The Bottom Line
Just when that rubbery beat and boasting lyrics seem to outweigh their welcome, the Black Eyed Peas shift musical gears into a jazzy vibe that was well worth the wait. The opening of "Imma Be" seems jokey and gimmicky. It's the Black Eyed Peas style often jumped on by their critics. However, the closing section would silence most and demonstrate will.i.am and company are to be taken seriously.
Pros
- Jazzy electronic outro
- Hard to forget from the first time through
- Black Eyed Peas' inimitable, unique sense of humor
Cons
- It's a healthy does of pop cheese
Description
- Written by T. Brenneck, M. Deller, D. Foder, K. Harris, A. Pineda, J. Tankel, W. Adams, S. Ferguson, and J. Gomez
- Produced by will.i.am
- Released December 2009 by Interscope
Guide Review - Black Eyed Peas - "Imma Be"
The first time through you will be forgiven if the opening of "Imma Be" brings back bad memories of the Black Eyed Peas' notorious "My Humps" or Fergie's solo "London Bridge." However, when the closing jazzy section kicks in, you are likely to have a broad smile break across your face and realize once again why many of us treasure the breath of fresh air Black Eyed Peas bring to the pop landscape.
"Imma Be" is the fourth single from the album The E.N.D., and it's another instant top 10. The Black Eyed Peas have quickly moved from being a quirky, but radio-friendly pop-hip hop collective to being arguably the current dominant act in the US pop world. The futuristic vibe combined with samples and classic pop and hip hop hooks has proved irresistible to their fans.
Lyrically, there is no gold to be mined from "Imma Be," but once again, as usual in a Black Eyed Peas song, that is not the point. If the song gets your body moving, and you find yourself helplessly chanting "Imma be, imma be," it will be a job well done. Don't miss the epic 10 minute video which combines "Imma Be" with the group's next single "Rock That Body."
