I first saw Stacy “Fergie” Ferguson on the 1980’s television show Kids Incorporated. While the show didn’t indicate that Fergie had great vocal chops, she definitely had a knack for the stage and performing. After minor success in the late 1990’s with a group called Wild Orchid, Fergie joined with the members of the Black Eyed Peas to record their album Elephunk by 2002, and anchor their mega-hit “Let’s Get It Started” as well as “My Humps” off their follow up album, Monkey Business.

With some producing help from the Black Eyed Peas Will.i.am, Fergie has released her first solo album, The Dutchess. No one will accuse this album of being slow. From the first track to the last, Fergie is working it. She has a mix of early hip-hop, as evidenced on “Fergalicous” which is rapped to J.J Fad’s “Supersonic.” I had forgotten how much I liked that J.J Fad tune back in the day, and right off the bat, Fergie had me wanting to dance.

“London Bridge” is another catchy, danceable tune, just disregard the ridiculous lyrics How come every time you come around,/ My London, London bridge wants to go down, like/ London London London" What? Don’t try to figure out what it means. Just throw your hands up in the air and dance around like you just don’t care! The ska-punk sounding “Mary Jane Shoes” with its reggae rhythms, guest appearance by Rita Marley and quick tempo changes would make Gwen Stefani proud.

Fergie gives a shout out to throwback soul on the track “Here I Come.” Done using Temptations “Get Ready,” one of the best R&B/Soul tracks ever recorded. The Dutchess ends with a touching, string-laden ballad appropriately titled, “Finally.” After twelve tracks of club ready tunes, you’ll be ready to cool down with the slower tempo “Finally” provides.

With The Dutchess, Fergie has proven she is more than able to make it as a solo artist. It feels as if after over twenty years in the entertainment business, she has been itching to make a solo record. The Dutchess was her dream and she took the opportunity and ran with it. This mix of pop, soul, ska, and rap will have you dancing up a storm. Black Eyed Peas fans will love the album. Fans can only hope the success of The Dutchess doesn’t lead to Fergie leaving the group because she is the fire that makes the Peas cook.