Shakira Albums Ranked: Fan Favorites (2025)
Delving deep into the discography of the phenomenal Shakira, one question always sparks debate: which albums truly define her legacy?
This exploration ranks Shakira's albums, with the primary guide being the fans themselves - the community discussions and the sentiment that surrounds each release. this offers a unique perspective on what many consider the best Shakira albums.
Later, we'll also consider how these albums stack up based on current popularity metrics. Let's get into this exciting exploration of Shakira's musical journey!
Ranking Shakira's albums: The fan favorites
Here's how the albums stack up based on fan sentiment, community discussions, and overall buzz, starting with the most beloved.
here's how the albums stack up based on fan sentiment, community discussions, and overall buzz, starting with the most beloved.
She Wolf (2009)
She Wolf, released in 2009, stands as Shakira's eighth studio album and her third in English. It marked a distinct musical evolution for the Colombian superstar.
Musically, the album pivoted from her traditional Latin pop and pop-rock styles. Instead, it ventured boldly into electropop, weaving in influences of folk and world music. The lyrical themes often centered on love and relationships, inspired by conversations Shakira had with her female friends.
She Wolf achieved significant commercial success, topping charts in countries like Argentina, Ireland, and Mexico. It debuted at number fifteen on the Billboard 200 and has sold over two million copies worldwide since its release, driven by its titular lead single.
Key Tracks:
- She Wolf
- Loba
Claiming the coveted number 1 position in this fan-curated ranking, She Wolf strikes a powerful chord with many listeners. Its adventurous foray into electropop and its assured, contemporary sound are often lauded.
Pies Descalzos (1995)
Released in 1995, Pies Descalzos is widely regarded as Shakira's breakthrough third studio album. It showcased her signature blend of Latin pop with emerging pop-rock influences.
After her initial two albums met with limited success, Shakira took a more prominent role in the production of Pies Descalzos. She co-wrote all eleven tracks, aiming to revive her career and craft a sound that was uniquely hers.
The album was a commercial triumph, establishing Shakira as a major force in Latin America. It received favorable reviews, and its six singles, including "Estoy Aquí" and "¿Dónde Estás Corazón?", became significant hits, propelling her to international recognition.
Key Tracks:
- Antologia
- Estoy Aquí
Securing the number 2 spot in our fan-driven list, Pies Descalzos holds a special place in the hearts of many. Listeners frequently praise its raw honesty and its role in marking her definitive arrival on the music scene.
Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran (2024)
Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran, Shakira's twelfth studio album, arrived in March 2024. This marked her first album release in seven years, following El Dorado.
The album draws heavily from Shakira's personal experiences, particularly her highly publicized breakup. It describes a journey of transforming heartbreak into strength. While primarily a pop record, it impressively explores a diverse range of genres including EDM, rock, reggaeton, bachata, and even regional Mexican sounds.
It features collaborations with artists like Cardi B, Rauw Alejandro, and Karol G. Several singles, including "Te Felicito" and "Shakira: Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53," preceded the album, building significant anticipation and achieving chart success. Upon release, it received positive reviews for its vulnerability and musical breadth, debuting at number one in several countries.
Key Tracks:
- (Entre Paréntesis)
- Última
Ranked at number 3 based on fan sentiment, Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran connects profoundly with its audience. The album is widely acclaimed for its unfiltered emotional honesty and its potent message of resilience.
Laundry Service (2001)
Laundry Service, released in 2001, was a monumental album for Shakira. It served as her fifth studio album and, crucially, her first English-language project, catapulting her to global superstardom.
Encouraged by Gloria Estefan to record in English, Shakira embraced the challenge, learning the language to write her own songs. The album title itself reflected her views on love and music being like a cleansing process. It's primarily a pop-rock record but masterfully experiments with Andean music, dance-pop, Middle Eastern sounds, and even tango.
The album was a massive international success, driven by iconic singles like "Whenever, Wherever" and "Underneath Your Clothes". It topped charts worldwide, sold around 13 million copies, and solidified Shakira's position as a global music icon, becoming one of the best-selling albums of the 21st century.
Key Tracks:
- Whenever, Wherever
- Suerte (Whenever, Wherever)
Occupying the fourth position in this fan-led ranking, Laundry Service continues to be a significant favorite. It's often highlighted for its triumphant English-language crossover and its masterful blend of varied musical influences.
Donde Estan Los Ladrones (1998)
Dónde Están los Ladrones?, Shakira's fourth studio album, was released in 1998. It built upon the success of Pies Descalzos and further solidified her status as a leading Latin music artist.
After meeting producer Emilio Estefan, who saw her potential for the US Latin market, Shakira co-produced this album. It continued to explore Latin pop styles, but with more pronounced rock en español and Middle Eastern musical influences, showcasing her artistic growth and versatility.
The album was a critical and commercial success, selling over a million copies in its first month. It topped the Billboard Top Latin Albums chart and received a Grammy nomination. Hits like "Ciega, Sordomuda" and "Ojos Así" became iconic, and Rolling Stone later included it in their 500 Greatest Albums of All Time.
Key Tracks:
- Ciega, Sordomuda
- Inevitable
Positioned at number 5 in the fan ranking, Dónde Están los Ladrones? clearly made a lasting impact. The album is frequently recognized for its sophisticated songwriting and the skillful fusion of rock with Latin and Middle Eastern
Sale el Sol (2010)
Released in 2010, Sale el Sol marked Shakira's ninth studio album. It represented a conscious return to her signature Latin pop sound, following the electropop explorations of She Wolf.
Shakira described the album as having three distinct "directions": a romantic side, a "rock and roll" side, and a "Latino, tropical" side. This approach allowed her to experiment with rock and merengue, while also delivering heartfelt ballads. She co-produced the album, collaborating with artists like El Cata, Gustavo Cerati, and Pitbull.
Sale el Sol was a commercial success, especially in Europe and Latin America, topping charts in numerous countries. It won Best Female Pop Vocal Album at the Latin Grammy Awards. Singles like "Loca" and "Rabiosa" became international hits, reaffirming her global appeal.
Key Tracks:
- Loca (feat. El Cata)
- Addicted to You
At number 6, as chosen by the fans, Sale el Sol is an album that evokes strong positive sentiment. Its vibrant energy and its embrace of her Latin roots, infused with a modern twist, are particularly admired.
El Dorado (2017)
El Dorado, Shakira's eleventh studio album, was released in May 2017. This predominantly Spanish-language album (with three English tracks) arrived after a period where Shakira navigated motherhood and writer's block.
Inspired largely by her personal life and relationship with Gerard Piqué, the album blends Latin pop and reggaeton with influences from bachata, vallenato, and electropop. It featured numerous collaborations, including two with Maluma, and one each with Nicky Jam and Carlos Vives.
The album was a commercial success, debuting in the top ten in several countries and winning the Grammy Award for Best Latin Pop Album. Its lead single, "Chantaje" featuring Maluma, became a global hit, topping Billboard's Hot Latin Songs chart for an extended period.
Key Tracks:
- Chantaje (feat. Maluma)
- Perro Fiel (feat. Nicky Jam)
Taking the 7th spot in this fan-informed hierarchy, El Dorado is an album that many listeners appreciate. It's often praised for its catchy collaborations and its mature, yet enjoyable, take on themes of love and life.
Oral Fixation, Vol. 2 (2005)
Released in November 2005, Oral Fixation, Vol. 2 was the English-language counterpart to Shakira's Spanish-language album Fijación Oral, Vol. 1. This project continued her global outreach following the massive success of Laundry Service.
Executive produced by Rick Rubin, the album showcased Shakira's versatility, blending pop-rock with elements of dance, funk, and world music. The expanded edition famously included the mega-hit "Hips Don't Lie" featuring Wyclef Jean, which became one of her signature songs.
Oral Fixation, Vol. 2 was a significant commercial success, further cementing Shakira's status as an international superstar. It achieved multi-platinum certifications in numerous countries and produced memorable singles like "Don't Bother" alongside "Hips Don't Lie."
Key Tracks:
- Hips Don't Lie (feat. Wyclef Jean)
- Don't Bother
Ranked 8th by the fan community, Oral Fixation, Vol. 2 is an album that still buzzes with energy for many. Its infectious dynamism and the worldwide sensation of "Hips Don't Lie" are key reasons for its acclaim.
Fijación Oral, Vol. 1 (2005)
Fijación Oral, Vol. 1, released in June 2005, was Shakira's sixth studio album and her first full Spanish-language project after her global English breakthrough with Laundry Service. It marked a deliberate return to her roots.
The album is a Latin pop record, with Shakira collaborating with executive producer Rick Rubin and talents like Gustavo Cerati and Lester Mendez. It showcased her lyrical depth and musical evolution within the Spanish-language sphere.
Critically acclaimed, Fijación Oral, Vol. 1 debuted at number four on the US Billboard 200, a record for a Spanish-language album at the time. It won a Grammy for Best Latin Rock/Alternative Album and two Latin Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year. The lead single, "La Tortura" featuring Alejandro Sanz, was a massive hit.
Key Tracks:
- La Tortura (feat. Alejandro Sanz)
- Las de la Intuición
Landing at number 9 in our fan-based assessment, Fijación Oral, Vol. 1 is deeply respected by listeners. The album is frequently commended for its artistic integrity and its strong reaffirmation of her skill in Spanish-language music.
Shakira. (2014)
Released in March 2014, Shakira. (often stylized with a period) was Shakira's tenth studio album overall and her fourth in English, though this specific version highlights its Spanish-language components as an expanded edition.
The album's creation spanned a significant period, including Shakira's pregnancy and a label change to RCA Records. It explored diverse musical styles, incorporating pop with reggae, rock, dance, and even country elements. Lyrically, it touched upon motherhood, romantic complexities, and personal happiness.
Shakira. debuted at number two on the US Billboard 200, her highest chart position there, though with lower first-week sales for an English album. It featured the hit single "Can't Remember to Forget You" with Rihanna and the World Cup-associated track "Dare (La La La)."
Key Tracks:
- Can't Remember to Forget You (feat. Rihanna)
- La La La (Brasil 2014) (feat. Carlinhos Brown)
10th in the fan ranking, Shakira. connects with its audience on multiple levels. Many appreciate its eclectic fusion of genres and its deeply personal lyrical content.
Shakira albums: A look at popularity data
while fan sentiment paints a rich picture, current popularity data can offer another interesting angle on an artist's discography.
below is a ranking of Shakira's albums based on their popularity scores from available data, reflecting which releases are currently seeing significant engagement.
| Popularity Rank | Album Title | Release Year |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Donde Estan Los Ladrones | 1998 |
| 2 | Oral Fixation, Vol. 2 (Expanded Edition) | 2005 |
| 3 | Fijación Oral, Vol. 1 | 2005 |
| 4 | Pies Descalzos | 1995 |
| 5 | El Dorado | 2017 |
| 6 | Sale el Sol | 2010 |
| 7 | Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran | 2024 |
| 8 | Laundry Service | 2001 |
| 9 | Shakira. (Expanded Edition) [Spanish Version] | 2014 |
| 10 | She Wolf (Expanded Edition) | 2009 |
| 11 | Shakira MTV Unplugged | 2000 |
| 12 | Live From Paris | 2011 |
| 13 | Shakira In Concert: El Dorado World Tour | 2019 |
| 14 | Laundry Service: Washed and Dried (Expanded Edition) | 2021 |
| 15 | Live & Off The Record | 2004 |
| 16 | The Remixes | 1997 |
| 17 | Love In The Time Of Cholera | 2008 |
Quick FAQs about Shakira's albums
Q: What inspired the sound of Shakira's album She Wolf?
A: For She Wolf, Shakira was very curious about the electropop world. She aimed to create a bassy, beat-driven album, experimenting with sounds from various global influences combined with electronics to make people dance.
Q: What is the meaning behind the title She Wolf?
A: Shakira described the 'She Wolf' as a symbol of the modern woman. She envisioned this woman as someone who knows what she wants, is free from prejudice, and fiercely defends her deepest desires.
And that's our exploration of Shakira's albums, ranked through the lens of dedicated fan insights and alongside current popularity data.
Ultimately, defining the "best" Shakira album is often a matter of personal taste and the special memories her music has helped create. Every album represents a unique phase in her remarkable journey.