From The Vault journeys back a decade and some change to 2005 when Ricky Martin embraced R&B. This week’s pick is ‘I Don’t Care.’

Issued as the first single from the Latin heartthrob’s English-language LP ‘Life,’ ‘Care’ was produced by Scott Storch and featured two premium guests: Amerie – who was riding the wave of  ‘1 Thing’s success – and fellow Puerto Rican Fat Joe.

Unfortunately, the track wasn’t as successful as the trio’s previous efforts in the US and only peaked at #65 on the Billboard Hot 100. It fared better in Europe where it reached the Top 20 in the UK, France, Italy and Finland.

Diane Martel directed the jam’s minimalistic visual, which boasted a monochrome theme. A markedly mid-00s romp, the clip featured female dancers, voluptuous vixens, and big cars. A welcomed change from Martin’s leather-pants days. Another video for the track’s Spanish version was released, with Debi Nova replacing Amerie.

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As “random” as this collaboration was on paper, it somehow it worked. Ricky’s natural swag, Amerie’s soft sensuality and Joe’s crossover appeal made this a winner in our eyes and we wish they would have pushed this single harder as it deserved a better chart trajectory.

Oh well, at least there’s the replay button!

Your thoughts?