[NEW RELEASES] SHAKIRA

SHAKIRA,“Shakira”,Label: Sony Music, Genre: Pop

Shakira’s domination in America has dwindled since she became a hip-swiveling goddess of festive pop hits like “Whenever, Wherever” and “Hips Don’t Lie.”

“Shakira,” her 10th album, features the 37-year-old taking a back seat as lead songwriter and producer, and that doesn’t come off as a wise move. “Dare [La La La],” helmed by Dr. Luke, Max Martin and others, sounds like a Jennifer Lopez song, and that’s not a compliment (sorry, Jenny). While Shakira’s stint as a judge on “The Voice” has been pleasurable to watch, her duet with fellow mentor Blake Shelton on the country-feeling “Medicine” is a bore, though it was co-written by Academy Award nominee and hit country songwriter Hillary Lindsey.

Even the duet with Rihanna, the up-tempo lead single “Can’t Remember to Forget You,” comes off as a cry for a pop hit. The song lacks energy though two superstars are part of it, and the collaboration feels forced (Rihanna and Shakira are both signed to Roc Nation management).

The album’s lyrics also lack emotion and depth. It’s a far stretch from Shakira’s earlier songs, such as her Latin pop breakthrough “Estoy Aqui [I’m Here].’’

AP