Shakira, the Colombian-born rockera, has had a professional recording contract since she was a teenager. She has sold millions of albums throughout the world, had No. 1 songs on the charts in more than a dozen countries, performed for an MTV album, and won numerous awards. She probably has been as big of a success as is possible — for someone who doesn't perform in English.

But that one detail is changing this week this week as Shakira releases her first English-language album, Laundry Service, after a series of successes in both Spanish and Portuguese. Those who have seen her perform on tour or on television have little doubt that the album could propel her to a superstardom that is possible only if her songs become a staple of English-language radio in the United States.

Unlike some popular performers, Shakira writes most of her own songs, which include both ballads and dance tunes. The songs on her English-language debut album were translated by Gloria Estefan.

Samples of Shakira's music are available on her official Web site and at some of the links listed above. Here are some other details about Shakira that may be of interest: