Fergie returns with gimmicky new single “You Already Know,” which serves as a promo single for her sophomore LP, ‘Double Dutchess.’

It’s finally happening – Fergie is returning with her highly-anticipated sophomore album, Double Dutchess. Double Dutchess has been a long time in the making, arriving 11 years after the jam-packed The Dutchess.  Lots has changed since the days of “Fergalicious,” which might explain why the promo campaign for this project has been meh.  After three so-so singles, including the shameful “MILF$,” Fergie reignites the buzz with two singles: “You Already Know,” featuring Nicki Minaj, and “Hungry,” featuring Rick Ross.

First for some pros.  Fergie has as much personality as she always did, whether as a solo artist or a member of The Black Eyed Peas.  She’s not as young as she was in 2006 but it doesn’t matter – she’s still got swag.  Furthermore, she still has a great voice.  Even though she’s among the gimmickiest artists, she actually has legit pipes. And, she can also rap – it’s undeniable she has a nice flow.  In summation, “You Already Know” has attitude, nice pipes, and a nice flow.

Cons.  There are definitely those here.  “You Already Know” is incredibly gimmicky – over-the-top gimmicky.  As far as the rhymes go, Fergie doesn’t say anything game changing or transcendent.  Neither does Nicki Minaj, who has used the “B*tches is my sons” line previously.  While the production is ear-catching, it’s also over-the-top when dance-/house-inspired urban-pop transforms briefly into soul.  This isn’t fundamentally different from Fergie’s previous work, but it seems to come out of nowhere.

Final Thoughts 

All in all, “You Already Know” is a big-fat mess.  But, this is also what we’ve come to expect from Fergie.  There’s still doubt in my mind, listening to “You Already Know,” that she’ll make a commercial comeback.  Like Katy Perry earlier this year (Witness), the singles have question marks.  There’s some fun and infectiousness here, but it falls short of being elite.

Fergie • Double Dutchess • BMG Rights Management • Release: 9.22.17 

Photo Credit: BMG Rights Management