Album Review: Shakira

'She Wolf'

October 12, 2009

What few people know about Shakira is that she first rose to fame as a young musical prodigy in the Latin Americas, signing her first record deal at 13.

That'll explain how she's so good at this songwriting malarkey then. But now, with mere traces of its Hispanic roots remaining, Shakira's sound is all growed up.

The fantastic title track pushes things off with an electro-disco hybrid that sounds like the demonic son of Jamiroquai and Crystal Castles.

Her feeble wolf howl says it all; along with the intermittent panting, it's a clarion call to all single men. This album's already screaming sex.

As you'd expect from Shakira, however, it's nothing of the cheap sort at all; it's impeccably produced, in part by the likes of Wyclef Jean and Timbaland, from start to finish.

'Long Time' bears the strongest resemblance to Shakira's trademark Latin-infused sound, while 'Men In This Town' is an all-out electro gem.

Putting her firm musical grounding to tremendous use, the songs on 'She Wolf' are loaded to the brim with one eyebrow-lifing vocal riff after another; they're never predictable and seldom disappoint.

Latest single 'Did It Again' sees the heavy breathing return for three minutes of glossy pop perfection. It's actually frighteningly easy to get lost and forget that fact; this is a pop album.

There's a strong sense of alternative influences finding their way into the mix as well. At times, for example, it appears Portugese electroclashers CSS have left their mark, and there are even occasional hints of Yeah Yeah Yeahs.

The album's only real flaw is that on certain tracks, like the beguiling 'Why Wait', the hefty production takes front seat and detrimentally stifles the singer.

On the whole, though, this is exactly how Cheryl Cole wishes she could sound. Sorry pet, it takes more than just a natty look and an alright voice to make records like this.

Watch the video to new single 'Did It Again' below: