May 23, 2003 03:05 AM
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(Updated May 23, 2003 03:05 AM)
You can't deny that she's getting attention. Shakira, the 26 year old singer from Colombia, is the latest 'hot thang' of the music industry.
Born to a Colombian mom and Lebanese dad, Shakira let her roots inspire (but not dominate) her music. Her 3 albums so far (two in Spanish, the latest in English) are a unique mixture of rock-n-roll and Arabian-inspired music. Her first english album, Laundry Service, went triple platinum the last time I checked. Here's a review of every song on her Laundry Service album:
1. Objection (Tango)
What an excellent song (my favourite in the entire album). The track begins with some classical tango music, then quickly launches into a foot-stepping, rhythmical, light rock-and-roll beat. The lyrics describe a woman's jealousy and rage at her boyfriend for hanging around another woman. Her voice in this song is simple, yet exotic. A catchy song, all in all.
2. Underneath Your Clothes
Underneath Your Clothes is a slightly slower, more ballad-like song. Her voice is rather soft and crooning in this track (although that changes during the chorus). The song talks about the secret that her man possesses underneath his clothes (I'll leave you to figure that out). Once again, the song starts with slow music, then launches into a catchy drumbeat/cymbal balance. Very well done - a truly 'memorable' sounding song.
3. Whenever, Wherever
You've no doubt heard this song on TV or on the radio, or watched the steamy music video. With a very fast paced background track and a wonderful accompanying drumbeat, this song is truly for the party scene. The background music sounds ever so slightly ethnic - perfectly complimenting her voice, which, by the way, sounds truly great in this track. The lyrics depict her declaring her love for her man - they caused a bit of controversy, but all in all, they're unique.
4. Rules
This song has one of the catchiest drumbeats I've heard in a while. I don't like it much because of the clash between her soft vocals and dominant background, but still, it's a good song that manages to pick itself up near the chorus. The lyrics show her setting some ground rules for her and her boyfriend (what he can do, and what he can't).
5. The One
My least favourite song on the album, The One is kind of disappointing. The background music is far too soft and brooding. Her voice is left to carry the song forward, and it truly disappoints. The chorus is kind of slow and unimaginative. Not too good.
6. Ready For the Good Times
The background music in this track is slightly reminiscent of the previous track, but no matter, the lyrics and her voice make up for lost ground. The song becomes gradually more fast-paced and the chorus is quite catching. Pretty good.
7. Fool
A slightly disappointing track, although nowhere near as bad as ''The One''. It's a song about a woman berating herself for letting her lover walk over her. The background music is nothing special, and kind of clashes with her voice (which sounds a bit whiny).
8. Te Dejo Madrid
Ah! One of my favourite tracks to relieve me. So what if it's in Spanish and I don't understand a word of it? The music and her voice are so captivating that you will just love this song. You can almost feel her passion vibrating with every word of this song. Beautiful.
9. Poem to a Horse
Not bad, despite the wacky title. The music is every bit as wacky as the title, but completely does the song justice. The song goes up, up, then down, down, and back up again. Not bad, but not great either. I kept hearing a phone ring in the background - anyone hear the same?
10. Que Me Quedes Tu
Another Spanish song, this time with a truly ethnic background music track. Beautifully done, even though I don't understand a word of it. The chorus is especially haunting. Shakira seems more comfortable in her native language than in English (which is perfectly understandable) and does a commendable job. A slow, brooding, perfect song.
11. Eyes Like Yours
I heard the Spanish version of this song at a part a long time ago, and it kept haunting me until I found out who the singer was. With a very Arabian background score, this song will surely impress. I loved it. I could almost imagine snake charmers with their baskets in the background. Very well done.
There are also two more tracks - the Spanish versions of ''Whenever, Wherever'', and ''Objection (Tango).
So there you have it, Shakira's latest album - Laundry Service. She's captivated millions all over the world - and for good reason. I like her music, and though I don't love it, I feel that she has made an excellent debut into the English-language market, and she is truly a fantastic singer who will continue to impress.
Ciao for now...
