A royal Fergie (The Dutchess - Fergie)

Member Name: Lakerfanster

Product:	The Dutchess - Fergie
Date:	21/11/08 (112 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Music, Finally, Boys don't cry

Disadvantages: Get your hands up

**Introduction**

Fergie (Real Name Stacy Ferguson) made her name in the hip hop group Black Eyed Peas whom she joined as a replacement to former singer Kim Hill before their Elephunk album which turned the group from respected hip hoppers into huge stars. In 2006 she released her first solo album after being involved on the Black Eyed Peas albums 2003's Elephunk and the 2005 release Monkey Business.

**The Dutchess**

Stacy Ferguson released her debut solo album as Fergie in 2006 and collaborations with Will i am keep the Black Eyed Peas element of her music strong. She also works with Ludacris amongst lesser known Rita Marley & the I-Threes and she also duets with John Legend on Finally which John Legend co wrote with Ron Fair. Fergie's mix of hip hop, r&b and pop was hugely successful and this is my review.

1.) Fergalicious ft Will.i.am

This opening track features Fellow Black Eyed Pea Will.i.am, it's a funky hip hop track which has some interesting backing sounds but doesnt have that spark that takes it from just above average. Nice enough though and quite catchy.

2.) Clumsy

This was one of the singles from the album and tells the story of when Fergie has fallen for the wrong kind of man who has been a total waste of a relationship. A catchy poppy r&b track which has a feel good factor and a great video.

3.) All that I got (the make up song)

This is the first ballad on the album and has a very late 80's early 90's feel. Her voice is sweet and tender and this track works really well despite most of the rest of the album's tinge to hip hop based tracks.

4.) London Bridge

Not sure exactly what this track is really about but it makes for a decent novelty track but it doesnt showcase her vocal ability which is a shame as she can do much better than this. It does get on your nerves if you listen to it too much.

5.) Pedestal

This is a funky track which has a hip hop feel, this is one of the best showcases of the flow of her vocal delivery. Not outstanding but a very decent track which will have appeal across the board. Very catchy.

6.) Voodoo Doll

Another funky track which has a catchy feel, It's obvious really what this track is about and her rapid fire vocal delivery is superbly melodic and works very well indeed. One of the best uptempo tracks on this album.

7.) Glamourous

This is the duet with Ludacris and was one of the hottest tracks of 2006. I love the way this song moves along and the music on this track is probably the best on the album, an atmospheric keyboard backing with a clapping beat.

8.) Here I Come

This track features an old school horn section and the sample of The Temptations' song "Get Ready" Will.i.am provides a better appearance than on the opening track Fergalicious. A decent track which gains a lot from the sample.

9.) Velvet

This opens with a progressive drum beat which gets louder and once it is at the right level her gentle vocals come in. This sounds like one of those laidback tracks you get on those Ibiza Chillout mixes. This is a very decent track indeed.

10.) Big Girls don't cry

This was another huge hit single off The Dutchess, The story of this track is about moving on from a relationship that has ended and the journey from when it happens to when you feel you are totally over them and have moved on from the relationship. A superb ballad which shows what she is capable of both vocally and lyrically.

11.) Mary Jane Shoes

This opens with an interesting electronic beat and then the reggae element comes in, this is a very atmospheric track which works really well. Rita Marley & the I-Threes Provide a great addition to this track. Well worth listening to.

12.) Losing My Ground

This has a nice feel with the acoustic guitar, drum beat and background sounds. I Can imagine this song getting stuck in your head due to it's fantastic feel and catchy overall package. One of the best on the album.

13.) Finally

This is a gorgeous stripped down track, John Legend on piano with Fergie's passionate vocals, So different to anything else on the album, The strings come in later but this track feels so intimate and is a superb showcase of her talents when she really buckles down.

14.) Get Your Hands Up

Why on earth was this included on this album is beyond me, it really doesnt work as the contributors do nothing to enhance this track at all.

15.) Wake Up

This is a decent track which has a beat which sounds like Michael Jackson's 2000 Watts from his Invincible album if it was done on different instruments. Her vocals are a huge improvement from get your hands up and this is a much more catchy track which works extremely well.

"Maybe We Can Take a Ride" (Hidden Track)

This is at the end of the album and is a superb jazzy track which showcases the gentle voice she can do. A worthy addition to the album which should have replaced Get your hands up then we would never have had to hear it in the first place.

**Overall**

15 tracks on this album and I would say that is on this occassion probably two tracks too many. Especially the utterly forgettable Get your hands up. This album just creeps into four stars as you can't rate three and a half stars on dooyoo. She should do a lot more tracks like Finally and Boys don't cry on her second album if she is going to continue that level of success.
15 Wake Up

Summary: Good overall.