Legal battles and failed relationships were not enough to prevent the Colombian singer from claiming her spot as a prominent figure in the revival of Spanish pop music driven by streaming services.
The rise of streaming and AI in the music industry may be causing some concerns about the future of music, but one interesting trend is the growing popularity of non-English language music. Despite facing personal challenges in 2023 when breaking up with Gerard Piqué and dealing with a hefty tax fraud fine, Shakira made a comeback on the US charts with her Spanish-language songs TQG (featuring Karol G) and Bzrp Music Sessions Vol 53 (featuring Bizarrap). These tracks humorously address her ex’s betrayal, with lyrics like “You traded a Ferrari for a Twingo!” Her album Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran (Women No Longer Cry) marks her 12th studio album.
Known as the “queen of Latin music”, her voice may not stand out much, but she effortlessly transitions from being alluring to assertive within a single verse, captivating her listeners. She expresses a range of emotions, from melancholy (though rare) to longing (more common) to fiercely empowered (almost always), enveloping you in a whirlwind of feelings. In the heartfelt piano ballad Última, Shakira strips away the theatrics and offers something small, personal, and genuine. Puntería is equally impressive, a playful track about catching feelings, while Te Felicito is just one of many sleek dance-pop hits in her repertoire.
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