Shakira feat Rihanna - Can't Remember To Forget You

This highly anticipated collaboration between to the two Pop divas arrived earlier this week. The Ska/Dance/Pop hybrid is a throwback to the 90s when such sounds dominated. The song sounds like something that one would enjoy during the Summer, but during the cold months, anything that evokes feelings of that fun time is welcome. Shakira and Rihanna complement each other vocally on the catchy song. This is poised to be a huge hit.

-Listen to the song here (YouTube)
-Purchase the song here (iTunes)

Grade: A

Shakira - Loca

This is the new single off of her forthcoming bilingual album Sale El Sol. Both a Spanish and English version have been recorded. "Loca" is an uptempo Latin/Dance-Pop song, based on the song "Loca Con Su Tiguere" by El Cata. Dizzee Rascal makes a guest appearance on the song's English version, adding to the fun of the song. Shakira sizzles on this playful song. The Spanish version of the song works much better overall.



Listen to the English version here (YouTube)
Listen to the Spanish version here (YouTube)

Grade: A-

(credit to Sway at Pulse Music Board for the cover art)

Shakira - Waka Waka

This was the official song of the FIFA World Cup this year, which has already come and gone. Although it's a bit late to be reviewing this song here, there is a fabulous dance remix of this by Cutmore which is worth checking out.

The original is a festive, feel-good dance-oriented track. The lyrics are a tad on the sappy side, but still good. Shakira's vocals sound great too. Cutmore's remix keeps the happy vibe of the original and gives it a lush, disco-house makeover. It's very elegant. His recent work has been top-notch, and this is no different.

Watch the original version here (YouTube)
Listen to the Cutmore remix here (YouTube)

Grade: A

Shakira - She Wolf

This is the highly anticipated new single off of her upcoming new English album. Produced by John Hill who worked on Santogold's last album, "She Wolf" is a Disco/Electro track. During many parts of the song, one may think that this is something out of the 70's Disco era. However, this does not sound dated. The lyrics are a bit unusual but they work. The vocals are heavily computerized and manipulated, but Shakira still sounds quite good. A really sexy music video is to be released in the next few weeks. This is a great start to her next album era.

The single is available for purchase at all the usual digital stores.

Grade: A

Ready to try some China Wine?

Having already established herself as a regular on the club charts, Sun is now ready to take over the R&B and Pop charts with her brand of music.

She has already been quite successful both commercially and critically in Asia, and now she hopes to achieve the same here. Sun first came onto the scene a few years back with several singles which were promoted primarily to the U.S. Dance stations and clubs with their accompanying plethora of remixes. Each one fared better than the previous one.

Sun has been working on a proper U.S. debut album to introduce herself to the rest of the U.S. "China Wine" is a full blown clubbanger. She collaborated with Wyclef Jean who was a pretty integral part of Shakira's smash "Hips Don't Lie." The result is an equally catchy track that stands on its own. Tony Matterhorn and Elephant Man also appear on this track. This could be a surprise hit this Summer.

More information

Sun's U.S. website

Grade: A-