Shakira—a name synonymous with rhythmic magnetism, genre-defying artistry, and an undeniable ability to get the world dancing. Over the course of her illustrious career, this Colombian icon has transcended borders, blending Latin pop, rock, reggaeton, and global beats into a musical legacy that has captivated millions. Whether it’s her sultry voice, electrifying stage presence, or signature hip-shaking moves, Shakira is a force of nature who continues to inspire fans across generations.
In this article, we take a deep dive into the top 10 most popular Shakira songs of all time—tracks that have defined her career and cemented her status as a global superstar. From her fiery beginnings in Spanish-language ballads to her chart-topping English crossover hits, these songs showcase not only her versatility but also her ability to unite diverse audiences through the universal language of music.
Get ready to relive the magic of “Hips Don’t Lie,” feel the passion of “Whenever, Wherever,” and groove to the irresistible beats of “Waka Waka.” Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a casual listener, this list will remind you why Shakira’s music stands the test of time. Let’s dive in and celebrate the queen of Latin pop!
1. Hips Don’t Lie (2006)
When Hips Don’t Lie hit the airwaves in 2006, it didn’t just become a hit—it became a global sensation. Featuring Wyclef Jean, this infectious track is a seamless fusion of reggaeton, Latin pop, and hip-hop, perfectly complemented by Shakira’s sultry vocals and signature hip-shaking dance moves. From the moment those iconic horns kick in, the song grabs your attention and refuses to let go.
Lyrically, the song celebrates the power of movement and self-expression, with Shakira confidently declaring that her hips don’t lie when she’s feeling the music. The chemistry between her and Wyclef adds another layer of energy, making the track even more irresistible. Hips Don’t Lie dominated the charts, hitting number one in over 50 countries, including the Billboard Hot 100, and becoming one of the best-selling singles of all time.
Beyond its commercial success, the song had a cultural impact, becoming a dance-floor anthem and a staple in clubs, parties, and sporting events. Shakira’s electrifying performance of Hips Don’t Lie at the 2006 FIFA World Cup Closing Ceremony cemented the song as one of the defining moments of her career. Even years later, its upbeat rhythm and undeniable groove make it an enduring favorite, proving that when it comes to making people move, Shakira truly knows best.
2. Whenever, Wherever (2001)
Whenever, Wherever wasn’t just a song—it was the track that introduced Shakira to the world beyond Latin America. Released in 2001 as the lead single from her first English-language album, Laundry Service, the song perfectly balanced her Latin roots with an international pop sound, creating an anthem of adventure, love, and destiny.
The song’s production stands out with its unique blend of Andean pan flutes, driving percussion, and a rhythm that feels both exotic and universal. Lyrically, Whenever, Wherever is about two people who are destined to be together, no matter the distance or obstacles. The message of passionate devotion is reinforced by Shakira’s soaring vocals, making it a track that feels both intimate and grand.
The music video, featuring Shakira dancing barefoot on mountaintops and emerging from the ocean, further solidified her image as a global pop star with an undeniable magnetism. The song quickly climbed the charts, reaching the top in more than 20 countries, and helped Laundry Service become a massive success.
More than two decades later, Whenever, Wherever remains one of Shakira’s most recognizable songs, capturing the essence of her artistic spirit—bold, adventurous, and completely captivating.
3. Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) (2010)
Few songs can claim to have the kind of worldwide impact that Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) had. Chosen as the official anthem for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, the song not only celebrated the tournament but also became a symbol of unity, joy, and resilience.
Inspired by the Cameroonian song Zangaléwa, Waka Waka fuses African rhythms with Shakira’s energetic vocals, creating a track that feels both celebratory and deeply rooted in culture. The lyrics encourage perseverance and determination, making it an anthem not just for football fans but for anyone striving to overcome challenges.
The music video, which featured soccer legends alongside vibrant visuals of African culture, further amplified the song’s global appeal. With its infectious beat and uplifting chorus, Waka Waka became one of the best-selling World Cup songs of all time and remains one of Shakira’s most viewed videos on YouTube, surpassing billions of streams.
Even beyond the World Cup, the song’s legacy endures. Whether played at sports events, parties, or global celebrations, Waka Waka continues to bring people together, proving the power of music to transcend borders.
4. She Wolf (2009)
With She Wolf, released in 2009, Shakira stepped into a bold new sound, blending electro-pop with her signature Latin flair. The song marked a stylistic departure from her previous work, showcasing her willingness to experiment with futuristic synths, pulsating beats, and playful, metaphor-laden lyrics.
The track tells the story of a woman embracing her wild side, metaphorically describing herself as a “she wolf” who is breaking free from societal expectations. With lyrics that evoke images of moonlit transformations and untamed passion, Shakira delivers an electrifying vocal performance, complemented by the song’s hypnotic, club-ready production. And who could forget the iconic howl at the beginning? It became one of the most recognizable sounds in pop music at the time.
The music video, featuring Shakira contorting herself in a golden cage and dancing with animalistic precision, further fueled the song’s success. It was a viral sensation, proving that she was not just an incredible vocalist but also a mesmerizing performer.
While She Wolf didn’t follow the traditional Latin or rock influences Shakira was known for, it reinforced her versatility as an artist. The song remains a cult favorite, representing a fearless era in her career where she fully embraced her individuality.
5. Underneath Your Clothes (2001)
A stark contrast to her fiery dance tracks, Underneath Your Clothes showcased Shakira’s softer, more romantic side. Released in 2001 as the second single from Laundry Service, the song is an emotional ballad that highlights her poetic songwriting and heartfelt vocal delivery.
The lyrics paint a picture of deep love and devotion, expressing gratitude for a partner who sees beyond surface-level attraction. Lines like “You’re a song written by the hands of God” demonstrate the level of tenderness Shakira infuses into the song. The lush orchestration, combined with her slightly husky voice, gives it an intimate and timeless quality.
The music video, featuring behind-the-scenes footage of Shakira’s life on tour interwoven with romantic scenes, further enhanced the song’s emotional appeal. It resonated deeply with fans, especially those who had followed her transition from Latin American stardom to worldwide fame.
Underneath Your Clothes became one of Shakira’s biggest ballads, topping charts around the world and solidifying her reputation as an artist who could deliver both high-energy anthems and deeply personal love songs. Even today, it remains one of her most beloved tracks, often cited as one of the most romantic songs of the early 2000s.
6. La Tortura (2005)
La Tortura, released in 2005, was a game-changer for Latin pop. Featuring Spanish singer-songwriter Alejandro Sanz, the reggaeton-infused track was a massive success, becoming one of the most influential Spanish-language songs of the decade.
The song revolves around themes of heartbreak and longing, with Shakira and Sanz playing the roles of former lovers in a dramatic conversation. The back-and-forth vocal interplay between the two artists creates a sense of emotional tension, making the song feel like a real-life exchange between two exes who can’t quite let go.
Musically, La Tortura blends traditional Latin rhythms with modern reggaeton beats, creating an intoxicating sound that helped bring reggaeton to mainstream audiences. Shakira’s distinctive vocals—both sultry and sorrowful—perfectly convey the pain of lost love, while Sanz’s heartfelt delivery adds another layer of authenticity.
The accompanying music video, featuring Shakira’s mesmerizing belly dancing and passionate expressions, became iconic in its own right. La Tortura set records as one of the most successful Spanish-language songs to cross over into the mainstream U.S. market, proving that language was no barrier to great music. It remains a classic, continuing to influence Latin artists to this day.
7. Beautiful Liar (2007)
When two of the biggest female artists in the world come together, magic happens. Beautiful Liar, released in 2007, saw Shakira and Beyoncé joining forces for a sultry, mesmerizing collaboration that blended Latin and R&B influences. The song tells the story of two women who realize they’ve been deceived by the same man—but instead of fighting each other, they choose to walk away from him together.
The track’s hypnotic beat, Middle Eastern-inspired strings, and smooth vocal harmonies make for a lush and dramatic listening experience. Shakira and Beyoncé’s voices complement each other perfectly, with both artists bringing their signature styles—Shakira’s distinctive vibrato and Beyoncé’s powerhouse belts—into one seamless performance.
The music video became an instant sensation, featuring the two superstars mirroring each other’s dance moves so closely that fans were left wondering who was who. Their chemistry was undeniable, and the video helped Beautiful Liar skyrocket up the charts, earning a Grammy nomination and topping the Billboard Hot 100.
The song’s message of female empowerment and solidarity resonated with audiences worldwide. Rather than falling into the common trope of women fighting over a man, Beautiful Liar flipped the script, making it an anthem of strength and independence. Even years later, it remains one of the most memorable collaborations of the 2000s.
8. Chantaje (2016)
With Chantaje, Shakira once again proved her ability to dominate the Latin pop scene. Released in 2016, the song features Colombian superstar Maluma, and together, they created a steamy reggaeton hit that took over charts worldwide.
The word chantaje translates to “blackmail” in English, and the lyrics revolve around a push-and-pull dynamic between two lovers, where seduction and power play intertwine. Maluma’s smooth delivery contrasts perfectly with Shakira’s playful, flirtatious vocals, creating a tension that makes the song irresistible.
Musically, Chantaje is built on a hypnotic reggaeton rhythm, with deep basslines and a catchy hook that lingers long after the song ends. The production is sleek and modern, yet Shakira’s signature vocal flourishes and unique phrasing give it a distinct edge.
The music video, set in a neon-lit nightclub, amplifies the song’s sensuality, with Shakira showcasing her signature dance moves and undeniable charisma. The chemistry between her and Maluma was a major talking point, further fueling the song’s popularity.
Chantaje became a massive hit, topping Latin music charts and racking up billions of views on YouTube. It reaffirmed Shakira’s status as a global icon and solidified her ability to evolve with the ever-changing music landscape while staying true to her Latin roots.
9. Ojos Así (1998)
One of the most defining songs of Shakira’s early career, Ojos Así is a powerful blend of Middle Eastern and Latin influences. Released in 1998 as part of her album ¿Dónde Están los Ladrones?, the song marked a turning point in her artistic evolution, showcasing her ability to merge different musical styles seamlessly.
Sung entirely in Spanish, Ojos Así is an electrifying track driven by Arabic-style instrumentation, heavy percussion, and Shakira’s raw, emotive vocals. The lyrics tell the story of a woman searching the world for a love as intense as the gaze of a particular pair of eyes. The passionate delivery and soaring melody make the song an exhilarating listen.
The track’s fusion of Latin pop with Middle Eastern melodies was groundbreaking at the time, highlighting Shakira’s Lebanese heritage and setting her apart from other Latin artists of the era. The song’s energy is amplified in live performances, where Shakira incorporates mesmerizing belly dancing that has since become one of her signature moves.
Ojos Así was a massive success in Latin America and helped pave the way for Shakira’s crossover into the English-speaking market. Even after decades, it remains a fan favorite, proving that some songs never lose their magic.
10. Try Everything (2016)
A departure from Shakira’s usual Latin pop and reggaeton hits, Try Everything is a bright and uplifting anthem that was released as part of the 2016 animated film Zootopia. The song, written by Sia and Stargate, perfectly captures the movie’s themes of perseverance, optimism, and self-discovery.
Shakira’s warm, expressive vocals bring the song’s message to life, making it an inspiring track for listeners of all ages. The lyrics encourage resilience in the face of failure, with lines like “I won’t give up, no, I won’t give in” reinforcing a sense of determination and hope. The melody is infectious, featuring a feel-good beat and a sing-along chorus that instantly uplifts the listener.
In Zootopia, Shakira voices the character Gazelle, a pop star who embodies the spirit of unity and ambition. The song became an anthem for children and adults alike, resonating far beyond the film.
Despite being a soundtrack song, Try Everything enjoyed immense commercial success, charting in multiple countries and becoming a motivational favorite. It’s a reminder that Shakira’s versatility as an artist allows her to shine in any genre—whether it’s fiery reggaeton, heartfelt ballads, or feel-good pop anthems.
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.
