by Black Eyed Peas List Price:$13.00 Our Price:$9.00 Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
Product Details
Media: Audio CD
Release Date: Wednesday, May 26, 2004
Label: A&M Records
Average Customer Review: 3.5 Based on 81 reviews.
Sales Rank: 74
Tracks
1.
The Boogie That Be
2.
The apl Song
3.
Anxiety
4.
Where Is The Love?
5.
Let's Get It Started
6.
Fly Away
7.
Sexy
8.
Latin Girls
9.
Smells Like Funk
10.
Shut Up
11.
Hey Mama
12.
Let's Get Retarded
13.
Labor Day (It's A Holiday)
14.
Hands Up
15.
Labor Day (It's A Holiday)
16.
Let's Get It Started
17.
Let's Get Retarded
Editorial Review
Black Eyed Peas have at times been accused of sounding too Tribe for their own good, but this time out Will.i.am and crew have consciously expanded their horizons. Problem is, perhaps they've tried too hard. As the title suggests, Elephunk borrows from every single element of funk known to man and (with the exception of the one straight-out rock & roll track, "Anxiety") tries to cram them all into a semi-hip-hop format. While such willingness to experiment is admirable, in this case the attempt comes off as slightly desperate and too diffuse. Elephunk settles itself into a groove when BEP's newest member Fergie’s lush girlie vocals are allowed to dominate, as they do on the discofied "The Boogie That Be." --Rebecca Levine
Top Customer Reviews
Rating:
5 less reading, more buying
buy this cd now. it is awesome. i have no more 2 say.
Rating:
4 Exceeded my Expectations
I never thought I would enjoy a Black Eyed Peas album, but after hearing "Shut Up", "Hey Mama", and "Let's Get it Started" on the radio and really liking them, I decided to buy the album. I was pleasantly surprised to find that I like most of the tracks on the album. In addition to the singles they've released, other songs that are great include "Anxiety", which is a collaboration with Papa Roach and comes off as a great hip hop/rock song, "Smells Like Funk" and "The Boogie that Be", which are great upbeat party songs, and "Fly Away" which showcases Fergie. My one disappointment is that the album version of "Hey Mama" is not the same as the radio version. While it is still good, it has a lot less Fergie vocals (the "off the richter, off the richter,..." lyrics are not on the album version) and the music is slightly different. Overall though, this is a great upbeat album that will make you want to sing and dance along!
Rating:
4 Excellent, yet a few disappointments
This CD shows the wide variety of styles that the Black Eyed Peas can pull off. "Labor Day" and "Lets Get Retarted" are songs that just wanna make you groove, while songs like "Shut Up" and "Fly Away" take advantage of the great vocal ability of Fergie, and "Anxiety" sounds like something from a Linkin Park CD. The Back Eyed Peas have a good handly of many different styles and this CD uses all of them. The reason this doesn't get 5 stars from me is because the most recognizable songs, (Hey Mama and Where is the Love) have different versions on this CD that , in my opinion, are not as good as the radio edits. All in all, a good buy to add to anyones collection.
Rating:
5 Surprisingly Stellar Triumph
When I first heard "Where is the Love" last summer, I couldn't stand it. I dismissed the Black Eyed Peas as one hit wonders and waited for their moment to pass. Then I heard "Shut Up" and was surprised I liked it. It wasn't until I heard "Hey Mama" that I fell in love with them. This CD is by far the best hip hop album right now because each song, even "Where is the Love", sounds good when you listen to the entire album. In my opinion, they are just as good, if not better, than that other visionary hip hop group, Outkast. Each song sounds like a radio smash, and it's not surprising this group has moved past the one hit wonder tag.1)Hands Up- gets the CD off to a good start. One of the best party songs of the past few years. The perfect opener for this CD.2)Labor Day- probably my favorite song on the CD. The beat is infectious, the vocals are top notch, and I think would be an even bigger hit than "Hey Mama" if they release it as a single.3)Let's Get Retarded- the title threw me off at first, but they say right off the bat it's not meant to be offensive. It really is a good song and it's no wonder it is their latest single.4)Hey Mama- yes, it's not the same version we heard on the radio, MTV, and VH1. Does that make this version bad? No, the track still holds up even without the excellent Fergie vocals heard on the single version.5)Shut Up- I like the way this song sounds. The vocals play off each other very well, and even though it's about a disastrous relationship, you can still dance to it.6)Smells Like Funk- another really good song. I like the beat.7)Latin Girls- a little long, but it's still a really good song.8)Sexy- I like the feel of this song. It's very smooth and it sounds great.9)Fly Away- a great showcase for Fergie. She probably sounds her best on this song.10)The Boogie That Be- another really good party song. The beats are really strong.11)The APL Song- a good song. I like the way this song tackles an overused subject but still makes it sound very good.12)Anxiety- a surprisingly strong rock song. The appearance of Papa Roach sounds strange in theory, but makes perfect sense when you hear it. 13)Where is the Love- not my favorite, but I really do like this song now. I understand the lyrics more now. They even make Justin Timberlake look good.14)Let's Get It Started- the radio version of Let's Get Retarded. My only problem with it is that if they could put this single onto the CD, why couldn't they put the version of Hey Mama we all want to hear on it?HIDDEN TRACK)Third Eye- probably the most political song on the CD. I really enjoyed this song and think it's the perfect way to close a near-perfect album.I highly recommend this CD. I can't think of one song that I don't like, and that is a rarity nowadays. This album should have gotten so much more praise from critics than it got, but I believe someday this album will get the respect it deserves.
Rating:
5 One of the best albums of the 21st century (seriously)
Almost out of nowhere, the Black Eyed Peas have crafted one of the most excellent albums I have ever had the pleasure of buying. Yes, this album is THAT good. Every song works, and each one sounds like it could be a hit single. With this album, they have earned the right to be called one of the best hip hop groups working today. For those who think Outkast is the only group making relevant hip hop today, please give this album a listen. BEP may not have won all the Grammies, but that doesn't mean they aren't in the same league as Outkast. Elephunk opens with "Hands Up". This is the perfect song to open the album. The song is practically guaranteed to get any party started. After this song, I didn't know if the rest of the album could be as good as this song. After hearing the second song "Labor Day (It's a Holiday)", I knew this was going to become one of my favorite albums. The song opens with a catchy hook and then goes into a chorus that sounds like they sampled Madonna's classic "Holiday". It is in the chorus that this song just explodes into something incredible. This is by far my most favorite song on the album and I really hope it is the next single. The next song is "Let's Get Retarded". With a title like that, I didn't know what to expect. Turns out it is another finely crafted dance tune. Some people may be offended by the title, but will.i.am says in the beginning of the song "In this context, there's no disrespect." It is just a simple and different way of saying "Let's party!". The next song is "Hey Mama". The radio version of this song has become one of the biggest hits of 2004. Although that version doesn't appear on this album, the original version is pretty good. I'm glad they remixed it for a single, but if this version had gone to radio, I think it still would have been a big hit. The next song is "Shut Up", the 2nd single off the album. I love the way the vocals respond to each other in this song. I had this song stuck in my head for days whenever this song came out last year. It wasn't as big a hit as their other singles, but that doesn't make it any less good. "Smells Like Funk" has a laid-back feel to it. This is another one of those songs that will be stuck in your head long after you listen to it. Next is "Latin Girls". This is a pretty long song, but I like the Latin feel to it. This song could set off another Latin music craze if it were released as a single. "Sexy" is the 8th song on the album and it also has a laid-back feel to it. "Fly Away" is an incredible song. This song is a showcase for Fergie, the newest member of the group. I think that the people who think she can't sing should listen to this song. I love the beat and the lyrics and this song is one of my favorites. "The Boogie That Be" is the 10th song and it too has an incredible beat that few people will be able to resist. This is a very cool song and it shows that this isn't one of those albums that starts to wear out as the album winds toward the end. "The APL Song" is one of those inspirational and uplifting songs every artist loves to do. This one is actually pretty good. "Anxiety" is their collaboration with Papa Roach. I had no idea they would work so well together with BEP. This is a very good song about being so angry you just want all your anger to go away before you do something you'll regret. It is a straight up rock song and I just love it. Next is "Where Is the Love". This was a really big hit for the group, and it's no surprise why. Sure, the song may be a little sappy in some places, but I admire the fact that they wanted to write a song that would get people to think about things like the war and what our country is coming to. Not even Justin Timberlake can ruin this song. Next we have "Let's Get It Started". This is the radio version of "Let's Get Retarded". For obvious reasons, the group wanted to avoid controversy by changing a few of the lyrics before they put the song out as a single. This song is just as good as the original and it has already become yet another hit for BEP. There is also a hidden bonus track called "Third Eye". This song features lines like "If Bush is Pinnochio, then who the hell is Geppetto?" and "You were foolin' me once before, but you ain't foolin' me twice no no." Those lyrics may put off some people, but I love the fact that we are in a place where groups can speak their minds about Bush and not receive death threats like the Dixie Chicks did. This song is a bonus for a near-perfect album.I am very glad I bought this album. Sure, lines like "Let's get retarded" and "Shut up just shut up shut up" may not be high are, but then again neither are "Hey ya" or 'Your roses really smell like boo boo boo." They are just good silly fun. What's not to like about that? This is one of the best albums I have bought all year. Nearly every song explodes into a little block party, and the songs will be stuck in your head for days. I have listened to this album many times since I have bought it and I will continue to listen to it over and over. This music is fun to listen to and I really do think it is one of the best albums to come along in years. It's definitely one of the best albums I have ever bought. Do yourself a favor and buy this album. You will not regret it.
Rating:
2 Where exactly is the love?
Speechless, thats the only way to describe it. When i first heard the single "Where is the Love" gag reflexes arose and vomiting ensued. Was that a little to harsh? I think not. Their "funky beats" and "genius rhymes" are nothing more than a groups struggling attempt to become celebrated hip pop "artists". Now, nothing is wrong with wanting making money, but when mainstream heavy hitters are added to to somewhat underground hip hop group's recipe im inclined to ask myself, Where is the love? The love im referring to, is the love of making good music, not vacuous lyrics stratigicly placed beneath poppy, radio friendly beats and Justin Timberlake. Through their first two albums it was the words, innovativly strung together into lines of rhymes, that ran throughout my head daily, not the teribbly misplaced guitar riff from Papa Roach in Anxiety. Im opting not to touch on the other tracks for the simple reason that it might just throw me into a paroxysm of histaria. I own both of their previous albums and belive me, if i could strike this album from their discography i would. This is not quality hip hop, and if you perceive it otherwise i suggest research on your part is necessary, and you might start with "Behind the Front" and "Bridgin the Gap". Listen to the album if you must, but while you do, ask yourself what exactly it is that your hearing, music or corporate balderdash.
Rating:
5 !!!
This is the album that introduced me to the entire genre of hip hop, introduced me to my favorite musical act out there, and most importantly, over a year after buying the originial copy of Elephunk, it still sits in my CD player and is one of the most played CD's I own. Whether or not you have hard of any of the Peas' songs, or if you are a fan of hip hop or pop or whatever, you really should buy this CD. From the very first song until the very last ("Third Eye," a hidden track after "Where Is The Love) the beats, ryhmes, and talent of all four members of this group amaze me. I don't think words can adequately explain how good this CD is. Even if it had cost $50, I would be happy with the purchase. Go get it now! :)
Rating:
2 PARENTAL ADVISORY-EXPLICIT CONTENT
I was cross when I bought this album. I thought it would be good, but it really isn't. A PARENTAL ADVISORY is issued to this album, but was never labeled with it. It contains strong lanuguage and simple sexual content. Please parents, DON'T buy this for your children. The only good songs are: Lets get It Started, Lets Get Retarded, Where Is The Love, & The Boogie That Be.
Rating:
1 Purchasing this album would be a mistake
This album is absolutely horrible. Not only have the Black Eyed Peas always made mediocre music, but they picked up a minorly attractive female voice who is busty and can shake her ass. They sacrificed their original sound and sold out to make some money in the pop music industry. Suggestions for good recent rap albums: The Game - The Documentary, Camron - Purple Haze, Kanye West - The College Dropout, Jay-Z - The Black Album, Blackalicious - Blazing Arrow
Rating:
4 This is good pop music!
The BEP's hit you with their 7.5 million copy internationally sold album elephunk and you wonder why they get called sellouts. From the nba playoffs to The sims to best buy to the movie Be Cool to the movie garfield to even cartoon network you will see the black eyed peas to the radio waves to being on tour with N.E.R.D to now gwen stefani to the music video channels the BEP's are all over the place. Now are the BEP's really talented or is this just one big marketing ploy?Well i am here to tell you that the BEP's hit you with catchy hooks, good beats, semi-vulgar rhymes and catchy song titles.To put it in lament terms the BEP's are good at making commercial songs which is POP music.And by adding in that hot chick fergie the BEP's really reach a mainstream audience which is mostly horny guys or teenage girls who want to look like fergie.Here is a quick review of the songs on elephunk.1-Hands up-Very catchy, the hip hop beat is very good and the rhymes can be stuck in your head for days and that can be good or bad.2-labor day-This song is bascially just being happy you have a three day weekend and feeling like celebrating.3-lets get retarded-Its quirky, catchy, and offensive to the mentally disabled. And its a formula for success!.4-hey mama-now parents this is not the version in the garfield movie, this one has the S-word fly around about ten times and a vulgar way to describe womens breasts...but its so damn catchy!5-shut up-Fergie steals the show on this track, as her vocals simple hynotize you and you will have the words "shut up" stuck in your head all day.6-smells like funk-this song the BEP's compare their funk style music to being funky as socks, armpits, and skunks.......me personally i hate this song.7-latin girls-The guys of BEP share their love they have for.........a duh latin girls. It has a very nice salsa breakdown towards the end.8-sexy-YUP this is the song featured in the movie "Be cool" when UMA T and john T are dancing in the ballroom. Very sexy, very jazzy and if you have a mate pop this song in, light some candles, sprinkle a trail of flowers and get it on.(just make sure you keep the song on repeat)9-fly away-This song is for the guys---A fergie solo-our favorite over maked-up girls gets her own song..nice beat but what the hell does flying away have to do with sitting in the back of the bus??listen to the song and you will know what i am talking about.10-the boogie that be-nice beat, nothing special and for the parents the F-word flys one time.11-the apl song-a apl.de.ap solo he talks about growing up in the phillapens(sp?)for some reason when i hear this song i think of the tsunami victims...RIP12-anxiety-this song has our favorite MTV band papa roach singing along with the BEP's about anxiety..nice guitar riffs, if you do not like rock you probably wont stand this13-where is the love?you know this song with justin timberlake about world peace and bla bla bla.Bonus track-lets get it started-After 1000 times hearing this song on the radio do you really want to pump in 1000 more?And the hidden track-third eye-its okay...........So i have told you what you needed to be told....now make you decision......blue pill-not buy the cdred pill-Click the "add to shopping cart" buttonits up to you!
Rating:
5 Your editor has no taste
Not that I typically ever agree with most of the Amazon Editors, but in this case Rebecca is VERY mistaken, while Elephunk does pull from a lot of Funk stylings, it does not feel like they were crammed in.It is as Peas as the Peas come, there isn't a single track on the album that doesn't make your head bob, much less get your butt shaking.
![Elephunk [Bonus Track] - buy from Amazon.com](http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B00029LNHS.01.MZZZZZZZ.jpg)