Shakira and Rihanna’s long-anticipated duet has at last arrived: “Can’t Remember To Forget You,” the enjoyably grandiose lead single from Shakira’s forthcoming studio album, premiered Monday (Jan. 13) on Ryan Seacrest’s syndicated radio show.
After beginning with a decidedly ska-punk guitar riff, “Can’t Remember To Forget You” kicks into second gear during the first chorus, in which Shakira asserts over a chunky rock arrangement, “I keep forgetting I should let you go.” Rihanna then arrives to share in the heartbreak during the second verse, falling in line with Shakira’s breathy syllables while the duel vocal dynamism successfully amps up the drama.
Lea Michele Song Premiere: Listen To The ‘Louder’ Title Track
Trending on Billboard
Rihanna confirmed the release date of “Can’t Remember To Forget You” on Twitter last Monday, and the duo shared the official cover artwork days later. The single — which was produced by Shakira, John Hill and Kid Harpoon — launches at all digital retailers today.
Meanwhile, Shakira’s first English-language album since 2009’s “She Wolf” has been given a Mar. 25 release date on RCA Records/Sony Latin Iberia. A press release points out that the Colombian superstar collaborated with John Hill (Santigold, Jay Z, The Vaccines), Kid Harpoon (Florence + The Machine, Calvin Harris), Steve Mac (Kelly Clarkson, One Direction), Mark Bright (Carrie Underwood, Rascal Flatts), Busbee (P!nk, Lady Antebellum, Katy Perry), The Messengers (Pitbull, Chris Brown, Christina Aguilera) and Greg Kurstin (Kelly Clarkson, P!nk).
Shakira will also return as a coach on “The Voice” for Season 6 this spring.