Do You Know (What It Takes)
"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.
Critical reception[edit]
AllMusic editor Stephen Thomas Erlewine described the song as "dynamite" in his review of Robyn Is Here.[2] 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."[3] Dave Sholin from the Gavin Report noted that "rarely does word about a record spread as quickly as it has for this Swedish production."[4] Pan-European magazine Music & Media stated that the 16-year old Robyn "has mastered the R&B genre to a T." They noted that she "supplies the sassy rhymes, while master-producer [Denniz] Pop takes care of the perky beats and poppy arrangements."[5]
A reviewer from Music Week rated it four out of five, adding that the singer "delivers a slick uptempo number which could see her make the Top 40".[6] It was also described as "irresistible".[7] Kirstin Watson from Smash Hits viewed it as a "happy ditty" and a "right catchy little number".[8] 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."[9] David Sinclair from The Times called it a "pouting, pop-soul confection".[10]
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