CP NEWS: CD Reviews - Shakira & Monday Morning

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Shakira – Oral Fixation: Volume 2 (Sony)

Any true Shakira fan will tell you that her unique, goat-like voice (which we do love) sounds better in Spanish than in English. However, I was happily surprised when I heard Oral Fixation Vol. 2, complete with “Hips Don’t Lie” featuring Wyclef. I enjoyed the sample of Jerry Rivera’s “Amor Nunca Pregunta” with the reggaeton drum beats mixed in. At first, it may seem like this is a overdone pop attempt, but it is catchy enough to make even those anti-pop indulge the song. The vocals that Shakira belts over the chorus seals the deal. It also helps knowing that whether it be a pop venture or not, Shakira writes her own lyrics so it still feels like authentic Shakira. The strongest songs are “My Hips Don’t Lie” along with “Don’t Bother,” perhaps because those were made in English first. For those of us who do own Fijacion Oral Vol. 1, there are some new additions on this English album like “How Do You Do” and “Animal City” to look forward to. For those English speaking listeners that also have Oral Fixation Vol 1, hearing those songs translated will be a real treat. In the end, it is a win/win situation.

Grade: A-

-Navani Otero

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Monday Morning – Fool's Paradise (Selectric Records)

Monday Morning is a pretty lucky band. After all, their single “Wonder of it All (Next Year)” topped off the CHR charts for several weeks, their album “Fool’s Paradise” is available nationwide, AND they toured with Stryper. That’s right, Stryper. And if you’re not thinking “Holy crap” by now, I’ll tell you why you should be. Monday Morning is a devout Christian band. Holy crap indeed. Normally with this pretense in mind, things can get confusing. For example: When they say “I can’t live without you”, are they talking about Jesus, or an ex-girlfriend? Is God going to smite me? Is Monday Morning going to ask God to smite me when they are done reading this? Does the Pope have Monday Morning on his iPod? He just got one, you know. But I digress. Papal seal of approval or no, the dudes from Monday were blessed with the power of rock ‘n roll. Instrumentally speaking, their opening track, “Sunshine” is anything but. Its catchy air maintains an edgy feel throughout, as their fans can probably attest to. Weighty lyrics on tracks like “Can’t Go On” and “Vanity” examine personal faith and its impact on the inner sanctum. (See, I can sound smart and talk about Jesus too.) Aging Gen-Xer’s will appreciate the alt-rock feel that harkens back to a previous, and slightly grungier, decade. And everybody else will just be grateful that they don’t sound like Creed. No matter what Higher Power you subscribe to, you can’t ignore Monday Morning’s ridiculously sweet success. And the naysayers? To hell with ‘em.

Grade: B+

-Kristen Dunleavy

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