In 2023, Shakira had a fabulous year filled with hit songs, museum displays, and awards. However, a journey through her music catalog reveals that she has always been a timeless artist with a limitless creative vision.

At the age of 46, she dropped a few of her most captivating and hit singles yet, such as “El Jefe” featuring the Mexican music sensation Fuerza Regida, “TQG” alongside Colombian artist KAROL G, and a memorable Bizarrap session that is considered one of the best revenge songs in recent history. She took home three Latin GRAMMY awards in November and had the GRAMMY Museum launch an exhibit dedicated to her music in March.

As she prepares for the upcoming release of her twelfth studio album and a worldwide tour, GRAMMY.com takes a retrospective look at her music catalogue. These ten songs, a combination of chart-topping hits and hidden treasures, demonstrate that while 2023 may be a significant year for Shakira, her talent has always shone brightly.

“Antología” (1995), taken from her breakthrough album Pies Descalzos, stands out as one of her most popular tracks. Despite her exploration of various musical genres such as merengue, bhangra, and reggaetón, Shakira has consistently prioritized strong songwriting in her work. With its catchy melody and simple chord progression, this upbeat ballad allows her powerful vocals to take center stage.

“Ojos Así” from 1998 marked the powerful conclusion to Shakira’s rock album, Dónde Están Los Ladrones? It was in this song that it became clear that Shakira was not just your average pop star. With influences from her Lebanese heritage and a touch of Led Zeppelin’s “Kashmir,” she expertly blended Arabic folk and rock music. Performing the song on stage, she mesmerized audiences with her radiant smile and mesmerizing belly dancing.

In 2005, “La Tortura” became a defining moment in Shakira’s career, showcasing her evolution as an artist and her status as a global superstar. The song, part of the Oral Fixation/Fijación Oral album series, broke boundaries in the pop genre with its collaboration with Alejandro Sanz, mixing catchy lyrics with a reggaetón beat, EDM elements, and accordion solos. It was the perfect blend of modern production and traditional warmth.

Exploring Shakira’s music beyond the popular hits reveals a hidden gem in her discography – “Gypsy” from the She Wolf album. Drawing inspiration from Indian bhangra music, the song features mesmerizing sitar melodies and captivating tabla rhythms. Shakira’s respectful approach to exploring different regional genres shines through in tracks like this, staying true to the roots of the style.

When Shakira decided to tackle merengue in “Loca” from the Sale El Sol album, she dove headfirst into the Dominican Republic, collaborating with merengue artist El Cata. The song is filled with lively piano lines, playful electro elements, and Shakira’s signature sassy delivery, making it a standout track on the album.

Covering British band the xx’s “Islands” was a bold move for Shakira, showcasing her sophisticated taste and diverse musical influences. This ethereal rendition highlights her impeccable arrangement skills and her ability to capture the mood of the original track, solidifying her reputation as a tastemaker in the industry.

“Empire” from her self-titled 2014 album showcases Shakira’s penchant for lush sonics and epic storytelling. This cinematic ballad elevates her artistry, revealing a more vulnerable and operatic side to her persona, proving that she is more than just a pop star – she is a versatile and powerful vocalist with a depth of artistic identity.

“Me Enamoré” (2017) captures the essence of those first feelings of love and preserves them in a timeless way, no matter how the relationship unfolds. This song is a glimpse into Shakira’s personal life, recounting the moment she met her partner and father of her children, Gerard Piqué. It beautifully portrays the excitement and joy of falling deeply in love, while also showcasing Shakira’s clever and humorous songwriting skills.

“Chantaje” by Shakira and Maluma in 2017 was a hit that showcased Shakira’s versatility in music. With influences from reggaetón, Shakira seamlessly navigated through the energetic beats and exchanged seductive lyrics with Maluma. It was evident that Shakira was enjoying the infectious dance music, proving that the urbano style was a natural fit for her pop sound.

In the latest installment of the Bzarp Music Sessions, Vol. 53, viewers were treated to a groundbreaking collaboration between the renowned Argentine producer and the iconic artist Shakira. This viral session showcased Bizarrap’s unique and captivating beats that he had been perfecting in his personal studio for years. It also solidified Shakira’s reputation as a timeless artist who effortlessly meshed with the modern and innovative style of the young prodigy.

The unforgettable lyrics from this session, which were joyfully sung by fans worldwide in 2023, highlighted Shakira’s brilliance and her ability to transform heartache into both financial success and personal growth. This collaboration represented a significant milestone for both artists, marking a significant advancement in their respective careers.