'Empire' Music Video by Shakira

Shakira's brand new self-titled album is in stores today. I personally think it's her best work in years, and she's going to have a lot of success with this one. Making it a day all about Shak, the music video for second single 'Empire' has arrived, and it's a feast for the eyes.

'Empire' is one of my all-time favorite Shakira songs. From the overwhelming atmosphere of the track to its anthemic chorus, Shakira has crafted a masterpiece and it's an evolution in her music. To go along with this song she could have nothing less than an extraordinary video. The video begins with Shak in a dirty wedding dress as she sings into the camera. We then see her all dolled up as she walks into the church for her wedding, but upon crossing the threshold fear consumes her and flees.

On the front steps of the church, Shakira's dress catches fire in what I can only assume is an image of rebirth and freedom. She's burning away the vestiges of married life in an effort to be free. The rest of the video is Shakira running and singing through gorgeous fields, and then she is in another building dressed in all black presumed to be the liberated Shak. She sings under what looks to be a heavenly presence, and as the song swells and powers through Shak feels the music with every fiber of her being. It's breathtaking. Well done, Shakira. It's nice to see a well-executed video for once.