What makes Empire by Shakira notable?

The track gained notable attention for its empowering themes and was accompanied by a visually striking music video. It reached the top 10 on various charts worldwide, further solidifying Shakira's status as a global pop icon. Released in 2014, 'Empire' was part of Shakira's self-titled album, marking her return to English-language music after a seven-year hiatus since 'She Wolf'. The album followed her successful foray into Latin music with 'Sale el Sol', showcasing her versatility and appeal across different genres.

How many songs are on Empire?

Empire has 2 tracks, running approximately 8 minutes.

Empire

Shakira · 2014

8 min · 2 tracks · contemporary R&B

A soaring blend of pop balladry and rhythmic dance beats, embodying both passion and empowerment.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Empire — The title track encapsulates the album's central themes of love and strength, featuring anthemic choruses that highlight Shakira's vocal range.
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Empire (I.Y.F.F.E remix) — This remix transforms the original into a danceable track, showcasing Shakira's adaptability to different musical styles while maintaining the song's powerful essence.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

45 /100

Lowland

Higher than 5% of albums we've rated

The track blends pop balladry with dance beats, showcasing Shakira's vocal strength but lacks depth for lasting appeal.

What we noticed

The main track features a gradual build-up, starting with soft piano and vocals before transitioning into a powerful chorus with layered harmonies.
The remix introduces a faster tempo and electronic elements, significantly altering the feel of the original song while maintaining its core melody.
The song's structure includes a bridge that emphasizes emotional intensity before returning to the anthemic chorus.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 4/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Marked Shakira's return to English music, gaining notable attention and chart success.
Themes: grand romantic declarations· orchestral love anthems
Career context: Released in 2014, 'Empire' was part of Shakira's self-titled album, marking her return to English-language music after a seven-year hiatus since 'She Wolf'. The album followed her successful foray into Latin music with 'Sale el Sol', showcasing her versatility and appeal across different genres.
Stylistic neighbors: Jennifer Lopez· Ricky Martin· Carlos Vives