Shakira and Rihanna release single ‘Can’t Remember to Forget You’

Two of the hottest one-named imports, Shakira and Rihanna, join forces on the ska/reggae beat driven song “Can’t Remember to Forget You”, the first single off Shakira’s forthcoming album.

Beginning with a signature up-stroke and skitch of a ska driven guitar, Shakira takes the first turn singing the first verse, and chorus, and the two singers switch back and forth throughout. A heavier guitar and drum sounds take over the chorus with lyrics I keep forgetting I should let go/but when you look at me/the only memory is us kissing in the moonlight/I can’t remember to forget you.

The angst ridden lyrics of trying to remember to forget the person that isn’t good for you brings the focus to, of course, Rihanna’s on-again off-again romance with bad boy Chris Brown. With all the debacles and debates throughout their entire relationship, he is surely someone she can’t remember to forget.

The pairing of Shakira’s staccato vocal style blended with Rihanna’s airy sound mix well throughout the song, giving the song a launching pad for success. The music is very catchy as well, joining the Jamaican feel with a rock sound weaving in and out through the chorus.

Hopefully this is not the last collaboration we have seen from the two. “Can’t Remember to Forget You” is the first single off Shakira’s new album, set for release on March 25.