The only reason I give "Pies Descalzos" four stars instead of five is because her most recent album, "Donde Estan Los Ladrones?" is just so damn good. I've thoroughly enjoyed "Pies Descalzos"--don't get me wrong--but "Donde Estan Los Ladrones?" is simply a more mature, stronger work overall.

I still heartily recommend this CD--it is a very strong work, particularly for one so young, and it is interesting to see how much Shakira grew as an artist in the brief time between this album and "Donde Estan Los Ladrones?"


Es un disco increible; imperdible.   October 27, 1998
JULIO QUINTANILLA (silver_q_q@yahoo.com) (LA PAZ, BOLIVIA)
12 out of 13 found this review helpful

Shakira es definitivamente una de las mejores, y me animo a decir que la mejor artista femenina en su genero. Su muusica es atrapante e intensa, y sus letras son increiblemente profundas. Tiene canciones rockeras y tambien baladas, que estan muy bien elaboradas. Esta artista, a pesar de su juventud, ha demostrado un gran profesionalismo con este disco, y tambien se ve que es una persona que sabe expresar muy bien sus sentimientos. Este es un disco que contiene canciones como "estoy aqui", "un poco de amor", "pies descalzos, suenos blancos", "se quiere, se mata", que no pueden dejar de escucharse. Si eres un fan de la musica rock-pop, este es un album que no puedes dejar pasar. Definitivamente se va a convertir en uno de los clasicos de la musica en espanol de los noventas.


a great introduction to the (now) legendary Shakira...   August 31, 2005
D. Pawl (Seattle)
8 out of 8 found this review helpful

It is hard to believe that Shakira was only eighteen years old, when she released the brilliant, underrated "Pies Descalzos." (Translation: Barefeet) We hear the wailing, expressive purring and beautiful instrumentals we have come to recognize as hallmarks of Shakira's versatility and innovation as a performer.

"Pies Descalzos" presents her range as both a rockera and a balladeer. The album kicks off on a high note, with the wistful and infectious "Estoy Aqui." This is probably one of her most popular early hits. It has a combination of heartwrenching lyrics (longing for the lover who isn't coming back) and a totally wonderful, high energy rhythm section. I believe this song was also featured on Shakira's "MTV Unplugged" album. "Antologia," the next track, is beautiful, stirring and very sensual. As far as ballads go, it reaches new levels with its smooth, slow guitar strums and Shakira's soaring voice.

Overall, the range of sounds, rhythms and flavors is diverse and compelling here. Shakira even dabbles in reggae "lite" with "Poco de Amor." Though, it might not be for all tastes, it is definitely fun and reflects her youthful exhuberance and boundless energy. The subject matter featured in the album is not restricted to the topic of love, alone. In fact, the last track, "Se Quiere...Se Mata" takes on the subject of abortion.

This is a great album, and, even though this doesn't even begin to cap off the potential to come, in the career of this remarkable singer, you get a real sense of her genius, her natural poetry and the great joy and passion Shakira has for her music.