Laundry Service : Shakira
Colombian superstar Shakira's first English-language disc, Laundry Service, carries the pointed credit "Entire Album Produced by Shakira." That might be a signal to U.S. fans who helped two of her previous discs go platinum under the media radar--a sign that this planned breakthrough has more to offer than the input of a score of image makers and outside writers. And it does; even the occasional clunky lyric comes directly from her overflowing heart. Laundry Service's meld of danceable pop and rockier ideas and textures follows the similar path of the singer-songwriter's previous work. Indeed, for all its high-end production values, the record is ultimately one of the least glossy crossover vehicles imaginable. Despite an occasional lean toward Celine Dion territory ("Underneath Your Clothes"), it has a freshness that's sure to win over new listeners even after the first single, the sly "Whenever, Wherever," has reached the saturation point. While still not fully formed as an artist, she's getting close to something of her own--something that may flower after she dumps the vocal Alanis-isms. For now, it's still a pleasure to watch her grow. There is a lot of variety to be found on this album; alongside traditional Latin stylings, Shakira incorporates elements of Spanish, Arabic, and even good old American rock and roll music, melding all of these influences into a sound that is uniquely her own. Laundry Services offers up nine English-language songs, two Spanish tracks, and the Spanish versions of her two biggest hits.
Whenever, Wherever pulses with obvious pop appeal, and it alone certainly earned Shakira this particular fan; its Spanish-language version, Suerte, is even more enjoyable. Underneath Your Clothes is a nice ballad that offers up the softer side of Shakira. Closing the album with the Spanish-language version of the song, Te Aviso, Te Anuncio, is an equally nice and symmetrical touch.
Song List:| 1. | Objection (Tango) | 3:44 | | 2. | Underneath Your Clothes | 3:45 | | 3. | Whenever, Wherever | 3:16 | | 4. | Rules | 3:39 | | 5. | The One | 3:44 | | 6. | Ready For The Good Times | 4:14 | | 7. | Fool | 3:51 | | 8. | Te Dejo Madrid | 3:08 | | 9. | Poem To A Horse | 4:07 | | 10. | Que Me Quedes Tu | 4:50 | | 11. | Eyes Like Yours (Ojos AsÃ) | 3:58 | | 12. | Suerte (Whenever, Wherever) | 3:15 | | 13. | Te Aviso, Te Anuncio (Tango) | 3:45 |
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