She Wolf (by Shakira, Pop)

For fans familiar with Shakira's music, SHE WOLF might be a bit of a surprise. That's because the South American star has moved beyond the pop charts and jumped into the clubs, adding electronica and dancehall sounds to the mix this time around. That means there's lots of sound effects, techno beats, and synthesized sounds to be found on this, her third English album. Besides trying out new sounds, Shakira's lyrics also get a little darker, with songs focused on both the good and bad sides of love. Some of the famous names tied to this LP include Lil Wayne, who collaborates with her on "Give It Up to Me," and producers Timbaland and Pharrell Williams.

Taking chances is usually a good thing for a musician. But when the results are as excellent as they are on this album, it's a reason to celebrate. Shakira brings the high-tech sounds of electronic pop and dancehall to the masses, making the genres easily digestible and user-friendly. But it's not just the hot sounds that make this album a stand-out: Shakira's lyrics and subject matter remain interesting and at time irreverent. After all, how many songs about gypsies have there been in the past decade, and how many other singers today can pull off singing about French fleas and bad plumbing while staying sexy? Teens may not appreciate the unusual lyrics, but they'll love the dance party beats.