Pies Descalzos (Barefeet in English) is one of the best contemporary Latin Pop albums. Thanks to this 1995 production, Shakira captured Spanish speaking audiences all over the world. In fact, the single "Estoy Aqui" reached the number one spot in the US Latin Pop charts.
The 11 tracks included in this album represent Shakira's original sound. They offer a nice combination of styles and some of the best lyrics ever written by the Colombian superstar. If you are into Latin Pop, this is a must have CD.
Solid Combination of Styles
Pies Descalzos offers a pleasant sound thanks to a smart combination of Latin Pop, Rock, Alternative and Reggae music. This rich combination of genres is cleverly accomodated into both soft and sprightly tunes.
Even though Pies Descalzos is predominantly defined by a Latin Pop style, you can also hear tracks on this album that are influenced by Reggae ("Un Poco De Amor"), Rock ("Vuelve") and Alternative music ("Te Espero Sentada").
Latin Pop
On this album, Latin Pop is divided between lively and soft tracks. The former side is represented by two of the most successful songs included in Pies Descalzos: "Estoy Aqui" and "Donde Estas Corazon." These two tracks, which are filled with a vibrant dancing flavor, offer the best side of the original Latin Pop music that Shakira produced at the beginning of her career.
The softer, romantic side, which is abundant in Pies Descalzos, is represented by songs like "Antologia," "Quiero", Te Necesito" and "Pienso En Ti." Although I personally do not care that much about these tracks, I think these songs are among the best soft, romantic singles Shakira has ever produced.
“Pies Descalzos, Sueños Blancos”
Besides the enormous success enjoyed by "Estoy Aqui" and "Donde Estas Corazon," the single "Pies Descalzos, Sueños Blancos," which gives the name to this album, is probably one of the best songs Shakira has ever written. Musically speaking, this song offers an amazing melody, which is quite harmonious from beginning to end.
In addition to its music, "Pies Descalzos, Sueños Blancos" contains spirited and irreverent lyrics that are responsible for injecting this song with an extra boost of energy. On top of everything, of course, there is Shakira's unique vocal style fitting this song and the entire album in a perfect way.
'Pies Descalzos' - Bottom Line
If not the best, Pies Descalzos is definitely among Shakira's top albums. The combination of styles, well thought lyrics and music arrangements have transformed Pies Descalzos into a classic work of the Latin Pop genre.
Because of all this, Pies Descalzos is not only a solid five star album but also a must have CD for anyone venturing into the sounds of contemporary Latin Pop.
‘Pies Descalzos’ – Best Tracks
- "Estoy Aqui"
Listen / Download / Purchase - "Un Poco De Amor"
Listen / Download / Purchase - "Te Espero Sentada"
Listen / Download / Purchase - "Pies Descalzos, Sueños Blancos"
Listen / Download / Purchase - "Donde Estas Corazon"
Listen / Download / Purchase - "Se Quiere, Se Mata"
Listen / Download / Purchase
Record Label: Sony Music Entertainment
Release Year: 1995