Shakira: Oral Fixation Tour (Blu-ray)

Shakira: Oral Fixation Tour Blu-ray Review

Shakira bursts onto Blu-ray.

Reviewed by Martin Liebman, January 1, 2008

I studied Spanish in high school and one of my best friends is from Panama, so I have been exposed to quite a bit of Spanish language culture, including music. In high school, I was introduced to three Spanish-language artists whose music I enjoyed quite a bit--Paulina Rubio, Man�, and Shakira. Shakira's Pies Descalzos was the album I was introduced to, and listening to it was certainly a help in my Spanish studies career. Since that album, Shakira has become an international superstar, performing in both English and Spanish, and this Blu-ray concert shows the performer at the height of her popularity.

These hips don't lie.

This concert was recorded on December 9, 2006 in Miami, Florida. Shakira is a wonderful and energetic performer. Unlike clips I've seen of other "divas" who simply dance and lip synch their way through the show, Shakira puts on a passionate and complete show worthy of the price of admission. She's a "diva of all trades" who belly dances, sings with both grace and power, and plays solos on the guitar and harmonica. She performs all her songs, some in Spanish (such as Estoy Aqui) and some in English (such as Whenever, Wherever) with an energy and vigor second to none. She speaks to her fans in both languages as well, which makes sense for a show in Miami. Shakira is of both Colombian and Lebanese descent, and her style of dress and dance incorporates elements from both cultures.

Call me a member of the vast minority, but I've never been enamored by recorded live music. Seeing a performance in person is one thing, but watching a concert on television or listening to a live performance has never struck my fancy. Perhaps after watching this disc that may change. With the advent of large, high definition displays and uncompressed sound, viewing this disc with a worthy sound system is a marvel to behold. It literally puts you in the middle of the show. Not to get into the technical review here, but the music is so pure and lifelike, and the crowd noise so enveloping that you cannot help but feel right there in the middle of the auditorium sonically and in the front row visually.