The E.N.D.

One of the must-have album this year, Black Eyed Peas are back with their best album yet, The E.N.D (Energy Never Dies). I only managed to get hold of the album 2 weeks after its release. Kept going back to Gramophone Parkway Parade after my gym sessions only to find out that the Deluxe Edition was sold out.

To date, The E.N.D has produced two No. 1's Billboard singles, with "Boom Boom Pow" topping the chart for 12 weeks and succeeded by the current reigning No. 1, "I Gotta Feeling". The album itself debuts at No. 1 on its release. That already speaks a lot about the album. BEP is well known for churning out hot party songs, frequently being spinned at clubs. With catchy hooks and beats, their tunes are favourites among partygoers.

Just like its previous 2 albums since the inclusion of Fergie in its lineup, The E.N.D has the same formula used. Majority of the tracks are fast tracks with catchy beats. Besides "Boom Boom Pow", others include "Imma Be", "Showdown" and "Electric City". Every BEP albums will have at least a socially-conscious track talking about politics and discrimination. For this album the track is called "One Tribe". However this track doesn't seem to have the impact like its previous Elephunk's "Where Is The Love" had. A Fergie solo "Out Of My Head" and the usual Apl De Ap's tribute song to his Filipino Roots "Mare" is also worth listening to.

The Deluxe edition comes a with second disc with tracks from BEP's previous album reinvented and remixed. The title also has been given a fresh name. The familiar tunes includes "Lets Get Re-Started", "Shut The Phunk Up" and "Pump It Harder". Rumours has it that there were tension among BEP members, especially between Fergie and Will.i.am. It seems that Fergie wants things to be done her way. With her successful solo effort a few years ago, fame has apparently got the better of The Dutchess. No doubt that Fergie is the reason BEP became commercially successful since her recruitment for Elephunk. The album title itself has a double meaning. Will we see the E.N.D of BEP? Time will only tell whether the quartet will keep the energy going on. .