Fergie's ''London Bridge'': Love it or loathe it?
LOVE IT
This pop-music fan can only kneel and praise the brilliantly simple
refrain and attitude-infused lyrics of Fergie's ''London Bridge.'' The
Duchess deserves credit for her sassy vocals, but producer Polow Da Don
(who crafted the Pussycat Dolls' similarly sultry ''Buttons'') should
procure the biggest props for his thumping beats. Sexy and assured, the
track feels like an appropriate extension of the Black Eyed Peas
singer's image and talents. While a historic bridge might not be the
most natural subject for a smokin' single, even Queen Elizabeth II might
shake her royal booty to this track. A- —Tim Stack
LOATHE IT
Those background boys yelling ''Oh, snap'' may be impressed, but I'm not.
''London Bridge'' ain't dope, just dopey. Catchy is only a virtue when
it's joined by clever, as in ''Milkshake,'' which ''London Bridge''
desperately wants to be. And ladies, likening yourself to a moldy
tourist trap really isn't the best way to bring all the boys to the
yard. Fergie might be a serviceable vocal accessory/fleshbot to the
Peas, but she's no Gwen—not when she sounds like a tipsy hollaback girl
doing J-Kwon karaoke. Bottom line: No self-respecting party girl should
bump her hump to this junk. D- —Jeff Jensen
