will.i.am – “songs about girls” review
by Bambi Weavil
will.i.am, frontman and producer behind the multi-platinum group, The Black Eyed Peas, is not disbanding the group so let’s get that out of the way first. will’s exploring his own artistry and expression with his new solo album, Songs About Girls. If you’re looking for the Black Eyed Peas sound, go to the other end of the aisle, because this is a different sound. will’s worked with talent across the musical spectrum from Justin Timberlake, John Legend, Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson, Carlos Santana, The Pussycats and of course, fellow Black Eyed Pea, Fergie. But unlike most artists who roll with the best of the best, the show on this album is his show, and not slammed with guest vocal after guest vocal. Have to admire a man who is so convinced of his own talent that he’s not going to fill his album with gimmick guest appearances.
will describes this funky musical journey that has touches of European club sounds, Brazilian Baile funk and some hip-hop, as a personal therapy session and reflection, these songs revolve around a longtime personal romance he had that he mishandled. “She’s A Star” is gorgeous and should be pushed on radio. “I Got It From My Mama” pays ode to a beautiful girl’s ass- you either will love it or hate it but regardless, it gets stuck in your head. “The Donque Song” with Snoop Doggy Dog is a few songs later in a dance beat clash that I actually love a lot more than “I Got It From My Mama” because I never thought I’d hear Snoop willingly participate in a dance track. Clearly, will loves the ass and at this point I don’t know if it’s overkill.
“Fantastic” should have been about a minute shorter and used more as a bridge between tracks. “Get Your Money” has a soft dance flavor to it and could be interesting if promoted and re-mixed to the gay clubs of the world. I’d like to see will.i.am get a dance record hit myself. What I love about Will is he’s unconventional. “Impatient” is the last track I would have ever guessed he would create – and I would never have associated his name with it if I had randomly heard it on the radio – but I like it. “Ain’t It Pretty” floats in female admiration as the focus, and “Invisible” shows will’s talents without aggression and vulnerability.
The final track of the record, “s.o.s. (mother nature)” is a surprisingly social activism track and doesn’t pretend not to be. I hope will decides to do more of this, as you can feel his passion for activism and we dig it. will’s mind is wide open and his musical landscape is growing.
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