1996 single by Shakira
"Un Poco de Amor" (English: "A Little Bit of Love") is a song by Colombian singer-songwriter Shakira, taken from her third studio album Pies Descalzos. It was released on May 16, 1996, by Sony Music and Columbia Records as the fourth single from the album. The song was written and produced by Shakira and Luis Fernando Ochoa. "Un Poco de Amor" is a Latin pop song that incorporates reggae elements. Lyrically, it states that Shakira is waiting to find someone who loves her.
Upon its release, "Un Poco de Amor" received generally favorable reviews from music critics, who recognized it as a stand-out track from Pies Descalzos. The song peaked at number 11 on the Billboard Latin Pop Songs and Latin Songs component charts. While less successful than its preceding singles, its performance continued to aid its parent album in becoming her breakthrough record, which eventually attained platinum certifications in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, and the United States.
A Portuguese-language translation of the track titled "Um Pouco de Amor" appeared on Shakira's first remix album The Remixes in 1997. The song has additionally been performed during two of her concert tours to date.
Background and composition
Shakira released her first official studio album Pies Descalzos in 1995 by Sony Music and Columbia Records. Assuming a prominent position in its production, she co-wrote and co-produced each of the eleven tracks included on the record. Serviced as the fourth single from the project, "Un Poco de Amor" saw additional songwriting and production from Luis Fernando Ochoa.[1] The track is heavily influenced by Latin pop elements, and additionally incorporates reggae styles.[2] Lyrically, it states that Shakira is waiting to find someone who loves her.[3] It became her first track to include phrases in English, performed by the uncredited Colombian reggae singer Howard Glasford.[4]
The accompanying music video for "Un Poco de Amor" was directed by Gustavo Garzón.[5] The clip depicts a black-haired and red-haired Shakira dancing with Glasford, in addition to members of various ethnic groups.[6] The music video received a Billboard Latin Music Award for Pop Video of the Year.[7] A Portuguese version of the song, entitled "Um Pouco de Amor", was included in Shakira's 1997 remix album The Remixes.[8]
Reception
Upon its release, "Un Poco de Amor" received generally favorable reviews from music critics, who recognized it as a stand-out track from Pies Descalzos. Carlos Quintana of About.com complimented the track for its reggae influences, and placed it among his personal favorites from the record.[9] Similarly, Jose F. Promis from Allmusic praised it for being a "dancehall-lite" track, going on to select the song as an "Allmusic Pick".[10] The song peaked at number 11 on the Billboard Latin Pop Songs and Latin Songs component charts.[11] While less successful than its preceding singles, its performance continued to aid its parent album in becoming her breakthrough record, which eventually attained platinum certifications in Argentina,[12] Brazil,[13] and the United States.[14] Pies Descalzos was also awarded the "Diamond Prism" award in Colombia.[15]
In 1996, "Un Poco de Amor" was included in the reissue of Pies Descalzos, titled Colección de Oro.[16] In 2002, it was featured as the third track for Shakira's first greatest hits album Grandes Éxitos.[17] Its appearance in both records was complimented as being reminiscent of her rise to prominence.[16][17]
