Shakira & Rihanna’s “Can’t Remember To Forget You”: Review Revue

Well! Shakira and Rihanna have up and collaborated on a new single — the understated, ska-influenced “Can’t Remember To Forget You” (not to be confused with Carrie Underwood‘s “Don’t Forget To Remember Me”) — and the critics are chiming in with their thoughts on the tune. Unsurprisingly, given that it doesn’t sound like much of a radio single, the listening community seems split, with some writing that the song’s subtle shape makes it a winner, while others feel like there’s not enough there there.

Check below to see what the Internet thought about the new single.

:: The Guardian complimented Shakira’s “still brilliantly odd-sounding voice” and breaking down the song structurally: “Opening with a low-slung, reggae-tinged verse that sounds a bit like the Police, the song soon morphs into a guitar-heavy, Kelly Clarkson-esque chorus that sounds as if it’s been split into about four separate sections, each one catchier than the last.”

:: Vulture had less kind things to say about the song, calling it “ironically forgettable” and posing a few questions: “Is it because the singers kind of sound alike? Is it because of the song’s low-tempo reggae-rock beat? Will you remember to listen to it twice?”

:: VIBE described the song as a “powerhouse collaboration,” writing: “The she-wolf and Bajan bombshell’s chemistry seeps through the bass line and their accented vocals, sure to make both stanbases happy.”

:: Billboard called the song “enjoyably grandiose,” eloquently describing its constituent parts: “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.”

:: Complex offered up a Bruno Mars comparison that feels apt: “As evidenced by the title, it’s a song about lingering heartache. But instead of making it a melancholic affair, the duet is full pop-rock a la Bruno Mars.”

:: Popjustice, as ever, had a lengthy analysis of the song’s merits: “You cannot go wrong with a bit of Shakira. You cannot go wrong with a bit of Rihanna. Two facts for you there ladies and gents.” (That was the entire post.)

:: And our very own MuuMuse noted that while the song may not be revolutionary, it’s a few other things: “[I]t’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.” Accurate.

How do you feel about Shaki’s latest offering? Sound off in the comments.

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