Reviewed by Ian Phillips.
By Black Eyed Peas, Epic Records/Sony Music Entertainment 2020.
Translation is the eagerly awaited eighth release from the Black Eyed Peas.
It continues their phenomenal run of success that has seen them become one of the biggest acts in the music world.
The Black Eyed Peas are pioneers of blending multi genres such as hip-hop, pop, dance, reggae etc. into new forms of expression and they still do it better than most of their contemporaries.
As per usual they have utilized the services of a variety of guest vocalists including Shakira, Tyga & Nicky Jam, Becky G, and French Montana.
The first single from the album, Ritmo (bad Boys For Life) was released in late 2019 and it has already tallied more than 1.5 billion streams and achieved a dozen platinum certifications world-wide.
It’s been credited as their most streamed song and viewed video ever and served as the single for the Original Motion Picture Soundtrack Bad Boys For Life.
Not a bad start for the album and I don’t think it’s the best song on the disc.
While the pandemic has somewhat curtailed the band’s touring and promotion of the album they have found other ways to get word out to their fans.
They’ve headlined the on-line Rock The Vote Democracy Summer Concert and performed on both the American ABC’s Good Morning America and CBS’ Late Show Starring James Conden.
Next up they will be ringing in Independence Day by taking to the stage at Macy’s 4th July Special on NBC.
I listened to the clean version of the album and really enjoyed it which makes me wonder why many bands these days feel the requirement to produce alternate versions with extensive use of ‘blue’ language.
Call me old fashioned but most of the time I really don’t see the need for it.
