Top 10 Shakira Songs in Spanish

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You probably know Latin music superstar Shakira from singles such as "Hips Don't Lie," "She Wolf," "Whenever, Wherever" and "Don't Bother." However, if you are only familiar with her mainstream English-language hits, you're missing out on over half of her amazing discography!

The following playlist will guide you to some of the most memorable recordings of her Spanish-language repertoire. From "Pies Descalzos, Sueños Blancos" to "La Tortura," these are some of the essential Shakira songs the artist sings in her native Spanish tongue.

"Pies Descalzos, Sueños Blancos"

Photo Courtesy Sony
Shakira - 'Pies Descalzos'. Photo Courtesy Sony

Musically speaking, this is one of the very best songs from Shakira's breakthrough 1996 album "Pies Descalzos," which became one of the best Latin pop albums of all time.

Besides its rich lyrics, "Pies Descalzos, Sueños Blancos" offers a nice melody mostly shaped around a decisive rock beat. By far one of the most outstanding Spanish songs ever written by Shakira, "Pies Descalzos, Sueños Blancos" is an excellent introduction to Shakira's Latin roots and Spanish vocal prowess.

"Te Espero Sentada"

"Te Espero Sentada" is another popular track from Shakira's 1996 album "Pies Descalzos." With its soft, relaxing melody moving into a heavier beat at different points throughout the song, "Te Espero Sentada" is roller coaster-like track.

Look out for the nice guitar playing and the cool touches of the harmonica in this tune — two elements which transferred over to Shakira's English-language albums along with her signature belly dancing moves.

"Si Te Vas"

Photo Courtesy Sony U.S. Latin
Shakira - 'Donde Estan Los Ladrones'. Photo Courtesy Sony U.S. Latin

After "Pies Descalzos," Shakira consolidated her music and style with the 1998 follow-up album "Donde Estan Los Ladrones."

Just like many of the tracks she produced at the beginning of her career, "Si Te Vas" is another single defined by its rock base and colorful lyrics. Since its release, this has been one of the most popular Spanish songs from Shakira.

Interestingly, fellow Latin superstar Enrique Iglesias also recorded a version of this track in 2016, but Shakira's version still remains the most popular across the Latin music world. 

"Se Quiere, Se Mata"

This is one of the most pleasant tracks ever recorded by the famous Colombian artist. From her legendary third album "Pies Descalzos," "Se Quiere, Se Mata" bears the same style of the previous songs in this list.

If you think Shakira is all about mainstream, commercial music, you need to listen to this track and her memorable 1996 album, which covers a wide breadth of Latin and American music inspirations to create a unique mix of danceable beats and powerful Spanish ballads.

"Sale El Sol"

Photo Courtesy Sony Music Latin/Epic
Shakira - 'Sale El Sol'. Photo Courtesy Sony Music Latin/Epic

Even though hits like "Loca," "Rabiosa" and "Waka-Waka (This Time For Africa)," provided Shakira's 2010 album "Sale El Sol" with most of its popularity, this track is one of the best singles from that production.

Somehow, "Sale El Sol" is a single that takes you back to the original sound of the artist, which is different from the whole mainstream career that Shakira is mostly known for.

A beautiful song from beginning to end, "Sale El Sol" sings of a hope for the future where, as the English translation of the title implies, "The Sun Rises."

"Ojos Asi"

It was mostly from this track that Shakira incorporated into her style and performances her worldwide famous belly dancing moves.

"Ojos Asi" is an explosive dancing tune that combines Spanish lyrics with Arabic chants and became one of the most popular hits from the album ​"Donde Estan Los Ladrones."

A caution to American and English fans of Shakira: these Latin-heavy and Arabic inspired beats are significantly faster than her English tracks.

"Suerte"

Photo Courtesy Sony
Shakira - 'Laundry Service'. Photo Courtesy Sony

I did not want to include in this list any of the many tracks that Shakira has recorded in both English and Spanish; however, I am adding here the Spanish version of Shakira's hugely popular track "Whenever Wherever" just because this single was the one responsible for transforming the Colombian singer into one of the most popular Latin music stars in the world.

Apart from this symbolic choice, "Suerte" is just a great tune from beginning to end. Plus, it gives English fans of Shakira a chance to truly see how her native tongue shines on tracks like these.

Fans of the English music video will recognize the images in the Spanish version— a shot for shot remake with the audio track dubbed over in Shakira's native language.

"Octavo Dia"

"Octavo Dia" is anything but just another popular song from the album "Donde Estan Los Ladrones." In fact, "Octavo Dia" is easily one of the coolest Shakira songs in Spanish.

Again, if you are looking for the noncommercial side of the Colombian artist I highly recommend this track. Aside from its amazing rock melody, "Octavo Dia" offers some of the most original and reflective lyrics ever written by the Colombian superstar.

The song starts (in its English translation) with "On the eighth day, God, after working so hard / after checking everything out, in order to relieve tension / He said to himself: "everything is very well, it's time to take a break" / and He went for a walk through the universe." 

"Estoy Aqui"

Another hit from her third studio album "Pies Descalzos," "Estoy Aqui" has been one of the most celebrated Spanish songs by Shakira. This track is, in fact, the first mainstream hit produced by the Latin pop diva.

Musically speaking, "Estoy Aqui" is defined by the simplicity of its lyrics and sound, a universal language in Latin music that leads to the artist's enduring popularity.

The title literally translates to "I'm Here" in English and its lyrics explore the idea of loving someone so much it's hard to express that desire to him or her. 

"La Tortura" with Alejandro Sanz

Photo Courtesy Sony
Shakira - 'Fijacion Oral Vol. 1'. Photo Courtesy Sony

It would be difficult to select the best tune from this playlist. However, I think a lot of people would pick "La Tortura" as the best Spanish-language track recorded by the Colombian artist.

This popular single, featuring Spanish singer and songwriter Alejandro Sanz, offers a catchy melody nicely adorned with a bit of reggaeton and the exhilarating notes from the accordion in the background.

Definitely one of the best Shakira songs in Spanish, you won't want to miss the music video to this dynamite track.

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