2023 was a standout year for Shakira, with hit songs, impressive museum exhibitions, and Latin GRAMMY wins. Looking back at Shakira’s vast collection of music shows her incredible talent and endless creativity that goes beyond any specific time period.
At 46 years old, she amazed her followers with a string of impressive and successful singles: “El Jefe,” a joint effort with the celebrated Mexican music star Fuerza Regida, “TQG,” a captivating song featuring the talented Colombian singer KAROL G, and an outstanding Bizarrap session that could be considered the ultimate vengeance anthem of the past fifty years. In November, she proudly accepted three Latin GRAMMY awards, and most recently, in March, her remarkable musical career was celebrated with the launch of a special exhibition at the esteemed GRAMMY Museum.
With the anticipation building for her upcoming twelfth album release and the promise of a world tour to follow, we at GRAMMY.com are pausing to admire the impressive body of work created by this talented artist. In this assortment of ten unique tracks, which feature both popular hits and lesser-known gems, it’s clear that Shaki’s star power has shone brightly throughout her career, with 2023 marking another iconic moment in her musical journey.
“Anthology” (1995) perfectly encapsulates Shakira’s rise to fame during her Pies Descalzos era. Despite experimenting with different music styles like merengue, bhangra, and reggaetón in later years, Shakira always remained devoted to the craft of songwriting. “Antologia” stands out as a captivating and melodious ballad that highlights her powerful vocals, enhanced by its uncomplicated chord structure. This classic track gives Shakira’s emotive voice a chance to shine, leaving a lasting impact on all who listen.
In 1998, Shakira’s song “Ojos AsÔ marked a significant milestone in her music career, showing her as more than just a typical pop star. Featured as the closing track on her rock album, Dónde Están Los Ladrones?, the song highlighted her Lebanese roots, with subtle nods to Led Zeppelin’s “Kashmir,” mixing Arabic folk and rock elements seamlessly. Shakira’s mesmerizing performance, including belly dancing, captured the hearts of a whole generation of fans. Fast forward to 2005, and Shakira’s creative evolution and worldwide fame were showcased in “La Tortura,” a standout track from her album duo, The Oral Fixation/Fijación Oral. This pop hit transcended genre boundaries, displaying Shakira’s artistic flair. A duet with Spanish singer Alejandro Sanz, “La Tortura” blended catchy lyrics, a reggaetón rhythm, electronic music influences, and accordion melodies. It struck the perfect balance between modern digital sounds and classic instrumental warmth, cementing Shakira’s position as a global icon.
Unearthing Hidden Treasures in Shakira’s Musical Collection
If you take a closer look at Shakira’s extensive music catalog, you’ll stumble upon some real gems beyond her chart-topping hits. One shining example is the track “Gypsy” from her album “She Wolf.” Drawing inspiration from Indian bhangra music, known for its intricate sitar melodies and mesmerizing tabla rhythms, Shakira skillfully incorporates these elements into her own unique style. What makes Shakira’s approach stand out is her genuine respect for exploring diverse genres outside her own culture, resulting in tracks like “Gypsy” that pay homage to the roots of the music.
In her musical exploration, Shakira also ventured into the merengue genre with the song “Loca” from her album “Sale El Sol.” Immersing herself in the vibrant culture of the Dominican Republic, she collaborated with merengue artist El Cata to create a lively and infectious tune. With energetic piano lines, playful electro touches, and Shakira’s trademark fiery vocals, “Loca” showcases her versatility and musical talent.
Diving into lesser-known tracks like “Gypsy” and “Loca” by Shakira offers a delightful journey through her musical evolution. It’s a testament to her ability to blend different genres with her own unique style while paying homage to their origins.
In 2010, Shakira surprised fans with her cover of the xx’s “Islands,” showcasing a new side of her musical tastes. Despite her love for mainstream rock icons, Shakira’s rendition proved her sophistication as a listener. Her skillful arrangement not only displayed her impeccable taste but also revealed the specific mood she aimed to convey. Then, in 2014, Shakira wowed audiences with “Empire,” a grand ballad that showcased her powerful vocals and deep love for expansive sounds. This stunning track shattered any doubts about Shakira’s artistry, proving she could deliver an almost operatic performance when inspired.
In “Me Enamoré” released in 2017, Shakira beautifully captures the essence of love songs inspired by her own experiences. The song reflects on the initial emotions of falling in love, regardless of how the relationship turns out in the end. Through this track, Shakira shares her journey of meeting Gerard Piqué and starting a family with him. Listeners were drawn to the song because it effectively portrays the exciting and heart-fluttering feeling of falling head over heels in love. Beyond the emotional depth, the lyrics also reveal Shakira’s charm, wit, and humor, giving us a glimpse into her personal and creative world.
“Chantaje” in 2017 was a game-changing moment for Shakira when she teamed up with Maluma, breaking barriers as one of the first mainstream artists to embrace reggaetón. The track displayed her versatility and skill in adapting to different musical genres, effortlessly blending into the catchy rhythm and exchanging sultry lyrics like a seasoned reggaetonera. Her passion for dance music shone through, with the urban vibes complementing her pop sensibilities perfectly. Fast forward to 2023 and “Bzarp Music Sessions, Vol. 53” presented a pivotal moment for both Shakira and Argentine producer Bizarrap. The viral session highlighted Bizarrap’s addictive beats crafted meticulously in his home studio, while solidifying Shakira’s reputation as a timeless artist seamlessly fitting into the creative world of a talented young prodigy. The lyrics from the session became an anthem in 2023, showcasing Shakira’s brilliance in turning heartache into artistic success and emotional triumph. Looking back at 2023, five defining trends emerged in Latin music.
