1. Wherever, Whenever: Captivating listeners with its infectious beats and iconic chorus, Wherever, Whenever is a timeless anthem that catapulted Shakira to international stardom. This chart-topping single, with its seamless fusion of Latin and pop influences, showcases the artist’s ability to create mesmerizing music that transcends cultural boundaries. 2. Hips Don’t Lie: A collaboration with Wyclef Jean, Hips Don’t Lie became an instant hit, dominating the airwaves and dance floors around the world. With its irresistible blend of salsa, reggaeton, and pop, this song perfectly encapsulates Shakira’s ability to create captivating music that makes it impossible to resist moving to the rhythm. 3. La Tortura: Featuring Alejandro Sanz, La Tortura is a powerful and emotive song that showcases Shakira’s versatility as an artist. The passionate vocals and mesmerizing melodies combine to create a track that resonates deeply with listeners, making it a standout in her discography. 4. Waka Waka (This Time for Africa): As the official song of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, Waka Waka became a global anthem that united people around the world. With its infectious African rhythms and empowering lyrics, this song exemplifies Shakira’s ability to create music that not only entertains but also inspires. 5. Suerte (Whenever, Wherever): The Spanish version of Wherever, Whenever, Suerte is a testament to Shakira’s ability to seamlessly transition between languages. This Latin pop hit showcases her signature blend of catchy melodies and infectious beats, making it an essential part of her musical repertoire. 6. Underneath Your Clothes: Underneath Your Clothes is a heartfelt and romantic ballad that highlights Shakira’s strengths as a vocalist and storyteller. With its beautiful lyrics and poignant melodies, this song showcases her ability to create music that resonates on an emotional level. 7. She Wolf: A departure from her previous sound, She Wolf showcases Shakira’s willingness to experiment with different genres. With its pulsating electro-pop beats and bold lyrics, this song is a testament to her artistic evolution and willingness to push boundaries. 8. Loca: Featuring Dominican rapper El Cata, Loca is a vibrant and energetic track that effortlessly blends Latin and reggae influences. With its infectious hooks and upbeat tempo, this song is a testament to Shakira’s ability to create music that gets listeners on their feet. 9. Can’t Remember to Forget You: A collaboration with Rihanna, Can’t Remember to Forget You is a catchy and empowering song that showcases the chemistry between the two artists. With its infectious chorus and bold lyrics, this track is a testament to Shakira’s ability to create music that resonates with a global audience. 10. Empire: Closing off the list is Empire, a powerful and introspective ballad that showcases Shakira’s vulnerability and raw emotions. With its soaring vocals and haunting melodies, this song is a testament to her ability to create music that leaves a lasting impact on listeners. In conclusion, these ten songs represent the pinnacle of Shakira’s illustrious career, demonstrating her unwavering talent and ability to create music that transcends boundaries. From infectious pop hits to poignant ballads, each song is a testament to her artistic evolution and lasting impact on the music industry.
“Whenever, Wherever” has become an iconic song by Shakira, captivating listeners worldwide since its release in 2001. Combining Latin and Middle Eastern influences, the track creates a distinct sonic tapestry that sets it apart in the realm of pop music. Shakira’s unique vocals, catchy beat, and playful lyrics make “Whenever, Wherever” a timeless anthem of love and adventure. The lyrics celebrate the spontaneity and unpredictability of life and love, resonating with audiences of all cultures and showcasing Shakira’s talent for creating universally relatable music. The music video that accompanies the song further enhances its popularity, featuring Shakira’s signature belly dancing and showcasing her dynamic stage presence. “Whenever, Wherever” went on to become a chart-topping hit in numerous countries, solidifying Shakira’s global appeal and laying the foundation for her continued success. With its energetic rhythm, memorable chorus, and international flair, the song remains a timeless representation of Shakira’s artistic prowess and cultural fusion, leaving an unforgettable impression on the world of pop music.
“La Tortura,” featuring Alejandro Sanz, is a shining example of Shakira’s musical prowess, released in 2005. This reggaeton-infused track seamlessly combines Shakira’s unique voice with Alejandro Sanz’s soulful vocals, resulting in a powerful and emotionally charged duet. The lyrics of the song delve into the complexities of heartbreak and the emotional turmoil that accompanies a difficult breakup, adding depth and vulnerability to the otherwise upbeat rhythm. “La Tortura” not only demonstrates Shakira’s versatility as an artist but also showcases her ability to collaborate effortlessly with other talented musicians. The music video, set in a visually stunning desert backdrop, complements the intensity of the song, creating a cinematic experience that enhances the emotional impact of the lyrics. The success of “La Tortura” is evident in its chart-topping performance worldwide and its lasting influence on the Latin music scene. It remains a testament to Shakira’s ability to infuse passion and authenticity into her music, making it a timeless favorite for fans across the globe. With its compelling storytelling, captivating melodies, and the chemistry between Shakira and Alejandro Sanz, “La Tortura” solidifies its place among Shakira’s greatest songs. 3. She Wolf Released in 2009, “She Wolf” stands out in Shakira’s discography as a track that exemplifies her fearless experimentation with electronic and dance-pop sounds. The song’s pulsating beats and futuristic production mark a departure from Shakira’s previous work, showcasing her ability to evolve and embrace new musical territories. “She Wolf” exudes a sense of liberation and empowerment, both in its infectious sound and the lyrics that playfully explore the untamed, primal nature of a woman’s desires. The accompanying music video further emphasizes the song’s themes, featuring Shakira’s mesmerizing dance moves and embodying the essence of a confident and liberated she-wolf. The song’s international success solidified its status as a bold and innovative addition to Shakira’s repertoire, earning acclaim for its genre-blurring approach and infectious energy. “She Wolf” remains a symbol of Shakira’s artistic fearlessness and her willingness to push boundaries, appealing to fans who appreciate her ability to reinvent herself while staying true to her unique voice. With its catchy hooks, memorable chorus, and fusion of electronic and pop elements, “She Wolf” stands as one of Shakira’s most distinct and unforgettable songs. 4. Underneath Your Clothes “Underneath Your Clothes,” released in 2001, is a heartfelt ballad that showcases a tender and romantic side of Shakira’s musical repertoire. The song stands out for its emotive lyrics and stripped-down instrumentation, allowing Shakira’s soulful vocals to take center stage. The lyrics convey a deep sense of intimacy, celebrating the idea of knowing and accepting someone at their most vulnerable, beyond physical appearances. The simplicity of the acoustic guitar-driven melody complements the sincerity of the song, creating an emotional resonance that resonates with listeners. “Underneath Your Clothes” became a global hit, reaching the top of charts in multiple countries, and its universal themes of love and acceptance contributed to its widespread appeal. The song’s music video, featuring Shakira in various ethereal landscapes, adds a visual layer to the emotional depth of the lyrics. As one of Shakira’s timeless classics, “Underneath Your Clothes” demonstrates her ability to convey profound emotions through her music, showcasing a different facet of her artistry. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the song’s ability to connect with audiences on a personal and emotional level, making it a cherished entry in the pantheon of Shakira’s best songs. 5. Can’t Remember to Forget You (feat. Rihanna) Released in 2014, “Can’t Remember to Forget You” featuring Rihanna is a collaboration that brought together two powerhouse artists, creating a dynamic and unforgettable pop-rock anthem. The song is characterized by its energetic fusion of reggae, rock, and Latin influences, showcasing Shakira and Rihanna’s vocal chemistry and their ability to seamlessly blend different musical styles. The lyrics explore the theme of irresistible attraction and the struggle to move on from a passionate but tumultuous relationship. The accompanying music video adds a visually striking dimension to the song, featuring both Shakira and Rihanna in a series of glamorous and playful scenes. The video captures the essence of the song’s theme, emphasizing the magnetic pull of desire and the difficulty of forgetting a love that leaves a lasting impact. The collaboration between these two international superstars not only produced a chart-topping hit but also created a cultural moment that resonated with fans worldwide. “Can’t Remember to Forget You” stands out as a bold and infectious anthem, combining catchy melodies, powerful vocals, and a visually captivating music video. The collaboration between Shakira and Rihanna adds a layer of excitement and star power, making it a memorable entry in the catalog of both artists and solidifying its place among Shakira’s best songs of all time. 6. Loca (feat. Dizzee Rascal) “Loca,” featuring Dizzee Rascal, is a vibrant and infectious track that showcases Shakira’s ability to infuse Latin and hip-hop influences into an irresistibly catchy pop song. Released in 2010, the song became an international sensation with its high-energy beats and Shakira’s signature passionate vocals. The collaboration with Dizzee Rascal adds a dynamic and edgy element to the track, creating a perfect blend of diverse musical styles. The lyrics of “Loca” celebrate the carefree and spontaneous spirit of being “crazy in love,” capturing the essence of living in the moment and embracing the excitement of romance. The song’s upbeat tempo, coupled with Shakira’s distinctive dancehall-inspired delivery, makes it a go-to anthem for those looking to let loose and have a good time.
Shakira’s music video for “Loca” perfectly captures the energetic and infectious vibe of the song as she dances through the lively streets of Barcelona. This track’s popularity on the charts and as a favorite on the dancefloor highlights its universal appeal and Shakira’s talent for creating music that transcends cultural boundaries. “Loca” is a testament to Shakira’s versatility as an artist, effortlessly blending genres and languages to create a celebratory and carefree addition to her extensive discography. Another notable hit in Shakira’s repertoire is “Chantaje,” featuring Maluma, which emerged in 2016 and showcases her ability to stay current with Latin music trends. This reggaeton-infused track is characterized by its seductive and rhythmic beats, seamlessly blending the voices of Shakira and Maluma to create a sizzling chemistry. With lyrics exploring themes of seduction and desire, “Chantaje” adds a playful and flirtatious element to its English translation, “blackmail.” The collaboration with Maluma, a rising star in the Latin music scene, brings a fresh and youthful energy to the song, which contributed to its widespread success and international chart-topping status. The music video for “Chantaje” is equally captivating, featuring Shakira and Maluma in a vibrant tropical setting that enhances the song’s sensual atmosphere.
Not only did “Chantaje” become a huge success commercially, but it also reaffirmed Shakira’s relevance in the Latin music scene. With its irresistible combination of reggaeton, pop, and urban influences, the song demonstrates Shakira’s ability to adapt to the ever-changing music landscape while staying true to her unique style. As one of the standout collaborations in Shakira’s discography, “Chantaje” serves as a testament to her lasting impact on the global music stage. Released in 2001, “Objection (Tango)” is a high-energy track that marked a pivotal moment in Shakira’s career as she transitioned from a primarily Latin audience to international fame. The song showcases Shakira’s versatility by blending elements of rock, pop, and tango, creating an exhilarating sonic experience. “Objection (Tango)” deviates from traditional pop structures with its dynamic arrangement and captivating fusion of musical genres.
In terms of its lyrics, the song delves into the realms of desire, heartbreak, and the intricacies of love, as Shakira’s passionate vocals effectively capture the intensity of the emotions being conveyed. The infusion of tango elements adds a touch of drama, resulting in an extraordinary and unforgettable musical journey. The title of the song implies a fusion of resistance and tango, symbolizing a vivacious rebellion within the backdrop of a fervent and ardent relationship.
The music video for “Objection (Tango)” goes above and beyond in showcasing its theatrical essence, as Shakira takes on the role of a courtroom dancer, captivating viewers with her passionate moves and compelling storyline. This song’s triumph played a crucial part in expanding Shakira’s global popularity and served as evidence of her ability to push the boundaries of artistry. “Objection (Tango)” remains an exceptional addition to Shakira’s collection of songs, not just due to its innovative musical arrangement, but also for its significant role in establishing her as a formidable presence in the international music realm. The fusion of various genres in this track and its daring, theatrical presentation continue to earn it a special place in the hearts of fans who admire Shakira’s willingness to experiment and evolve her unique sound.
