Can We

"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, but it was not released as a cassette or CD single in the US. 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.^[1] 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^[2][3]

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^[4]

1. "Can We" (radio edit No. 1) – 4:15
2. "Can We" (radio edit No. 2) – 4:15
3. "Can We" (no rap radio) – 3:56
4. "Can We" (LP version) – 4:51
5. "Can We" (instrumental) – 4:49
6. "Can We" (a cappella) – 4:49

UK cassette single^[5]

1. "Can We" (LP version) – 4:51
2. "Can We" (radio edit No. 1) – 4:15

Charts

Weekly charts

Year-end charts

References

1. ^
2. ^ Can We (US 12-inch single vinyl disc). Jive Records. 1997. 01241-42445-1.
3. ^ Can We (UK 12-inch single sleeve). Jive Records. 1997. JIVE T 423, 0516376.
4. ^ Can We (UK & Australian CD single liner notes). Jive Records. 1997. JIVE CD 423, 0516372.
5. ^ Can We (UK cassette single sleeve). Jive Records. 1997. JIVE C 423, 0516374.
6. ^ "SWV ARIA Chart history (complete) to 2024". ARIA. Retrieved July 28, 2024. – via Imgur.com. N.B. The High Point number in the NAT column represents the release's peak on the national chart.
7. ^ "Eurochart Hot 100 Singles". Music & Media. Vol. 14, no. 17. April 26, 1997. p. 16. Retrieved September 23, 2020.
8. ^ "End of Year Charts 1997". Recorded Music NZ. Retrieved November 19, 2019.
9. ^ "The Urban Top 40 Tracks of 1997". Music Week. January 10, 1998. p. 6. Retrieved August 6, 2023.
10. ^ "Best of '97: Rhythmic Top 40 Singles". Airplay Monitor. Vol. 5, no. 52. December 26, 1997. p. 42.