Shakira, the internationally renowned Colombian singer, songwriter, and dancer, captivates audiences worldwide with her exceptional talent, infectious energy, and unique musical style. Born on February 2, 1977, in Barranquilla, Colombia, Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll has become an iconic figure in the music industry.
With a career spanning over three decades, Shakira has achieved remarkable success and has garnered numerous accolades, including multiple Grammy Awards and Latin Grammy Awards. Her music seamlessly blends various genres, such as pop, rock, reggae, and Latin rhythms, creating a distinctive sound that resonates with fans from diverse cultural backgrounds.
Shakira’s charismatic stage presence and dynamic performances have made her a true global superstar. Her signature moves, including her famous hip-shaking belly dance, have become iconic and have solidified her status as a mesmerizing entertainer. Whether singing in English, Spanish, or a combination of both, Shakira’s powerful and versatile voice effortlessly conveys emotion and passion in each song.
Beyond her musical achievements, Shakira has been recognized for her philanthropic endeavors. She is actively involved in several charitable initiatives, particularly focusing on education and child welfare through her foundation, Pies Descalzos.
Shakira’s impact on the music industry, her cultural influence, and her unwavering dedication to making a positive impact in the world have solidified her as a true icon. With her unwavering talent and magnetic persona, Shakira continues to inspire and captivate audiences across the globe.
1. Hips Don’t Lie
Shakira's iconic hit, known for its unforgettable chorus and infectious beat, sits at the top of the list of her greatest musical achievements. With its Latin-inspired sound and lyrics celebrating the power of dance, this song has influenced generations of music fans worldwide. Its success was driven by Shakira's exceptional vocal range and talent for crafting an irresistible melody that continues to captivate audiences today.
Whenever, Wherever is the perfect song for those moments when you're lost in a desert and need some Shakira to guide you.
2. Whenever, Wherever
This chart-topping track by Shakira is one of her most iconic hits. The lyrics reflect on the freedom and spontaneity of love, with Shakira singing about how she will follow her heart "whenever, wherever." The track's upbeat, Latin-inspired melody and catchy chorus make it a perennial favorite among fans and casual listeners alike. Its music video is also notable for featuring Shakira dancing in a variety of exotic locations, showcasing her unique style and charisma.
Shakira's 'Waka Waka' is the ultimate soccer anthem – it's like the whole world is dancing, except for the one guy who still doesn't know what offsides means.
3. Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)
Shakira's hit single, commemorating the 2010 FIFA World Cup, is an eclectic mix of African rhythms and pop sounds. The track not only topped the charts in over 15 countries but also became one of the highest-viewed videos on YouTube, garnering over 2 billion views to date. Shakira's performance during the opening ceremony of Africa's first-ever FIFA World Cup, where she sang "Waka Waka" amongst thousands of dancers clad in vibrant colors and traditional attire, showcased her passion for cultural diversity and social harmony.
The song has become a global sensation and a powerful symbol of unity that promotes cross-cultural exchange through music. Despite being sung mainly in English and Spanish, its catchy chorus featuring several Swahili phrases reflects Shakira's commitment to recognizing and celebrating the unique identities of people from all backgrounds. The fusion of different genres such as Afrobeats, samba, reggae, and salsa created an energetic party anthem that transcended borders.
"Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)" was more than just another chart-topping song; it was a call to action for fans around the world to come together and support sustainable development initiatives in Africa through fundraising efforts. Every download or purchase generated royalties that were used to fund the construction of schools across underprivileged communities on the continent.
According to sources, Shakira had originally compiled over 50 bits of material before finalizing "Waka Waka" as her definitive track for the FIFA World Cup.
Chantaje will make you want to dance, even if you're not fluent in Spanish or Colombian blackmail tactics.
4. Chantaje
Shakira's enticing 'Blackmail' song is a Latin American track featuring the talented Maluma. The song was released in 2016 as part of Shakira's album El Dorado and peaked at number one on the charts in 16 countries. This song hypnotizes with its sultry lyrics and melodies, as Shakira and Maluma sing about blackmailing their significant others for love.
The music video has reached over 3 billion views, making it the fourth most-watched YouTube music video of all time.
Even Shakira knows that under all those clothes, there's a fire waiting to be ignited.
5. Underneath Your Clothes
Shakira's iconic hit, often referred to as "Beneath Your Attire", has captivated audiences internationally. The song's seductive lyrics and Shakira's soulful vocals are a testament to the artist's unique sound and style. Her dynamic voice shines through on this romantic ballad, making it one of her most popular songs. "Beneath Your Attire" is a must-listen for any Shakira fan and demonstrates the artist's ability to craft enduring music that resonates with fans around the globe.
Continuing on the subject of "Beneath Your Attire," Shakira's use of poetic language and imagery creates a rich tapestry that draws listeners in. It is perhaps this combination of lyricism and melody that makes this song so alluring. For many fans, "Beneath Your Attire" represents an intimate window into Shakira's creative process and enduring legacy.
While we've discussed much about Shakira, it's worth mentioning that her diverse catalogue features several gems beyond just "Beneath Your Attire". Songs like "Hips Don't Lie", which showcases her formidable dance skills, or "Whenever, Wherever", a classic tune that propelled her to stardom worldwide and highlights her signature hip-shaking moves. Whether she's singing in Spanish or English, pop or Latin genres, Shakira continually surprises listeners with her musical dexterity.
For those seeking to experience more of Shakira's music beyond these hits, consider checking out some lesser-known gems like "Je L'aime À Mourir", or "Antología". Each song offers something unique to listeners who otherwise may only be familiar with her chart-topping hits. Exploring these less renowned tracks can help broaden an appreciation for Shakira as an artist while giving context to her decades-long career.
In sum, while we have shared our top 5 picks from Shakira's discography thus far, there truly is no end to the artist's creative output. By delving deeper into her work, audiences can explore the many dimensions of an artist who continues to captivate and inspire around the globe.
La Tortura – the only time torture sounded this tempting was when Shakira sang about it.
6. La Tortura
Shakira's emotive song, 'The Torture,' showcases the Colombian artist at her best. The song, featuring standout guitar work and bilingual lyrics, is an impressive showcase of her artistic range. It balances pop elements with Latin rhythms and speaks to universal themes of heartbreak and perseverance. Shakira's vocal power is on full display here, too – she effortlessly lays into the chorus with a commanding presence that never falters. Ultimately, 'The Torture' is one of Shakira's most memorable songs in her entire oeuvre.
As one of Shakira's biggest hits, 'The Torture' remains a fan favorite thanks largely to its infectious hooks and catchy singalong chorus. The song is headlined by a driving beat that keeps the energy high throughout its entire runtime. The track also benefits from some clever production choices – there are plenty of background vocal flourishes that add flavor without overwhelming the mix. And while Shakira's performance here is undoubtedly outstanding, 'The Torture' wouldn't be nearly as effective without the input of Spanish singer-songwriter Alejandro Sanz.
'The Torture' has proven popular for several reasons beyond just its inherent catchiness and crossover appeal. For one thing, it taps into a sense of passion that anyone can relate to – its lyrics paint a vivid picture of an intense relationship that ultimately ends up causing more pain than pleasure. Meanwhile, the music itself underlines this tension through sly use of minor chords and crescendos that build up to an emotional peak at every chorus.
Pro Tip: If you're new to Shakira's discography or simply haven't heard much beyond her mainstream hits, make sure to give 'The Torture' a listen. It offers a captivating glimpse into what makes her such a unique talent within the crowded pop landscape.
Shakira's 'Loca' will have you dancing like you're on a tropical beach, even if you're just in your living room surrounded by laundry.
7. Loca
Starting with one of Shakira's most energetic tracks, this next song displays her unique vocal ability with incredible enchantment. In '7. Loca', Shakira sings about the madness of love and its unpredictable ways.
- With Spanish lyrics over a driving beat, the song showcases Shakira's unmistakable sound.
- The signature opening melody samples El Cata's 2010 track "Loca Con Su Tiguere."
- The accompanying music video shot in Barcelona features Shakira dancing on rooftops and causing mayhem around the city.
The bridge of the song allows Shakira to showcase her familiar unconventional vocal style,something that has become iconic in pop music today, making this track one of her fan favorites.
Pro Tip: If you're looking for an upbeat and catchy dance number and want to hear the best of what modern Latin pop has to offer, be sure to add '7. Loca' in your playlist. Who knew that being a She Wolf involved so much dancing in a cage?
8. She Wolf
Known worldwide as an icon and a pop power player, Shakira has released countless chart-topping hits that enthralled audiences. One of her most sensational hits is a track that embraces her inner primal instincts. Undoubtedly, 'She Wolf' showcases her seductive persona and highlights the singer's illustrious vocal range throughout the entire song, making it one of the staples of her musical career.
'She Wolf' was released in 2009 under Shakira's album with the same title. The upbeat dance-pop song is famous for its howling wolves throughout the track and Shakira's signature Arabic-accented version of "lucky that my breasts are small and humble, so you don't confuse them with mountains" verse. The She-Wolf music video featuring extraordinary choreography routines accentuated by special effects technicolor graphics further heightened its popularity.
Unique to this hit is how Shakira blends modern production techniques with ancient Middle Eastern melodies, making it distinct from other contemporary club tracks. Its addicting beat has turned 'She Wolf' into an anthem that still resonates with today's dance music scene long after its release.
Pro Tip: To get fully immersed in the frenetic energy of this hi-tempo dance-floor filler, crank up the volume and let yourself loose!
Shakira proves she's loyal to her furry friends in 'Perro Fiel', but will this song make it onto your playlist or just your pup's?
9. Perro Fiel
This track by Shakira named after the Spanish term for loyal dog, 'Perro Fiel', was released in 2017 and features Dominican rapper Nicky Jam. The lyrics describe a love so strong that it compares to a faithful canine. It's a fusion of reggaeton and Latin pop that perfectly highlights Shakira's versatile singing style. The catchy beat makes it easy to dance along to this upbeat track, adding another hit song to her long list of successful singles.
In addition to its success on the charts, Perro Fiel has also earned critical acclaim from music critics and fans alike. The single has been certified Platinum in several countries, including the United States and Spain. Fans love how the energetic rhythm reflects the strong feelings of devotion expressed in the lyrics.
To add more context, this song marked Shakira's return to recording following a four-year hiatus while she was raising her second child with partner Gerard Piqué. Despite being away from the spotlight for some time, Shakira showed no signs of rust in this upbeat track which ultimately became one of her most popular songs ever.
Beautiful Liar? More like Beautiful Song that Makes Me Want to Dance and Forget My Trust Issues.
10. Beautiful Liar
A beautiful duet by Beyoncé and Shakira, this song highlights the female vocals in a sensual manner. The Latin pop genre infuses with R&B, creating an upbeat melody that transcends boundaries. With its dynamic chorus and catchy rap verses, Beautiful Liar became a massive hit worldwide.
The infectious tune of Beautiful Liar was produced by Stargate and Beyoncé herself. It features multiple languages, including Spanish and Arabic. This 2007 single won Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals at the 50th Annual Grammy Awards.
Shakira effortlessly harmonizes with Beyoncé in the song's pulsating rhythm, bringing out their individuality while staying true to their musical styles. Additionally, the music video explores their captivating personas through intricate choreography.
Pro Tip – To enjoy this track thoroughly, listen to it on high volume to feel the toe-tapping beats and incredible vocal power exhibited by two of the most prominent artists of our time.
Edward Tomlin is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
