Shakira
Oral Fixation Vol.2

THE REVIEW

One of the most fascinating things about today's music is the variety of sounds that surround everyday life…

There is also the realization that music is an art and lovers of this muse should have the ability to understand every nuance of sounds, not necessarily appreciate it, because one appreciates the musicality that manages to stir the strings within us, but at least accept it, because criticism if made should be mostly intelligent and rich in insights for reflection, not predictable and barren of reflection…
Starting from these fundamental premises, at least for me, I would like to talk about Shakira and her “Oral Fixation Vol. 2”. I like to listen to this album in my most carefree moments, when I don't want to reflect and think, but I just want to think of nothing, I want to have a free and empty mind. This doesn't necessarily imply that this album has no sense and meaning, because it is not so, as every artist speaks of something, futile or not. But it's not so much the lyrics, but rather the enjoyable and carefree musicality of the songs that want to be listened to without pretense. At least this is the effect Shakira has on me…

There will surely be those who will go crazy for the lyrics, for the music, for her personality, and that's fine as well, but personally her music doesn't manage to affect the strings, as I mentioned earlier, but it only manages to touch those of fun, because I think that sometimes there is a need to listen to "uncommitted" music, just for the sake of doing so, to also taste this kind of music, which, I repeat, is an art and should be considered as such…
This album has a fresh and summery flavor, sung by one of the most exquisitely distinctive voices, ranging from feminine tones and timbres to some more "masculine"… Simply this.

Tell me, what's the use
Of the twenty-four inch waist
If you don't touch me?
Tell me, what's the use again
Of being on TV every day
If you don't watch me?

This house is full of emptiness
My closet's full of dresses
That I'll never wear
My life is full of people
But you're my only friend
My best friend

Hope it isn't too late
To say “I love you”
Hope it isn't too late to say
That without you this place looks like London
It rains every day
Don't you know it, babe
I'm only half a body
Without your embrace

Let me tell you why
My heart is an unfurnished room
Any suggestions?
Don't have to tell you more than that
'Cause no one knows me like you do
Without exception

This house is full of emptiness
My closet's full of dresses
That I'll never wear
My life is full of people
But you're my only friend
My best friend

Hope it isn't too late
To say “I love you”
I hope it isn't too late to say
That without you this place looks like London
It rains every day
Don't you know it, babe
I'm only half a body
Without your embrace

Hope it isn't too late
To say “I love you”
Hope it isn't too late to say
That without you this place looks like London
It rains every day
Don't you know it, babe
I'm only half a body
Without your embrace

In my opinion, the most beautiful and meaningful song on the album, “Your Embrace”, with its summertime flavor…