Shakira, Whenever, Wherever | Bangerz N Bopz 🔥

In the 9^th edition of Bangerz N Bopz 🔥 (2024), we highlight “Whenever, Wherever” performed by Grammy-winning, Latin pop superstar, Shakira.

Bring on the bold, fierce songs! Bangerz N Bopz 🔥 serves up background info and insight into songs of various styles, especially songs that raise eyebrows and/or stir the pot.  Featured records can be classic or brand new. In the 9^th edition of Bangerz N Bopz 🔥 (2024), we break down “Whenever, Wherever” performed by Shakira.

“Whenever, wherever / We’re meant to be together / I’ll be there, and you’ll be near / And that’s the deal, my dear.” Ooh-wee! “Whenever, Wherever” appears as the third track on Laundry Service, the 2001 English language album by Shakira (her third album overall). “Whenever, Wherever” marks one of six top-10 hits by the Grammy-winning, Colombian superstar, who has had a successful career crossing over beyond a Latin fanbase. “Whenever” peaked at no. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 at the tail-end of 2001. Furthermore, the single has been certified double platinum by the RIAA.  It’s parent album was certified quadruple platinum – sweet!

Why is “Whenever, Wherever” such a banger? First and foremost, Shakira possesses a unique voice.  Her distinct tone and nuances make her compelling and different from other pop artists.  With Laundry Service, and specifically, “Whenever, Wherever,” she was competing with US, exclusively English singing pop artists.  That special instrument gave her an edge.  Besides the voice, the backdrop is a win as well. She produces alongside Tim Mitchell. “Whenever, Wherever” is super groovy, embracing the Latin vibes but also embraces pop. Another reason why “Whenever” shines? The songwriting (Shakira, Mitchell, and Gloria Estefan).  The chorus is the crème de la crème – the centerpiece.  Also, the verses deliver surefire goodness too! “Lucky you were born that far away so / We could both make fun of distance,” she asserts in the first verse, adding, “Lucky that I love a foreign land for / The lucky fact of your existence.” Ooh-wee! The ears perk up in the second verse with the likes of “Lucky that my breasts are small and humble / So you don’t confuse them with mountains.”  Ultimately, the exuberant, love driven “Whenever, Wherever” ranks at the top of the Shakira catalog. Pop banger extraordinaire!

🎙 Shakira • 💿 Laudry Service • 🏷 Sony Music Entertainment • 🗓 2001

Shakira, Whenever, Wherever: Bangerz N Bopz 🔥 No. 9 (2024) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Sony Music Entertainment; cottonbro studio, Harry Shelton, Kool Shooters, Lucas Pazeta, Mavluda Tashbaeva, Teddy Yang, Wesley Souza from Pexels]