Laundry Service

Colombian singer-songwriter Shakira stepped into the global spotlight with Laundry Service, her fifth studio album and first full English-language release. After conquering Latin America and parts of Europe, a push from Gloria Estefan convinced Shakira to tackle pop music in English despite initial hesitation. Released on November 13, 2001, by Epic Records, this record blends pop rock with Andean rhythms, tango, and Middle Eastern influences across fourteen tracks. Shakira wrote and produced every song under Emilio Estefan's guidance, focusing on themes of love and romance while showcasing her vocal range.

Critics praised the musical variety and originality, though some found the sound generic. The album topped charts in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, and Switzerland, peaking at number three on the US Billboard 200. It eventually sold around 13 million copies worldwide by 2011, earning sextuple platinum status in Australia and becoming the best-selling album by a female Latin artist. Lead singles like Whenever, Wherever and Underneath Your Clothes dominated international airwaves, followed by hits like Objection (Tango).

To support the project, Shakira launched the Tour of the Mongoose in 2002, marking her first major worldwide tour. Collaborators including Tim Armstrong, Jerry Finn, and John Shanks helped refine the sound for the English-speaking market while maintaining her unique cultural identity. [edit]