Oral Fixation, Vol. 2 (Expanded Edition)

by 
AlbumNov 28 / 200513 songs, 49m 37s

Hips may not lie, but Shakira\'s massive single by that name bears little resemblance to the rest of her second English album (and seventh overall). Closer to the knotty catharsis of Fiona Apple or Alanis Morissette than standard pop fare, it addresses God’s failings (“How Do You Do,” complete with Gregorian chanting) and communism (“Don’t Bother”). The album is baffling in the best possible way: unpredictable (the oompah “Hey You”), defiant (“as long as we can vote,” she sings on “Timor”), and steered by her unique warble.