Black Eyed Peas – Elephunk (Vinyl 2LP)

In an era of an ever-changing music industry that’s defined by diminishing expectation, where a “successful” career means having one, maybe two hit records; The Black Eyed Peas are a glorious exception. They have become one of the best selling, most popular and most innovative groups for nearly two decades. They have transformed themselves from a beloved backpack rap troop from the West Coast Underground into fully-fledged, massive global superstars whose music can be heard in any country around the world. They’ve done this the right way: creating albums that are more innovative than the last; which has translated into each new album being more popular than the last.

2003’s Elephunk is the group’s double platinum-certified third full-length outing and first with Fergie in the fold as a full-time member. The enterprising effort incorporates elements of R&B, jazz, funk, dancehall and old-school hip-hop with aplomb and the proceedings are tied together admirably by Will.i.am’s ultramodern production. Elephunk became the group’s first to break into the top 15 on the Billboard 200 thanks to its bevy of hit singles “Where Is the Love?”, “Shut Up,” “Hey Mama” and “Let’s Get Retarded” (aka “Let’s Get It Started”).

1. Hands Up
2. Labor Day (It’s a Holiday)
3. Let’s Get Retarded
4. Hey Mama
5. Shut Up
6. Smells Like Funk
7. Latin Girls
8. Sexy
9. Fly Away
10. The Boogie That Be
11. The Apl Song
12. Anxiety
13. Where Is the Love?