Shakira’s songs move easily from guitar-driven heartbreak to big dance choruses. These 20 picks bring together Spanish and English favorites, lively collaborations and a few quieter songs that put her voice at the center.
Start with “Hips Don’t Lie” for a party, “Antología” for a ballad or “Inevitable” for her rock side. There is plenty to explore beyond the biggest crossover hits.
Contents
- 1. “Hips Don’t Lie” by Shakira featuring Wyclef Jean
- 2. “Whenever, Wherever” by Shakira
- 3. “Antología” by Shakira
- 4. “La Tortura” by Shakira featuring Alejandro Sanz
- 5. “Underneath Your Clothes” by Shakira
- 6. “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)” by Shakira featuring Freshlyground
- 7. “Inevitable” by Shakira
- 8. “Objection (Tango)” by Shakira
- 9. “Estoy Aquí” by Shakira
- 10. “She Wolf” by Shakira
- 11. “Ojos Así” by Shakira
- 12. “Día de Enero” by Shakira
- 13. “Loca” by Shakira featuring Dizzee Rascal
- 14. “Las de la Intuición” by Shakira
- 15. “Try Everything” by Shakira
- 16. “La Bicicleta” by Carlos Vives and Shakira
- 17. “Sale el Sol” by Shakira
- 18. “Te Felicito” by Shakira and Rauw Alejandro
- 19. “Acróstico” by Shakira
- 20. “Don’t Bother” by Shakira
1. “Hips Don’t Lie” by Shakira featuring Wyclef Jean
The brass hook announces the party before Shakira begins singing. Wyclef Jean’s responses give “Hips Don’t Lie” a lively back-and-forth, while the percussion keeps the track moving beneath its big chorus.
It is an easy first stop for the dance side of her catalogue. Listen for the little changes in her delivery as she moves between the rhythmic verses and the more open refrain.
2. “Whenever, Wherever” by Shakira
“Whenever, Wherever” makes a faraway romance sound adventurous. The bright instrumental hook and galloping rhythm give the song a sense of travel, with Shakira stretching the chorus into an enthusiastic promise.
Her voice keeps a rough edge even in the polished pop arrangement. That combination makes it a useful introduction to the English-language songs on Laundry Service.
3. “Antología” by Shakira
“Antología” remembers a relationship through the small things one person taught another. Its gentle melody gives those memories time to settle, and Shakira sings with a tenderness that is easy to miss on her faster singles.
The live performance brings the audience into the song without losing its intimacy. Try it when you want a Spanish-language ballad with a clear emotional story.
4. “La Tortura” by Shakira featuring Alejandro Sanz
Shakira and Alejandro Sanz trade sharply different perspectives on a damaged romance in “La Tortura.” His rough, pleading voice meets her firmer replies, making the duet feel like an argument that keeps returning to the dance floor.
The accordion and insistent rhythm add plenty of movement. Their contrasting vocal textures give the repeated exchanges a character of their own.
5. “Underneath Your Clothes” by Shakira
“Underneath Your Clothes” sets aside the busy dance rhythms for a warm declaration of love. Shakira lets the melody rise gradually, moving from a close, conversational opening into a much fuller chorus.
The guitar-led arrangement leaves space for her distinctive vowels and little breaks in the voice. It is a strong pick for a romantic playlist that needs a slower moment.
6. “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)” by Shakira featuring Freshlyground
“Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)” was the official song of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Its brisk percussion and group responses turn encouragement into something that feels made for a crowd.
Freshlyground’s contribution adds another vocal color to the arrangement. Beyond its football connection, the song works whenever a playlist calls for a shared burst of energy.
7. “Inevitable” by Shakira
The verses of “Inevitable” begin with ordinary personal admissions, then the chorus opens into a much larger confession of longing. Shakira’s guitar-driven sound gives the heartache an impatient edge.
Listen to the jump in intensity when the band fills out around her. This is a good starting point for the rock side of her Spanish-language work.
8. “Objection (Tango)” by Shakira
“Objection (Tango)” starts with a theatrical flourish, then pushes ahead with brisk guitars and an increasingly frustrated vocal. The singer wants a partner’s attention back and has little patience left for the situation.
The quick shifts between restrained phrases and forceful outbursts keep the song lively. It suits listeners who like Shakira sounding sharp, animated and a little unruly.
9. “Estoy Aquí” by Shakira
“Estoy Aquí” places regret and hope inside an upbeat pop-rock arrangement. The words turn over a relationship that has gone wrong, while the rhythm keeps pulling the song forward.
Its chorus is direct enough to catch quickly, even if Spanish is not your first language. The youthful urgency in Shakira’s delivery makes it a rewarding visit to her earlier material.
10. “She Wolf” by Shakira
The pulsing bass and clipped electronic rhythm in “She Wolf” create a playful, slightly strange dance track. Shakira moves between a restrained verse and a high, airy hook that stands out immediately.
The wolf imagery gives the song a mischievous way to describe wanting freedom. Put it beside her guitar-based singles to hear how different her voice can sound against an electronic backing.
11. “Ojos Así” by Shakira
“Ojos Así” builds around a racing rhythm and a melody with long, curling phrases. Shakira’s Spanish lead and the Arabic passages give the song a distinctive sound within her early catalogue.
The percussion keeps the energy high as the vocal returns to its central declaration of admiration. It is especially rewarding if you enjoy the rhythmic detail beneath a big chorus.
12. “Día de Enero” by Shakira
A soft guitar setting gives “Día de Enero” the feeling of a private promise. Shakira sings about caring for someone who has been hurt, with warmth taking the place of a dramatic vocal display.
The unhurried melody makes a welcome pause between the dance tracks. Its reassurance feels specific and personal, which is much of the song’s appeal.
13. “Loca” by Shakira featuring Dizzee Rascal
The English-language “Loca” with Dizzee Rascal has a restless, bouncing rhythm and a hook that arrives in short bursts. Shakira’s quick phrases fit neatly around the percussion, keeping the track light on its feet.
Dizzee Rascal brings a contrasting pace to his section. Choose this version for the English vocal and rap feature; Shakira also recorded a Spanish-language version with El Cata.
14. “Las de la Intuición” by Shakira
“Las de la Intuición” combines a smooth electronic pulse with a bright, rising chorus. Shakira sounds poised in the verses before letting the melody lift her into a more open delivery.
The rhythm stays steady enough for dancing, but the vocal carries plenty of feeling. It makes a natural companion to her other sleek pop recordings.
15. “Try Everything” by Shakira
Shakira’s song from Zootopia treats mistakes as part of learning how to keep going. “Try Everything” has a buoyant beat and a chorus built around persistence, making its message easy to follow.
It is a cheerful option for a family playlist or a little encouragement before a difficult day. The animated film clips in the video match the song’s friendly, determined mood.
16. “La Bicicleta” by Carlos Vives and Shakira
Carlos Vives and Shakira make “La Bicicleta” feel like a relaxed trip through familiar places. The accordion, springy beat and alternating voices give the duet an outdoor, celebratory character.
Their exchanges sound comfortable, with both singers leaving room for the tune to breathe. Try it for a sunny change of pace between Shakira’s more urgent dance songs.
17. “Sale el Sol” by Shakira
“Sale el Sol” begins quietly and grows into a guitar-led song about getting through a difficult stretch. Shakira gives the central image of returning sunshine a straightforward, hopeful delivery.
The chorus gains force as the band opens out, without losing the softness of the opening. It fits a playlist about fresh starts or finding a little perspective.
18. “Te Felicito” by Shakira and Rauw Alejandro
The congratulations in “Te Felicito” are pointed: the singer is addressing someone whose convincing performance hid a lack of sincerity. Shakira delivers the hook with a cool precision over a tight electronic groove.
Rauw Alejandro’s voice gives the duet another texture. The futuristic video and robot imagery suit the song’s concern with appearances and rehearsed behavior.
19. “Acróstico” by Shakira
Piano gives “Acróstico” a gentle foundation for its message of family love and reassurance. Shakira sings softly, keeping the focus on comfort during a period of change.
Her children join her in the official video, making its domestic setting feel especially close to the song. It offers a tender pause after the sharper relationship songs in this selection.
20. “Don’t Bother” by Shakira
“Don’t Bother” turns a disappointing romance into a stubborn attempt to move on. Shakira’s voice shifts from wounded restraint to a much firmer chorus, with the guitars giving her response extra bite.
The performance keeps some vulnerability beneath its defiance. It closes this selection on a rockier note, showing how well her expressive delivery suits a full band.
Featured Image Credits (Top): Serenity, CC BY 3.0.
Featured Image Credits (Bottom): Andres Arranz, CC BY 2.5.
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