The Dutchess

Editors’ Notes Fergie’s debut solo album is an opulently appointed tour of pop's preceding half-century. "Fergalicious" is an ultra-modern update of J.J. Fad's "Supersonic," and "Clumsy" borrows from Little Richard's "The Girl Can't Help It," while "Mary Jane Shoes" nods to Bob Marley before it goes tearing off into ska punk. The wounded vocal showcase "Big Girls Don't Cry" plants its flag in power-ballad territory, but no matter the mood, will.i.am's production is uniformly sparkling, and Fergie's formidable voice and winking charisma tie the disparate styles together with a diamond-encrusted bow.