Newsflash: Shakira now feels bitter about those 'humble breasts' of hers that she chirped so buoyantly of in times past. The proof? Her lyrical astringency: 'Told you I felt lucky with my humble breasts/Well I don't'. Now that we've cleared up that botheration, you can breathe easy. Oral Fixation Vol. 2, the Columbian beauty's second English language album perseveres with the 'Latino pop-rock Princess' niche she carved for herself with 2002's Laundry Service; the only difference being that there's a severe shortage of instantly captivating pop songs like Whenever, Wherever or the slushy-yet-likeable balladry of Underneath Your Clothes. Instead we're treated to the usual charmingly barmy lyrics ('For you I'd give up all I own/and move to a Communist country) or (Tell me what's the use of having a 24 inch waist/if you won't touch me?' - way to endear yourself to the average female, luv) and standard latino-edged pop that rarely offers anything exceptional. One thing that does save this album from lingering eternally in the doldrums is Shakira's peculiar vocal style/warble; and the use of Enigma-style chanting (How Do You Do), Arabic-style Mariachi horns and trumpets (the fantastic Animal City) and vibrant Latino beats (Costume Makes The Clown) are welcome inclusions. However, the conscription of Carlos Santana's slinky riff on Illegal is somewhat lacklustre, and though her songs often have a politically-charged vibe, they fall flat due to the obvious fact that English is not her native tongue. Admittedly there are some great pop songs here; Something, a ballad lifted from Fijacion Oral Vol. 1 and suitably anglicised, whispers seductively in and fades out - but the overriding perception of OFV2 is one of disappointment. If Shakira was to place her hand on her humble breast, I suspect that even she would admit that she can do better than this.
