BEP: When There Were Three

Album: Behind the Front

Artist(s): Black Eyed Peas

Official/Original Drop Date: June 30, 1998

Grade: B+

Blade(s): 8

Bottom-line: A decent beginning. Wish there was more.

Review: Before “Fergalisious;” before the mass production of repetitive sampled beats used sloppily, there was Black Eyed Peas: Unabridged. Their debut album Behind the Front was actually good. There was a direction this band was heading and it was abandoned. . This album was definitely not the mainstream accepted norm expected from B.E.P. but it was better than the screams I hear on their current albums. The group seemed more conscious of what was happening around them but still able to serve lyrics. “Lyrically you’re on the level of green eggs and ham…” Stand out tracks were “Communication,” “Duet,” “What It Is,” “a8,” “Love Won’t Wait,” “Fallin’ Up,” and “Joints & Jam.”

“Head Bobs” is an ironic track since many, including myself, can say that B.E.P. has turned into the weak lyricists that they spoke out against. 8 blades and a B+ in memory of a group that had potential but gave in to fame.

blades: ★★★★★★★★☆☆

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