Pies Descalzos

''Pies Descalzos'' (, ) is the third studio album by Colombian singer-songwriter Shakira, released on 6 October 1995, by Sony Music Colombia. Its music incorporates Latin pop styles, additionally experimenting with pop rock elements. Looking to revive her struggling career after the commercial failures of her first two studio efforts '' Magia'' and '' Peligro'', she assumed a prominent position in its production. Luis Fernando Ochoa co-wrote each of the eleven tracks on the record with Shakira and produced the whole album.

''Pies Descalzos'' received generally favorable reviews from music critics, who complimented it as a strong debut showing. Commercially, the project became Shakira's breakthrough record, with which she established notability throughout Latin America. It was awarded the "Diamond Prism" in her native Colombia, acknowledging one million copies sold in the nation. The album additionally peaked at numbers three and five on the US ''Billboard'' Latin Pop Albums and Latin Albums component charts, respectively. It was later certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). The album was also a breakthrough for Shakira in the country according to John Lannert of ''Billboard''.

Six singles were released from ''Pies Descalzos'', all of which attained commercial success in the United States. Its lead single "Estoy Aquí" peaked at number 2 on the ''Billboard'' Latin Songs component chart, and was her first track promoted through an accompanying music video. Follow-up singles " ¿Dónde Estás Corazón?", " Pies Descalzos, Sueños Blancos', " Un Poco de Amor", " Antología", and " Se Quiere, Se Mata" peaked within the top 20 of the chart. The record was additionally promoted through the Tour Pies Descalzos, which visited North and South America and Europe throughout 1996 and 1997. The album was reissued as ''Colección de Oro'' in 2002.

Background

In 1990, a 13-year-old Shakira signed a recording contract with Sony Music Colombia. Her debut studio album '' Magia'' was released in 1991, and largely consisted of tracks she had written since she was eight years old. Commercially, the project struggled, selling an underwhelming 1,200 copies in her native Colombia. Her follow-up record '' Peligro'' was released in 1993, and suffered a similar failure. Consequently, Shakira took a two-year hiatus, allowing her to complete her high school education. Looking to revive her struggling career, Shakira decided to make an international debut studio album.
''Pies Descalzos'' was produced on a budget of $100,000, since it was expected to only move 100,000 copies.

Composition

''Pies Descalzos'' primarily focuses on Latin pop genres, though it experiments with pop rock styles. Assuming a prominent position in its production, she co-wrote each of the 11 tracks included on the record. The albums opens with "Estoy Aquí" ("I'm Here"), which sees prominent uses of guitar instrumentation. Lyrically, it discusses a willingness to correct a failed relationship. The pop ballad " Antología" ("Anthology") notes an appreciation of the knowledge a lover has shared. " Un Poco de Amor" ("A Little Bit of Love") states that Shakira is waiting to find someone who loves her. It became her first track to include phrases in English, performed by the uncredited Howard Glasford, and additionally experiments with elements of reggae music.

The guitar-driven "Quiero" ("I Want") explains Shakira's happiness upon the return of a lover. Similarly, the mid-tempo "Te Necesito" ("I Need You") and the upbeat "Vuelve" ("Return") describe her yearning for a romantic partner to re-enter her life. "Te Espero Sentada" ("I Wait Sitting") expresses a desire for a romantic partner to be aware of the sorrow his absence brings to Shakira. " Pies Descalzos, Sueños Blancos" ("Bare Feet, White Dreams") suggests that one is happiest when living a carefree lifestyle, while "Pienso en Ti" ("I Think of You") notes that Shakira thinks more about a lover as times progresses. The penultimate track " ¿Dónde Estás Corazón?" ("Where Are You Love?") asks that her boyfriend comes back to her. The album closes with its eleventh track " Se Quiere, Se Mata" ("You Want, You Kill"), which tells the story of expectant parents Braulio and Dana, and sees the usage of a harmonica during its chorus.

Singles

"Estoy Aquí" was serviced as the lead single from ''Pies Descalzos'' in 1995. It was met with positive reviews from music critics, who recognized it as a stand-out track from its parent album. Additionally, it became Shakira's first recording to attain commercial success. The song peaked at numbers 1 and 2 on the ''Billboard'' Latin Pop Songs and Latin Songs component charts. "Estoy Aquí" became the first track by Shakira to receive an accompanying music video, and was directed by Simon Brand. The setting depicts a barn during the fall and wintertime, and shows a black-haired Shakira performing the song with her guitar.

" ¿Dónde Estás Corazón?" was originally featured on a Colombian compilation album titled ''Nuestro Rock Volumen II''. After attaining success, it was included on ''Pies Descalzos'' and re-released as the second single of the project, and was also embraced as a highlight from the record. The track peaked at numbers 3 and 5 on the ''Billboard'' Latin Pop Songs and Latin Songs charts, respectively. Its music video was directed by Gustavo Garzón

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