Shakira, a global music icon, has captivated audiences with her unique blend of Latin, pop, and rock influences. With a career spanning over two decades, her infectious rhythms and powerful lyrics have transcended borders, earning her a devoted fanbase worldwide. From the moment she burst onto the scene with “Whenever, Wherever,” it was clear that this Colombian singer-songwriter was destined for greatness.
Her ability to seamlessly fuse diverse musical styles, coupled with her mesmerizing dance moves, has set her apart in the music industry. Shakira’s songs often reflect her passionate spirit, personal experiences, and cultural heritage, making them resonate deeply with listeners.
In this article, we’ll dive into the top 10 most popular Shakira songs of all time, celebrating the tracks that not only topped charts but also became anthems of a generation. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to her music, prepare to relive the magic of Shakira’s unforgettable hits, each one a testament to her artistry and enduring influence. Get ready to experience the songs that have defined her illustrious career and continue to inspire millions around the globe!
1. “Hips Don’t Lie” (2006)
Released in 2006, “Hips Don’t Lie” became an unstoppable global hit that catapulted Shakira to even greater international fame. Featuring rapper Wyclef Jean, this infectious track fuses pop, reggaeton, and Latin rhythms into an irresistible dance anthem. From the very first brass riff, the song demands movement, and it’s nearly impossible not to start dancing once it plays. The lyrics cleverly center around the idea that body language—specifically hips—never lies, especially when it comes to attraction and confidence. Shakira’s sultry vocals and signature vibrato add a playful yet seductive tone, while Wyclef’s verses bring a charismatic flair that balances the energy perfectly. The accompanying music video, with its colorful costumes and captivating belly-dancing sequences, only fueled the song’s massive popularity. “Hips Don’t Lie” topped charts in over 55 countries, broke radio records, and became one of the best-selling singles of the 21st century. More than just a party favorite, this track is a celebration of cultural fusion and body positivity. It remains an iconic staple on dance floors worldwide, forever associated with Shakira’s effortless ability to combine different genres and create pure, joyful magic.
2. “Whenever, Wherever” (2001)
“Whenever, Wherever,” released in 2001, marked Shakira’s explosive crossover into the English-speaking music world. The song blends traditional Andean instrumentation—like the pan flute and charango—with pop and rock elements, creating a sound that feels both exotic and universally appealing. Its upbeat tempo and whimsical lyrics celebrate the boundless nature of love, expressing that no matter the distance or obstacles, true love knows no limits. Shakira’s playful line about her “small and humble” breasts became an instantly memorable lyric, highlighting her self-aware charm and quirky sense of humor. The track’s release was accompanied by a visually stunning music video that showcased Shakira’s mesmerizing belly dancing against dramatic natural landscapes like mountains, oceans, and deserts. This visual paired perfectly with the song’s adventurous spirit. “Whenever, Wherever” topped charts in dozens of countries and became one of the best-selling singles of the decade. It not only launched Shakira’s English-language career but also established her as a global pop sensation with a uniquely diverse musical identity. Even today, it remains one of her most beloved and recognizable songs—a joyous anthem of freedom, love, and self-expression.
3. “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)” (2010)
“Waka Waka (This Time for Africa),” released in 2010 as the official anthem of the FIFA World Cup in South Africa, became far more than just a sports song—it became a global celebration of unity and resilience. Teaming up with South African band Freshlyground, Shakira delivered an infectious, joyful track that combined African rhythms with pop melodies, encouraging listeners to persevere and believe in themselves. The chorus, inspired by a traditional Cameroonian song, brought authentic African flavor to the mainstream, making it instantly memorable. Lyrically, the song speaks to the spirit of competition, determination, and togetherness, perfectly embodying the energy of the World Cup. The accompanying music video featured footage of soccer players from around the world, interwoven with Shakira dancing alongside African performers in vibrant outfits, symbolizing global unity. “Waka Waka” topped charts worldwide and remains one of the best-selling singles of all time. More importantly, it transcended the tournament, becoming an anthem for motivation and hope. To this day, the song is played at sporting events, celebrations, and gatherings across the world, reminding everyone that with determination and heart, anything is possible.
4. “La Tortura” (2005)
“La Tortura,” released in 2005, is one of the most iconic Spanish-language crossover hits of the 2000s. A passionate duet with Spanish singer Alejandro Sanz, this reggaeton-infused track tells the story of a woman confronting her unfaithful lover, refusing to let him back into her life despite his desperate pleas. The chemistry between Shakira and Sanz is palpable, with their voices blending seamlessly as they portray a tense and emotionally charged conversation. The lyrics, dripping with heartbreak, pride, and temptation, capture the complicated push-and-pull of a damaged relationship. Musically, the song combines Latin pop with urban beats, creating an infectious rhythm that is impossible to ignore. The music video, featuring Shakira dancing seductively while cooking and smearing herself with black paint, became an instant classic and pushed the boundaries of visual storytelling in Latin pop. “La Tortura” topped charts in dozens of countries and stayed at number one on the Billboard Hot Latin Songs chart for a record-breaking 25 weeks. It solidified Shakira’s ability to dominate both the Latin and global markets while delivering emotionally powerful performances in any language.
5. “She Wolf” (2009)
“She Wolf,” released in 2009, marked a daring shift in Shakira’s musical style, blending disco, electro-pop, and funk into an infectious anthem of liberation and self-discovery. The song’s lyrics are a playful declaration of breaking free from societal constraints and embracing one’s primal instincts—particularly as a woman reclaiming her autonomy. With its hypnotic synth line, pulsing bass, and a quirky falsetto hook, the track is unlike anything Shakira had released before. Her vocals effortlessly oscillate between sultry whispers and powerful belts, capturing the tension between domestication and wild freedom. The surreal music video is just as bold, featuring Shakira in a golden cage, performing jaw-dropping contortions and sensual dances that symbolize the release of her inner “she wolf.” Though slightly more experimental than her previous hits, the song was a commercial success, charting globally and becoming a fan favorite for its unapologetic message of empowerment. “She Wolf” is not just about sexuality; it’s about owning one’s desires and breaking free from expectations. Even years later, it remains one of Shakira’s most unique and empowering tracks, encouraging listeners to embrace their wild, authentic selves.
6. “Underneath Your Clothes” (2001)
“Underneath Your Clothes,” released in 2001, showcases Shakira’s softer, romantic side. This heartfelt ballad is a departure from the upbeat energy of her breakthrough hit “Whenever, Wherever,” instead offering a tender and intimate exploration of unconditional love. The song’s lyrics describe the deep emotional layers that exist beyond the surface of a relationship—the kind of love that sees beyond flaws and embraces the person entirely. Delivered with Shakira’s signature raspy yet emotive voice, the ballad feels both vulnerable and powerful. The arrangement is simple but effective, relying on acoustic guitar, gentle percussion, and subtle orchestration to allow her vocals and the lyrical sentiment to shine. The accompanying music video further emphasizes the song’s message of devotion, featuring behind-the-scenes footage of Shakira on tour interwoven with romantic moments. “Underneath Your Clothes” was a commercial success, topping charts worldwide and solidifying her reputation as an artist capable of balancing both fiery anthems and tender love songs. Even today, it remains one of Shakira’s most cherished tracks, frequently played at weddings, anniversaries, and romantic moments around the world.
7. “Can’t Remember to Forget You” (2014)
Released in 2014, “Can’t Remember to Forget You” brought together two of pop’s biggest icons—Shakira and Rihanna—for an unforgettable collaboration. The song blends reggae rhythms, rock influences, and infectious pop hooks, creating a dynamic sound that perfectly complements both artists’ distinctive voices. Lyrically, the song explores the addictive nature of a toxic relationship—the kind where, despite knowing it’s bad for you, you keep coming back for more. Shakira’s playful verses and Rihanna’s sultry lines intertwine effortlessly, creating a back-and-forth that feels both seductive and confessional. The music video turned heads upon release, featuring the two stars in glamorous settings, sharing playful yet provocative scenes that generated widespread buzz. Commercially, the song performed well globally, reaching the top 10 in numerous countries and dominating streaming charts. It showcased Shakira’s ability to seamlessly evolve with modern pop trends while retaining her signature charisma and vocal fire. “Can’t Remember to Forget You” stands as a testament to the magic that happens when two powerhouse artists collaborate, delivering a song that’s equal parts addictive, bold, and endlessly replayable.
8. “Don’t Bother” (2005)
“Don’t Bother,” released in 2005, is one of Shakira’s most empowering and emotionally raw tracks. Departing from her usual Latin-inspired sound, the song leans into alternative rock, with heavy guitars and driving percussion underscoring its message of resilience after heartbreak. The lyrics capture the internal battle between vulnerability and strength, as Shakira confronts the reality of being left behind but defiantly declares that she’ll move on and thrive. Her vocal performance is electric—simmering with frustration, pain, and ultimately, fierce independence. The accompanying music video adds another layer of symbolism, depicting Shakira destroying reminders of her past love, including throwing a car into a crusher. This visual metaphor for letting go resonated deeply with fans. While “Don’t Bother” didn’t top as many charts as some of her pop anthems, it earned critical praise for its vulnerability and raw honesty. The song remains a fan favorite for anyone needing a reminder that heartbreak, while painful, can also be a catalyst for growth and self-reinvention. It’s a perfect anthem for reclaiming one’s power after a broken relationship.
9. “Try Everything” (2016)
“Try Everything,” released in 2016 as part of the Zootopia soundtrack, is a feel-good anthem that radiates positivity, perseverance, and self-belief. Performed by Shakira in the film, where she voices the pop star character Gazelle, the song perfectly matches the movie’s themes of overcoming obstacles and embracing one’s uniqueness. Musically, it’s a bouncy, radio-friendly pop track with an uplifting melody and catchy chorus that encourages listeners to embrace failure as part of growth. Lyrics like “I won’t give up, no, I won’t give in” serve as motivational mantras for both kids and adults. Shakira’s bright and cheerful vocal delivery brings warmth and charm to the song, making it irresistibly infectious. The vibrant, animated music video features scenes from Zootopia, further reinforcing the film’s message of diversity, determination, and community. “Try Everything” was widely praised for its inspirational tone and became a staple at graduations, kids’ events, and personal playlists for anyone facing challenges. Beyond being a movie soundtrack, it’s a universal message wrapped in joyful music: mistakes are part of the journey, and every setback is an opportunity to try again.
10. “Ojos Así” (1998)
“Ojos Así,” released in 1998, stands as one of Shakira’s most iconic songs from her Spanish-language era and a testament to her fearless fusion of cultures. The track masterfully blends Middle Eastern melodies with Latin pop and rock influences, reflecting Shakira’s Lebanese-Colombian heritage. Lyrically, the song celebrates a passionate and almost mystical love, with Shakira proclaiming that she’s traveled the world but has never seen eyes like those of her beloved. Her vocal performance is mesmerizing—raw, rhythmic, and bursting with energy—showcasing her ability to weave different musical traditions together seamlessly. The hypnotic percussion, combined with string instruments and Arabic influences, creates a soundscape that feels both exotic and universally captivating. The accompanying music video, filled with intricate belly dancing and desert imagery, became instantly iconic and highlighted Shakira’s unique performance style. “Ojos Así” was a critical and commercial success in Latin markets and played a pivotal role in setting the stage for her crossover into the English-speaking world. Even decades later, it remains a beloved classic that captures the essence of Shakira’s artistic identity—bold, multicultural, and utterly captivating.
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.
