Revisiting a classic dance throwback, LETNetwork’s chooses “La Tortura,” by Shakira and Alejandro Sanz for its “Song of the Week.” The song and the music video show the Colombian singer in full form as she dances passionately with her wide ranging voice. Lyrically telling the story of a woman being tortured by her cheating boyfriend, this reggaetton influenced Latin pop song is one of the best selling singles of all time.
Released as the lead single in Shakira’s Fijación Oral, Vol 1 album, it topped the charts for Hot Latin Songs, Latin Pop Song, and Tropical Songs. Reaching gold and then platinum in sales, its status at the time as being the best selling Spanish song was rewarded at the Latin Grammy Awards with “Song of the Year.”
The music video illustrates the song perfectly. It showcases Shakira and Alejandro going back and forth in what can only be described as fiery passion for love lost. The music video also has the historical privilege of being the first Spanish-only video to be aired on MTV.
Despite being a song about sorrow, it’s beat is full of life. While not exactly reggaetton, it uses its reggaetton beat to make a chorus you can’t help but get energized to.
