Shakira, ‘Rabiosa’ Feat. Pitbull – Song Review

Shakira is unleashing the merengue-tinged dance track 'Rabiosa,' featuring Pitbull, just in time for summer. The track is the third single from the Colombian singer's current album, 'Sale el Sol.'

'Rabiosa' (translated 'Rabid') is a reworking of Dominican rapper El Cata's song 'La Rabiosa' off his 2009 album, 'El Malo.' Two renditions of the song appear on Shakira's disc -- a Spanish-language version featuring El Cata and the new English-language single featuring Pitbull.

The tune has a distinctive Latin flavor that's sprinkled with spices of Dominican merengue music. The fast-paced track features a sizzling horn section and a steady dance beat throughout. Lyrically, Shakira and Pitbull trade flirtatious lines as they sing about each other's sex appeal, mixing in some Spanish words into the English verses: "Oye papi, if you like it mocha / Come down a little closer and bite me en la boca."

While 'Rabiosa' might not have the mass appeal of a pop song like "Hips Don't Lie' or a rock track like 'Whenever, Wherever,' it should find a nice following in nightclubs and on beach blankets this summer.

Rating: 7/10

Listen to Shakira, 'Rabiosa' Feat. Pitbull