Shakira is a Colombian singer, songwriter, and dancer known for her distinctive voice and energetic performances. Rising to fame in the late 1990s with her Latin albums, she gained international recognition with her 2001 English-language crossover album *Laundry Service*, featuring hits like “Whenever, Wherever.” Shakira’s music blends various genres, including Latin pop, rock, and reggaeton. Known for her hip-shaking dance moves, she has continued to release successful albums and singles, such as “Hips Don’t Lie” and “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa).” Shakira is also celebrated for her philanthropy and influence in global music.
1. Try Everything
“Try Everything” is a song by Shakira, featured on the soundtrack for the 2016 animated film *Zootopia*. The song, written by Sia, Christian Guzman, and James R. Spalding, is an uplifting anthem about perseverance and resilience. It encourages listeners to keep trying and never give up, regardless of the obstacles they face. Shakira’s performance of “Try Everything” is marked by her characteristic vocal style and positive energy. The song was well-received and contributed to the film’s themes of determination and self-belief. Its motivational message and catchy melody made it a standout track on the soundtrack.
2. Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)
“Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)” by Shakira, released in 2010, is an energetic and uplifting song created as the official anthem for the 2010 FIFA World Cup held in South Africa. The track blends Afro-pop rhythms with Shakira’s signature vocal style, featuring a vibrant mix of traditional African sounds and modern pop elements. The lyrics encourage perseverance and unity, capturing the spirit of celebration and global camaraderie associated with the World Cup. The song’s infectious beat, catchy chorus, and spirited performance made it a global hit, becoming an iconic anthem for both the tournament and Shakira’s career.
3. Whenever, Wherever
“Whenever, Wherever” by Shakira, released in 2001 as the lead single from her album *Laundry Service*, is a lively and infectious track that helped establish her international fame. The song features a vibrant blend of Latin, pop, and world music influences, with catchy rhythms and Shakira’s distinctive vocals. The lyrics express a carefree and adventurous spirit, celebrating love and the excitement of spontaneous experiences. Its upbeat tempo, playful melody, and Shakira’s energetic performance make “Whenever, Wherever” a standout hit, known for its memorable chorus and the iconic belly dancing featured in the music video.
4. Perro Fiel
“Perro Fiel” by Shakira, featuring Nicky Jam, is a dynamic reggaeton track from her 2017 album *El Dorado*. The song blends Shakira’s signature Latin pop style with Nicky Jam’s reggaeton influence, creating a catchy and rhythmic sound. The lyrics use playful and metaphorical language to explore themes of loyalty and devotion in relationships. With its infectious beat, engaging melody, and vibrant production, “Perro Fiel” showcases Shakira’s versatility and ability to merge different musical styles while delivering a fun and danceable track.
5. Clandestino
“Clandestino” is a song by Shakira from her 2009 album *She Wolf*. The track features a blend of Latin rhythms and electronic elements, showcasing Shakira’s unique fusion of musical styles. The song’s lyrics, sung in Spanish, deal with themes of love and longing, expressing the complexities of a hidden or forbidden romance. With its sultry melody and rhythmic beats, “Clandestino” highlights Shakira’s ability to mix traditional Latin sounds with modern production, creating a distinctive and captivating listening experience. The song received praise for its engaging rhythm and Shakira’s dynamic vocal performance.
6. La Tortura
“La Tortura” by Shakira, featuring Alejandro Sanz, is a hit single from her 2005 album *Fijación Oral, Vol. 1*. The song combines reggaeton with Latin pop elements, creating a catchy and rhythmic track. The lyrics describe the pain and emotional turmoil of a breakup, using the metaphor of “torture” to convey the intensity of the experience. Shakira’s distinctive vocals are complemented by Alejandro Sanz’s smooth contribution, and the song’s infectious beat and memorable chorus helped make it a chart-topping success across various countries. The music video, featuring vibrant dance sequences, further enhanced the song’s popularity.
7. Chantaje
“Chantaje” is a song by Shakira featuring Colombian singer Maluma, released in 2016. The track is a reggaeton and Latin pop collaboration that explores themes of seductive and playful romance. With its catchy beat and vibrant rhythm, “Chantaje” became a commercial hit, topping charts across Latin America and the Spanish-speaking world. The song’s music video, featuring Shakira and Maluma in a visually striking setting, further contributed to its popularity. The track is known for its infectious melody and the chemistry between Shakira and Maluma, showcasing their ability to blend their distinctive styles seamlessly.
8. Hips Don’t Lie
“Hips Don’t Lie” by Shakira, featuring Wyclef Jean, is a global hit from her 2006 album *Oral Fixation, Vol. 2*. The song is known for its infectious rhythm, blending reggaeton with traditional Latin and Caribbean influences. Shakira’s energetic vocals and distinctive hip-shaking dance moves are central to the track, which celebrates the joy and confidence of dancing. Wyclef Jean’s contribution adds a dynamic touch with his rap verses. The song’s catchy beat, vibrant production, and Shakira’s charismatic performance helped it become a massive success worldwide, earning acclaim for its upbeat and danceable quality.
9. She Wolf
“She Wolf” is a song by Shakira from her 2009 album of the same name. The track features a distinctive blend of electro-pop and Latin rhythms, with Shakira’s signature vocal style and energetic delivery. The song’s lyrics revolve around themes of empowerment and liberation, using the metaphor of a “she-wolf” to describe a woman who is confident and assertive. The music video, known for its avant-garde visuals and Shakira’s striking dance moves, further emphasizes the song’s themes. “She Wolf” received positive reviews for its innovative sound and Shakira’s charismatic performance, solidifying her reputation as a dynamic artist.
10. Can’t Remember to Forget You
“Can’t Remember to Forget You” by Shakira, featuring Rihanna, is a 2014 single from Shakira’s self-titled album. The song blends reggae, rock, and pop influences, creating a catchy and vibrant sound. Its lyrics explore the difficulty of moving on from a past relationship, with the chorus reflecting the lingering emotional attachment. Shakira and Rihanna’s vocal performances complement each other well, adding a dynamic edge to the track. The music video, featuring both artists performing in bold, visually striking settings, enhances the song’s energetic and sultry vibe, making it a memorable hit.
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.
