Album Review: Shakira, "Oral Fixation, Vol. 2" (Epic)

Shakira's "Oral Fixation, Vol. 2" is the all-English sequel to "Fijacion Oral, Vol. 1," its highly praised all-Spanish sister, released in June. On "Vol. Two," the Colombian singer continues to show off her wide range, in both sound and substance.

Like the Cranberries and Alanis Morissette, Shakira pens heartbreak songs that are confessional, political and romantic. Her lyrics can be awkward--on "Don't Bother," Shakira meows, "She practices Tai Chi/She'd never lose her nerve," but the thing is, Shakira has the ability to muscle an awkward phrase into a powerful hook, which she does in the track's massive chorus.

These songs are all over the map, and that variety is what makes this ambitious album so impressive. There are sounds ranging from the Fiona Apple-style indie-ness of "Hey You" to Fleetwood Mac's driving California epics in "The Day and the Time."

Indeed, "Oral Fixation" is everything you'd want from a well-produced, adult-contemporary pop album: ballads, catchy hits and an appealing range of styles.