Shakira's collaboration with Gustavo Cerati is still resonating
The song "No," a poignant ballad from Shakira's sixth studio album, *Fijación Oral, Vol. 1*, continues to captivate listeners with its raw emotion and heartfelt lyrics. Released in June 2005, the album reflects a period of intense emotional exploration for Shakira, with each of the ten tracks delving into different facets of her experiences. According to Martín Álvarez (2025), writing for *El Imparcial*, "No" emerged from a moment of profound sadness and melancholy, giving the song its deep emotional resonance.
The story behind 'No'
The song narrates the story of a woman grappling with heartbreak, despair, and exhaustion, ultimately deciding to end a painful relationship. The lyrics, such as «No se puede vivir con tanto veneno» and «La paciencia se me ha ido hasta los pies,» poignantly capture the singer's pain. Despite the decision to move on, the protagonist still harbors feelings for her partner, expressing, «siento que me dueles todavía aquí.» This blend of sadness, despair, and lingering love makes "No" one of Shakira's most emotionally charged songs.
A dream collaboration with Gustavo Cerati
The recording of "No" brought immense joy to Shakira as it allowed her to collaborate with her musical idol, Gustavo Cerati, the iconic leader of Soda Stereo. This collaboration was not only a professional milestone but also a deeply personal one, as both artists shared a mutual admiration. Cerati's contribution to the song is a mesmerizing guitar solo that has become one of the most memorable moments of the recording.
Shakira has often emphasized the significance of this collaboration, describing Cerati as a profound influence on her life. «Ha sido una gran influencia en mi vida, no hay nadie como él, está hecho de puro talento,» she declared, as reported by *El Imparcial* (Álvarez, 2025). Cerati, in turn, expressed his admiration for Shakira, acknowledging that working with her fostered humility and growth. «Ella me producía una especie de fascinación en cuanto a cómo llevaba adelante lo suyo,» he stated.
Musical composition and commercial success
Musically, "No" stands out as a romantic ballad, contrasting sharply with other tracks on *Fijación Oral, Vol. 1*, such as "La Tortura," which features a faster tempo and elements of reggaeton and flamenco. Produced by Lester Méndez, the song employs a minimalist instrumental arrangement, emphasizing guitar and drums to create a sense of intimacy and vulnerability.
Commercially, "No" achieved remarkable success, reaching number 1 on the LOS40 chart on November 26, 2005, solidifying its status as one of the album's most successful singles. This achievement was part of a string of successes, with three other tracks from the album—"La Tortura," "La Pared," and "Las de la Intuición"—also topping the same chart.
The music video: A visual representation of pain and hope
The music video for "No," directed by Jaume De Laiguana, was filmed in a single day at a Mexican shipyard. Shot in black and white, the clip portrays a distressed Shakira, without makeup, shedding tears in moments of profound sorrow. Interspersed throughout the video are scenes of the singer sewing butterfly wings, a visual metaphor symbolizing her desire to escape a damaging relationship.
Beyond 'No': A lasting friendship and legacy
The collaboration between Shakira and Gustavo Cerati extended beyond "No." The two artists continued to work together on various projects, including benefit concerts and additional collaborations. Their close friendship sparked speculation about a potential romance in the media, though these rumors were never confirmed.
Their relationship endured until Cerati's passing in 2014, following a stroke that left him in a coma for over four years. Shakira has consistently honored Cerati's memory in her performances and interviews, demonstrating the deep respect and admiration she held for him. During a concert in Argentina in 2025, she became emotional while mentioning her dear friend, expressing her gratitude to the Argentine fans who have always supported her (Álvarez, 2025).
In conclusion, "No" stands as a testament to Shakira's artistic versatility and emotional depth. Through her collaboration with Gustavo Cerati, the song not only resonated with listeners on a profound level but also marked a significant milestone in her career. The song is remaining as a sign of the lasting influence of Cerati in Shakira's music.
