A range of influences can be found in this 16 track set which includes a few in her native language and live versions of Gypsy and She Wolf. Each song reflects its producer exactly. Pherrell Williams from The Neptunes blends his urban heritage with Latino simplicity on six of the tracks. Long Time is a stunner.
Men in This Town is an ode to Matt Damon--you know, guys in general. It's the longing in a girl's heart quantified. Can't wait to hear this one remixed. Party in the USA is so last week!
Gypsy doesn't try too hard and that aformentioned lyric does irritate my logical nature. But beneath the amatuerish lyricism is a layered piece that includes sitar if I had to guess. It's hypnotic and slightly stupid.
Wyclef Jean pops up in what is easily the albums best track. Spy includes an inspired 'wah' that kills. It's fun and earworm-worthy. The track's freshness belies an explosive aggression.
Mon Amour is gorgeous FU that every girl can relate too. Inspired and empowering.
Current 'it' boys Lil Wayne and Kid Cudi moonlight on a couple of club tracks that dare you not to move. Simple back beats laid by Timbaland let Wayne flow typical nonsense. Shakira gets to 'swing her hips like numchucks'--it's eye-rolling nonsense, but it oozes sexy.
Ultimately, She Wolf reflects its author. Like Shakira, it's an unapologetic, smart, sexy album that revels in the feminine mystique.
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