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[Review] Shakira - "Shakira" Album (Track-by-Track)

shakira 2014 album review

With a one year of delay, but it's finally here. Shakira's self-titled tenth studio album is in stores already (released March 25th) and depending where you buy it and how much you are willing to spend, you'll get more or less tracks. There's the 'standard', the 'deluxe' and the 'Target' editions. "Shakira" is one of Shakira's most anticipated albums especially due to the duet with Rihanna. And fans are already labeling the album "...Shakira's best since "Laundry Service"...". Would you agree? One the peculiarities in the album is that "Shakira" is the first where the Colombian star has relinquished power in the 'songwriting' department. Without further ado, read out review of the album below!

What are your favorite songs on "Shakira"?

1. "Dare (La La La)": If there was a list including the most-anticipated songs in the history of the industry, "Dare (La La La)" would have to be on it. We've been waiting to hear the full and high-quality version of this song since late 2012 when Shakira shot its music video in Portugal. The Dr. Luke, Cirkut and Billboard co-produced 'dance' anthem was supposed to be the first single from "Shakira" but Shakira got pregnant and everything was postposned, and "Dare (La La La)" eventually lost its "first single" title. The song is so catchy, the beat is infectious, the reggaeton verses are fun... I mean, what else? This is a 'monster hit' waiting to happen. Next single, please? 5 / 5

2. "Can't Remember to Forget You" (featuring Rihanna): We all love this one, but I'm not afraid to say we all expected something 'bigger' from a Shakira and Rihanna (just like the days of "Beautiful Liar" with Beyoncé). The reggae-rock track is the first single from the album. The verses are so 'sing along' worthy, and the chorus is really powerful. Bad things? Shakira's English is at times difficult to understand, and there had to be more Rihanna singing! Oh well. Music was sexy, though. 4 / 5

3. "Empire": Second single from "Shakira". "Epic ballad" is the perfect definition of this song. Shakira sounds like rockstar in it, and the "oooh oooh" adlibs are so fitting in this song. Not sure I can't understand the lyrics... I guess it has something to do with Shakira comparing the feeling of being in love with an empire. 3.8 / 5

4. "You Don't Care About Me": This song makes me remember of Fiona Apple's "Every Single Night" so much. It's got to be the beat and the similar melody in the verses, right? Good 'album song'. Chorus is best part. Having a fight with your man? Put "You Don't Care About Me" on full blast and you sing that chorus to him! 3.5 / 5

5. "Cut Me Deep": Break-up sucks. And you don't have to tell that to Shakira. She talks about it in this ska song featuring Toronto-based band Magic! Shakira's heart is full of wounds because the abandonment by her ex has 'cut deep' in her. Ska and Shakira make a great mix. She should explore this genre more. 3 / 5

6. "Spotlight": Shakira channels Alanis Morissette in "Spotlight". Rock song with a great mellow melody in the verses, and a explosive chorus. "Spotlight" is clearly a reference to the first days of public outings with boyfriend Gerard Piqué. Shakira is willing to stand the public scrutiny and paparazzi flashes 'cause she's finally found true love 3.5 / 5

7. "Broken Record": Guitar-driven ballad. Swear to God the first guitars sound exactly like "Hey There Delilah". Lyrics are cute (again, Gerard Piqué is Shakira's inspiration). They talk about fights between them. Piqué has doubts Shakira will stay with him in view of all the pressure the media and press are putting on their relationship. However, Shakira tells him over and over again (sounding like a broken record) that he should not be afraid. They will stay together 'til the end of times. 3.2 / 5

shakira target poster

8. "Medicine" (featuring Blake Shelton): Shakira's much-talked about duet with Blake Shelton. It's a slow jam with 'country' influences. It's good but... it just sounds too 'chessy' for my taste. Love is the perfect medicine for Shakira. 2.5 / 5

9. "23": Without a doubt Shakira's most-personal song on the album. She's made references to Gerard Piqué in previous songs but this ballad "23" is truly special because Shakira narrates in it about they day she fell in love with him back in 2010 when Piqué was only 23 and the Colombian diva was 3 / 5

10. "The One Thing": A rock mid-tempo like the ones Shakira used to record back in the day. That chorus is just to die for! 'Hit waiting to happen', no doubt! 5 / 5

11. "Nunca Me Acuerdo de Olvidarte": The Spanish version of "Can't Remember to Forget You". Miles better than the original only because you can understand Shak. 4.1 / 5

12. "Loca por Ti": Closing track and in Spanish. A ballad. One that is perfect to listen to and sing to your partner on the beach. Title means, "crazy for you". One last dedication to Mr. Piqué. Shakira's crazy about him and wants to be with him forever. 3.8 / 5

Final rating: 3.7 / 5

By on March 26, 2014
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