Disco de Fergie: “The Dutchess [Edited]”

I purchased this product as a gift for my daughter. I purchased the "clean version". I enjoy Fergie and her music but would prefer the foul language were left out, so the clean version is a perfect choice. Her music is classic Fergie, she sings from the heart and keeps it upbeat. She is a young lady who has been through much and it comes out in her songs. Well worth the buy in my opinion.

Heres the thing, Fergie : Do you WANT me to illegally download your stuff? I may as well, considering this new version of "The Dutchess" comes more than a year after its' original release, and only gives us FOUR new songs, of which one is a hideous remix of the albums' worst track. Seriously. Which genius greenlighted this project? At least Beyonce, when she rereleased "B'Day", gave us tons of new tracks, and an entire DVD with a music video to every track!! Now that's what I call a re-release, not this embarrassment of a "Deluxe Edition". Meanwhile, what does "Deluxe" even mean. I hear that word so often when these 'editions' come out, and I doubt even Fergie knows the actual meaning of the word.

The only new songs here are "Party People" with Nelly, "Barracuda" (a VERY poor Heart cover), and the new song from the "Sex and the City" soundtrack. Do yourself a favor - head to Itunes, where you can get the Digital EP of this album - all 4 extra songs plus one other song that you can't get anywhere else (this physical CD does NOT contain that extra song). Is it worth it? Yes and No. As with every rerelease, many people are usually divided on whether the purchase was 'worth it'. In the case of this album, I implore you - PLEASE do not support such pathetic attempts at extracting our money - either download the tracks individually online, but if you already own "The Dutchess", there is really NO NEED to own this disaster.

One Star. Get with the program Fergie, and stop rippin' us off.

Album: The Dutchess 2006

Artist: Fergie

Girls across the country of all ages sing her songs in the mirror, in the shower, or in the car. They all want her beauty, success, and fame. This girl is Fergie. Fergie finally answered our prayers when she came out with The Dutchess, a musical treat to all girls.

Fergie rose to her fame when she joined the group, the "Black Eyed Peas," who with her made the hit "My Humps." This is her debut solo album, a dream of Fergie's since she was a little girl. Out of thirteen songs on the album, four are major hits. "London Bridge," "Fergalicious," "Glamorous" and my personal favorite, "Big Girls Don't Cry," can be heard around the country on tons of radio stations. Fergie wrote all of the songs, some with the help of other people, like Will Adams or better known as Wiil.i. am. Fergie is clearly gifted when it comes to writing and singing hip-hop, but she does have a few slow songs on the c.d. I have to say, Fergie shows more talent on this album that she does on any "Black Eyed Peas" album. The positive role model has good music that any girl at any age can listen to. A long time fan or first time listeners can enjoy the many different types of music on The Dutchess.

The Dutchess is an amazing album. Fergie really shows off her talent for singing. Her debut solo album is perfect if you need to get pumped up, calmed down, or you just want to listen to some good music.

I must say that the great thing about Fergie, is she can actually sing. She does showcase that talent on several songs here. While im not a big fan of raping songs much anymore, those are good as well. You really need to listen to this cd a couple times to enjoy, ill admit i downloaded it once and was like ugh. But then i relistened to each song and found myself truly liking the cd. Its just like any cd really you have to listen to a few times to really get the feel of the artist. I like her singing in Wild Orchid so i guess i really like the songs more where she actually sings. I was never really a big fan of London Bridge, but i suppose i see why she released it.

This is the UK version of the album inspired by Sarah Ferguson, the former Duchess of York and first Fergie, but unfortunately in this case, art imitates life, and this album doesn't quite meet the expected refinement of the pedigree.

Track Listing:

1. Fergalicious (Featuring Will.I.Am)

2. Clumsy

3. All That I Got (The Make Up Song) Featuring Will.I.Am

4. London Bridge

5. Pedestal

6. Voodoo Doll

7. Glamorous (Featuring Ludacris)

8. Here I Come

9. Velvet

10. Big Girls Don't Cry

11. Mary Jane Shoes (Featuring Rita Marley & The I-Three'S)

12. Losing My Ground

13. Finally

14. "Get Your Hands Up" (Featuring the BEP)

15. "Wake Up"

There are a couple of good Hip Hop tracks in "London Bridge" the first (already well known) single, the clean version of which plays on the radio, and the second single "Fergalicious" featuring will.i.am. I also like "Clumsy", and the reggae tracks "Voodoo Doll" and "Mary Jane Shoes" (Featuring Rita Marley)

Mixed in with the dance tracks are some slower tracks such as "All That I Got (The Make Up Song)" featuring will.i.am; "Big Girls Don't Cry"; "Losing My Ground" and the most un-Fergie-like "Finally", which is pretty good.

Songs that should have gone to Weight Watchers for toning are "Pedestal"; "Glamorous" (featuring Ludacris); "Here I Come"; and "Velvet". Even with the support of the Black Eyed Peas, this album could benefit from the shedding of some extra poundage.

Britannia rules, as this album has two tracks that are not included on the US release. These tracks are "Get Your Hands Up" featuring the BEP, and "Wake Up", both good tracks that would have been a great asset to the US version.

We are amused, but wish we could have been overwhelmed.

Amanda Richards, September 19, 2006