By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

The marketing of female pop stars in America can often be too predictable and annoying but I think Shakira has found a way to merge the ever-forced-in-your-face sexuality and commercial appeal pushed by her label with the more poetic/organic sound of her roots (I prefer the latter). And in her just-released video for GYPSY, Shakira uses both forces, yet the simplicity and the sound takes us back to a more organic place where I think she shines the most.

Often, the overuse of sex appeal to sell records can feel like a broken record. It’s the same routine that’s been used for decades and will continue to be used; but what I admire about Shakira, moreso when she first pounced onto the scene, was that there seemed to be an originality behind the sensuality, which I wish could be showcased more on her next album. But hey, it’s all about the Benjamins when it comes to record labels, so I won’t hold my breath for that anytime soon.

Although there’s nothing new about Shakira’s new video, I appreciate the simplicty of the shoot. I also appreciate the song, which showcases the side of Shakira I prefer the most–the raw poetic side.

Shakira hand-picked tennis superstar Rafael Nadal to be in the video. The Daily Star quoted Shakira, as saying, “I thought that maybe I needed someone I could in some way identify with. And Rafael Nadal is a person who has been totally committed to his career since he was very young, since he was 17, I believe.”

Or to keep it real–“I just wanted some beefy dude to swoon over me as I shake my hips and look pretty. Duh!”

Pretty, indeed. Watch the video, below.

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