Colombian artist Shakira recently released her first self-titled album. Many wondered if she was able to live up to her past nine albums and hit singles including “Whenever, Wherever” and “Hips Don’t Lie.”

Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll signed with her first record label at the age of eight. Her first two albums didn’t come with much success, but her third album sold over three million copies. With only a small American fan base, the singer decided to move to the United States at the age of 20 to pursue a career in English music.

Shakira later released her first English album titled “Laundry Service” in 2001.  Since then, Shakira has been unstoppable. Over the years, she has won a total of two Grammy awards and seven Billboard Latin Music awards.

Taking her career even further, she became a vocal coach on NBC’s hit show, “The Voice,” in 2012.

With the release of her newest album come many mixed reviews from the media, ranging from a disappointment to a complete hit.

“Shakira” includes many different genres of music such as reggae-rock and country, while still maintaining her typical pop sound. It is also very ballad heavy.

The album includes songs that are very personal to Shakira. She even brings out her inner Taylor Swift when singing “23,” an open love note to her boyfriend, Gerard Pique. The whole first verse explains how she felt when they first met, when he was 23 years old.

The current, most popular song on her album is “Can’t Remember to Forget You,” a collaboration done with pop artist Rihanna.

The single that grabbed most listeners’ attention was “Medicine,” a shocking collaboration with country artist and fellow coach on “The Voice,” Blake Shelton.

As always, Shakira’s album includes Spanish singles such as “Loca Por Ti” and “Nunca Me Acuerdo de Olvidarte,” the Spanish version of “Can’t Remember to Forget You.”

Shakira shows a different side of herself in this album. If you enjoy pop and reggae-rock music, then you should give this album a listen.