Do You Know (What It Takes)

1996 song by Robyn

"Do You Know (What It Takes)"

Swedish CD single cover

Single by Robyn
from the album  Robyn Is Here
Released| 22 January 1996 (1996-01-22)[1]
Studio| Cheiron (Stockholm, Sweden)
Genre|

* Dance-pop
* R&B
* pop-soul

Length|

* 3:43 (album version)
* 3:33 (radio edit)

Label|

* Ariola
* Ricochet
* BMG

Songwriter(s)|

* Robyn
* Herbie Crichlow
* Denniz Pop
* Max Martin

Producer(s)|

* Denniz Pop
* Max Martin

Robyn singles chronology
| "Do You Really Want Me (Show Respect)"
(1995)  | "Do You Know (What It Takes)"
(1996)  | "Show Me Love"
(1997)

|
|

Robyn UK singles chronology
| "You've Got That Somethin'"
(1996)  | "Do You Know (What It Takes)"
(1996)  | "Show Me Love"
(1997)

|
|

Robyn US singles chronology
|  | "Do You Know (What It Takes)"
(1997)  | "Show Me Love"
(1997)

|
|

Music video
"Do You Know (What It Takes)" on YouTube

"Do You Know (What It Takes)" is a song by Swedish singer and songwriter Robyn, released as the third single from her debut studio album, Robyn Is Here (1996). In Sweden, it was issued as Robyn's third single in January 1996, while in the United States, it was released as her debut single the following year. The song was written by Robyn, Herbie Crichlow, Denniz Pop, and Max Martin, and it was produced by Pop and Martin.

In Robyn's native Sweden, "Do You Know (What It Takes)" was her second top-10 hit, peaking at number 10. It was her first top-10 single in the United States, reaching number seven on the Billboard Hot 100. In August 1998, the single was certified gold in the US by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for sales of 500,000 copies. The single was slightly less successful in the United Kingdom, peaking at number 26 after a re-release in August 1997.

## Background

[edit]

In an 1995-interview, Robyn told about the song, "'Do You Know (What It Takes)' is about respect. The girl in the song is asking her boyfriend if he's as much into the relationship as she is, because if he's not he can just get out of there. You shouldn't stick with someone because you don't want to be alone."[2]

## Critical reception

[edit]

in his review of Robyn Is Here, AllMusic editor Stephen Thomas Erlewine described the song as "dynamite".[3] Larry Flick from Billboard declared it as a "bright'n'bouncy ditty" and a "youth-driven smash". He complimented the singer's "oh-so-charming presence, which is sorta a hybrid of Brandy and Monica with a pinch of Mariah Carey", adding that Robyn "makes the most of the song's irresistibly sweet chorus and finger-poppin' funky backbeat."[4] Dave Sholin from the Gavin Report noted that "rarely does word about a record spread as quickly as it has for this Swedish production."[5] Pan-European magazine Music & Media stated that the 16-year old Robyn "has mastered the R&B genre to a T", noting that she "supplies the sassy rhymes, while master-producer [Denniz] Pop takes care of the perky beats and poppy arrangements."[6]

A reviewer from Music Week gave "Do You Know (What It Takes)" four out of five, adding that the singer "delivers a slick uptempo number which could see her make the Top 40".[7] It was also described as "irresistible".[8] Kirstin Watson from Smash Hits also gave it four out of five, naming it a "happy ditty" and a "right catchy little number".[9] Ian Hyland from Sunday Mirror gave it nine out of ten, commenting, "Exploding the myth that Swedish popsters are all Paul Calf haircuts and Magnum moustaches, the girl Robyn shows she sure can funk. Large summer chorus in the house."[10] David Sinclair from The Times called it a "pouting, pop-soul confection".[11]

## Music video

[edit]

This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. (December 2014)

|

There were made two different versions of the music video for "Do You Know (What It Takes)"; a European version and a US version. The latter was directed by American director Kevin Bray.[12] The European version was later made available on Robyn's official YouTube channel in October 2009, and had generated almost three million views as of late 2024.[13]

## Track listings

[edit]

* Swedish CD single

1. "Do You Know (What It Takes)" (radio edit) – 3:30
2. "Do You Know (What It Takes)" (Allstar Short) – 3:58

* Swedish maxi-CD single

1. "Do You Know (What It Takes)" (radio edit) – 3:30
2. "Do You Know (What It Takes)" (Allstar Main & Rap) – 4:59
3. "Do You Know (What It Takes)" (Paradise Garage Mix) – 4:59
4. "Do You Know (What It Takes)" (E-Smoove Bounce Mix Edit) – 4:05

* UK CD single

1. "Do You Know (What It Takes)" (radio edit) - 3:30
2. "Do You Know (What It Takes)" (Allstar mix – main and rap) - 4:59
3. "Do You Know (What It Takes)" (E-Smoove Bounce mix) - 4:05
4. "Do You Know (What It Takes)" (Paradise Garage mix) - 4:59
5. "Do You Know (What It Takes)" (125th Street mix) - 4:07

* US CD single

1. "Do You Know (What It Takes)" (LP version) – 3:43
2. "Do You Know (What It Takes)" (E-Smoove Bounce Mix Edit) – 4:06
3. "Do You Know (What It Takes)" (Dee's Full Mix Edit) – 4:02

## Personnel

[edit]

* Lyrics – Robyn, Herbie Crichlow
* Music – Robyn, Denniz Pop, Max Martin, Herbie Crichlow
* Arrangement, production, recording and mixing – Denniz Pop, Max Martin

Source:[14]

## Charts

[edit]

### Weekly charts

[edit]

Weekly chart performance for "Do You Know (What It Takes)"  | Chart (1996–1997)  | Peak
position

|

Australia (ARIA)[15] | 48
Canada Top Singles (RPM)[16] | 2
Canada Adult Contemporary (RPM)[17] | 33
Canada Dance/Urban (RPM)[18] | 1
Europe (Eurochart Hot 100)[19] | 86
Netherlands (Dutch Top 40 Tipparade)[20] | 19
Netherlands (Single Top 100)[21] | 82
Scotland (OCC)[22] | 41
Sweden (Sverigetopplistan)[23] | 10
UK Singles (OCC)[24] | 26
UK Hip Hop/R&B (OCC)[25] | 7
US Billboard Hot 100[26] | 7
US Adult Pop Airplay (Billboard)[27] | 35
US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard)[28] | 33
US Pop Airplay (Billboard)[29] | 3

### Year-end charts

[edit]

Year-end chart performance for "Do You Know (What It Takes)"  | Chart (1997)  | Position

|

Canada Top Singles (RPM)[30] | 30
Canada Dance/Urban (RPM)[31] | 21
US Billboard Hot 100[32] | 29
US Rhythmic Top 40 (Billboard)[33] | 34
US Top 40/Mainstream (Billboard)[34] | 13

## Certifications

[edit]

Certifications for "Do You Know (What It Takes)"  Region  | Certification | Certified units/sales

|
|

United States (RIAA)[36] | Gold  | 700,000[35]

## Release history

[edit]

Release history and formats for "Do You Know (What It Takes)"  Region  | Date  | Format(s)  | Label(s)  | Ref.

|
|
|
|

Sweden  | 22 January 1996  | CD  |

* Ariola
* Ricochet
* BMG

| [1]
United Kingdom  | 4 November 1996  |

* 12-inch vinyl
* CD
* cassette

* RCA
* BMG

| [37]
United States  | 6 May 1997  | Rhythmic contemporary radio  | [38]
13 May 1997  |

* 12-inch vinyl
* CD
* cassette

| [39]
Europe  | July 1997  |

* Radio
* CD

| [40]
United Kingdom (re-release)  | 4 August 1997  |

* 12-inch vinyl
* CD
* cassette

| [41]
Japan  | 21 August 1997  | CD  |

* Ariola
* Ricochet
* BMG

| [42]

## References

[edit]

1. ^ a b "Robyn: Do You Know What It Takes". click2music.se (in Swedish). Archived from the original on 26 April 2002. Retrieved 16 November 2023.
2. ^ Needham, Alex (30 July 1997). "Robyn: The Nest Big Thing!". Smash Hits. p. 44. Retrieved 12 December 2024.
3. ^ Erlewine, Stephen Thomas. "Robyn – Robyn Is Here". AllMusic. Retrieved 17 February 2020.
4. ^ Flick, Larry (10 May 1997). "Single Reviews: New & Noteworthy" (PDF). Billboard. p. 62. Retrieved 6 February 2020.
5. ^ Sholin, Dave (25 April 1997). "Gavin Picks > Singles" (PDF). Gavin Report. No. 2152\. p. 54. Retrieved 16 April 2018.
6. ^ "New Releases: Singles" (PDF). Music & Media. Vol. 13, no. 13\. 30 March 1996. p. 12. Retrieved 28 February 2018.
7. ^ "Reviews: Singles" (PDF). Music Week. 19 October 1996. p. 35. Retrieved 14 September 2021.
8. ^ "Reviews: Albums" (PDF). Music Week. 9 August 1997. p. 12. Retrieved 16 August 2022.
9. ^ Watson, Kirstin (30 July 1997). "Singles". Smash Hits. No. 487\. p. 60. Retrieved 8 March 2020.
10. ^ Hyland, Ian (3 August 1997). "Music: Raunchy Robyn Makes Such Swede Music!". Sunday Mirror.
11. ^ Sinclair, David (9 August 1997). "The Week's Top Pop Releases; Records". The Times.
12. ^ Garcia, Alex S. "mvdbase.com – Robyn – "Do you know (what it takes)?"". Music Video DataBase. Retrieved 20 December 2014.
13. ^ "Robyn - Do You Know (What It Takes)". YouTube. 25 October 2009. Archived from the original on 21 December 2021. Retrieved 14 September 2021.
14. ^ Do You Know (What It Takes) (liner notes). Robyn. Riochet Records, BMG. 1996.`{{cite AV media notes}}`: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
15. ^ "Robyn – Do You Know (What It Takes)". ARIA Top 50 Singles.
16. ^ "Top RPM Singles: Issue 3302." RPM. Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved 30 September 2020.
17. ^ "Top RPM Adult Contemporary: Issue 3356." RPM. Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved 30 September 2020.
18. ^ "Top RPM Dance/Urban: Issue 3317." RPM. Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved 30 September 2020.
19. ^ "Eurochart Hot 100 Singles" (PDF). Music & Media. Vol. 14, no. 34\. 23 August 1997. p. 12. Retrieved 21 June 2018.
20. ^ "Robyn – Do You Know What It Takes" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40. Retrieved 28 May 2018.
21. ^ "Robyn – Do You Know (What It Takes)" (in Dutch). Single Top 100.
22. ^ "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 30 September 2020.
23. ^ "Robyn – Do You Know (What It Takes)". Singles Top 100.
24. ^ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company.
25. ^ "Official Hip Hop and R&B Singles Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 30 September 2020.
26. ^ "Robyn Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard.
27. ^ "Robyn Chart History (Adult Pop Songs)". Billboard.
28. ^ "Robyn Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard.
29. ^ "Robyn Chart History (Pop Songs)". Billboard.
30. ^ "RPM '97 Year End Top 100 Hit Tracks". RPM. Retrieved 30 September 2020 - via Library and Archives Canada.
31. ^ "RPM '97 Year End Top 50 Dance Tracks". RPM. Retrieved 30 September 2020 - via Library and Archives Canada.
32. ^ "Billboard Top 100 – 1997". Archived from the original on 11 June 2009. Retrieved 28 August 2010.
33. ^ "Best of '97: Rhythmic Top 40 Singles". Airplay Monitor. Vol. 5, no. 52\. 26 December 1997. p. 42.
34. ^ "Best of '97: Top 40/Mainstream Singles". Airplay Monitor. Vol. 5, no. 52\. 26 December 1997. p. 38.
35. ^ "Best-Selling Records of 1997". Billboard. Vol. 110, no. 5\. 31 January 1998. p. 76\. ISSN 0006-2510. Retrieved 31 May 2015.
36. ^ "American single certifications – Robyn – Do You Know What It Takes". Recording Industry Association of America.
37. ^ "New Releases: Singles". Music Week. 2 November 1996. p. 41.
38. ^ "New Releases". Radio & Records. No. 1195\. 2 May 1997. p. 41.
39. ^ Sandiford-Waller, Theda (17 May 1997). "Hot 100 Singles Spotlight". Billboard. Vol. 109, no. 20\. p. 81\. "Look for 'Do You Know (What It Takes)' by Robyn [...] to hit retail Tuesday (13)."
40. ^ Taylor, Chuck (19 July 1997). "Hit Singles Catapult Colvin, Robyn". Billboard. Vol. 109, no. 29\. p. 20\. "'Do You Know,' [...] goes to European radio this month, with commercial single release scheduled for the last week of July."
41. ^ "Reviews – Records Out on August 4, 1997: Singles". Music Week. 26 July 1997. p. 27.
42. ^ "ドゥ・ユー・ノウ | ロビン" [Do You Know | Robyn] (in Japanese). Oricon. Retrieved 18 September 2023.

* v
* t
* e

Robyn

Discography

Studio albums|

* Robyn Is Here
* My Truth
* Don't Stop the Music
* Robyn
* Body Talk Pt. 1
* Body Talk Pt. 2
* Body Talk
* Honey

Compilation albums|

* Det bästa med Robyn

Extended plays|

* The Rakamonie EP
* Body Talk Pt. 3
* Do It Again
* Love Is Free

Singles|

* "You've Got That Somethin'"
* "Do You Really Want Me (Show Respect)"
* "Do You Know (What It Takes)"
* "Show Me Love"
* "Electric"
* "Play"
* "Keep This Fire Burning"
* "Don't Stop the Music"
* "Be Mine!"
* "Who's That Girl"
* "With Every Heartbeat"
* "Konichiwa Bitches"
* "Handle Me"
* "Cobrastyle"
* "Dancing on My Own"
* "Hang with Me"
* "Indestructible"
* "Call Your Girlfriend"
* "Do It Again"
* "Missing U"
* "Honey"
* "Between the Lines"
* "Ever Again"
* "Beach 2k20"
* "Baby Forgive Me"

Featured singles|

* "Dream On"
* "Hey U"
* "Sexual Eruption (Fyre Department Remix)"
* "The Girl and the Robot"
* "Caesar"
* "Cardiac Arrest"
* "Never Will Be Mine"
* "360" (remix)

Other songs|

* "Regntunga skyar"
* "Crash and Burn Girl"
* "Fembot"
* "Dancehall Queen"

Concert tours|

* All Hearts Tour
* Body Talk Tour
* Honey Tour

Related topics|

* Konichiwa Records
* Robyn & La Bagatelle Magique

* Category

Authority control databases |

* MusicBrainz release group

|

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