Peas' latest loses some 'Phunk'

Though lyrically Black Eyed Pea's Monkey Business could use some improvement, it is a catchy, feel-good CD. The hooks are easy to remember and even easier to get up and dance to, yet this is not a CD that one feels connected to the music. The CD mixes many types of music genres -- funk, folk, pop, hip-hop and rap. Monkey Business has the potential to appeal to people with wide musical taste, but more then likely will only draw in crowds from the pop category. Vocal stars like Justin Timberlake, Jack Johnson, Sting and James Brown add a little extra something to the songs, but overall it appears that the Black Eyed Peas are striving for every song to become the next pop hit. \n"Don't Phunk with my Heart," the radio version was changed to "Don't Mess with My Heart," has proven to be a popular summer song by ranking fifth on the Billboard charts recently and one of the top 10 popular songs on iTunes. The best song on the CD is "Don't Lie." It has a laid-back beat while the lyrics tell a story about getting trapped in lies and cheating. will.i.am, Taboo and apl.de.ap provide interesting rap verses, while Fergie sings a chorus easy to memorize. \n"My Humps," a song Fergie sings poking fun at using her butt to get what she wants from men and is the only song the features Fergie singing the majority of the track, which is lyrically entertaining. On most other songs, Fergie is just singing the chorus, which is disappointing. \nThe song featuring Jack Johnson, "Gone Going," will prove to be a popular song because of Johnson's popularity on his own. The song has the same feel that most of Johnson's songs do, it would have been nice to see the collaboration give the listeners a little something different. \nMost of the artists that guest star on the CD don't stray too far from their original sound and the Black Eyed Peas' sound. Some artists even make reference to their past songs, during their collaboration -- "My Style" featuring Justin Timberlake.\nNo awful songs grace the tracks of this album, but this CD is not as good as Elephunk nor will it have as many pop hits -- Phunk had four. There are a couple of tracks that are worth downloading from iTunes or Napster. But unless you are a huge Black Eyed Pea's fan, I don't suggest buying this CD because it's highly unlikely that it will get your party started.