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Album Review: Shakira - Shakira

James d'Apice

"There’s a lot to laugh at, but there’s joy to be found too."



Shakira's spent the past decade walking the fine line between global superstar and amusing footnote, inspiring awe and muffled giggles in equal measure. This holds true for opener, Can't Remember To Forget You. It has the comedic elements – a late '90s ska beat – balanced by moments of glorious pop melodrama. Medicine is surprisingly confronting. We learn it's love, not prescription drug abuse, that fuels Shak's fire. La La La is the most blatant World Cup baiting since Ricky Martin's 1998 The Cup Of Life. And Empire is fun. There's a lot to laugh at, but there's joy to be found too.