"Can We" is a song by American R&B trio SWV featuring guest vocals from Missy Elliott and production by Timbaland. It heavily samples the intro of "Do the Funky Chicken" by Rufus Thomas. The song was eventually included on SWV's third album, Release Some Tension (1997), but was originally a hit earlier in the year when it was included on the soundtrack to the 1997 film, Booty Call.
"Can We" received major airplay on urban radio stations in the United States, topping the R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart for a week and peaking at #3 on the Rhythmic Airplay chart but was not released as a cassette or CD single domestically. However, because of a 12-inch vinyl single release, "Can We" was able to chart on Billboard Hot 100, reaching number 75. Outside the US, the song topped the New Zealand Singles Chart and peaked at number 18 on the UK Singles Chart.
Music video A music video for the single was directed by Jesse Vaughan and premiered on music video stations in February 1997. The synopsis of the video primarily focuses on SWV, dressed in cheetah-print attire, dancing in front of matching backgrounds with their love interests. Missy Elliott is also featured in the video, where she is seen dancing in a newspaper-covered background.
Track listings US and UK 12-inch single A1. "Can We" (LP version) – 4:51 A2. "Can We" (instrumental) – 4:49 A3. "Can We" (a cappella) – 4:49 B1. "Can We" (radio edit No. 1) – 4:15 B2. "Can We" (radio edit No. 2) – 4:15 B3. "Can We" (no rap radio) – 3:56
UK and Australian CD single "Can We" (radio edit No. 1) – 4:15 "Can We" (radio edit No. 2) – 4:15 "Can We" (no rap radio) – 3:56 "Can We" (LP version) – 4:51 "Can We" (instrumental) – 4:49 "Can We" (a cappella) – 4:49
UK cassette single "Can We" (LP version) – 4:51 "Can We" (radio edit No. 1) – 4:15
Charts
Weekly charts Chart (1997)PeakpositionAustralia (ARIA) N.B. The High Point number in the NAT column represents the release's peak on the national chart.174Europe (Eurochart Hot 100)76
Year-end charts Chart (1997)PositionNew Zealand (RIANZ)16UK Urban (Music Week)16US Rhythmic Top 40 (Billboard)14
Certifications
References