Colombian singer Shakira, winner of multiple Grammy Awards, revealed her intention to unveil her first album in seven years next month, marking a significant return to the music scene. Set for release on March 22, "Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran" is an album that marks a significant divergence from her earlier work, particularly as it is her first vinyl release. This announcement follows her last album, "El Dorado," released in 2017, which achieved notable success by peaking at number 15 on the Billboard Hot 100 and dominating the U.S. Latin charts.
In a statement shared on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter), Shakira described the creation of the album as an "alchemical process," highlighting the personal development she underwent while writing each song. The album boasts a total of eight new tracks alongside seven previously released singles, including collaborations such as "Bzrp Music Sessions Vol. 53" with DJ Bizarrap, "TQG" featuring Karol G, and "Te Felicito" with Rauw Alejandro.
This album marks Shakira's inaugural vinyl release, offering fans a variety of options with four distinct artwork editions and vinyl colors. Distribution channels will include Amazon, Target, and her official website, as reported by BillBoard and Variety. The timing of Shakira's highly anticipated album coincides with a significant moment for female representation in the music industry, with female and female artists of color achieving unprecedented success on the charts.
According to USC's Annenberg Inclusion Initiative, solo female musicians accounted for over 40% of the positions on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2023, a significant rise from prior years. Significant achievements include Taylor Swift's fourth Album of the Year win for "Midnights" and Miley Cyrus' recognition for Record of the Year and Best Pop Solo Performance for "Flowers" at the recent Grammy Awards.
Born Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll, the singer-songwriter began her career in music as a teenager, making her Sony Music Colombia recording debut when she was 13 years old. Her breakout success came with her 1995 album "Pies Descalzos," which reached No. 5 on the U.S. Latin Charts. Subsequent albums like "Donde Están los Ladrones?" (1998) and "Fijación Oral, Vol. 1" (2005) attained critical acclaim, with the latter earning her two Latin Grammy Awards and the Grammy Award for Best Latin Rock or Alternative Album. With a total of 14 Latin Grammy Awards and three Grammy Awards to her name, including recognition for albums like "El Dorado" and "Fijación Oral Vol. 1," Shakira continues to leave an indelible mark on the music industry.
