This came out in 2002 – or at least that’s when I got it. Here’s what I said about it back then (with some minor editing):
At the tender age of 24, this Colombian Latin-popster is a show-biz vet with half a dozen albums and some soap opera acting credits under her belt. Now, like another former Latin teen star/soap opera actor and singer — much like some Puerto Rican guy named Ricky who arrived a couple of years ago — Shakira is hoping to woo North America with a crossover album of English material.
And while the eclectic Laundry Service suggests she might not immediately blow up as big as that Ricky guy, it also hints that she might be around quite a while longer. Shakira produced and had a hand in writing all these tracks, which come equipped with the requisite Latin spices and zest — while simultaneously flirting with enough alt-rock and dance-pop influences to make it clear she has just as many Madonna, Alanis Morissette and Blondie albums as Gloria Estefan discs. She oughta clean up.
