Written by:	Lucas
Published:	February 23, 2008

Everybody has some sort of "sin", a thing he or she likes while he or she actually should not like, according to 'common sense'. We all know them: the movie-expert that owns every edition of "Herbie: Fully Loaded" and secretly watches them every sunday afternoon on his home cinema set. The Dream Theater fan that loves his music complex and progressive, but craves for a good dose of Danzig every once in a while. And last but not least, the maniacal depressed Black/Drone/Doom metaller, who secretly listens to Shakira at least once a week.

Yeah, that last one is me. Perhaps not once a week, but I definitely do enjoy her music. I have never made it a secret, but still, this can be seen as my ultimate and final coming out. She was one of my first musical idols and even though I discovered a music genre that was much more "me", I never turned my back on her. Why not? Because she is good. Damn, she is good. (I also have a secret crush on her, which has lasted for about six years right now).

One of the reasons that I adore her, while I hate almost every other "MTV-act", is her image. She appears to be more of a natural and intelligent girl, no make-up, no bitchy attitude. And I appreciate that, even though that image may be just as plastic as the rest. I can't help it, baby. (that is a quote from her song "Fool", if you didn't know that already).

So well, up the irons and all other sorts of metal slogans, but I’m going to retreat and sing-along with my Colombian beauty.

Shakira – Laundry Service

Where to start with this Colombian, hot-blooded vocalist? With the cover, which shows a close up of her pretty face, and has secured a lot of impuls-buys, no doubt? Or with some of her hit-singles, like "Objection (Tango)", "Underneath Your Clothes" or her break-through and quite possibly her best song ever, "Whenever, Wherever"? Truth is, it doesn’t really matter. All of it is great. "Laundry Service", her fifth studio album and the first one with lyrics in English, was a hit album, and rightly so.

From the very first seconds of the album the vibe is set. She sings of unfaithful men, being happy with a new love, promises for the future, the pain caused by cheating etc. Conclusion: theme of the album is love, in all its shapes and forms. This allows great songs to blossom, such as the aforementioned hits but also the jolly "Ready For The Good Times", the catchy and groovy "Eyes Like Yours" and the funny "Rules".

The instrumental part of the album is a reflection of her education and youth: a mixture of various European and Arabian styles. Tango, salsa, pop and rock are all brought professionaly by the various session musicians that shine on this album. A flute in "Whenever, Wherever", a violin and accordion in "Eyes Like Yours", everything is perfectly done and this variety offers a couple of nice surprises and unique edges to "Laundry Service".

All in all, "Laundry Service" is a great album in its own right. But I realize most of you readers here on Metal Storm won’t even bother to check this out. I cannot say I care though, as it is you’re loss, not mine. I am going to spin it once more.

"Whenever, wherever
We're meant to be together
I'll be there and you'll be near
And that's the deal my dear."