Shakira - Laundry Service

haunting

I know, I'm behind the times. I have listened to Shakira since she broke into the American music scene but only just now got around to buying this album.

I've heard and read about tons of people who complain she's too commercial on this album. Fine, it's pop. Meaning popular.

Still, even if you're distracted by that there's no doubt that her voice is haunting. Just freaking awesome. She stands out.

I plan on getting most her other albums over time. This one is a lot fun to listen too. May 9, 2008

She will be forever known as one of the most unique voices in history

...but unfortunately, Shakira will not be around for the long-haul. She simply is unable to get outside of her niche and find a new voice. Her market was established with her unique break between her vocal registers, and since that is the only sound she is able to sing with, her popularity is virtually dead.

Even if she were to change her style, there would be little hope for her, since her voice is not outstanding. However, she will be remembered as one that helped to open the doors of American music to the music of the world. She did a wonderful job, and will remain an icon for it. Her best bet now is to come out with clothing and cologne lines to make her money... or start producing!

Best advice... keep those song licenses close to you, girl. Covers are gonna bring you a lot of cash! March 27, 2008

1st us tracks

A great intro to Shakira's voice and muscial style. It also shows her growth compared to where she is today. September 14, 2007

May I present the birth of La Shaki Rubia! [translation: Blonde Shakira]

When I first heard this album, it took me a while to adjust to Shakira's distinctive bent, edgy intonation and raw yowling, along with pure, unbridled passion. The year was 2001. Shakira Mebarek had already spent years as a well-known singer/songwriter in Mexico, Central and South America. It was time that the Yanquis get acquainted with her [i.e. music lovers in the United States]. So, Shakira penned her English-language debut, LAUNDRY SERVICE [later released as SERVICIO DE LAVANDERIA, to her Spanish-speaking audience]. Her combination of Latin, rock and Arabic rhythms proved just as infectious in English (one of the three languages she speaks fluently) as in Spanish.

Some of the best songs on this album include "Objection [Tango]," with a Spanish version "Te Aviso, Te Anuncio," and "Whenever, Wherever," with it's spanish counterpart, "Suerte." What's more, Shakira showed her range as a soulful pop singer in slower ballads like "Underneath Your Clothes," and "The One." What's more, who can forget her sultry, sexy "Que Me Quedes Tu"? This intelligent and accomplished singer [then twenty-four years old] showed us her singing chops and her true ability to connect audiences of all backgrounds and lanaguages together with her tunes. Though, I must say that, if pressed, her best album by far is DONDE ESTAN LOS LADRONES? [her 1998 release], LAUNDRY SERVICE is a very appealing CD to own. I definitely reccomend it, six years later. July 18, 2007

Great cross over!

i have been a shakira fan long before she decided to crossover to the american market and this is an excellent way to do so....i love hearing the english version of ojos asi and getting to know shakira in a different light and by knowing all the words she's singing and the meaning behind them. May 11, 2007

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