15 Top Shakira Songs

Shakira is a Colombian singer, born in Barranquilla, who after a few failures was able to conquer worldwide success. Her album Laundry Service from 2001 was her first in English and the one that opened the doors of international recognition.

After that, she continued to launch songs both and English and Spanish, and has made several duets with prominent international artists such as Maluma, Pitbull, or Rihanna.

Keep reading for a list of Shakira’s top songs.

1. “Hips Don't Lie”

Song Year: 2005

You don't have to be a Shakira fan to know the song “Hips Don't Lie.” The song features Wyclef Jean, and it has a fun, upbeat rhythm.

Dancing to the song is easy and fun, and it combines a bit of Spanish with the mostly English lyrics. When the song first came out, it reached the top of the charts.

Many years later, it's still probably Shakira's top song. The style is a mix of reggae and hip-hop with some Latin flair.

If you're only going to listen to one Shakira song, make it this one. The song has quickly become a cultural phenomenon for most music fans.

2. “Gypsy”

Song Year: 2009

Another well-known Shakira song is “Gypsy” where she sings about always being on the move. The lyrics talk about wanting someone to come with her on her travels.

This is one of the many songs Shakira has performed in English and Spanish, under the title “Gitana.”

Mid-2000s kids might also recognize this song from Shakira's appearance on “Wizards of Waverly Place.” The singer claims that her tour bus broke down, and she sings a bit of the song with Selena Gomez's character, Alex, to fix the bus.

That song choice was very fitting for the show considering touring involves moving around a lot. Even if you don't watch the show, the song is still great with its slow rhythms.

3. “Whenever, Wherever”

Song Year: 2001

In “Whenever, Wherever,” Shakira talks about how badly she wants to be with the person she loves. She'll travel the world to be with them.

This song helped Shakira gain an audience of English speakers. That has made it a favorite of many Shakira fans, and the music and lyrics further make it a great tune.

If you want to listen to it in Spanish, though, you can do so. The Spanish title is “Suerte,” which means “luck” in English.

4. “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)”

Song Year: 2010

One of the biggest Shakira songs from the early 2010s is “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa).” It was the official song of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Now, there has been some controversy around the song. People wish that a South African singer performed the song, but that hasn't stopped its popularity.

Even a decade later, the song still gets plenty of views and listens. It's one of the best-selling songs for Shakira and for the music industry overall.

The African beats are fun and easy to dance to. Whether you like soccer or not, this song is catchy, which is probably why people love it.

5. “She Wolf”

Song Year: 2009

In “She Wolf,” Shakira talks about being like a werewolf about to come out and be her true self. The song is relatable for a lot of women who feel like they can't let themselves out of a cage.

But it also features a fun beat that perfectly encapsulates the theme of the lyrics. The song talks about lycanthropy, another term for a werewolf.

You can dance to the song, and it's a great addition to a party playlist. This is also one of the many songs Shakira has performed in English and Spanish.

Its Spanish version has the title “Loba” which translates to “the wolf woman.” That makes it an excellent song for anyone looking to learn Spanish.

6. “Can't Remember to Forget You”

Song Year: 2014

Shakira's duet with Rihanna “Can't Remember to Forget You” is another classic. The song hasn't been out as long as some of her other stuff.

However, both singers sound amazing together as they talk about their love for someone. The lyrics talk about how this person is part of the singers.

Both singers will do whatever it takes to keep the unnamed boy in their lives. A lot of people can probably relate to that feeling.

Even if you can't, the rhythm and instrumentals are fun to listen to. Whether you're more of a Shakira fan or a Rihanna fan, you should know this song.

7. “Empire”

Song Year: 2014

Shakira originally wanted to be a rock singer, and “Empire” shows that off. It's similar to a rock ballad, so you can hear what Shakira would sound like in that genre.

She also gets to experiment with her vocal range and different dynamics. The lyrics talk about how she's going to unite multiple empires of the world.

This song compares those empires merging to the love of two people coming together. If you don't like some of the more pop-style songs, this is a welcome change.

When you have an empire, you can feel on top of the world. But you don't need a whole empire if you have a person you love and who loves you.

8. “Loca”

Song Year: 2010

“Loca” is another song Shakira's recorded in Spanish and English. The Spanish version features El Cata, while the English song has Dizzee Rascal.

In the chorus, she sings about how she's crazy when she's with her tiger. When singing in English, the lyrics focus on how the other person likes how Shakira can be crazy.

Both versions of the song have a fun beat to dance to. The rhythms are great as well, so you probably won't get bored when listening.

We're all a little crazy as well, and so you may relate to the lyrics. And even if you're not that crazy, you may know and love someone who is.

9. “Chantaje”

Song Year: 2016

The song “Chantaje” doesn't have an English version, but you don't have to understand Spanish to enjoy it. Its title translates to “blackmail,” and it talks about the feelings you have about another person.

Shakira sings with the featured artist Maluma about those topics. The two singers work very well together, and the music video is an excellent visual representation of the song.

In the song, the lyrics talk about loving someone even if they don't love you back. The singer doesn't want to be with anybody else.

If you speak Spanish, you get to listen to the words of the song. Otherwise, the Latin beats are fun, and you can look up the translation of the lyrics to help learn a new language.

10. “Antes de las Seis”

Song Year: 2010

Another Spanish-only song from Shakira is “Antes de las Seis.” It has a slower tempo, but it also takes inspiration from rock.

The lyrics mention how the days end earlier without someone there. Shakira sings about what she'll do if she never sees that person again.

Her vocal tone in this song is very thick, and she uses her low register very well. There's a bit of a build throughout the song before it climaxes.

When it comes to learning Spanish, this is a great song to use. Since it's slower, the words are easier to pick out and understand.

11. “Ojos Así”

Song Year: 1998

One of Shakira's earlier songs is “Ojos Así,” which translates to “eyes like that.” The lyrics talk about traveling the world to find eyes like that.

She wishes for the option to live in the eyes of the person she sings to. This song also features a bit of Arabic, where someone talks about Shakira's eyes.

You get to learn about Shakira's Middle Eastern side with the beats in this tune. If you've been a fan of Shakira for a while, you may know this song.

However, newer fans might not know as much about it. Still, it's a great song that helps show how the singer has risen to fame.

12. “Sale El Sol”

Song Year: 2010

The lead single on the album of the same name, “Sale El Sol” is another slow song. It talks about how she's cried as much as possible.

Now she wants to be invincible. She's had to wait for a long time for the sun to come out (the English translation of the title).

After a lot of dark days, it's good to look forward and be hopeful. Most of us can relate to the feeling like something bad will never end.

However, this song is a good reminder that things can get better. It may not be the most danceable song, but it's one every Shakira fan should know.

13. “La Tortura”

Song Year: 2005

“La Tortura” features Alejandro Sanz, and he and Shakira sound great together. They start as if they're having a conversation.

Lyrics talk about the torture (“la tortura” in English) of someone cheating on you. Some of the lines mention crying but not releasing tears and how the pain of cheating is significant.

If you've ever been in that situation, you may relate to the lyrics a lot. Other types of loss can also make the song relatable in terms of feeling hurt.

This song helped give reggaeton exposure to mainstream audiences. MTV even aired this song as one of its first Spanish songs, which further helped grow Shakira's career.

14. “Que Me Quedas Tú”

Song Year: 2001

In “Que Me Quedas Tú,” the lyrics talk about destroying the world and writing the last song. Someone has destroyed the neighborhood, and innocence is gone.

The chorus focuses on how if Shakira stays with an unnamed person, her life will stay with her. Change can be difficult, so a lot of people can probably relate to that feeling.

If you've been in love with someone, you may not have wanted to end things. But it's also a good reminder that life goes on.

Of course, you may want to learn Spanish to listen to this song. However, you can still enjoy the instrumentals and rhythms without understanding the words.

15. “Don't You Worry”

Song Year: 2022

Shakira's newest song is also an excellent tune. It's a collaboration with the Black Eyed Peas and David Guetta, and it's gained popularity even in a few months.

The lyrics talk about how you shouldn't worry about the future. It's more important to live your life and to live your best life than to spend time stressing about things.

A lot of the lyrics repeat, but it has a great dance groove. Of course, it's in English, which means more people can understand the words as they listen.

Best Shakira Songs, Final Thoughts

Whether you're a Shakira fan or not, you probably know at least one of her songs. Shakira's top song is probably “Hips Don't Lie.”

But give all of the songs in this list a listen. Then, you can determine which songs are your favorite.