as best she can.
The album closes out with rock-tinged ballad “Love Is Pain”, a powerhouse epic that calls for the strongest vocal performance of Fergie’s solo career. Besides some overly dramatic and rather unnecessary “ha ha ha’s”, the heartbreaking number perfectly embodies the sometimes cruel nature of affection. “You know when I'm most insecure, you bring me down further, I could never live up to perfect,” the artist sings with defeated attitude as stadium-ready guitar surrounds her pain.
Double Dutchess is a fun, emotional and authentic showcase of an artist who has never truly found her niche. Fergie never needed to honestly. Whether it's highlighting her rap skills with a hip-hop edge, bragging about her lady parts with the support of a pop radio beat, or toying with the peaks of her vocal range for revealing ballads, she's always found a way to successfully blend her multiple artistic personalities. While some of the tracks suffer slightly from dated inspiration and songwriting that failed to be as innovative or sharp as it could have been, not one effort sounds like filler. The decade-long wait may take some points away, but after the ups and down, the artist has unleashed a solid full length sophomore experience.
Tracks to Hear: "You Already Know" feat. Nicki Minaj, "Just Like You", "A Little Work", "Save It Till Morning" and "Tension"
Double Dutchess is a fun, emotional and authentic showcase of an artist who has never truly found her niche. Fergie never needed to honestly. Whether it's highlighting her rap skills with a hip-hop edge, bragging about her lady parts with the support of a pop radio beat, or toying with the peaks of her vocal range for revealing ballads, she's always found a way to successfully blend her multiple artistic personalities. While some of the tracks suffer slightly from dated inspiration and songwriting that failed to be as innovative or sharp as it could have been, not one effort sounds like filler. The decade-long wait may take some points away, but after the ups and down, the artist has unleashed a solid full length sophomore experience.
Tracks to Hear: "You Already Know" feat. Nicki Minaj, "Just Like You", "A Little Work", "Save It Till Morning" and "Tension"
0 Yorumlar