Artist
Shakira
Why we feature this artist A voice that carries its own rhythm Shakira’s records are held together by a voice that never becomes anonymous. The changes of register, the grain within a phrase and the rhythmic attack remain recognisable as the songs move between…
- From
- Colombia
- Sound
- Pop, Latin pop
- Active
- 1990–present
Start with the music
Tracks to explore
The artist, in context
The story of Shakira
Why we feature this artist
A voice that carries its own rhythm
Shakira’s records are held together by a voice that never becomes anonymous. The changes of register, the grain within a phrase and the rhythmic attack remain recognisable as the songs move between Spanish and English, rock arrangements and dance production. Her catalogue makes more sense as a continuing musical conversation than as a single crossover moment.
The Spanish-language records set the terms
Dónde Están los Ladrones? arrived in 1998 with songs that gave the writing and vocal personality a sharply defined setting. Ciega, Sordomuda and Inevitable approach the band sound from different directions, while Ojos Así opens another rhythmic and melodic space. There is already plenty of movement within the album. The later international audience did not require Shakira to invent an identity from nothing.
Laundry Service in 2001 brought English-language songs into wider circulation. Whenever, Wherever is built for immediate recognition, while Underneath Your Clothes allows a more sustained melodic line. The contrast matters: the same singer can work through a rhythmic hook or hold an emotional scene with very little movement.
Translation becomes part of the writing
The two-part Fijación Oral, Vol. 1 and Oral Fixation, Vol. 2 project in 2005 made the relationship between languages especially visible. La Tortura, with Alejandro Sanz, gives the Spanish-language record a forceful exchange of voices. Hips Don’t Lie, with Wyclef Jean, subsequently widened the second volume’s reach. Across these records, the interesting detail is often the way a phrase sits against the percussion. A small break, a turn in the vowel or a sudden push through the beat can do as much work as a large production change. The songs invite movement, but they also reward attention to the writing. Their personality comes from allowing several musical instincts to remain audible at once.
Essential releases
Dónde Están los Ladrones?
The Spanish-language album gives the songwriting and vocal character a particularly vivid setting, moving from direct band arrangements to the reach of Ojos Así.
Laundry Service
Whenever, Wherever and Underneath Your Clothes bring contrasting kinds of melodic writing into the English-language chapter.
Fijación Oral, Vol. 1
La Tortura provides a striking entry point to an album that keeps the Spanish-language songwriting central to the wider catalogue.