[2005-2009 Best Songs]
Billboard Top 100, 2005: #60
Since this is my list, I have to make important decisions, such as whether it's alright for a non-English language song to be included. Shakira being unbelievably hot had no impact on my decision. The ruling is: Spanish language songs are acceptable (especially when the singer is very hot).
I did take the time to read the lyrics. Translating lyrics is always a tough thing. You lose the context of figures of speech, cadence and rhyme - all the things that make lyrics "work" in the native language. What's magical about this particular song is the sense of understanding you can get without even knowing the language. The two voices are caught up in an exchange that is full of emotion. She's wistful, but bitter; he's aching, pleading. And yeah, "la tortura" translates to torture, so you can take a guess at the meaning of it all. Or, if you really need it, here's a link to the translation.
Meanwhile, there's a musical treasure trove backing those vocals. There are hooks better than virtually any American Pop song. The Latin-Caribbean track has tons of energy, driven by that sharp electric guitar. It's also the best sounding accordion you will ever hear: I loathe the sound of an accordion; this one's actually sexy.
Alejandro Sanz' vocals are even better than Shakira's, which is important because otherwise nobody would have known he was even in the room. It's a sure bet nobody was looking at him.
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