The release of Shakira’s latest album She Wolf adds to pop culture’s current canine fixation. Wolves have long captivated public attention, from the villain in the infamous Brothers Grimm tale to Stephenie Meyer’s vampire-busting Quileute tribe. However, unlike Little Red Riding Hood’s foe, the public has nothing to fear from this wolf.

Shakira blatantly uses feminine wiles to sell her latest record, with lyrics like “First floor, room 16/ Smells like danger, even better.” However, glimmers of intellectualism complete the album’s dichotomy. Avid Shakira fans may just reach for the dictionary when listening to the single “She Wolf.” Shakira’s use of the word “lycanthropy” will impress even the most practiced Scrabble player. Such vocabulary cannot be dismissed as the work of a clever songwriter, as Shakira wrote all but one song on the album.

Shakira’s literary prowess may raise a few eyebrows, as will her vocal effects in an entirely different sense. Shakira’s half-hearted howl introduced in the song “She Wolf” has the power to induce laughter in even the most solitary setting. One potential question may prevent her audience from appreciating the limited musicality of the song: What was she thinking? Hearing Shakira’s heavy breathing intertwined with the melody, the audience must conclude this She Wolf has been running through too many fairy tale pages. Vocal techniques continue to astound two minutes and 55 seconds into the song “Men in This Town,” where, with the tonal quality of E.T’s second-cousin, Shakira laments, “It’s a suicide waiting.” In “Spy,” Shakira switches inspirations and channels Jim Henson’s Muppets while singing, “Bom bom baa.”

Aspects of Shakira’s vocal techniques triumph where others fail. The deconstructed lyrics that conclude “Men in this Town” are sure to intrigue even the most tepid fan. The album also enjoys success showcasing Shakira’s signature power-packed, guttural tones made famous in previous songs “Whenever, Wherever” and “Hips Don’t Lie.”

Instrumentals create mixed effects on the audience. “Long Time” features a drumbeat manageable by any middle school percussion player; however, the raw percussion line in “Why Wait” answers with a strong rhythm section. Also, the catchy guitar riff in “She Wolf” distracts listeners from the more contrived elements of the song.

The album’s emotional content and strong feminine personality prevail over its weaknesses. Especially laden with emotion are songs like “Men in This Town,” “Good Stuff” and “Why Wait.” Arguably, “Why Wait” is the most musical song, challenging the audience with vocal vibrato and heavy Middle Eastern undertones.

Through She Wolf, Shakira embraces the power of music to transcend cultural boundaries. The inclusion of Kid Cudi, Wyclef Jean, and Lil Wayne integrates mainstream rap techniques, while Shakira draws from Columbian influences and incorporates an abundance of Spanish.

The album’s success can only partially be attributed to its lyrical qualities. Should Little Red Riding Hood encounter this melodic “She Wolf” on her way to grandmother’s, after scratching her head at some of the CD’s more bizarre aspects, Little Red may just dance along.

2 1/2 stars out of 5.