Top 10 Songs by Shakira

Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll better known as Shakira was born February 2, 1977 in Barranquilla, Colombia. Shakira's mother is Columbian and her father Lebanese. Her first language is Spanish, but she is also fluent in English, Portuguese, Italian and a little bit of Arabic. Shakira is a singer-songwriter, record producer, musician, dancer and philanthropist. Shakira's songs have been influenced by rock and roll, Latin and Middle Eastern belly dancing.

Shakira's music career began to emerge in 1995 throughout Latin America with the released of one of her greatest music albums, "Pies Descalzos" (Bared Feet), which she produced. And later Shakira created another one of her greatest albums that brought her even higher success, "Donde estan Los Ladrones?" (Where are the Thieves?).

In 2001, Shakira made a breakthrough in the United States with the release of the music album, "Laundry Service," which she sold over 20 million copies worldwide. Four years later, Shakira created 2 albums, "Fijacion Oral Vol.1" and "Oral Fixation Vol. 2." Shakira has won 8 Latin Grammy Awards and 2 Grammy Awards. She also has been Golden Globe-nominated, and has sold over 60 million albums worldwide. Shakira remains one my favorite artist of all times for her extraordinary voice, music and writing ability. Shakira will always be at the top of my list. Here are my top 10 Shakira favorites.

10. La Tortura (The Torture). Shakira's mega-hit single featuring Alejandro Sanz, a Latin singer song-writer. La Tortura is a collaboration of Shakira, Alejandro Sanz and Luis Fernando Ochoa. La Tortura appeared in 2005 in the album, "Fijacion Oral Vol. 1" (Oral Fixation). This song tells the story of a woman who is being tortured by the infidelity of her boyfriend who begs for forgiveness. But she will not shed a tear for him. Even though I've never been in this situation, as a woman, I can feel her torture, and at the same time, I applaud her for her bravery. I always enjoy listening to the up beat of this song.

9. Eyes Like Yours (Ojos Asi). This is an English language version of the song, Ojos Asi from Shakira's first English language album, "Laundry Service," which was released in 2001. The translation of this song was written by Shakira and Gloria Estefan, and recorded in 1998. Eyes Like Yours has been most famous for its Arabian feel. I like listening to the Arabic chants.

8. Suerte, meaning Luck (Wherever, Whenever). One of my all-time Shakira favorites for its quirky lyrics, such as "Suerte que mis pechos sean pequenos y no los confundas con montanas," meaning, "Lucky that my breasts are small and don't confuse them with mountains." The lyrics are humorous, but at the same time are so true. Suerte is the Spanish version of the song, 'Wherever, Whenever,' from the hit album, "Laundry Service" released in 2001. Suerte hit number 1 in 29 countries.

7. Don't Bother. In 2005, this song appeared as the first single from Shakira's second English language album, "Oral Fixation Vol. 2." Don't bother reached at number 42 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. I tune in to this song every time I'm feeling mellow.

6. Ojos Asi (Eyes Like Yours). In 2000, this song in Spanish is included in the album, "Donde Estan los Ladrones?" (Where are the Thieves?). Ojos Asi is the original song of the English translation, Eyes Like Yours from Shakira's album, "Laundry Service." It contains the same instrumental Arabian feel as Eyes Like Yours. The only difference is the language. Ojos Asi is one of Shakira's most popular songs in Latin America because it shows her Lebanese background. Ojos Asi defined Shakira as a professional belly dancer when performing to this song on stage. I love listening to this song, especially when I'm on the elliptical it makes me want to belly dance (If I only knew how...darn).

Anyway, this song has become one of Shakira's greatest hits in Brazil. The 'Single Version' of Ojos Asi appears to be different from the original version. In the introduction, instead of containing 3 notes of accordion, it contains 1 note on the violin. The 'Single Version' of this song also has several remixes for a variety of tastes, such as 'Thunder Mix' and 'Mirage Mix.' The latter contains more of an Arabian mix. I love the Mirage Mix; it adds more of that Arabian tune to it, which is what makes Shakira's music more famous and unique.

5. Objection. This is Shakira's first English song. Objection is included as the first song in Shakira's album, "Laundry Service" in 2001. Now, who wouldn't want to listen to this song with such a brilliant mixture of instruments? This song begins as a classical tango played with a piano, a contrabass and a bandoneon. After the tango, I can hear the drums coming in with 2 e-guitars, and bass, which gives the song a Latin Rock feel. Towards the end of Objection, the accordion comes along, and that is Shakira playing the accordion. The variety of instruments definitely adds color throughout the song, which is why I've played it over and over.

4. Underneath Your Clothes. The lyrics of this song brings me back memories of someone who I shared very special moments in my life with, but now he's gone. Shakira's strong voice and emotions, and the way she connects with the song, makes me visualize those moments I spent with him, "Underneath your clothes there's an endless story, there's the man I chose, there's my territory..." Nice. Every time I listen to this song, feels as if he was here with me.

Okay, back to earth now let's move on. This single is a pop/country ballad about love written and produced by the Columbian diva, Shakira. This single also appeares in one of Shakira's greatest albums, "Laundry Service" (2001). Underneath Your Clothes is the second single released off this album.

3. La Tortura (The Torture), alternate version. La Tortura, alternate version is included in the expanded version of "Oral Fixation Vol. 2" (2006), as a re-make of Shakira's hit, 'La Tortura' featuring Alejandro Sanz. The alternate version of Shakira's 'La Tortura,' contains a party-like feel to it. I enjoy listening to the original, but this one really makes me want to get up and dance!

2. Whenever, Wherever. This pop song has been one of my all-time Shakira greatest hits. Who doesn't love this song? Whenever, Wherever has been famous for its quirky lyrics, such as, "Baby I would climb the Andes solely to count the freckles on your body," is quite humorous. She would do anything for this guy. Whoever this guy is he must feel really flattered. Whenever, Wherever was written by Shakira and Gloria Estefan for the English album, "Laundry Service" (2001).

1. Hips Don't Lie, featuring Wyclef Jean. Finally, we have arrived on the #1 position of the Top Ten Shakira Songs. In March of 2006, this single was included in Shakira's extended version of her English album, "Oral Fixation Vol. 2." This is another one of Shakira's songs that reflect her dancing ability when performing to this song. I definitely dance to this song.

Hips Don't Lie has been not only my favorite, but also the people's choice around the world. Hips Don't Lie is the first of Shakira's single in obtaining the #1 position on U.S. Billboard Hot 100 Chart! Shakira also obtained the #1 position in Ireland, Swiss and Italy. This song received a certified gold in New Zealand, Greece, UK, France and Austria. Shakira also received a platinum for this song in United States, Canada, Australia, Germany and Switzerland.

If you're not a Shakira fan yet, you will be after checking out her music at www.shakira.com. See for yourself and you'll know what I'm talking about!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shakira

http://home.napster.com/ns/music/artist.html?artist_id=11165758

http://old.yoursonglyrics.com/hips-dont-lie-shakira-feat-wyclef-jean/

http://www.last.fm/music/Shakira/_/Whenever,+Wherever

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/La_Tortura

http://www.last.fm/music/Shakira/_/Objection+(Tango)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ojos_As%C3%AD

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Don%27t_Bother

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whenever,_Wherever

http://www.amazon.com/Underneath-Your-Clothes-Shakira/dp/B0000659NU