The Bottom Line
It’s an impressive feat for any musical act today to even create chart ink with three singles from the same album. Following an incredible run of four number one pop smashes from her debut album The Dutchess, Fergie's “Clumsy” may not be as immediately engaging as her previous hits, but it is still a good bit of breezy pop fun.
Listen to "Clumsy"
Pros
- Irresistible sampling of sassy “The Girl Can’t Help It”
- Fergie’s melodious, breathy vocal runs
- Goofy, amusing take on feelings of love
Cons
- Zero substance
- Quickly wears thin upon repeated listening
Description
- Super light beat with sample of Little Richard’s “The Girl Can’t Help It”
- Casio keyboard synthesizers flow alongside computerized beeps
- Fergie’s sensual, breathy intonation
Guide Review - Fergie - Clumsy
One thing Fergie has certainly made clear on her lead solo effort is that she is quite a unique artist. On “Clumsy”, the fifth(!) single from The Dutchess, this point is reiterated, as it’s quite difficult to picture any other performer today pulling off the tune’s silly, yet lovable, approach. The songstress is “slippin’ and stumblin’” all over a laid-back beat and Casio keyboard lines. She’s so in love, she can’t even stand up straight.
Although “Clumsy” is a good little piece of pop pleasure, there is nothing striking or even slightly epic about the tune. As is the case with most later singles, it works best as an album track, making it unlikely the record will climb high on the charts. Still, for single number five, “Clumsy” is yet another tasty bubblegum treat from one of pop music’s biggest rising stars.
