Album Information Section

Album Title: Laundry Service: Washed and Dried

Artist: Shakira

Original Release Date: 2001-11-13

Label: Epic

Genres: Pop, Rock, Latin

Track Listing

• 1. Objection (Tango) (3:44)
• 2. Underneath Your Clothes (3:45)
• 3. Whenever, Wherever (3:17)
• 4. Rules (3:41)
• 5. The One (3:44)
• 6. Ready for the Good Times (4:14)
• 7. Fool (3:52)
• 8. Te dejo Madrid (3:07)
• 9. Poem to a Horse (4:09)
• 10. Que me quedes tú (4:48)
• 11. Eyes Like Yours (Ojos así) (3:58)
• 12. Suerte (Whenever, Wherever) (3:16)
• 13. Te aviso, te anuncio (Tango) (3:45)
• 14. Whenever, Wherever (Sahara mix) (3:57)
• 15. Underneath Your Clothes (acoustic version) (3:57)
• 16. Objection (Tango) (Afro-Punk version) (3:54)
• 17. Objection (Tango) (Live from MTV’s 2002 Video Music Awards) (4:02)
• 18. MTV’s Making of “Objection (Tango)” (15:20)
• 19. Objection (Tango) (video) (4:32)

Recording Information

“Laundry Service: Washed and Dried” was primarily recorded at the Criteria Recording Studios located in Miami, Florida. The album was recorded throughout 2001, a period marked by Shakira’s transition from her Latin roots to mainstream English-language music. The production of the album was undertaken by Shakira herself in collaboration with acclaimed producer Glen Ballard, known for his work with various artists across different genres.

The album showcases a variety of recording techniques, blending traditional Latin instrumentation with pop and rock elements. Notable equipment included vintage microphones and state-of-the-art digital recording technology, which helped capture Shakira’s unique vocal delivery and the album’s diverse soundscape. One interesting production story involves Shakira’s commitment to authenticity; she insisted on incorporating traditional Argentine tango influences into tracks like “Objection (Tango)”, reflecting her cultural heritage while appealing to a global audience.

Band Context

At the time of “Laundry Service: Washed and Dried,” Shakira was emerging as a global pop sensation. Prior to this album, she had achieved significant success in Latin America with her albums “Pies Descalzos” and “Dónde Están los Ladrones?”, but her foray into the English-language market marked a pivotal moment in her career. The album’s release in 2001 followed a period of intense preparation, as Shakira worked to redefine her image and sound for a broader audience.

During this recording phase, Shakira was accompanied by her long-time collaborators and a diverse group of musicians who brought various influences to the project. Notably, she had been experimenting with different musical styles and was keen on pushing boundaries, which ultimately contributed to the album’s eclectic sound. The success of “Laundry Service” would solidify her position in the international music scene and lead to further exploration of her artistic capabilities in subsequent projects.

Track Commentary

The album opens with “Objection (Tango),” a vibrant fusion of pop and tango that showcases Shakira’s distinctive vocal style and her ability to blend genres seamlessly. This track became a significant single, drawing attention for its infectious rhythm and danceable beat. “Underneath Your Clothes” follows as a poignant ballad that highlights the emotional depth of Shakira’s songwriting, becoming another major hit that resonated with audiences worldwide.

Tracks like “Whenever, Wherever” are characterized by their catchy hooks and worldbeat influences, making them standouts that contributed to the album’s commercial success. The song’s themes of love and adventure captured the spirit of the early 2000s pop landscape and established Shakira as a formidable pop icon. Other notable tracks, such as “Te aviso, te anuncio (Tango)” and “Eyes Like Yours (Ojos así),” further explore her Latin roots while appealing to a diverse audience.

The critical reception of “Laundry Service: Washed and Dried” was overwhelmingly positive, with many reviewers praising Shakira’s versatility and the album’s ambitious production. The album not only solidified her status as a global superstar but also left a lasting legacy, influencing a new generation of artists who sought to blend different musical styles. The inclusion of various remixes and live versions in this pressing adds an element of depth, allowing listeners to experience Shakira’s dynamic performances and creative process.