I had never heard of Shakira before she released this cross-over English album, but it took less than a second for me to become a fan. I first encountered Shakira's name atop a list of most popular videos and wondered who in the world this performer was. The Whenever, Wherever video totally blew me away; I admit it took a couple of viewings for me to get past her beauty and all of those amazing little moves and shakes she has perfected, but pretty quickly I realized that the song in and of itself was addictive. Soon I was watching both the English and Spanish videos of the song, eagerly awaiting the moment when a CD full of Shakira's music would find its way to my stereo. As someone not very familiar with Latin music, this album brings a whole new type of sound into my world, and my appreciation and interest in this style has grown immeasurably as a result of my buying this album. My respect for Shakira likewise grew in leaps and bounds as I learned more about her, such as the fact that at 24 she not only wrote or co-wrote all of these songs but also produced them, as well as the fact that she was already one of the most popular Latin singers in her part of the world.

There is a lot of variety to be found on this album; alongside traditional Latin stylings, Shakira incorporates elements of Spanish, Arabic, and even good old American rock and roll music, melding all of these influences into a sound that is uniquely her own. Laundry Services offers up nine English-language songs, two Spanish tracks, and the Spanish versions of her two biggest hits. Now I wish I hadn't forgotten all the Spanish I learned in college, but it really doesn't matter all that much. Listening to Shakira sing in her native language is mesmerizing and provides a much clearer example of her unstoppable musical talent. Her English songs are great, but clearly she is more comfortable singing in Spanish, and the opportunity to listen to two great songs in both of their versions can be pretty illuminating. Whenever, Wherever pulses with obvious pop appeal, and it alone certainly earned Shakira this particular fan; its Spanish-language version, Suerte, is even more enjoyable. Underneath Your Clothes is a nice ballad that offers up the softer side of Shakira but fails to communicate the immense talents she has at her disposal. Tengo is a song that may not appeal to everyone, but I think its strong tango introduction makes for a great beginning of this cross-over album; closing the album with the Spanish-language version of the song, Te Aviso, Te Anuncio, is an equally nice and symmetrical touch. The One is another excellent ballad, while The Fool is a song that I would definitely release as a single; these two songs rival Whenever, Wherever as the best tracks on the album. Poem to a Horse is a rocking little number that belies its rather timid-sounding title. I don't know what Shakira is saying in Te Dejo Madrid and Que Me Quedes Tu, but I certainly like how she is saying it. The one and only song that comes across as a little weak is Rules, but I would like to say for the record that I personally would have no problem following any rules that Shakira might require of me.

This album isn't perfect, and in some ways it is a fairly unusual crossover album. Shakira's newly-learned English is not perfectly understandable at times (but the liner notes do contain all of the song lyrics) but her voice always resonates the beauty and passion and incredible talent she carries inside her. The Spanish tracks serve an important dual purpose - assuring her long-time Latin music fans that she has not abandoned them for the US market and allowing people like me to get an understanding and develop an appreciation of the incredible Latin music we have been missing out on all these years. Shakira has it all as far as I'm concerned, a true musical artist with a commitment to her career and to her fans all over the world that will assure her success for many years to come.

Let me get out of the way several aspects I have NO concern about, that being an artist's crossover aspirations and what language they sing in. None of that matters as long as the music itself demonstrates heart, soul, and ambition. As for Shakira, I'm a fan of her last two albums, and find that her artistic vision on LAUNDRY SERVICE has in no way been sidetracked by the words "crossover" or "language"...in fact, she seems to be solidly moving forward as an artist!

Shakira's voice is passionate and original (NOT an Alanis clone!), her lyrics are intriguing, and the song arrangements continue to balance rock, pop, dance, soul, and the subtle regional touches that one would expect by an artist born in Columbia. The songs are mostly brand new, although there is an English version of my all-time favorite Shakira track "Ojos Asi" (titled "Eyes Like Yours"), and two versions of the wonderful track "Suerte."

Contrary to another review, I see absolutely NO sign that Shakira has in any way compromised her music with teen-pop (or any other insincere) elements to appeal to a certain audience. The one way that she is widening her audience--by singing primarily in English--hasn't preoccupied her from building on the strengths of her past albums. In any language, Shakira is a true original!

I've been a fan of Shakira's for a couple of years now (ever since Estoy Aquí), but always wondered when she'd debut in English, and now she's done it with nine tracks (four are in Spanish) on LAUNDRY SERVICE. LAUNDRY SERVICE is a great collection of songs, albeit eclectic. There are almost Beachboyish moments; along with earthy real songs where Shakira almost seems disenchanted with life; very "pop"-inspired songs; and then culturally infused moments, most notably "Eyes Like Yours." Overall, though, Shakira comes off as the Shakira we've always known and loved, just in English. She HAS NOT "sold out," creating an album off pop inspired garbage; instead she's given us an English extension of previous albums, growing and evolving as an artist and part of that is broadening her appeal via English.

The latest hit single duo of "Whenever, Wherever / Suerte," which aren't exact translations of the other, will instantly grab you. The instrumentation, fast pace, great lyrics, and the way Shakira sings the song really captures your attention, and deservedly so. Great two songs!

Other headliners include both versions of the spirited, passionate "Tango;" "Underneath Your Clothes," that braves the line of being a little sappy, but is saved by Shakira's singing; earthy "Rules;" disco-inspired "Ready for the Good Times;" and seamless, joyful "Te Dejo Madrid." Each song is made memorable by unique instrumentation and the way Shakira incorporates her own little unique exclamations throughout the songs and the authenticity in her lyrics.

If you enjoyed any of her Spanish albums, you'll love LAUNDRY SERVICE.

"Laundry Service" is a mix of catchy pop oriented songs ("Whenever, Wherever"/"Suerte", "Ready for the good times" which is ready for the dance floor) and rockier edges ("Rules", "Te dejo Madrid", "Poem to a horse", the rock ballads like "The one", "Underneath your clothes", "Fool", "Que me quedes tu"). I enjoyed the cultural mix in her sound, integrating latino beats, pop, oriental vibes. I understand, having heard the excellent "MTV Unplugged" as well, that her Spanish speaking fans might be a little deceived, but this is honestly a good pop-rock album high above today's common pop standards.

The voice is somewhere between Alanis Morissette, Sarah McLachlan or Gwen Stefani sometimes, but she has enough personality to develop a completely personal style. She has what it takes to become a great artist. I read one of the previous reviewers said her accent was too strong to sing ballads in English - where did that person hear any trace of accent? The infused sound and the versatility of her voice makes it a record you do not really grow tired of, as you're travelling through diverse moods, rhythms and styles from track to track.

I am confident that her strong personality (which shines through the sometimes very naïve lyrics and her always inhabited interpretations) will guide her to make the right choices in the future. I will keep an eye on her next releases...

I was hesitant about purchasing this album because Shakira is (yet?) unknown in my corner of the world but I don't regret the encounter. Oh, and by the way, I am now out to complete my collection with her previous Spanish albums.

"Laundry Service" is an honest album if nothing else. Shakira, a native Columbian, is used to writing in Spanish, and her first time writing in English (Laundry Service) proves to be truthful, honest, with the simplicities of phrase that we fluent in the language can fail to catch.

A Review of the Songs:

Objection/Tango: Love, love, love it! Great tango intro. The first English song Shakira ever wrote, this one is pretty good. 4/5 stars.

Underneath Your Clothes- Though the title is misleading, this ballad is beautiful...about the real person, not their outward appearance. 4/5 stars.

Whenever, Wherever- One of my favorites! A beautiful beat; the first single. 5/5 stars!

Rules- Pretty; an okay song. Could be a bit better. 3.5/5 stars.

The One- Cute, catchy lines! Luv it. 4/5 stars.

Ready for the Good Times- A dance song, peppy. 4/5 stars.

Fool- Could be a single! Great lyrics! 4.5/5 stars.

Te Dejo Madrid- A STANDOUT. I LOVE THIS!!! I believe that 'Te Dejo Madrid' translates as 'I leave you, Madrid'. Check me if I'm wrong, people fluent/native in Spanish! I still love this song, though (an entirely Spanish track). 5/5 stars.

Poem to a Horse- Alright. Soso lyrics, honest, but I don't get them that much! 3.5/5 stars.

Que Me Quedes Tu- Beautiful song in Spanish. I love ANYTHING she sings in Spanish! 4/5 stars.

Eyes Like Yours (Ojos Asi)- BEST ON THE ALBUM. A gypsy, medieval like intro into Arabic...singing in Arabic.....her voice- oh my goodness, EVERYTHING about this song is PERFECT! ...take my word for it- it is easily the best track on the album. She's nuts not putting it out as a single. 5/5 stars.

Suerte- Whenever, Wherever in Spanish. I'm still trying to translate it (somewhat), but it still is cool. 4/5 stars.

Te Aviso, Te Anuncio- Objection/Tango in Spanish. 4/5 stars.

All together, a beautiful, honest, raw album. She infuses so many styles- pop, rock, dance, gypsy- that you can listen to it all the way through and STILL be surprised. An awesome effort....no, an awesome ALBUM period.