On May 26, Shakira released her newest album to the world, three years after her most recent work hit store shelves. This new album, called "El Dorado" features songs in four different languages (English, Spanish, French, and Catalan) and spans across several genres, from piano ballads to upbeat pop and reggaeton tracks. After extensively listening to each song countless times, I'd like to share my thoughts on this album. Continue reading for my track by track review of "El Dorado."
1. "Me Enamoré"
The album kicks off with a love song dedicated to Shakira's husband Gerard Pique, telling the story of how she fell in love with him and detailing the features of him that she adores. This song purely shows that Shakira and her hubby are absolutely couple goals. With its upbeat tempo and catchy melody, "Me Enamoré" is definitely one to add to your summer playlist.
2. "Nada"
The way I see it, "Nada" is undoubtedly the most intense song on the album. Shakira showcases the dramatic side of love on this track, with its powerful instrumentals in the background and her belted vocals on top. Lyrically, "Nada" cuts deep as she reveals that her fame and money mean nothing compared to having her husband by her side.
3. "Chantaje" (feat. Maluma)
Probably the most well-known track from "El Dorado," "Chantaje" was released last fall as one of the lead singles for the album. This is probably the sexiest song out of them all, and the video coincides perfectly with that. Shakira and Maluma are quite the dynamic duo in this reggaeton track, and it'll definitely get you dancing.
4. "When A Woman"
The first of only a few English tracks on the album, "When A Woman" is an ode to Shakira's dedication to the man she loves. She shows some vulnerability and honesty, and she confesses that she can get a little crazy when madly in love. Totally relatable, on so many levels.
5. "Amarillo"
This is my favorite track from the album. "Amarillo" poetically describes every aspect of her being in love, utilizing colors as metaphors for the different ways she experiences love. Shakira exhibits some stunning vocals that are almost whimsical, before bursting into a playful chorus that simply sounds joyful.
6. "Perro Fiel" (feat. Nicky Jam)
This is another great duet from "El Dorado."Shakira and Nicky Jam bring some fun beats to the album along with a bit of brassy instrumentation. As with many of these songs, you'll want to move when you hear this one.
7. "Trap" (feat. Maluma)
I was surprised to find that Maluma returned for a second duet on this album, but I was definitely not disappointed. Appropriate to its title, "Trap"adds something a little different to the record with its bass drops and hypnotic harmonies.
8. "Comme moi" (Black M feat. Shakira)
Changing up the languages yet again, "Comme moi" is (as you can probably tell) primarily in French, while the chorus is sung by Shakira in English. Black M raps the verses in French, really spicing up the diversity in genres on the album. Although I know exactly nothing in French, I adore the song; and I think you will, too.
9. "Coconut Tree"
The second full English track on "El Dorado," "Coconut Tree" literally sounds like a getaway to paradise, lyrically and sonically. Shakira's dreamy vocals paired with the simple, quiet backing instrumentals emphasize the feelings of relaxation and escape from responsibilities.
10. "La Bicicleta" (Shakira & Carlos Vives)
This was the very first track from "El Dorado" released as a single last year. Recorded as an ode to their country Colombia, Shakira and Carlos Vives created an incredibly fun, upbeat song that literally feels like summer.
11. "Deja Vu" (Shakira & Prince Royce)
Another dynamic duo, Shakira and Prince Royce kill it on this track with their bachata style. Here's yet another song that you'll want to dance to.
12. "What We Said" (Comme moi: English Version) [feat. MAGIC!]
This song is simply a reworked version of track number eight to be completely in English. I prefer the original to this version, however, MAGIC! offers some nice vocals and harmonies that work really well alongside Shakira's. It's still wonderful.
13. "Toneladas"
Shakira concludes her masterpiece in the best way possible: a piano ballad. With just her vocals and a piano accompaniment, she plays with our emotions as she gorgeously describes the way her husband loves her (she literally says she gets "tons" of love from him), and it really couldn't be any more raw and transparent.
If you haven't yet, I suggest you go give this album a listen. From beginning to end, Shakira truly succeeded in perfecting every single track, in my professional (personal) opinion. Definitely, go check it out!