Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that this album includes a liberal sprinkling of four-letter words ("f--k" and "s--t," mainly) and a lot of teasy sexuality in the lyrics. The four bonus tracks are fine for teens, but "Labels or Love" is all about retail therapy and buying brand names.
Families can talk about whether they like Fergie better on her own or with the Black Eyed Peas. What are the pros and cons of striking out on your own after having great success as part of a group? Could Fergie be just as sexy and fun without using provocative words?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Kathi Kamen Goldmark
With generous help from some very accomplished pals, Fergie steps out on her own on THE DUTCHESS DELUXE. Best known as a member of the Black Eyed Peas, Fergie explores a variety of musical styles with a sense of good-natured fun and enough attitude to compensate for a smidgen of vocal weakness. A lot of her songs combine teasing sexuality with dance-club girl power. "They want my treasures so they get their pleasures from my photo/you can see me (you can squeeze me)/I ain't easy (I ain't sleazy)/I got reasons why I tease 'em," she taunts on "Fergalicious." "All That I Got" tackles deeper topics ("I know you're seeing past my makeup/Into the little girl that used to hide out and cry/When her parents fought/Would you love me if I didn't work out or change my natural hair?") and might hit home with some young fans.
Musically, the album takes some ambitious risks that work better than they really should. There's a gorgeously produced reggae romp on "Mary Jane Shoes" with Rita Marley; there's some '80s hip-hop flavor on "Fergalicious"; as well as soul, jazz, and R&B influences old and new. Tempo and rhythm changes abound; the music and performances are anything but dull. Fergie isn't a great singer, but she pulls it all off with good humor and a sexy wink, proving that sparkle and attitude can go a long way.
If you like Fergie you'll want to check out albums by the Black Eyed Peas, Christina Aguilera, Beyonce, and Pink.
Rate It!
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Sexual ContentA lot of sexy innuendo, stopping just short of explicit. |
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LanguageA "yippee" approach to four-letter words, especially "s--t." Edited version is better than most. |
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Social BehaviorSome girl-power, some simpering sexual teasing, some sexist language -- all over the road. |
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CommercialismA couple of brand names are mentioned. "Labels or Love" is all about retail therapy and buying brand names. |
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