The Californian singer’s second album finds her teeming with ambition: opener Hungry is all sassy delivery and theatrical production that prove Fergie an unstoppable force of hip-hop-infused pop. It’s a strong start, though what follows is surreal – be it alluding to Pharoahe Monch (encouraging ladies to “rub your boobies”) or the jarring juxtaposition of hyperactive single MILF$ leading into a power ballad. But with sumptuous, old-school beats, plus guest spots from Rick Ross, Nicki Minaj and Fergie’s toddler son, Double Dutchess is fun and gloriously confident, cementing Fergie’s place in pop royalty.
