Aside from the fact that she'll probably always be at the top of my "People I'd Most Want To Look Like" list, I haven't given much thought to Shakira over the past couple of years. And, if you want to know the truth, I'm currently feeling pretty crummy about it. Yes -- I, too, was once completely taken and enchanted with Laundry Service, the petite star's first English-speaking album. Who wasn't? This extremely successful 2001 release, in all of its bizarre, fun, occasionally humorous charm, is definitely one of a kind.

Shakira's 'style' of music isn't particularly easy to pin down. The vocal comparisons to Alanis Morrissette are often visible (although I'd call Shakira a more timid Alanis), and the 'Latin Britney Spears' is mainly just a happily slapped-on label that is probably more based on hype than reality. Some may label Laundry Service as pop tinged with elements of singer/songwriter alternative rock. For what it's worth, the disc is actually rather diverse -- and worry not, Shakira doesn't completely neglect her native language, as proven by "Que Me Quedes Tú", among others.

What is Shakira best known for? Good question. Her occasionally awkward lyrics have a catchiness and absolute contagion of their own -- come on, who WASN'T going around warbling "Lucky that my breasts are small and humble / so you don't confuse them with mountains" in 2001? Alright, don't answer that. Be it known, though, that Shakira is equally capable of belting out a love-stricken ballad as a hip-shaking dance number. Her confessional (sometimes obsessive, but that only makes it all the more fun) lyrics are the perfect match for the slightly '80s influenced songs.

Ahh, isn't it fun whenever an artist reads your mind? "Fool" kinda hits me that way. Gee, thanks a lot, Shakira. The strummy, midtempo feel serves as a wonderful backdrop for Shakira's quirky vocals as she acknowledges that she's chasing after the wrong type of guy: "Salt my wounds, and I'll keep saying 'Thank you'," she wails longingly at the song's most memorable moment. "The One", a delectably slow, guitar-driven track, is probably the most honest, straightforward love song I've ever heard. You won't find any pretentious or 'I'm a girl that doesn't need a man' attitudes with Shakira -- she's willing to admit that, well, she's obsessed and proud of it.

This realm of thought is only continued with the lovely hit "Underneath Your Clothes". Shakira's eccentric vocals probably work best for her in this standout -- as she unleashes yet another nontraditional love song, she seems to look at her guy as her possession that she has earned: "There's the man I chose / there's my territory / and all the things I deserve ... / for being such a good girl." "Objection (Tango)" chooses to lash out though: it is zestier and catchier than most of Laundry Service. Its upbeat format works to Shakira's advantage, complete with a memorable, angry chorus.

When things go wrong on this album, it's nothing too major. "Rules" is full of peppy drumming and unpredictable changes in tempo, but I don't find it as memorable or as striking as the majority of Laundry Service. "Ready For The Good Times" has an optimistic vibe with extremely entertaining lyrics ("I used to read survival guides / when the world was full of seven-legged cats / but here I am with eight more lives!" Shakira declares proudly), but I can't help but feel that it's a bit out of place on this particular record.

So if you haven't already trilled along to a Shakira song or feebly attempted to mimic her dance moves, I'm not quite sure what you're waiting for. Laundry Service serves up an entertaining, unique platter of both English and Spanish songs tinged with influences of many musical genres. Most prominently, you will find a pop/rock vibe, but some songs come off as straight up dance tunes -- "Eyes Like Yours (Ojos Asi)" has a strong Middle-Eastern vibe that has went over amazingly well in the club scene, and it's actually an incredibly fun song. I'd probably enjoy it more if I didn't hear it at every single Persian restaurant/New Years' party I've ever attended (my dad's Iranian, so I've had my fair share of those). Whatever the case, give Laundry Service a fair shot. You will be pleasantly surprised.






Recommended: Yes