This is the empire, and Shakira is our empress.

The music video for Shakira’s single “Empire” off of her brand new self-titled album Shakira. is very different from her usual style.

Although this video lacks Shakira’s infamous sexy hip shaking, the beautiful vocals and glorious camera work make this one of her best projects yet.

“Empire” begins with Shakira sitting in front of a tan colored wall wearing a tan colored dress and nude makeup. The vocals in the beginning of the song are very soft, almost as if she’s whispering a folk tale to a young child.

The scene changes to Shakira standing at the door of a church in a wedding dress as the guests await her entrance.

I was sort of confused at first, because I know Shakira is one of those celebrities who doesn’t want to marry until she’s 60 (poor Gerard Pique).

But then she does the unthinkable: she drops the bouquet and runs away.

The song begins to escalate as Shakira sings “and I’m like…” before bursting into a powerful chorus of  “Oooh”s.

The runaway bride proceeds to frolic in a meadow with beautiful dandelions flowing in the breeze around her. After this seemingly innocent act, she begins dancing on the church steps with a fire running down her dress.

I think I could watch Shakira frolic in the meadow all day. It’s just so beautiful.

The meadow scenes and the scenes where Shakira is in what looks like a ruined and abandoned church with leaves strewn all over the floor wearing a black winged dress are probably the most majestic in the entire video.

Shakira also does this crazy back-bend, bridge-like thing with her body towards the end of the video.

Is there anything this Colombian beauty can’t do?!

I really love the song and the video. It was definitely a pleasant surprise.

Check out her new album, Shakira. on Spotify and enjoy the “Empire” music video!