Shakira’s Magical Fairy Tale of Love (as published on Youth Weekend) Imagine this: one ordinary day, you come across a stranger, just like anyone else you’ve ever met. Yet, your heart starts racing as if it’s the first time you’ve felt its beat. The world around you seems to stretch into endlessness, fading away into a radiant and vast light. Your body warms up, as if engulfed in flames. Then, this person reaches out to you, grabs your hand, and suddenly, your heart stops, the expansive space dwindles to just their presence, and the fiery sensation within you turns faint. In that split second, your entire reality twists upside down, and you realize – I am in love, and I am loved. You want to shout out to the world, proclaiming the joy of being in love. Love, for those who experience it, remains sweet and innocent, regardless of how many times they fall in love or their age. It’s a feeling that has the power to transport individuals back to their youthful innocence, like a 15-year-old experiencing love’s thrill for the first time, or an 18-year-old ready to dive into love’s fiery depths with all their dreams intact. Love knows no logic, boundaries, restrictions, or inhibitions. It arrives unexpectedly, stirring a deep instinctive passion, unleashing a whirlwind of emotions, even causing a frenzy. That’s what makes love so enchanting and appealing. This beautiful tale of emotional love is encapsulated within the mesmerizing 3 minutes and 59 seconds of Shakira’s song “Empire.”

Beginning with soft and rustic piano notes, the enchanting voice of Shakira emerges with a surprising gentleness and purity. It feels like the innocent musings of a young girl encountering love for the first time, unsure and timid in the presence of a stranger. However, the poignant lyrics quickly reveal the depth of emotion and passion of a mature woman who is amazed by the incredible love she has found. Shedding all barriers and fears, she expresses a desire to be brave and free with her beloved, willing to take on their burdens and sins. Drawing closer, she longs to be their hero and to be fully intertwined with their heartbeats.

With her ethereal vocals and dreamy instrumentals, Shakira sets the stage for a mesmerizing listening experience in the first 30 seconds of her latest song. Just when you think you have her style pegged, the track takes a surprising turn into an intense rock ballad, showcasing the artist’s versatility and unpredictability. Shakira’s voice captivates listeners, drawing them into a world of intense and all-consuming love, a realm without boundaries or limits, illuminated by the fiery light of passion and hope. It’s a world that feels almost fantastical in its beauty, like something out of a fairy tale.

With a still distinct and wild voice, Shakira captivates with her fiery flair in Empire, revealing a different, softer side to her artistry. Compared to the haunting melodies of Tori Amos, Empire offers a vibrant and hopeful narrative that sets it apart. This song, from Shakira’s 10th album, showcases not just her captivating voice but also the warmth and depth of her Latin accent. Empire marks a significant milestone in the career of this talented Latin singer.