Translation cover

Translation

Black Eyed Peas · 2020

64 min · 17 tracks · hip-hop

A vibrant fusion of Latin rhythms and pop hooks that celebrates dance, culture, and connection across diverse musical landscapes.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    RITMO (Bad Boys for Life) Start here — This track encapsulates the album's spirit by merging infectious beats with a nostalgic sample from 'The Rhythm of the Night,' making it a standout anthem for both dance and film.
  • →
    GIRL LIKE ME — Featuring a collaboration with Shakira, this track exemplifies cross-cultural exchange, blending English and Spanish lyrics while celebrating female empowerment through its catchy hooks.
  • →
    MAMACITA — This song features an upbeat rhythm paired with playful lyrics about attraction and celebration, serving as a vibrant representation of the album's Latin influence.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

48 /100
Foothills
Higher than 19% of albums we've rated

The album blends Latin rhythms with pop hooks, creating an energetic yet varied listening experience.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a high-energy track that sets a danceable tone, followed by several tracks that maintain a consistent tempo and rhythmic drive.
  • Multiple songs feature bilingual lyrics, seamlessly blending English and Spanish, which enhances the cultural fusion theme throughout the record.
  • Several tracks incorporate prominent electronic production elements, including synths and beats that create a vibrant soundscape.
  • The last three tracks slow down the pace, providing a contrast to the earlier upbeat songs and allowing for a more reflective conclusion.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • energetic dancefloor vibes
  • celebratory group listening
  • short, punchy tracks
  • upbeat workout motivation
  • feel-good party atmosphere

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Experimental — Represents a shift in sound and direction post-Fergie, exploring Latin influences.
Themes
Latin rhythms celebration· cross-cultural exchange· dance floor connection
Career context
Released on June 19, 2020, 'Translation' marked Black Eyed Peas' first album since the departure of Fergie in 2018. This album arrived during a transitional phase for the group, as they sought to redefine their sound while incorporating more global influences, particularly from Latin music, which reflects their evolving artistic vision.
Stylistic neighbors
Cypress Hill· Pitbull· J Balvin

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • GIRL LIKE ME

    The chorus shifts between English and Spanish, capturing a sense of unity in diversity as it emphasizes mutual appreciation.

Tracklist

  • 1 RITMO (Bad Boys for Life) Start here 3:34
  • 2 FEEL THE BEAT 3:57
  • 3 MAMACITA 4:11
  • 4 GIRL LIKE ME 3:40
  • 5 VIDA LOCA 3:54
  • 6 NO MAÑANA 3:39
  • 7 TONTA LOVE 3:50
  • 8 CELEBRATE 3:39
  • 9 TODO BUENO 3:50
  • 10 DURO HARD 3:25
  • 11 MABUTI 4:16
  • 12 I WOKE UP 3:30
  • 13 GET LOOSE NOW 2:27
  • 14 ACTION 4:12
  • 15 NEWS TODAY 4:16
  • 16 RITMO (Bad Boys for Life) (remix) 3:48
  • 17 RITMO (Bad Boys for Life) (Steve Aoki remix) 3:51

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata