It's been four years since the Black Eyed Peas released "Monkey Business."

During their hiatus, two Peas released successful solo efforts (will.i.am and Fergie), two Peas got married (Taboo and Fergie -- not to each other) and will.i.am became an early supporter of then-Sen. Barack Obama's bid for the presidency, penning several songs endorsing his campaign and win.

But BEP was ready to come together and put out some more bangers. And BEP fans were more than ready to hear from their favorite quartet.

But those who were looking for tracks like "Where Is The Love?" and "Let's Get It Started" (and especially "Joints & Jams") might be blind-sided by the group's latest album, "The E.N.D. (Energy Never Dies)." The conscious rappers trade thinking lyrics for bumping beats.

This time around, will.i.am and co. wanna make you dance.

And they defy you not to dance to "Ring-a-Ling," "Rock That Body" and lead single, "Boom Boom Pow."

They even dabble in Auto-Tune (sigh -- it's everywhere, family). But they give fans a taste of the Fergie, apl.de.ap, Taboo and will.i.am of old with a groovin' "One Tribe."

Hip-hop purists might say the Peas sold out for status. Pop fans now might try to box them in. But I'm willing to give them the benefit of doubt and say they've simply evolved.

*Download right now: "Meet Me Halfway"

*Tip: BEP has also released an extended edition, available exclusively at Target. The album includes 10 remixes/bonus tracks.

Weigh in, music lovers. Did you cop "The E.N.D.?" Will you? What do you think?