Acróstico

"Acróstico" (also known as "Acróstico - Milan + Sasha") (, ) is a song by Colombian singer-songwriter Shakira. The song was released on 11 May 2023, through Sony Music Latin as the third single from Shakira's twelfth studio album, ''Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran'' (2024). The song features uncredited vocals from Shakira's children Milan and Sasha.

At the 24th Annual Latin Grammy Awards the record was nominated for Song of the Year, alongside other two song, " Shakira: Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53" and " TQG", making Shakira the first artist to achieve three nominations in the category at the same ceremony.

Background and release

Rumors began circulating about Shakira's next single being a collaboration with Manuel Turizo titled "Copa Vacía" but plans were scrapped in favor of releasing "Acróstico". On 10 May 2023, just one day before the song's release, Shakira announced "Acróstico" on all of her social media platforms.

Composition

"Acróstico" was co-written by Shakira, Keityn, Luis Fernando Ochoa and L.E.X.U.Z. Colombian songwriter Keityn, who had previously co-written "Te Felicito" and "Monotonía" for Shakira's album, stated in an interview that the inspiration behind the song was the acrostics that her mother used to compose for him when he was a child. Thematically, the song reflects "on a lost love", referable to the divorce between Shakira and Gerard Piqué. The song features vocals from Shakira children Milan and Sasha. The singer explained in a Instagram story the meaning of working with her children during the negotiation period for the divorce of their parents:

"This year Milan has written songs that have made me tear up, and Sasha has dedicated hours playing the piano and discovering his voice. Both have spent some time with me in the studio, and upon hearing this song, they’ve asked to be part of it. They’ve felt it and interpreted it in their own way and for themselves, with the same passion and emotion of a person who carries music within them. Milan and Sasha, it’s so beautiful to see how you open your wings to make your dreams come true. There’s nothing else that makes me feel more fulfilled than being your mom."

Critical reception

''Los Angeles Times''s writer Tommy Calle found that the lyrics "show hope, maternal love, unconditional support and overcoming pain, so you can find more words that appear in the song". Camila Osorio of ''El País'' compared "Acróstico" to " TQG" and previous Shakira's songs, writing that the singer does not evoke "anger, revenge, or heartbreak" but she is inspired by "a love letter to her two children" of apology for the sad and troubled time they experienced during the finalization of the divorce.

Accolades

Music video

The official music video was released four days after the song's release on 15 May 2023. It was co-directed by Shakira and Jaume De Laiguana. Its cinematography was handled by Rafa Lluch. It features Shakira playing the piano with her two children Milan and Sasha. Both of her children contributed vocals to the music video version of the song.

Live performances

On November 3, 2023 Shakira performed the song for the first time at the 2023 Los 40 Music Awards via a live transmission from Miami accompanied by a piano. Later in the same month, on the 16th, Shakira performed the song live at the 24th Annual Latin Grammy Awards. The performance included her sons Milan and Sasha's voices and video on the screen.

Charts

Weekly charts

Year-end charts

Monthly charts

Certifications

See also

* List of number-one singles of 2023 (Spain)
* List of best-selling singles in Spain

References

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2023 singles
2023 songs
Shakira songs
Songs written by Shakira
Sony Music Latin singles
Pop ballads