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She Wolf is the third English studio album by Colombian Latin-pop singer-songwriter Shakira, first released on October 9th in Europe, October 12th in the UK and November 23rd in the US.

The album sees Shakira shift from Latin pop and pop-rock to electro pop while also exploring dancehall. She co-wrote and executively produced all of the album except for one song. Pharrell Williams is her main co-writer and the majority of the album was produced by Pharrell’s production team, The Neptunes or duo John Hill and Sam Endicott.

First Impressions
After a 4 year hiatus from the music world, the Latin bombshell is back!!! Apparently, becoming a She Wolf too. I must say this album is not your typical electro-pop album, not even close to Lady Gaga territory. It’s a standalone brilliant pop album. Not really related but has the connections. Contradicting right??? =)

The lyrics alone are eccentric enough to make a listener go “HUH”??? But as we all know, her first breakthrough english single back in 2002, Whenever, Wherever, has lyrics like “Lucky that my breasts are small and humble/So you don’t confuse them with mountains”. That’s Shakira for you. Witty but weird lyrics. The entire album is splashed with interesting lyrics. Has a cool factor to them.

This album takes time to appreciate on. Once you get what this album is all about, you’ll feel that Shakira has release herself out of her comfort zone and pushing boundaries. Production credits are mostly by Pharrell and The Neptunes, but there isn’t any hint of recycled material by them. A very fresh album indeed. Altough the album cover looks like there’s been an arsenic accident, don’t judge a music album by it’s cover. =P

Standout Tracks

-She Wolf/Loba
Lead single. First of the 3 two version (English/Spanish) tracks that compliment each other. She sounds more subdued on She Wolf but the lyrics saved it. On the other hand, she sounds really comfortable and more in control on Loba. A good song to set the tone for the album.

-Did It Again/Lo Hecho Está Hecho
2nd single for the rest of the world except US. Brilliant lyrics, especially on the first verse. Very uptempo and danceable too. 2nd song to have a spanish counterpart. I like both versions equally. =)

-Long Time
A song that retains a little of the spanish flavour, mixed a little dancehall too. Excellent midtempo with great beats. Pharrell and The Neptunes pull off this song well.

-Why Wait/Años Luz
Beats are very Timbaland-ish, though it’s by The Neptunes again. This song has a heavy middle eastern influence. Brilliant lyrics too. “Why wait for later/I’m not a wait-er”. The spanish counterpart feels like an ethnic heavy club banger.

-Men in this Town
Hands down the HIGHLIGHT of this album. Shakira dabbles with 80’s nu-disco again (Remember “Timor“??). Clever lyrics yet again. “Matt Damon’s not meant for me”. Woah, an unexpected reference.

Shakira also displays her signature vocal gymnatics here that’ll put post 90’s Mariah to shame (90’s Mariah is unbeatable). The freestyle vocals are weird but yet it fits.

Given a tweak in the lyrics, this song would be very popular among the pink community. “Is there a prince, in this fable, for a small town girl like me/the good ones are gone or not able” and “Where are all the men in this town/What’s a girl suppose to do”. Insanely sick lyrics and beats, in a good way. DESERVES to be a single, or it’ll be really underrated. This song justifies this album. One of my fave songs this year. =)

-Gypsy
This song is rather folkish and unique. A worthy mention is that it’s co-written and produced by Amanda Ghost, who is a singer-songwriter.

-Spy
Featuring Wyclef Jean. They both collaborate yet again. This song is no “Hips Don’t Lie“, yet it’s another highlight of the album, having a disco vibe too. It’s interesting that Shakira voice is trying to resemble like a trumbone with the hook. It feels very much like an MJ song too.

-Give It Up To Me
The 2nd US single from the album. If it’s from Timbaland, urban beats is  definitive. Features both Timbaland and Lil Wayne. Doesn’t mash with the album quite well though. The only factor that makes it cohesive with the album is Shakira’s voice. But overall, it’s a decent song with a good hook and chorus. Bonus track for the album.

Final Verdict
Given that the length of the album is just only a little after 30 minutes, it’s power-packed with superb songs that’s supported with great production and lyrics. Sure, she’s a humble diva and might not produce songs that’s typical, but she has the guts to be different and yet staying melody-friendly. Shakira has the whole package, the brains and beauty and compassionate.

This is a critics’ fave album. 4 years is a long wait, but it’s worth it if the quality is like this. I seldom give an almost full album review, for this album, I reviewed most tracks except for 2. Not that they’re bad, it’s just average. =) This album should be in contender for album of the year. And it’s a recommended buy. It should be in everyone’s pop collection.

This album scores a 4.5 out of 5.

*The Saturdays and Alexandra Bruke’s album reviews are coming up next.*