The 10 best Shakira songs of all time

Shakira, born Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll on February 2, 1977 in Barranquilla, Colombia, is a globally known singer, songwriter, dancer and philanthropist. Shakira rose to fame on the Latin music scene in the early 1990s and achieved international success with her fifth studio album, Laundry Service (2001), which included the hit singles “Whenever, Wherever” and “Underneath Your Clothes”. Known for her distinctive voice, dynamic stage presence and blend of Latin, rock and pop influences, Shakira has sold over 75 million records worldwide, making her one of the most successful music artists of all time. Outside of music, Shakira is also known for her philanthropic work, particularly in the areas of education and child welfare through her Barefoot Foundation.

1. Whenever and wherever

“Whenever, Wherever” is a smash hit by Shakira, released in 2001 as the first single from her fifth studio album, Laundry Service. The song is characterized by its infectious Latin pop sound, combining elements of Andean music with contemporary pop and rock influences. Lyrically, “Whenever, Wherever” deals with themes of freedom, adventure, and the pursuit of love, with Shakira expressing a desire to seize the moment and live life to the fullest. The catchy melody, irresistible rhythm, and Shakira’s distinctive vocals catapulted the song to the top of music charts worldwide, making it one of the best-selling singles of all time. The accompanying music video, which features Shakira dancing in various exotic locations, further contributed to its enormous success and cemented Shakira’s status as an international superstar.

2. La Tortura (feat. Alejandro Sanz)

“La Tortura” is a hit single by Shakira featuring Alejandro Sanz, released in 2005 from Shakira’s sixth studio album, Fijación Oral, Vol. 1. Sung in Spanish, the song is a mix of Latin pop and reggaeton with a catchy melody and rhythmic beat. “La Tortura” deals with themes of heartbreak, betrayal, and resilience, with Shakira expressing her pain and frustration over a failed relationship. Alejandro Sanz’s guest vocals add depth and emotion to the song, creating a powerful duet that resonated with audiences worldwide. “La Tortura” became a commercial success, topping music charts in numerous countries and receiving critical acclaim for its infectious energy and passionate performance. The accompanying music video, featuring Shakira and Sanz in a fiery dance competition, further contributed to its popularity and cemented its status as one of Shakira’s most iconic songs.

3. The She-Wolf

“She Wolf” is a dance-pop song by Shakira, released in 2009 as the first single from her eighth studio album of the same name. The song showcases Shakira’s unique vocal style and combines elements of electronic and oriental music, creating a hypnotic and stirring track. Lyrically, “She Wolf” deals with themes of female empowerment and freedom, with Shakira portraying herself as a confident and independent woman who is not afraid to show her wild side. The song’s catchy chorus and pulsating beat helped it achieve commercial success, topping the charts in several countries and turning it into a club anthem. The music video, which features Shakira dancing in a surreal desert landscape, further increased its popularity and cemented its status as one of Shakira’s most well-known songs.

4. Under your clothes

“Underneath Your Clothes” is a soulful ballad by Shakira, released in 2002 as the third single from her third studio album, Laundry Service. The song deviates from Shakira’s usual upbeat style and shows her softer side with its gentle melody and emotional lyrics. “Underneath Your Clothes” is a love song in which Shakira expresses her admiration and affection for her partner, emphasizing the beauty she sees in their true nature rather than their outward appearance. The heartfelt sentiment of the song, combined with Shakira’s soulful vocals, resonated with listeners and earned it commercial success and critical acclaim. “Underneath Your Clothes” remains one of Shakira’s most popular and enduring songs, appreciated for its sincerity and romantic appeal.

5. I Can’t Remember to Forget You (feat. Rihanna)

“Can’t Remember to Forget You” is a song by Shakira featuring Rihanna, released in 2014 as a single from Shakira’s album of the same name. Written by Shakira, Rihanna, John Hill, Tom Hull, and Daniel Alexander, the song is a lively mix of pop, rock, and reggae influences. It features fast guitar riffs, infectious rhythms, and dynamic vocal performances from Shakira and Rihanna. The lyrics cover themes such as passionate love and the struggle to move on from a past relationship. “Can’t Remember to Forget You” received positive reviews for its catchy melody and the chemistry between Shakira and Rihanna, and became a chart hit in several countries.

6. Loca (feat. Dizzee Rascal)

“Loca” is an energetic pop song by Shakira featuring British rapper Dizzee Rascal, released in 2010 as the first single from her ninth studio album, Sale el Sol. A mix of Latin, pop and dancehall influences, the song features a lively beat and catchy melody. Lyrically, “Loca” celebrates life to the fullest and embraces spontaneity and adventure. Dizzee Rascal’s guest verse adds an extra layer of energy to the song and complements Shakira’s dynamic vocals. “Loca” was a commercial success, topping the charts in several countries and becoming one of Shakira’s best known hits. The accompanying music video, which features Shakira dancing through the streets of Barcelona, ​​further increased its popularity and cemented its status as a fan favorite.

7. Chantaje (feat. Maluma)

“Chantaje” is a song by Shakira featuring Maluma, released as a single from Shakira’s 2016 album *El Dorado*. Written by Shakira, Maluma, Joel Antonio López Castro, Kevin Mauricio Jiménez Londoño, Bryan Snaider Lezcano Chaverra and Juan Luis Londoño Arias (Maluma), the song is a reggaeton and Latin pop track with urban beats. “Chantaje” showcases the vocal chemistry between Shakira and Maluma and their playful exchange of verses that revolve around themes of seduction and attraction. The song became a commercial success, topping the charts in several countries and cementing Shakira and Maluma’s status as prominent figures in Latin music.

8. Objection (Tango)

“Objection (Tango)” is an electrifying song by Shakira, released in 2002 as the second single from her third studio album, Laundry Service. The song is notable for its fusion of rock and tango elements, and features a pulsating beat, raucous guitars, and Shakira’s powerful vocals. Lyrically, “Objection (Tango)” deals with themes of love, passion, and betrayal, with Shakira expressing defiance and anger towards a cheating lover. The song’s infectious energy and dramatic flair captivated audiences and earned it commercial success and critical acclaim. The music video, which features Shakira performing a passionate tango dance with her lover, further increased its popularity and cemented its status as one of Shakira’s most iconic songs.

9. Hips Don’t Lie (feat. Wyclef Jean)

“Hips Don’t Lie” is a song by Shakira feat. Wyclef Jean, released in 2006 as the first single from Shakira’s second English-language studio album *Oral Fixation, Vol. 2*. Written by Shakira, Wyclef Jean, Jerry “Wonder” Duplessis and Omar Alfanno, the song is a lively mix of reggaeton, salsa and hip hop influences. “Hips Don’t Lie” is famous for its infectious melody, energetic beats and Shakira’s distinctive vocals, complemented by Wyclef Jean’s rap verses. The lyrics celebrate the power and sensuality of dancing, focusing particularly on Shakira’s iconic hip movements. The song was a huge commercial success, topping the charts worldwide and becoming one of the best-selling singles of all time.

10. Waka Waka (this time for Africa)

“Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)” is an upbeat and celebratory song by Shakira, which also features South African band Freshlyground. Released in 2010, the song served as the official theme for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. “Waka Waka” is a blend of pop and African rhythms, incorporating elements of the traditional Cameroonian song “Zangalewa”, and is sung in several languages, including English, Spanish, and a Zulu chant. Lyrically, the song conveys themes of unity, empowerment, and celebration, with Shakira encouraging listeners to come together and embrace the spirit of the World Cup. “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)” became an international phenomenon, topping charts around the world and becoming one of the best-selling singles of all time. Its stirring melody, catchy chorus, and uplifting message made it an anthem of unity and joy during the World Cup and beyond.

Edward Tomlin is a regular contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us on social media below.