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Released: 11th March 2002.

Her previous album "Dónde Están Los Ladrones", released in Spanish speaking countries, was a very fresh and varied collection of numbers, with her strong, Gypsy influenced vocals and an astounding lyrical content. Since it sold millions of copies, Shakira is now revealed to the rest of the world with her first English album, "Laundry Service".

She bleached her hair just before hitting the international market, but luckily she didn't become another Britney Spears, with no substance and cheesy dance routines. She also isn't scared of a heavier sound, her passion for 1970s rock legends, such as Led Zeppelin, influencing some of the material. Her voice in English doesn't always sound as strong as in Spanish though, making it seem more Alanis Morrisette than needed.

The lyrics, which she is known for, are somehting to look out for in all of the songs, as Shakira wrote them all (as well as music). It's sometimes hard to understand what she is singing, but that makes her interesting to listen to. With lyrics like "Never could imagined there were only ten millions to love somebody", or "Came from Bahrein got to Beirut looking for someone comparing you, tearing down windows and doors and I could not find eyes like yours", she is bound to get some appreciation.

The best songs are "Te Aviso, Te Anuncio (Tango)", which wins big time with its English counterpart "Objection (Tango)" (both on the album). It has a lot of Rock 'n Roll feel to it, arranged in a catchy way, which makes it impossible to ignore. "Suerte", the Spanish version of the lead single, "Whenever, Wherever", is also good. I like the Latin and dance feel to it, especially when she sings the "Lelo Lelo Lole" part!

"Eyes Like Yours" is a haunting song with the Eastern influence, and while vocal-wise it doesn't match up to the Spanish version ("Ojos Así", available on her previous album), it is still pure brilliance!

The upbeat "Te Dejo Madrid" is also a highlight of the album. The rest of it is a bit more aimed at mainstream listeners, which again shows the disc has definately been made to reach out for new audience, as well as for the existing fanbase.

Seeing as the previous album by Shakira, "Dónde Están Los Ladrones", is >the perfect album for me, "Laundry Service" cannot take its place, but certainly is not bad either.

(Marvin van der Weyde)

This release uses copy protection, and might not play on all current or future equipment.

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