The new Shakira single: What's it like?

Earlier today we toddled over to Sony's London HQ for an early bird listen to the new Shakira single. Readers, we were not disappointed. Though 'She-Wolf' features some clearly discernible reference points, including an intro that brings to mind 'Filthy/Gorgeous' by Scissor Sisters and a strong disco influence, it sounds like nothing else in the charts at the moment. There's a massive amount to take in the first time you hear it, but after two or three plays we were both completely hooked.

The track begins with a pelvis-teasing bassline and guitar licks that would have done the business at Studio 54, before the chorus takes it an entirely unexpected direction. "There's a she-wolf in the closet, open up and set her free," an overdubbed Shakira sings. "There's a she-wolf in the closet, let it out so we can breathe." There's also a fantastic middle 8 that pushes the track into filter disco territory and a flourish of strings towards the finish, before 'She-Wolf' concludes, three minutes after it started, with some lusty panting.

Oh yes, and did we mention it's a bit nuts? Shakira even manages to drop in the word "lycanthropy", which according to our friends at dictionary.com refers to a "delusion in which one imagines oneself to be a wolf or other wild animal". This offers a clue as to the song's subject matter, but whatever the hell it's about, it's certainly packed with ear-snagging lyrics. Our favourite couplet? "To look for a single man I've got me a special radar / Fire department's on hotline in case I get in trouble later."

Time for some final thoughts. This is the sort of track that will sound terrific on the radio, terrific on the dancefloor and especially terrific as you strut into work with your iPod cranked up to full whack on a hot summer's morning. In short, it's an absolute smash.

Do you like the sound of She-Wolf? Are you excited about the Shakira comeback? Use the space below to share your comments.