Joy can be spontaneous, disappointment has to be planned
Joy can be spontaneous, disappointment has to be planned
Member since:31.08.2009
Reviews:32
Members who trust:3
It is an unfortunate fact of life for the many thousands of talented latin musicians that, if you want to make it on a worldwide scale, you have to learn to sing in English. This was powerfully illustrated in the late 1990s by Ricky Martin, and in 2001 when Shakira's third studio album - but only her first in the English language - expanded her appeal from the confines of the Spanish-speaking world and sent her global. Of course the fact that the album's signature track, Whenever, Wherever, is a catchy-enough song - coupled with the fact that Shakira herself is a multi-talented mega-babe, did her progression no harm at all.
The album itself is an appealing mix of traditional latin beats, pop and ballads, with a number of tracks still sung in her native tongue - but not enough to make the album unlistenable to the monolingual masses (of which I am one).
OBJECTION - Starting with a typical Tango-Argentino introduction, the song bursts into life with a lyrical tale of betrayal set to an energetic latin beat.
UNDERNEATH YOUR CLOTHES - A beautifully delivered ballad that carries a sentiment that any man would be touched to receive. However, some of the translated lyrics sound contrived and detract from the romantic mood: "You're a song written by the hands of God. Don't get me wrong, this might sound to you a bit odd".
WHENEVER, WHEREVER - The up-tempo signature track that is a mix of lively rhythm, South American pipes and quirky lyrics that somehow come together to deliver the underlying message of the song.
RULES - Not quite a ballad but a low-tempo tale of paranoia about infidelity which seems to be a common theme in a lot of her slower songs (does she have abandonment issues?)
THE ONE - Another ballad in which she is pledging her unconditional devotion to the subject (whoever the lucky guy may be). A wonderful example of the real power of Shakira's voice.
READY FOR THE GOOD TIMES - One of the lively tracks on the album, it surprises me that this "let your hair down" track was never adopted as an advertising anthem.
FOOL - Boyfriend trouble is the theme here. A slow number in which she describes a down-trodden existence at the mercy of her obsession for one man. I say dump him. You'll find someone else, I guarantee it.
TE DEJO MADRID - A Spanish language song that - even if you can't understand the words, is guaranteed to get you dancing.
POEM TO A HORSE - Obviously, having run out of suitable menfolk, she has taken to writing poetry to a horse!! A strange concept but it's an ok song - even if only for the curious lyrics.
QUE ME QUEDES TU - This is probably my least favourite song on the album. The start is very reminiscent of a David Bowie song and it is not upbeat enough to hold my interest throught the Spanish lyrics.
EYES LIKE YOURS - A lively song and the only one on the album in which Shakira's Arabic heritage can be identified (she is part Lebanese). A great track to dance to.
The remaining two tracks, SUERTE and TE AVISO, TE ANUNCIO are Spanish language versions of WHENEVER, WHEREVER and OBSESSION respectively, which - as the first part of this sentence suggests - are the same as the English ones but sung in Spanish.
In summary, most of the appeal of this album for me is the mix of lively, morose, pensive, passionate, etc that I find to be a wonderful balance. Like Jennifer Lopez films, I have a problem with the credibility of super-attractive women who bang on about not being able to find a man, but if you can excuse this in the lyrics, the music is thoroughly enjoyable.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
Colombian superstar Shakira's first English-language disc,Laundry Service, carries the ... more
pointed credit "Entire Album Produced by Shakira". That might be a signal to US fans who helped two of her previous discs go platinum under the media radar--a sign t...
Postage & Packaging: £1.21 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
Colombian superstar Shakira's first English-language disc, Laundry Service, carries the ... more
pointed credit "Entire Album Produced by Shakira". That might be a signal to US fans who helped two of her previous discs go platinum under the media radar--a sign ...
Postage & Packaging: Free! Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours...
Advantages: Too many to list, but that spanish/holiday feel, it brings is the main advantage! Disadvantages: None at all! Still listen to this 2 years later!
Bouncebackability 19.06.2005 (25.06.2005)
·
Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful
Review of Laundry Service - Shakira
Oct 4th, 2009
very helpful by (92%):
helpful by (8%):
