"Shakira." - Shakira [Spotify Album Stream]

Colombian crooner and well known hip shaker Shakira took four years to release her new recent self-titled album, Shakira. This is her ninth studio album since debuting in 1996 and her first album since having baby Milan.

The album contains 12 tracks of caliente bass guitars, drums with a dash of rock, reggae and country, and of course her sultry-yet-sweet voice. Preceding the album release date (March 25th, 2014) were singles "Empire" and "Can't Remember To Forget You" ft Rihanna.

Some 28 mins later is the song sung in Spanish without Rih Rih, titled "Nunca Me Acuerdo de Olvidarte." In comparison to her previous albums, this has fewer Latin tracks. There are two including "Nunca," and "Loca Por Ti" which also has a country feel to it. The Voice co-host Blake Shelton is featured in the country / pop love song, "Medicine." "Broken Record" and "23" are undeniably devoted to hubby FC Barcelona footballer Gerard Pique. Like the duet with Rihanna, "Cut me Deep" has a reggae / rock feel to it.

According to Billboard, "Shakira is a crucial release, the first under a Live Nation deal - signed in 2012 for a reported $30 million - that has the concert giant issuing her recordings jointly with Sony via RCA and Sony Latin Iberia."

In a recent interview with the magazine, the singer sheds light on the makings of her new album. "It's been two-and-a-half years of making songs, trashing them, doing them again, doing eight versions of each song, having a baby, doing "The Voice," coming back to the studio, reconnecting with my songs" she said.

The importance of having family time and motherhood is "why this album marks the first time she hasn't written or co-written all of the tracks." She further admits to turning to professional writers, who have done work for Chris Brown, Britney Spears and Pitbull.

For Shakira's latest music, news, and tour dates, check out her Zumic artist page.

You can purchase her album on iTunes.

Source: Spotify Stream