I gotta feeling that the Black Eyed Peas’ new album Translation won’t just meet you half-way but it’ll pump the fun back into music.
After two whole years of waiting for their next album, Translation is finally here with a lot of famous features, non-stop beats and the one and only Will-I-Am showing us a good time. There is no stopping this trio from transforming songs into absolute bangers.
Kicking off the album with RITMO, this remix of Rhythm Of The Night by Corona is not only fresh and exciting but also uses a mixture of English and Spanish lyrics to completely alter its atmosphere. Switching languages is something that the Black-Eyed Peas visit frequently; Mamacita and Celebrate are clear examples of this and add Spanish flare with their sensual dance feel. Sampling songs seems to be a clear success for this band and using ideas of Can’t Touch This in Vida Loca, the band manage to play around with its bassline and let it fit their track as if it were meant to be. With Bass and drums being a large focus in this album, especially in the track No Manana, the synth in Vida Loca adds colour and really makes it stand out as a fun and upbeat moment.
There are also some really interesting appearances on this record; Shakira and Becky G manage to bring something different to the tracks they’re used on and their vocal blend with Will I am is extremely satisfying, making the song sound competent as a whole.
With a lot of the tracks mentioning their desire for sex and parties like Action and Mabuti, it is surprising when we get to the closer that there is a hugely acoustic and soft shift. This compliments the topic of the effects Coronavirus has had all over the world. Will I Am inspires people to keep pushing along and help save the world along with everyone in it, and as it is incredibly close to home, it’s easy for people to connect to, no matter which country they are based in.
The Black-Eyed Peas’ new album is something that should be taken to your next party and I guarantee it will raise the spirits of everyone there. However, comparing it to earlier albums, I’m not too sure that they have met their own standards and the public’s expectations, overall.
Score: 3/5
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