3 Awesome Shakira Songs That Sound Like “Can’t Remember To Forget You”

Mike Wass | January 16, 2014 5:18 pm

Shakira‘s new single “Can’t Remember To Forget You” is already a radio hit and steady seller on iTunes despite surprising many fans with its ska-flavored, retro-rock twist. However, as connoisseurs of the Colombian goddess can attest, her Rihanna collaboration actually covers not-so-foreign territory.

While best known for her Latin-tinged, hip-swinging pop jams, the 36-year-old siren has experimented wildly with sound on every album since her 2001 international breakthrough Laundry Service. (Has it really been that long?) In fact, the DNA of “Can’t Remember To Forget You” can be traced back to that LP. Update your Shakira playlist with the following three tracks.

1. “Rules” (Laundry Service, 2001)

Shakira explored a fuzzy rockabilly sounds on album highlight “Rules”. There isn’t a dud tune on the diva’s English language debut but this percussion-heavy, retro-rock anthem stands tall against classics like “Whenever, Wherever” and “Underneath Your Clothes”. Think The B-52s with an accent.

2. “Hey You” (Oral Fixation, Vol. 2, 2005)

Bearing an even larger resemblance to “Can’t Remember To Forget You” — albeit with much kookier lyrics (“I’d like to be the first white hair upon your head”) and an even better chorus — this largely forgotten gem from Oral Fixation, Vol. 2 sounds like No Doubt on acid. Get reacquainted with the infectious anthem.

3. “Mon Amour” (She Wolf, 2009)

It’s hard to single out the most-underrated track from an album as mistreated as Shakira’s excellent 2009 LP She Wolf but, if pressed, I’d go with “Mon Amour”. Produced by John Hill, who also crafted “Can’t Remember To Forget You”, the track is a bonkers ska-pop exercise in which the diva memorably hopes that her boyfriend’s toilet doesn’t flush. It worked so well, the pair revisited the sound for the Shak’s RiRi duet.

What’s your favorite Shakira track? Let us know in the comments below.

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