Shakira, born Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll on February 2, 1977, in Barranquilla, Colombia, is a globally acclaimed singer, songwriter, and performer. Renowned for her distinctive voice, dynamic stage presence, and ability to fuse various musical styles, Shakira has become a dominant force in the Latin and international music scenes.
Shakira first gained international recognition with her breakthrough album “Pies Descalzos” in 1996, featuring hits like “Estoy Aquí” and “¿Dónde Estás Corazón?” However, it was her fifth studio album, “Laundry Service” (2001), that catapulted her to global superstardom. The album included chart-topping singles “Whenever, Wherever” and “Underneath Your Clothes,” showcasing Shakira’s talent for blending pop, rock, and Latin influences.
One of her most significant achievements came with the release of “Hips Don’t Lie” in 2006, featuring Wyclef Jean. The song became a massive international hit, topping charts worldwide and becoming one of the best-selling digital singles of all time.
Apart from her musical prowess, Shakira is celebrated for her philanthropy work, particularly in the areas of education and child welfare through the Barefoot Foundation. She has also served as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.
Known for her energetic performances, trademark belly-dancing moves, and multilingual abilities, Shakira continues to evolve as an artist, staying relevant and influential in the ever-changing landscape of the music industry. Her impact on Latin and global pop music, as well as her commitment to charitable causes, solidifies her status as a cultural icon.
1. Hips Don't Lie
Shakira's 'Hips Don't Lie' slayed the music biz with its undeniable charisma. Let's take a closer dive into this iconic song. Here's a breakdown of its success:
Artist: Shakira ft. Wyclef Jean
Genre: Latin, reggaeton, worldbeat
Release Year: 2005
Album: "Oral Fixation, Vol. 2"
Billboard Peak Position: #1
This tune is special for many reasons. Shakira's vibrant voice and awesome dance moves are unforgettable. It's a unique blend of Latin beats and catchy lyrics that crosses language boundaries.
Plus, it was originally written as the official 2006 FIFA World Cup theme song! It captures the spirit of celebration and unity of such a major sporting event.
2. Whenever, Wherever
Shakira's renowned anthem "Whenever, Wherever" still charms her fans. Its mix of Latin pop and Middle Eastern vibes is enthralling. Shakira's powerful vocals and magnetic hooks make it an instant classic.
The production of the song is as captivating as Shakira's performance. Traditional instruments combined with modern beats create an upbeat and lively sound. The catchy chorus will have you singing along quickly.
What sets "Whenever, Wherever" apart is its lyrical depth. It sends a message to embrace the unpredictability of life. No matter our location or difficulties, this song reminds us to live in the present and make the most of every chance.
Here is an interesting fact about "Whenever, Wherever." Shakira initially faced resistance from her record label. They were uncertain of its success due to its original style. But Shakira persisted and proved them wrong when the track became a global hit and reached number one on many charts.
3. La Tortura
"La Tortura," Shakira's Latin pop masterpiece, has made its mark as one of her most iconic songs. It exhibits her versatile vocals and storytelling prowess – beloved by fans worldwide. The song delves deep into heartbreak and longing. It's a mix of Latin pop and reggaeton, with infectious beats and tantalizing melody.
For an extra special experience, listen to the live version, where Shakira adds more energy and passion to every note.
"Waka Waka" is the perfect party anthem – whether you're a soccer fan or just want a catchy song stuck in your head.
4. Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)
Shakira's 'Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)' was the official song for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. It was co-written by Shakira and Freshlyground. This vibrant anthem combines pop, reggae, and world music elements. With its upbeat tempo and catchy chorus, "Waka Waka" became synonymous with joy and celebration.
The lyrics convey a message of hope, urging listeners to take opportunities. Shakira's vocals shine through in every verse. The music video features scenes from communities around the world, highlighting the diversity of cultures.
This song stands out as one of Shakira's most successful songs. It has over 2 billion views on YouTube and holds a Guinness World Record for being the best-selling World Cup anthem ever.
5. Underneath Your Clothes
Discover the emotion-filled journey of Shakira's 'Underneath Your Clothes'. With its raw vulnerability, melodic brilliance, and timeless appeal, this beloved track has become one of her most iconic compositions.
Unlock the power of this heartfelt masterpiece. The poignant lyrics, like "Underneath your clothes, there's an endless story," capture the depth of love and trust. The captivating melody is both tender and catchy, while Shakira's distinctive voice infuses each note with passion and sincerity.
Nearly two decades after its release, 'Underneath Your Clothes' still resonates with fans worldwide. Its universal theme transcends cultural boundaries and connects deeply with listeners from all walks of life.
So don't miss out on this emotional journey! Let Shakira's enchanting vocals and evocative lyrics take you on an unforgettable ride through the depths of love and vulnerability. Listen now and let this timeless ballad leave an indelible mark on your heart. Shakira showed us that you don't need a law degree to object–just a killer tango and a whole lot of sass!
6. Objection (Tango)
"Objection (Tango)" is a captivating blend of Latin rhythms and passionate lyrics. It is Shakira's iconic track that propelled her to international stardom and became an instant fan favorite.
This song is from 2001 album "Laundry Service". It fuses elements of pop rock, tango, and dance-pop genres. Its unique blend of Latin rhythms combined with Western influences set it apart from other songs of its time.
It was co-written by Shakira, Tim Mitchell, and Gloria Estefan. This collaboration contributed to the song's success. Each artist brought their own creative flair to the table.
"Objection (Tango)" captures the raw energy and sensuality that have become synonymous with Shakira's music. It has an infectious melody and fiery vocals that make it stand out.
7. She Wolf
"She Wolf"–Shakira's seventh best song of all time–is a masterpiece! Catchy beats, empowering lyrics, it's won hearts worldwide. A table highlighting key info:
| She Wolf | Shakira | She Wolf | 2009 |
A global hit, "She Wolf" is unique with its pop and dance elements. It's known for its infectious chorus and Shakira's vocal range. Experience the energy and passion! Add it to your playlist and be captivated by her electrifying performance in this unforgettable song. Or, if you want something extra-catchy, check out "Chantaje"–it proves Shakira can make even blackmail sound good!
8. Chantaje
Shakira's extraordinary repertoire boasts an iconic song – 'Chantaje'. This enthralling track exhibits her unique style and musical prowess. Let's explore the soul of this alluring masterpiece.
'Chantaje' fuses reggaeton and pop latino, crafting a remarkable beat that perfectly complements Shakira's entrancing voice. Released in 2016 on her album 'El Dorado', the hit single continues to entrance people worldwide with its blissful energy.
Pro Tip: To experience the full range of Shakira's brilliance, listen to 'Chantaje' with high-quality headphones to savor the intricate layers of its production.
Shakira shows her finesse with moves like Jagger and vocals like Mariah in this invigorating anthem that will have you singing 'La La La' all day long.
9. La La La (Brazil 2014)
"Estoy Aquí", the song that made it obvious that Shakira was here to stay – like an unwanted guest who shows up at your doorstep unannounced! "La La La (Brazil 2014)" is an upbeat and catchy tune by Shakira released in connection with the 2014 FIFA World Cup held in Brazil. This track showcased her immense talent and confirmed her status as a global superstar.
- Global Anthem: "La La La (Brazil 2014)" was an unofficial anthem for the 2014 FIFA World Cup. It captured the enthusiasm and spirit of the tournament.
- Collaborative Effort: The song featured Brazilian musician Carlinhos Brown, adding a local flavor to the track and celebrating the host country.
- Infectious Rhythm: "La La La (Brazil 2014)" had an irresistible beat and playful lyrics, making it an instant hit amongst fans around the world.
- Memorable Music Video: The music video showed off Shakira's dynamism and included appearances from footballers like Lionel Messi, Neymar Jr., and James Rodriguez.
- Charitable Contribution: A portion of proceeds from the song were donated to organizations that support early childhood development.
It's worth noting that "La La La (Brazil 2014)" became one of Shakira's most recognizable songs due to its connection with one of the top sporting events in the world. Its fame peaked during the World Cup season in Brazil. To get the best out of this song, here are some tips:
- Crank Up The Volume: Play this song loud! Let its pulsating rhythms flow through you for an extraordinary experience.
- Dance Like Nobody's Watching: Shake off your worries and get into the groove with Shakira's joyous spirit. Don't be scared to sing along.
- World Cup Flashbacks: Remember the excitement of the 2014 FIFA World Cup by watching the music video, which features thrilling moments from the tournament. Rekindle the magic and go down memory lane.
- Charity Support: Consider donating to organizations that promote early childhood development. Enjoying this song also helps a noble cause.
- Musical Journey: Dig deeper into Shakira's discography and discover hidden gems within her continuous repertoire.
By listening to "La La La (Brazil 2014)", you join the universal language of music that crosses borders and unites us all. Let this captivating track transport you to the vibrant atmosphere of Brazil and spark your passion for both music and football."
10. Estoy Aquí
Ranked as the tenth best Shakira song of all time, 'Estoy Aquí' showcases her early success in the Latin music industry. With catchy beats and heartfelt lyrics, this song rocketed her into stardom.
In the chart below, we can see the key details about 'Estoy Aquí':
| Ranking | Song | Album | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | Estoy Aquí | Pies Descalzos | 1995 |
Though it was released over two decades ago, 'Estoy Aquí' still enchants listeners with its energy. This track marked a turning point in Shakira's career and set the stage for her future success.
A fun fact about 'Estoy Aquí': Rolling Stone magazine said it established Shakira as one of the most influential Latin artists worldwide.
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.
