It was released on September 29, 1998 by Sony Music Colombia, and is included as the fifth track in her album, Dónde Están los Ladrones?

After rising to prominence with her successful debut album Pies Descalzos (1995), a longtime friend of Shakira introduced her to well-known producer Emilio Estefan.

[5] The song was written while Shakira was vacationing with Ochoa and other friends in Tayrona National Natural Park, a protected area close to her hometown of Barranquilla.

[9] Described by Billboard as a “heartbreak song”, musical instrumentals used in “Inevitable” include guitars, which in the beginning play calmly before becoming explosive.

[9] The song has an accompanying music video, featuring the singer “with her tiny black braids” in an arena full of her admirers and enwreathed by bubbles and glitters; she is seen doing headbanging and high-kicking as well, while the audience is cheering at her.

[5] Franz Reynold of Latin Beat Magazine wrote that “Shakira’s naturally sad tones are employed to fine effect” in “Inevitable” and “Tú”.

[16] Commercially, “Inevitable” appeared in the Billboard Hot Latin Songs chart for twelve weeks, peaking at the third position.

[18] The year also saw her performing it alongside Melissa Etheridge on the ALMA Award; according to Joey Guerra of Houston Chronicle her English was imperfect but regardless it was pleasant to hear.

[19] The English version has never been officially released, but been included on an unofficial and fan made extended play, The Pepsi EP (2003).

[23] During the commemoration of the 2021 Hispanic Heritage Month, Billboard published a list of 25 “timeless masterpieces” of the rock en español genre, in which “Inevitable” is included.