I’ll start by confessing that I fux with the Black Eyed Peas. I know a lot of people consider them corny and are just good for ear-worm music, but this is exactly why I like them. I enjoy pop music a lot. I do not require my music to be deep all the time. Just easy, breezy feel good music works just fine.
Post-Fergie Black Eyed Peas dropped Translation in June and it is basically their foray into Latin music. The album is chockful of guest stars such as Maluma, J Balvin, Ozuna, Shakira to name a few. The beats are purely reggaeton and on one track, I heard a hint of Afrobeats. In addition, almost every track is a sample of a well known song from the past. For example, RITMO samples Corona’s Rhythym of the Night and VIDA LOCA samples M.C Hammer’s “Can’t Touch This”.
I totally expect this album to be bashed and even go unnoticed but for me, the timing could not have been better. With the world burning around us, any distraction is a welcome distraction. While I will admit, the album gets a bit uneven in the second half, overall it was a versatile album for me. It will make you want to dance, makes for good background music and a good soundtrack to your walk/run or exercise of the day.
I do recommend listening to the album especially if you love Latin music. Check it out and let me know what you think.
Favorite tracks: Mamacita, Girl Like Me, Vida Loca