In 2023, Shakira had a successful year filled with hit songs, museum showcases, and Latin GRAMMY victories. However, a dive into her music collection shows that Shakira has always been a timeless artist with a limitless creative vision.
When she reached 46 years old, she dropped some of her most captivating and hit singles to date. She collaborated with the Mexican music sensation Fuerza Regida on “El Jefe,” worked with Colombian artist KAROL G on “TQG,” and delivered a groundbreaking Bizarrap session that is considered one of the greatest revenge songs of the last five decades. In November, she received three Latin GRAMMY awards, followed by the opening of a special exhibit at the GRAMMY Museum in March that celebrates her musical career.
As she gears up for the release of her twelfth studio album and a worldwide tour, GRAMMY.com takes a look back at her musical journey. These 10 tracks showcase a mix of powerful chart-toppers and hidden treasures, proving that while 2023 may be a significant year for Shaki, her stardom has always been evident.
“Antología” (1995), taken from her influential third album Pies Descalzos, stands out as a timeless hit in her repertoire. Despite her exploration of various musical genres such as merengue, bhangra, and reggaetón, Shakira has always focused on strong songwriting as the foundation of her work. With its upbeat melody and simple chord progression, the song allows her soulful vocals to take center stage.
“Eyes Like That” (1998)
The powerful final song on Dónde Están Los Ladrones? marked a shift in perception of Shakira as more than just a pop star. With a blend of her Lebanese heritage and rock influences, “Eyes Like That” showcased her unique sound that mesmerized audiences with her belly dancing on stage.
“The Torture” (2005)
From the Oral Fixation/Fijación Oral album duo emerged Shakira’s artistic evolution and international stardom. “The Torture” perfectly captured this moment with its genre-defying pop sound. A collaboration with Alejandro Sanz, the song seamlessly mixes catchy lyrics with a blend of reggaetón, EDM, and accordion melodies, creating a fusion of digital innovation and classic warmth.
In Shakira’s extensive discography, hidden gems can be found beyond her popular hits. For instance, the song “Gypsy” from her eighth album, She Wolf, draws inspiration from Indian bhangra music, incorporating sitar melodies and tabla rhythms. Shakira’s respectful approach to exploring different regional genres outside her own culture is evident in tracks like this one.
When Shakira decided to delve into merengue music for her song “Loca” on the Sale El Sol album, she traveled to the Dominican Republic to collaborate with merengue artist El Cata. The track is infused with staccato piano lines, electro elements, and the singer’s trademark sassy delivery, creating a lively and vibrant sound.
In a surprising move, Shakira covered British band the xx’s song “Islands” in 2010, showcasing her versatility as an artist and tastemaker. Known for her love of mainstream rock bands like Led Zeppelin and Queen, this cover revealed her appreciation for British indie rock as well. The track’s arrangement and mood reflect Shakira’s refined musical taste and ability to adapt diverse styles.
“Empire,” a standout track from Shakira’s self-titled 2014 album, demonstrates her penchant for lush and epic soundscapes. This cinematic ballad showcases the exquisite vulnerability and power of Shakira’s voice, hinting at her depth as an artist beyond being just a pop star. In moments like these, she can even exude an operatic quality in her vocals.
“Me Enamoré” from 2017 beautifully captures the essence of autobiographical love songs by preserving the pure emotions felt in the early stages of a relationship, regardless of how it ends. This song, which tells the story of meeting her partner Gerard Piqué, perfectly conveys the excitement and joy of falling deeply in love. Through its lyrics, it offers a peek into her emotional journey and showcases her clever and humorous songwriting skills.
“Chantaje” (2017) showcases Shakira continuing to push boundaries by collaborating with Maluma in the world of reggaetón. Unlike her previous hit “La Tortura,” this song fully embraces the urban genre’s progressive sound. Shakira effortlessly blends in with the rhythmic beats, engaging in playful seduction banter typical of reggaeton artists. Her genuine appreciation for infectious dance tunes shines through, making her a perfect fit for the urban music scene.
The 53rd edition of the Bzarp Music Sessions in 2023 showcased the collaboration between the acclaimed Argentine producer and the iconic Shakira, marking a significant milestone for both artists. This electrifying session provided Bizarrap with a platform to showcase his infectious beats that had been simmering in his home studio for years. It also solidified Shakira’s status as a timeless artist who effortlessly blended in with the innovative style of a young prodigy. The unforgettable lyrics from this session echoed around the globe, highlighting Shakira’s brilliance in transforming personal pain into a source of artistic inspiration and empowerment.
