Grade: D
The Peas are back with thumping dance beats in their new album, “The Beginning.” Despite their previous success, the latest collection lacks originality, choosing instead to sample songs like “(I’ve Had) The Time of my Life,” which leave behind the aftertaste of a Sandals commercial. It’s difficult to find one track to take the lead, as many rely on Auto-Tune and repetition, and are missing the trademark sing-a-long lyrics. Fergie’s versatile talent, known for shining through on the group’s most popular tracks, goes quiet. “The Beginning” just doesn’t live up to “The E.N.D.”