Black Eyed Peas

On their third album, L.A. alt-rappers Black Eyed Peas add a white girl to the equation and become chart-topping, platinum selling superstars. Elephunk is loaded with eclectic Wyclef-style, pop-flavored production and features their signature smash "Let's Get Retarded" (aka "Let's Get It Started").

On Elephunk, their third album, Los Angeles alterna-rap group the Black Eyed Peas make
another bid to crack the big time. To that end, they break out some marquee names --
Justin Timberlake, Papa Roach, Brazilian samba legend Sergio Mendes -- as well as add a
female member, Fergie, to their crew. Party anthems predominate, from the Southern-fried
rapid rap "Hands Up" to the Parliament-inflected "Let's Get Retarded," and they al... More >

In which the unbelievably dull El Lay alt-rappers fabricate the brightest actual pop album of 2003. They remain unbelievable, but in pop that's just one more aesthetic nuance. Titles like "Let's Get Retarded," "Shut Up," and the guitar-driven "Anxiety" are what you'd hope except cleaner--tremendous ups every one. You can bet new member Fergie, a showbiz lifer who also put in a tour as JC Chasez's girlfriend, lured her pal Justin down for "Where Is the Love," an actual hit that actually called out "the CIA." Terrorists, the song claims. Rhymes with "The Bloods and the Crips and the KKK." (Grade - A-)