Three star

THE Black Eyed Peas' first hit single, Where is the Love, two years ago, did the group no favours.

It was the kind of preachy, commercial hip-hop which gave every white boy wannabe the opportunity to feel closer to their Negro roots - but made the rest of us want to vomit.

And now, despite going on to produce the great follow-up single Shut-Up, it was still with great scepticism that I tuned into this, the group's second album.

But I am glad to say I was pleasantly surprised. This album is well worth a listen, particularly for its strong beats, heavy bass-lines and Latino influences.

It kicks off with Pump It, which samples the delicious main theme tune to Pulp Fiction. The first single from the album, Don't Phunk With My Heart, follows and is fabulous with it's Bollywood flavours and great vocals.

My Style is also catchy and it came as no surprise to find the funky They Don't Want Music features a collaboration with the Godfather of Soul, James Brown.

There are a few low points on the album. Some of the half-way tracks seem to merge into one but all in all, this is a highly enjoyable, funky set of tracks, displaying some genuine talent.

EB