Already a star in Colombia (with her very own statue), Shakira made it to the top in the United States with her first English album’s release in 2001. The majority of current college students were in middle school when Shakira’s “Hips Don’t Lie” was a hit. Remember being an awkward teenager trying to imitate her voice and moving those truthful hips? Nearly eight years later, Shakira has produced her second English-language album. This self-titled album was initially supposed to be released in 2012 but was delayed due to Shakira’s pregnancy.
Considering her undeniably rich and one-of-a-kind vocals, it’s a shame that “Shakira” has missed the mark when it comes to lyrics, depth or anything remotely interesting musically.
“La la la la la
La la la la la
La la la la la
truth or dare on the dance floor
La la la la la
La la la la la
La la la la la
I dare you.”
Charming, right?
The cleverly titled “Dare (La La La)” reflects elements of Jennifer Lopez’s “On the Floor,” a fact that many wouldn’t exactly consider a compliment. The lyrics are what you’d expect from Ke$ha or Britney and are only acceptable in the background of a sketchy high school party movie scene.
Rihanna joins on “Can’t Remember to Forget,” and although catchy enough to make you move, the track contains no depth and is repetitive.
There is no cohesive aspect to this album; there’s pop, reggae and even country as Shakira has shoved in an awkward duet with country star Blake Shelton.
Every song on the album sounds like a cheesy pop-music cover and does nothing to advance Shakira’s formerly-signature style and identity. None of the songs fit her voice; all but one of them sound forced. Shakira gives reggae a try in “Cut Me Deep,” and it’s a much more natural fit. “Cut Me Deep” features the band Magic, whose lead singer, Nasir Atweh, helped out other unoriginal popstars such as Justin Bieber, Chris Brown and Pitbull.
Sadly, Shakira has failed to put to use her most noteworthy and distinctive trait, her voice. It is unfortunately wasted on overused beats and worthless, thoughtless songs written mostly by other people.
