Objection (Tango)

Released on June 12, 2002, "Objection (Tango)" served as the fourth single from Shakira's first English-language studio album, Laundry Service. The track marked a pivotal shift in her career as one of the first songs she wrote entirely in English, a move encouraged by Gloria Estefan to help her transition into the global market. Musically, the song fuses Latin pop and rock with traditional Argentine tango, creating a fiery soundscape defined by the prominent use of the bandoneon alongside electric guitars.

Lyrically, the narrative confronts infidelity directly, with Shakira detailing the end of a tumultuous love triangle while channeling the passion inherent to the genre. Critics noted stylistic echoes of bands like The B-52's due to its upbeat yet serious tone. While the English version peaked at number 55 on the Billboard Hot 100, it found stronger international footing, reaching the top ten in Australia, Belgium, France, Italy, and the Netherlands.

The accompanying music video directed by Dave Meyers blends live-action with stylized animation to depict Shakira confronting her cheating partner and his lover in a club setting. This visual approach matched the dramatic themes of the song. Shakira further cemented the track's cultural footprint with a memorable live performance at the 2002 MTV Video Music Awards, where she incorporated Afro-punk and reggae influences into the arrangement. [edit]