Every New Zealand #1 single…
8
Whenever, Wherever by Shakira
Topped the NZ chart for 8 weeks from 10 February 2002.
Shakira
Shakira Ripoll was born in Barranquilla, Colombia, the daughter of a jeweller. She wrote her first poem, ‘La Rosa de Cristal’, when she was four. When she was eight, she wrote her first song, ‘Gafas Oscuras’ (‘Dark Glasses’). Inspired by her father’s lingering grief after her half-brother died, it later appeared on her debut album.
When she was four, her father took her to a Middle Eastern restaurant. She developed a passion for belly dancing and performed at her Catholic school every Friday. She was a natural performer, but her peers rejected her early singing efforts as goat-like. By the age of 13, she’d improved enough to sign a three-album recording contract.
Whenever, wherever
‘Whenever, Wherever’ was the lead single for Shakira’s fifth album, Laundry Service. It was her first English-language album – her previous four albums were in Spanish. So ‘Whenever, Wherever’ was her breakthrough hit in English-speaking territories.
Before assuming this big challenge of writing for the first time in English and making my first English album and presenting it to the world… of course I was feeling ready for it, a little bit scared… actually a lot scared. But I knew I could do it and my instincts always told me to go ahead and jump in the water.
Shakira, Pop Entertainment
It’s suitably exotic, blending contemporary Latin music with Andean instruments like the charango and the quena. 1980s pop star Gloria Estafan helped translate Shakira’s flowery lyrics into English.
My Verdict
It’s debatable whether Shakira’s oddball lyrics add or detract from the experience. The song’s a paean of devotion to her then-partner, featuring striking imagery such as “lucky that my breasts are small and humble so you don’t confuse them with mountains.”
But it’s a strong tune and a great vocal performance. Maybe it could use more dynamic contrast, but the steady intensity keeps it from being overly melodramatic.
The Aftermath
Laundry Service remains Shakira’s most successful album. But she’s continued to enjoy success, with songs like ‘Hips Don’t Lie’ (with Wyclef Jean), ‘Try Everything’, and ‘Waka Waka’. 2025’s ‘Zoo’ is popular with the kindergarten demographic.
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I consider this song a ‘not guilty’ pleasure of mine. As a metalhead, I shouldn’t like it but I do. Do you think the song would sound good metalized?
Yes Mate!
It would probably have to lose the Latin rhythm, right? But you could maybe keep the pan flutes.
I straight up love Shakira’s music. She had a great way with a pop song. Love her
Lots of personality, I need to hear more.
I’m not going to pretend Shakira doesn’t fall outside my musical core wheelhouse. That said, I think she’s super-talented and has developed her own unique style. And whether one likes it or not, “Whenever, Wherever” is a very catchy pop song. I also find the combination of Latin music with traditional Andean instruments pretty intriguing.
Yeah, 21st century pop can feel a little faceless sometimes, but Shakira has personality for days.
Not really my style but…this is crazy but I listened to it twice and both times I heard “Land Down Under” or whatever it’s called. It’s not bad at all…it is interesting…especially since I don’t usually like this style of pop.
I can hear that- there are some melodic similarities. There’s enough personality for it to work – some personality, even though the line about her breasts is ridiculous.