Oral Fixation Vol. 2
by Shakira
  • Record Label: Sony
  • Release Date: Nov 29, 2005
Metascore
74

Generally favorable reviews - based on 15 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 15
  3. Negative: 0 out of 15
  1. PopMatters
    90
    The best pop record of the year.
  2. AllMusic
    80
    Other artists may be bigger than Shakira while others may make more fully realized albums, but as of 2005, no other pop artist attempts as much and achieves as much as Shakira, as this often enthralling album proves.
  3. Amazon.com
    80
    Oral Fixation Vol. 2 finds Shakira reclaiming some of the bite she showcased on 1998's smashing Donde Estan Los Ladrones?
  5. Billboard
    80
    A wonderful disc. [3 Dec 2005]
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  6. The Guardian
    80
    Oral Fixation is the sound of an utterly unique voice in a uniform world.
  7. Q Magazine
    80
    A force of nature is with us. [Mar 2006, p.110]
    All this publication's reviews
  8. Los Angeles Times
    75
    Paradoxically, in reassessing and even shunning aspects of her success, Shakira may have found a way to sustain it. [26 Nov 2005]
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  9. E! Online
    75
    The lyrics seem clumsy, and some of the melodies feel warmed over, and the Carlos Santana-appearing "Illegal" is a total buzzkill. But it's not all a loss.
  10. Entertainment Weekly
    67
    Beneath Oral Fixation's exotic window dressings lies fairly conventional pop. [2 Dec 2005, p.79]
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  11. Stylus Magazine
    67
    Above all else, Shakira shows that highly individual, original pop songwriting can co-exist splendidly with commercial interests, and on both of those scales, this album is something of a triumph.
  12. Rolling Stone
    60
    Occasionally clumsy but most often clever, Shakira's English lyrics and performances still lack the confidence of her Spanish tracks, yet Oral Fixation manages to maintain the musical credibility that Fijacion Oral won back.
  13. Slant Magazine
    60
    Vol. 2 finds the singer straddling the line more than ever, one part Natalie Merchant and one part Jewel.
  14. Blender
    60
    Broader and more aggressive than both its predecessor and the 2001 English album Laundry Service, it also lacks a center of gravity. [Jan/Feb 2006, p.96]
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  15. Uncut
    60
    At first it's too Linda Perry; soft-rock with feminist principles. [Mar 2006, p.96]
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  16. Dot Music
    60
    Much more of this and Shakira will surely take over the whole world with her mix of unthreatening pop / rock, lovingly naïve lyrics and cute tummy.

Awards & Rankings

39
#39 Most Discussed Album of 2005
51
#51 Most Shared Album of 2005

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
6.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 298 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 165 out of 298
  2. Mixed: 60 out of 298
  3. Negative: 73 out of 298
  1. Ponsho
    Sep 24, 2014
    10
    Her best english album and probably one of the best female pop/rock album of all time. favorite tracks? Costume Makes The Clown, Timor, AnimalHer best english album and probably one of the best female pop/rock album of all time. favorite tracks? Costume Makes The Clown, Timor, Animal City, Don't Bother, Illegal, How Do You Do, Hey You, Your Embrace, Dreams For Plans, Something, The Day and the time and Hips Don't Lie... uh oh... all of them!… Full Review »
  2. AmberM
    Feb 24, 2006
    10
    This album was amazing, just like her others including Fijacion Oral Vol.1. People say that she sounds like a man and that they cannot This album was amazing, just like her others including Fijacion Oral Vol.1. People say that she sounds like a man and that they cannot understand her English. That is completely and inaccurate statement in my opinion. Her English is fluent (Trust me, I know. I read everything), and she does not sound like a man. Shakira has talent, and most people can see that. El album es my bueno!… Full Review »
  3. davem
    Feb 9, 2006
    9
    i have to say this is my favourite album so far this year. oral fijacion 1 was an excellent array of songs and this complements it perfectly, i have to say this is my favourite album so far this year. oral fijacion 1 was an excellent array of songs and this complements it perfectly, especially the excelent How Do You and Timor. she's like a latin kate bush and there's nothing wrong with that.… Full Review »
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