No mas tortura cuando eschucho Shakira.

When Shakira first really took the United States by storm, I didn't get the fascination. Sure she could do unbelievable things with her hips, she was gorgeous and sexy but a lot of the time I thought she sounded like a bleating goat. For some reason Fijacion Oral, a 100 percent in her native language of Spanish, comes off as brilliant, beautiful and rich. Her voice is unbelievably expressive and the landscape she let's it work in is impressive as well.

The current single "La Tortura" is sexy and even though I only understand some of the lyrics it communicates the desire and passion very well. (plus I saw the video where Shakira is writhing around on the table) Her duet partner Alejandro Sanz must be a latin star because his last album was Grandes Exitos and it had two volumes. He sounds like Sting might if he was fluent in Spanish. His voice has a nice quality that contrasts Shakira's. The hook is strong and catchy despite the language barrier. There is also a remix that is viable as well with a more techno flare brought in.

The album opens with the stunning little gem "En Tus Pupilas". It actually opens with this light airy sound that reminds me of early Cranberries. It's has a sweet, delicate sound and proves Shakira can turn her voice into milk and honey when she wants. "Obtener Un Si" musically is quite lush and interesting and the music has this sound that reminds me of the game show or one of those Orbit commercials. It's clean and crisp and Shakira's voice just floats over the top giving it a different feel. Trumpets, french horns, flutes and strings weave in and out of this bossa nova flavored sound.

"La Pared" has a slight 80's vibe with it's retro echo and also has this slightly gothic organ melody line running through it. Her vocals are fantastic and even though I only get some of what she's saying but I feel some sort of desperation. You here this even more on the acoustic piano version towards the end of the album that gives a latina nod to Tori Amos. "Dia Especial" is a ballad with artista invitado Gustavo Cerati and has a sound that reminds me of being in the desert. Then it has these really retro synthesizers that sweep in on the bridge that takes the song in an interesting direction. This one isn't as stunning as some of the other songs but it sounds like it's radio friendly and doesn't demand a lot from the listener.

If you are looking for something that will remind you of "Objection Tango" from Laundry Service "Escondite Ingles" might be your song. Blending punk influences with the new wave feel of The Cars, the song is a jumping and kinetic. It's not quite as fast but its equally ambitious and catchy.

"No" also once again has Gustavo Cerati as an invited guest and the song is pretty and scenic. Lush harmonies and dreamy counter melodies swirl together for the listener. It also wins props for the easiest title to translate. Sometimes when I hear this I think of Duran Duran's "Come Undone". Overall this doesn't really sound like it but in moments it has that mysterious, ominous feel to that communicates desire and loss of control.

Disco-flavored and twinkling "Las de la Intuicion" is a pure dance song and succeeds just as well as any other song on the album. "Dia de Enero" is a gentle, lilting song with some great percussion. Her voice sounds different on this one once again showing she can take it to several different dimensions.

"Lo Imprescindible" is probably one of my favorites just because there is so much power racing throug her voice against this unique background that somehow manages to be lilting and menacing at the same time.

This album is unbelievable in the sense that Shakira sounds amazing, the music is fantastic and diverse and it definitely transcends the language barrier. It's a satisfying listen from being to end. If you are going to venture out into the world of Latina musica then Shakira is definitely a wonderful and talented entry point.