How to Sing Can’t Remember to Forget You by Shakira ft. Rihanna

A Clash of Vocal Titans

Released in 2014, "Can’t Remember to Forget You" brings together two of the most distinctive voices in pop music. The song is a high-energy fusion of reggae verse grooves and a hard-rocking, guitar-heavy chorus. For a singer, the challenge lies in navigating the shift between the laid-back, staccato feel of the verses and the sustained power required for the chorus.

You will need excellent breath support to maintain the tempo, and the ability to switch registers quickly without cracking. Let’s break down the techniques used by Shakira and Rihanna.

Phase 1: The Reggae Verses (0:00 - 0:49)

Shakira opens the song in her lower register. The key is B Minor. The notes are relatively low (F#3 - B3), which requires a solid chest voice presence. Avoid making this sound too "breathy."

The Articulation: Notice how Shakira clips the ends of her words. It’s percussive. "I left a note on his bedstand." Enunciate clearly but keep the flow bouncy.

Phase 2: The Pre-Chorus (0:49 - 1:04)

The energy builds. "I keep forgetting I should let you go..." phrasing becomes longer and legato. The melody climbs, creating tension. You need to increase your volume gradually (crescendo) here to prepare the listener for the drop.

Phase 3: The Rock Chorus (1:04 - 1:35)

Here comes the belt. The "Oh-oh-oh-oh!" section requires strong diaphragm support. The melody hits D5 and E5. This is a "shouty" rock belt, but it must be controlled.

Shakira's Style: She uses her signature rapid, almost goat-like vibrato (bleat) at the end of sustained notes.
Rihanna's Style: When Rihanna enters (Verse 2), her tone is darker, smoother, and heavier. She uses less vibrato and relies on a straight, cutting tone.

To sing this safely, keep your tongue forward and your jaw relaxed. If you tighten your jaw on the "Oh" sounds, you will strain your neck muscles.

Questions answered

Frequently asked questions

What is the highest note in Can’t Remember to Forget You?

The highest belted note in the main melody is roughly an E5 during the ad-libs and chorus peaks. The verse sits much lower, around F#3.

Can I sing this if I don't have Shakira's vibrato?

Yes! Shakira's vibrato is unique to her. It is better to sing with your natural vibrato than to force a stylistic imitation that might cause tension. Focus on hitting the pitch and the rhythm first.

How do I switch between the low verse and high chorus?

Practice the transition slowly. Ensure you aren't carrying too much "chest weight" up into the chorus. Think of lightening the sound slightly as you go higher to mix your voice.

How to sing Can’t Remember to Forget You

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