Shakira: MTV Unplugged

The 23-year-old Colombian singer-songwriter Shakira has become an international star thanks to her rich, emotive voice and thoughtful songs. Her albums Pies Descalzos and Dónde Están Los Ladrones? are platinum in the U.S.; now, as something of a taster before the release of an English-language disc, comes this recording of an acoustic performance for MTV. Shakira's songs translate well to the format; in some ways Unplugged is her most muscular music yet. The opening "Octava Dia" gains punch from its dramatic arrangement, while the elements of traditional music in "Ciega, Sordomuda" are applied with wit and charm. Fans of Sarah McLachlan and Alanis Morissette who haven't caught on to Shakira yet are in for a pleasant surprise when they hear this. --Rickey Wright