Average Rating: 
Rating: - THE BEST ALBUM YOU'RE LIKELY TO EVER HEAR!!
I think almost everyone's behind me when I say that "Laundry Service" and "Pies Descalzos" are nothing compared to this album. "Dónde..." wasn't a big huge album which costed something around the lines of $3m, but it still sounds much better than any other Latin album I've ever listened to. There are no boring songs, no fillers and no ridiculous ballads! Nothing sounds similar and every track appears to of made it's own special style (especially "Ojos AsÃ"). Shakira hasn't just made a banging rock album, she's stayed loyal to her roots ("Ciega Sordomuda" has a definite Latin theme as does "Moscas En La Casa") but unlike Gloria Estefan, she's experimented and found a winning formula. I can't really describe "Inevitable" "Que Vuelvas" and "Octavo DÃa"- they don't really have a set style, but they're excellent. Now my advice to Shakira would be to make some more amazing music like this and leave the American pop scene behind.
Rating: - This artist will be HUGE in this coming year!
When I 1st heard Shakira it was Track #1 on this CD & I foolishly dismissed her a Latin Alanis wannabee. I was WRONG!! BIG TIME! I wound up buying this CD since the group I play in was doing her songs. We cover Si Te Vaz (Track #2) and Inevitable (Tr #5) and will be doing Ojos Asi as well. This artist is no Alanis wannabee. She is an original. I was extremely impressed with her after the MTV Unplugged Video. It struck me that she was a musician not just an entertainer, by that I mean she writes her own music as opposed to performing songs written by others ala Britney or Cristina etc. The songwriting is strong and creative lyric wise. When we were auditioning female vocals we had them do Si Te Vaz. Only 2 singers out of 7 could pull of the vocal delivery due to the rapid fire way she shoots out her lyrics. The emotional level is present with every song. The arrangements are very crafty and the use of accordion and other instruments is VERY tactfully done. The production on the CD is great (Estefan from Gloria fame!). "Ciega Sordomuda" is very Alanis like, "Si Te Vaz" is a great pop song, "Inevitable" is a great power ballad with a great power section in the middle ala Billy Idol's "Eyes Without a Face". "Ojos Asi" is a GREAT display of her Middle Easter influence. I love this song however I've heard many don't get it. Overall I am extremely impressed with this CD and is currently probably my most played CD. I VERY MUCH look forward to her all English CD. If it is anything as strong as this it will be a MONSTER that will throw a scare into Britney and Cristina. I don't think any teeny boppers can touch this artist. Anyways if you don't have buy it. Meanwhile I'll enjoy playing her songs live with my variety band. By the way I know Spanish even if you don't know the language it will be no hindrance to you enjoying this great CD.
Rating: - You have to have that one
I agree with most of the reviewers: "Laundry Service" is good, but this is better. I found the "MTV Unplugged" before this one, so I knew most of songs in live versions. I honestly do not know which one sound best and I recommend both.The album opens on the danceable mariachi influenced "Ciega, sordomuda" - already a winner. Then come the rock oriented energetic "Si te vas" en the great guitar ballad "Moscas en la casa" (one of my favourites). "No Creo" is mixing rock guitars and a dance rhythmic section (great chorus). You can rest next with another ballad "Inevitable" and its grant chorus and another favourite of mine, "Octavio dia" (great lyrics). "Que vuelvas" once again mixes dance beats and guitars while "Tu" is a romantic love song. "Donde estan los ladrones", a little bit folk, with a lot of guitars, is another standout. "Sombra de ti" is a ballad with blues guitars and great sober vocals. "Ojos asi" is irresistible (you'll find it in English on 'Laundry Service' under the title "Eyes Like Yours"). I can't sit when listening to that song, my hips and feet seem to get a life of their own. The mix of rock, latino pop and oriental vibes in that song is typical from Shakira's unique style. She's a good songwriter and a talented vocalist. If she can keep her head on her shoulders and her unique way of singing and making music, she'll do wonder in the future. In the meantime I'm sitting here waiting for her next release, either in Spanish or English. NB: My copy of the CD (european pressing I think) has the single version of "Ojos asi" and "Estoy Aqui" as bonus tracks.
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