Shakira is living as her most authentic self — in life, fashion, and even music. While her latest era might not be a return to form, it a raw, unguarded celebration of who she's always been — as evidenced by her new album. The Colombian singer might be known for her upbeat dance ballads, but in her latest release (and first new album in seven years), Shakira seems less interested about injecting "life" into the songs, and rather, more inspired to make sense of it — with the help of her signature lyricism and staple, thunderous vocals.
Unlike past records, " " (which translates to "women no longer cry") sees the Latin-pop icon in her most unguarded state yet, following the ending — and public aftermath — of her 11-year relationship with Spanish soccer player Gerard Piqué. Through melodic tracks like "La Fuerte" and "Tiempo Sin Verte," the songstress explores the themes of heartbreak, healing, and as , the "dissolution of a family." "[This] is a project that's been years in the making, and it's incredibly close to my heart — it reflects a period of intense personal growth and artistic exploration," Shakira tells PS.
"It's a blend of new sounds and styles, like Afrobeats and EDM, but also has the rock and the ballads that always have a place on my albums." In the wake of her most vulnerable album release to date, the star has also found other avenues for joy and "artistic exploration" beyond the world of music. Most recently, she joined — the Miami-based sandal b.
