In 2023, Shakira had a phenomenal year filled with blockbuster hits, captivating museum showcases, and well-deserved triumphs at the Latin GRAMMYs. However, delving into Shakira’s extensive discography reveals that she has always been an extraordinary artist, possessing a limitless creative realm that transcends time.
At the age of 46, she delighted her fans with a series of captivating and triumphant singles: “El Jefe,” a collaboration with the acclaimed Mexican music sensation Fuerza Regida, “TQG,” a mesmerizing track featuring the talented Colombian artist KAROL G, and a remarkable Bizarrap session that could easily be hailed as the ultimate anthem of revenge in the last half-century. This November, she proudly received three Latin GRAMMY awards, and just recently, in March, her incredible musical journey was commemorated with the opening of a dedicated exhibit at the prestigious GRAMMY Museum.
As we eagerly anticipate the arrival of her twelfth studio album and the exciting prospect of a global tour to accompany it, GRAMMY.com takes a moment to reflect on her impressive collection of musical works. Within this compilation of ten distinctive tracks, including both chart-topping sensations and hidden treasures, it becomes evident that while the year 2023 may have marked an iconic milestone for Shaki, her stardom has always radiated brightly throughout her career.
“Anthology” (1995) captures the essence of Shakira’s success during her Pies Descalzos era. While she later ventured into various music genres like merengue, bhangra, and reggaetón, Shakira consistently prioritized the art of songwriting. “Antología” is a charming and melodic ballad that showcases her passionate vocals, thanks to its simplistic chord progression. This timeless hit allows Shakira’s emotive voice to take center stage, leaving a lasting impression on listeners.
“Ojos Así” from 1998 marked a significant turning point in Shakira’s career, showcasing her as more than just a typical pop star. As the closing track on her rock album, Dónde Están Los Ladrones?, the song revealed her Lebanese heritage with subtle influences from Led Zeppelin’s “Kashmir,” blending Arabic folk and rock elements. Shakira’s enthralling performance, complete with belly dancing, captivated a whole generation of concertgoers. In 2005, Shakira’s creative growth and global stardom were epitomized by “La Tortura,” a standout song from her album diptych, The Oral Fixation/Fijación Oral. This pop hit exceeded the boundaries of the genre, showcasing Shakira’s artistic exuberance. A duet with Spanish balladeer Alejandro Sanz, “La Tortura” combined memorable lyrics, a reggaetón backbeat, EDM textures, and accordion riffs. It was the perfect blend of digital sleekness and analog warmth, solidifying Shakira’s status as a global sensation.
“Gypsy” (2009) – A Hidden Gem in Shakira’s Musical Journey If you dig deeper into Shakira’s discography, you’ll discover a treasure trove of hidden gems beyond her popular hits. Take, for instance, the song “Gypsy” from her eighth LP, “She Wolf.” This track draws inspiration from the enchanting sounds of Indian bhangra music, characterized by its spidery sitar melodies and hypnotic tabla rhythms. What sets Shakira apart is her respectful approach when exploring regional genres outside her own culture, resulting in songs like “Gypsy” that beautifully preserve the roots of the style. “Loca” (2010) – Shakira’s Merengue Adventure When Shakira set her sights on conquering the merengue genre, she took a natural step and immersed herself in the culture of the Dominican Republic. Collaborating with authentic merenguero El Cata at his humble recording studio, she crafted the infectious anthem “Loca,” featured in her uplifting album “Sale El Sol.” This track bursts with lively staccato piano lines, playful electro accents, and, of course, Shakira’s signature sassy delivery. It’s a true testament to her versatility and musical prowess. In summary, exploring Shakira’s less-known tracks such as “Gypsy” and “Loca” is a delightful journey that showcases her respect for different musical genres and her ability to infuse her unique style while honoring their roots.
“Islands” (2010) Shakira’s captivating rendition of the xx’s “Islands” in 2010 marked a significant turning point for her as a trendsetter. Despite her expressed affinity for mainstream rock legends like Led Zeppelin and Queen, her seamless integration of the best of British indie rock in this cover revealed a hidden facet of her musical taste. Choosing to interpret a song by critically acclaimed darlings the xx showcased Shakira’s sophistication as a listener. This stunning version not only highlighted her impeccable choices in arranging the track but also highlighted the specific mood she wanted to convey. “Empire” (2014) Throughout her career, Shakira has consistently demonstrated a fondness for rich, expansive sounds. However, it was with the release of her self-titled album in 2014 that she took this inclination to new heights with the magnificent opus, “Empire.” This cinematic ballad, perfectly tailored to showcase the exquisite vulnerability and commanding nature of her voice, shattered any preconceived notions that Shakira was solely a pop star. Instead, it revealed her ability to evoke an almost operatic quality when the inspiration strikes.
“Me Enamoré” (2017) captures the essence of autobiographical love songs, preserving the initial emotions that remain unchanged regardless of the ultimate fate of the relationship. This song tells the story of Shakira meeting her partner, Gerard Piqué, and becoming the father of her children. The track resonated with listeners due to its ability to capture the exhilarating, butterflies-in-the-stomach sensation of falling deeply in love. Not only does it provide a glimpse into Shakira’s emotional world, but it also showcases her wit and humor in the lyrics.
“Chantaje” (2017) When Shakira collaborated with Maluma on “Chantaje,” it was a groundbreaking moment for her as one of the first mainstream artists to embrace reggaetón. The song showcased her versatility and ability to adapt to different musical styles, effortlessly blending into the infectious rhythm and trading seductive lyrics like a seasoned reggaetonera. Shakira’s love for dance music was evident in this song, as the urban cosmovision perfectly complemented her pop sensibility. “Bzarp Music Sessions, Vol. 53” (2023) The viral session by Argentine producer Bizarrap marked a significant milestone for both him and Shakira. It gave Bizarrap a platform to showcase his addictive beats that he had meticulously crafted in his home studio over the years. For Shakira, this collaboration confirmed her status as a timeless artist who seamlessly fit into the aesthetic universe of a talented young prodigy. The lyrics from the session became an anthem in 2023, showcasing Shakira’s genius in turning heartbreak into material success and emotional triumph. 2023 in Review: 5 Defining Trends in Latin Music
