Objection (Tango)

Shakira's "Objection (Tango)" arrived in 2002 as the fourth single from her massively successful English-language debut, Laundry Service. This track marked a significant moment for the Colombian superstar, representing one of the first songs she penned entirely in English, a creative leap encouraged by none other than Gloria Estefan. The song itself is a fiery fusion, blending the pulsating energy of pop rock with the dramatic flair of tango. Its distinctive sound is amplified by the bandoneon and guitar, creating a unique sonic landscape. Lyrically, Shakira confronts infidelity head-on, using the tango's inherent passion to convey her message of ending a tumultuous love triangle.

The single's release saw it climb charts across the globe, hitting the top ten in Australia, Belgium, Italy, the Netherlands, and France. While it reached number 17 in the United Kingdom and number 55 on the US Billboard Hot 100, its Spanish counterpart, "Te Aviso, Te Anuncio (Tango)", found strong footing on the Latin charts. Music critics generally responded well, with some noting stylistic echoes of bands like The B-52's. The song's accompanying music video, directed by Dave Meyers, is equally memorable, depicting Shakira confronting her cheating partner and his lover in a club setting, even incorporating animated sequences. Shakira also delivered a memorable performance of the song, infused with Afro-punk and reggae influences, at the 2002 MTV Video Music Awards, further cementing its place as a standout track from the Laundry Service era. [edit]