SHAKIRIRI HAS ARRIVED.
As promised, Shakira and Rihanna‘s duet, “Can’t Remember To Forget You” (or “Keep Forgetting To Remember What It’s Called”), has arrived this morning.
How is it? Well, it’s good!
The heavily ska-infused pop-rock track (guitars!) was co-penned by a suite of talented songwriters, including “Hurtful” Swedish king Erik Hassle, John Hill, Kid Harpoon and Daniel Ledinsky. It’s a kicky, uptempo lil’ jaunt that sees the Caribbean queens taking turns lamenting the struggle to quit a bitch, each bringing their characteristic quivering chops to the table. (We’ll call it “island yodeling.”)
“I keep forgetting I should let you go/But when you look at me, the only memory is us kissing in the moonlight,” Shaki croons in between gigantic (“Ooh-oh-oh-oh!“) earworm yelps, bringing Bruno Mars‘ “Locked Out Of Heaven” to mind. And RiRi? Flaw-free as always. “What I’m trying to say is not to forget/You see only the good, selective memory,” she purrs. (Note: I really love the way Rihanna says “selective memory.”)
It’s mathematics, really: If everything Shakira does is great, and everything Rihanna does is great, then this song is therefore great.
Is it a revolutionary pop record? No, it’s a grower, not a “Whenever, Wherever.” But it’s also not pandering to anything, which is key. This is a very authentically “Shakira, Shakira” hot fiya track, and it still sounds fresher than the majority of what’s being peddled on the radio at the moment.
With more exposure and a fierce video supplied by Joseph Kahn, this one has the potential to seriously pop.
Also, I would not be mad if Ska Queen Gwen Stefani hopped on for a special guest remix at some point.
Me gusta, chicas!
“Can’t Remember To Forget You” was released on January 14. (iTunes)
