Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that there are some religious references and some "I'd give it all up for you, baby" sentiment on these well-written songs. Shakira's scantily-clad image on the cover is about as risqué as it gets: A lot of relationship stuff and sexy singing, but nothing too explicit.
Families can talk about the musical translation from Spanish to English, and back again. How does the songs' sound differ? Do you like listening to a song in another language even if you don't know what the artist is singing? If you could make an album in another language which one would it be and why?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Kathi Kamen Goldmark
Colombian rock goddess Shakira's second album of 2005, ORAL FIXATION: VOLUME 2, features a lot of songs about love lost and survived, along with a risky tune questioning faith and religion.
The first track, "How Do You Do," begins with the Lord's Prayer and ends with the word "Forgiveness" in Hebrew and Arabic, and includes lyrics like "Hey do you feel our pain and walk in our shoes?/Have you ever felt starved or is your belly always full?/How many people die and hurt in your name?/Hey does that make you proud or does it bring you shame?" filling up the middle.
Most of the songs that follow are about dealing with the complexities of fame ("Your Embrace," "Costume Makes the Clown," and "Timor") and surviving failed relationships with heartbroken, gritty strength. "Don't Bother" is a cleverly bitter indulgence in jealousy ("She practices Tai Chi/She'd never lose her nerve/She's more than you deserve...").
Carlos Santana adds a gorgeous guitar cameo on "Illegal," and the whole album is notable for interesting lyrics and excellent instrumental performances.
Shakira delivers all with an intense vibrato warble well-suited to the material, along with a heaping helping of saucy, sexy attitude. Keep your eye on this one -- she's bound to be around for a while.
Fans of this CD might also enjoy, Beyonce or Nelly Furtado.
Rate It!
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Sexual ContentA lot of relationship stuff and sexy singing, but nothing explicit. |
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LanguageOverwrought but all clean. |
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Social BehaviorSubtle but strong message of independence and "I will survive" enthusiasm for life. There's also a song that questions religious dogma. |
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CommercialismInsert advertises other products by the artist. |
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